Road into Nazareth...

I just arrived home from a whole day in Nazareth and I am dead. It was long, hot day full of touring and walking around the city. Where were the segways- apparently Jesus didn't use them so we can't either.

A short synopsis of the places I saw is as follows:
1. Mary's Well (aka the church where the Greek Orthodox Christians believe the Annunciation happened)
2. Russian Hostile for the Russian immigrants during their arrival to Israel
3. Some place that was not that important that I don't remember
4. The Basilica Annunciation (built over Mary's house/cave)
5. The market (souq)
6. The synagogue-church (it is said that Jesus preached there)
7. White Mosque
8. THE MOST AMAZING BAKERY EVER

The Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation

Mary's Well- throw a coin in and make a wish. The tour guide singled me out and told me to throw one in and wish to be married...cool

The Basilica of the Annunciation from the outside gates. This is the fourth church that has been built on top of Mary's home.

Croatian Mary depiction. There were Mary's lining a wall in the courtyard of the church, everyone of them from  a different country depicting Mary in their own way. Very cool!

Mary from Greece

Mary from Korea 

Mary from Ireland (I think I spot some freckles)

The cave where Mary LIVED!!!!!

The upstairs operating alter in the Basilica of the Annunciation

Mary from Amuuuurica

Stations of the cross Arabic Style

Outside the Basilica

Arab coffee A.K.A. THE SINGLE BEST CUP OF COFFEE EVER MADE. Cardamon, orange blossom water, and a lovely German professor treating you is the recipe for magic. 

Annina and I in the Souq (market in Arabic)

Naturally Soergel's needs to take some lessons from this guy

The White Mosque. The carpet pattern is actually to tell people where to kneel, place their head, etc... I thought that was interesting.  Also, to the right of this picture was a digital clock telling the different times one had to pray that day.

My friend Ina (Germany) at the White Mosque

YUM, MORE YUM, AND THE MOSTEST YUM 

Backstage tour of the bakery, he is making filo dough for baklava.

She is having to work during Ramadan...her willpower should be bottled and sold

The whole place smelled of butter, I found out why. 

We became friends and he gave us his contact information so he can give us the recipe!

Owner of the bakery (he loved us and gave us free samples)

Free samples and a smile. 

Even though I have black feet and a pounding headache, the day spent in such a historic and beautiful place was well worth it. I learned so much and now I am excited to attend mass and realize when Father says, "Jesus of Nazareth" I can visualize exactly what that looks like.

Side note: being blonde got us the free samples (words from the owner's mouth), why would I ever dye my hair if I can get free baklava everyday?

Now it's time for Arabic flash cards and simultaneous impromptu Hebrew lessons from my newly made Israeli guard friends. 

xoxo