Part Two - First Cut

Entering the Promise Land

Tiberias, Region of Galiliea

There was something different, I noticed as soon as we crossed the border from Jordan to Israel.  Eitan, our new guide brought us to our bus, where we loaded our luggages, then we set off.  From the southeast, we began to make our way up through the hills.  It's becoming eminent to me that something really feels different about this country, compared to the other Arab countries I've seen like Dubai and Jordan. The Air is much cooler, the hills greener, lush meadows, trees... it's almost like a vast oasis in the middle of the Arabian desert.  I guess it's no suprise that they called it "the land flowing with milk and honey".  Well I figured, if you are born and raised in the desert, where rainfall is close to nothing, where vegetation is nearly impossible, then a place like this would be your promise land.  Ofcourse, it's still no match when you put it up against the natural wealth of tropical countries such as ours,  but still, this is situated right in the middle of the land where water is more expensive than oil.  I  would understand why all the surrounding Arabic countries, would really want a piece of this nation.

As the bus makes its way through the hills of Galilea, Eitan began introducing his country to us.   It's also a relief to hear that we can now whip out our phones and cams as we cannot use them on the border. I heard a story that an old lady touring the holyland took a photo in the border, the bus was immediately pulled over; the poor old lady was brought into questioning and was only released after 2 hours.  Talk about security! Well, touring in this land can be stressful sometimes, especially when one has to go through all these security measures from time to time.  But I guess the more they are tight on their security, the more secured the people inside their country would be.

As we cover more distance, the hills gradually led us to an opening, where we can see the view of a huge body of water.  Deep blue, surrounded by hills, islands, my eyes met the historical sea of Galilea.  According to the bible, the fishermen, Simon, Andrew, James and John were found here, where they were called while they were fishing.  I began to imagine what was it like to be there 2000 years ago.  When I was young, I really loved watching "The Flying House" and "The Super Book". Everytime I watch them I always wished that I live in a house like that then I would get to visit the events written in the Bible.  I didn't know that part of that dream would come true several years after.  Though I wasn't able to warp back through time, well being in the places where it happened is more than enough for me in this lifetime.

We stopped by at a restaurant to have our first Israeli meal.  And guess what's on the Menu: St. Peter's fish... common name? Tilapia. yeah among the fishes caught in the Sea of Galilea, Tilapia is the most dominant in number.  And yes, you are also right, the Sea of Galilea is fresh water, not sea water, so it's technically a lake, but the size dictates the mind that to call it "sea" so I guess that's how they came up with the name.  Galilea is a region, by the way, like Northern Luzon and the like.  So back to the food... if you have read my first part of the Saga, I mentioned that Jordanians serve raw fish in the morning.  This is also true Israel, so as in all the Arabian countries, I guess.  They call it "Kosher" (wiki time ) Main rule: meat and dairy can't be served together.  So since they serve milk, butter and other dairy products in the morning, they are not allowed to serve chicken, beef, lamb, etc.  What they can serve though is fish, so they serve raw fishes, seasoned in vinegar and stuff that I dunno.  So you eat them with bread or chips.  The were under british rule for quite a time after all so people there prefer "fish and chips".  It was suprisingly good though specially seeing a familiar face like tilapia on the table, you're definitely in for a heavy breakfast.

Status: Bondaters

(will continue with the second installment of part 2.)