Binoy Nazareth Journeys Through the City of Nazareth

1. Binoy Nazareth
Journeys
Through the City
of Nazareth

2. Discover the Holy Aura of the Sacred City of Nazareth
Fascination for the spiritual, historic places, adventurous trails besides
discovering the wild and wonderful aspects of Nature have always been close to
my heart. This time, I decided to take off in to a journey of peace, tranquility and
to discover the holy aura of the sacred city of Nazareth. I have always been
intrigued with Nazareth, the little town where Jesus grew up. As I explored the
ancient town of Nazareth which is the capital city of the northern district of
Israel, I was inspired by the interesting sights, archeology, the Middle Eastern
charm combined with the modern culture.
An old and revered historic city, Nazareth is located in Lower Galilee and is the
largest Arab city. Being the hub of Christian pilgrimage, Nazareth has been
associated as the boyhood home of Jesus. It was here that Jesus preached in the
synagogue and was rejected by the people. I walked around the Nazareth
Village where excavations had taken place and noticed with awe the 2000-year
old winepress carved in to the bedrock. The ruins of terraces, watchtowers and a
vineyard stretched silently having witnessed the greatest phenomenon of Jesus
and His miracles. I could just imagine Jesus walking around as people gathered
from far and near to hear of His wondrous parables.

3. Traveling Through a Kaleidoscope of Sights
As the day rolled into a balmy
afternoon, I wondered about the
life of people of those times as I
took in the sights of the stone
quarries and the spring-fed
irrigation system. It was asked in
that time if anything good would
come out of the small and almost
insignificant, Nazareth not knowing
that the prophecy of ancient times
would come true in the form of a
Messiah.

4. As a must-see pilgrimage center for a
believer, here I was, actually reliving
the past where stupendous incidents
took place causing the little town of
Nazareth to take pride of place on the
map. My spirit of adventure took over
and I wandered through the ancient
paths, alleys and the maze-like streets
of the old city of Nazareth. I found
myself right in the middle of Shuk or
bazaar which was teeming with life,
color and awash with the smell of
spices with the sound of the muezzin
calling people to worship. Buzzing with
vibrancy, the Shuk ranged out myriad
surprises with souvenirs, exotic
apparel, food delicacies, Middle
Eastern antiques and a kaleidoscope of
everything imaginable. I found myself
haggling with the local craftsman over
Dead Sea cosmetics and a beautifully
carved hookah.

5. Sampling an Exotic Array of Delicious Culinary Delights
Though the people of those days ate
simple yet tasty, nourishing food,
Nazareth ranges out an exotic and
delicious spread. The cuisine and the
culture of this old city inspired my taste
buds to go on a tasteful spree at
hummus eateries where you can enjoy
fatayer, sharwarma, baklava, knafeh and
tehina and halva. Tasting this excellent
food is a privilege for a foodie and
gourmet chefs with the hummus being
light and creamy along with the
incredible Lebanese sandwich and of
course kebab in a grilled pita. I was
delighted at the repertoire of culinary
delights which is endless in Nazareth
with the ultimate street food. I loved the
Awaeh or sugared jelly doughnut, goat’s
milk labaneh, shanklish cheese and
sizzling lamb chops. My culinary journey
evolved over the most amazing sesame
cookies, ma’amoul, karkish anise
cookies, barazek, sabanekh or pastry
triangles with wild spinach filling and
steaming, myriad delicious food.

6. As I made my through this unique Middle Eastern atmosphere the spirit of
adventure had already captured and rejuvenated my soul to discover and
delight in an exceptional tour of Nazareth. I walked down the narrow streets
and admired the picturesque homes of the hospitable people of Nazareth.
Making my way to the Church of the Annunciation decorated with beautiful
paintings, I discovered a history of Byzantine and Crusader periods in its
sacred history. Memorable in its rendition, the Church of Saint Joseph is
structured where Joseph, Mary’s husband had his carpentry shop while the
Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation is near Mary’s Well. Though I
was reluctant to leave this historical site, I wandered through the incredible
Maronite Church, the Salesian Church and St. Gabriel’s Church to revel in the
mists of time.
The interesting museum housed in the White Mosque reveals the history
and the beliefs of Nazareth. Magnetic and mesmerizing, The City of
Nazareth threw open its ancient secrets and I was amazed at the
underground passages of the Greek Orthodox bishop’s house and the
compound built by the Russians.
Journeying Through Ancient Mists

7. The ancient Bath House, the Megiddo National Park, the holy caves of
Nazareth, the old Roman town of Seppheris and the Nazareth Village
completely occupied and boggled the mind. Of course, a trip to Nazareth is
not complete till one visits the Jordan River and the Sea of Galilee to relive
ancient times and revel in a memorable and historical past.
Travel with
Binoy Nazareth
Through the
Ancient and
Awesome City
of Nazareth