Of course, we did not forget dropping by at another branch of the oldest coffeeshop in Iloilo - Madge Cafe. Several years ago, I first tried Madge Cafe when we went to La Paz Public Market.
After our trip, Iloilo was recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, and I am not surprised. They are famous for Batchoy and you will find a lot of restaurants or food stalls selling Batchoy everywhere.
Tabgha, sometimes spelled Tabga or Tabhga, derived from the Greek “Heptapegon” (seven springs), reflects the area’s natural springs that sustained life in biblical times.
The exact site of the Sermon on the Mount is unknown. However, the location of the Church is the spot where Jesus is believed to have delivered his Sermon on the Mount. Overlooking the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, the mount offers enchanting views of the northern part of the lake and of the Golan Heights.
We left Jerusalem very early and arrived at the location before sunrise. Almost 2 hour drive and I'm surprised I was awake 😄
Probably because of the nonstop conversations and the amazing sceneries along the way.
As soon as we arrived, we chose our spot and set-up our things. My initial impression was it would be crowded but luck was on our side since we were one of the few groups who arrived early.
I went around for a bit and read the precautions too. So the water temperature is high and I should not let the water touch my eyes due to its salt content. The most important thing is to float only on your back and do not attempt to swim to avoid accidents.
The Dead Sea has extremely high salt concentration making the water dense and therefore exerts a strong upward buoyant force. It is easy for people to float.
Traditionally, prayers are either spoken or written down and placed in the cracks of the wall. The wall splits into two sections, one area for males and the other for females.
The site of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is identified as the place of both the crucifixion and the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth. The church has long been a major pilgrimage center for Christians worldwide.
Saint-Peter in Gallicantu (from Latin “galli cantu”, meaning “where the rooster has crowed”) is built on the Eastern slopes of the Mount Zion. This spot is believed to be the location of Caiaphas’ palace.
Also known as a place of prophesies, prayer, hope, redemption, and victory.
It has an observation point that offers panoramic view of Jerusalem's old city, Dome of the Rock, the Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Galilee is known for the Sea of Galilee (Jesus walked on water) and where Jesus grew up. It was also said that it was where Jesus started his ministry.
This mountain was said to be a site of settlement and battles between Canaanites and Israelites. Later, it was believed that the transfiguration of Jesus took place in this mountain.
Yardenit is a site visited by pilgrims and tourists who wanted to experience the waters in which Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. Entrance is free but participating in baptism ceremony is available for a fee.
I felt spiritual connection after few days of visiting religious sites. A blessed first week in the country.
I've been to Palawan few times in the past and this was my first trip by air since the pandemic. The flight was a bit delayed but the van ride to El Nido was okay.
It was already evening when we arrived in El Nido and after checked in, we went to Big Bad Thai for dinner.
The next day, we toured the islands under Tour A. It was good despite the rainy and cold weather.
We planned to avail Tour C as well but the weather wasn't good. There was a typhoon and the coast guard won't allow the boats to travel the islands under Tour C. In short, we never thought of joining Tour B or D 😅
Anyway, the take away lesson here would be to visit El Nido during summer months so that we can enjoy the island tours without worry.
