Morning reflections by the Sea of Galilee

The morning light dances across the surface of the Sea of Galilee, creating tiny diamonds that sparkle and shift with each gentle wave. It's just past 10am, and I've been sitting on this bench for nearly an hour, watching the day unfold across this ancient body of water. The locals call it Lake Kinneret, and there's something deeply meditative about its presence.

I woke early today, partly because the thin curtains in my hotel room don't quite block the sunrise, but mostly because I was eager to experience the lake in the morning quiet. After a quick breakfast at the hotel (decent coffee, though not particularly memorable), I walked down to the waterfront promenade.

The air is crisp but not cold – about 16°C according to my phone – and the sky is that perfect shade of clear blue that makes everything look slightly more vivid. A few local fishermen were already out on small boats when I arrived, their silhouettes dark against the morning light. I wonder if their techniques have changed much since biblical times.

It's strange to sit here and think about all the history this lake has witnessed. This place features prominently in so many biblical stories – miraculous catches of fish, walking on water, calming storms. I'm not particularly religious, but there's something profound about standing in a place where so many significant historical and spiritual narratives converged.

As I was walking along the shore earlier, I passed a small grove of date palms, which reminded me of the friendly vendor I met yesterday. The trees here aren't particularly tall, but they have character – weathered by wind and sun, yet still producing sweet fruit year after year. Resilient, like the land itself.

!Morning at the Sea of Galilee Early morning light on the Sea of Galilee

Plans for the day

I've decided to take a boat trip across the lake later this afternoon. Several tour operators offer these journeys, and I booked one that leaves at 2pm. It's not a large vessel – which is good, as I prefer smaller groups – and will take us to a few significant spots around the lake. The weather forecast shows continued sunshine through the day, with temperatures reaching about 19°C, so conditions should be perfect.

Before that, I plan to explore the town a bit more thoroughly. Yesterday was just a brief introduction to Tiberias, and I want to visit some of the historical sites within the old city. There's a 2,000-year history here that deserves more than a passing glance.

I've been thinking about how different this place feels compared to Haifa. There, I was surrounded by the energy of a modern city, with its mixture of cultures and constant movement. Here in Tiberias, time seems to move more slowly. The pace is unhurried, almost contemplative. It suits my mood these days.

Perhaps it's the milestone of having passed the 140-day mark of my journey, or maybe it's just the influence of this tranquil setting, but I've been feeling particularly reflective. I find myself thinking about the purpose of all this travel, all these experiences accumulating day by day.

I still have 356 days ahead of me. That's almost a full year of unknown places, faces, and moments waiting to unfold. The thought is both exhilarating and slightly overwhelming. What will I learn in all that time? How will I be different when I finally return to Kristiansand?

For now, though, I'm content to sit by this ancient lake, watching the light change on its surface, and simply be present in this moment. Sometimes the journey is about moving forward, and sometimes it's about being still long enough to really see where you are.

Time to continue exploring. The old city awaits, with its narrow streets and stone walls that have witnessed centuries pass by. I'll write more after my boat journey later today.

!Ancient walls of Tiberias Part of the ancient city walls I explored yesterday