Nazareth

Yesterday I was in Nazareth - the largest Arabic city in Israel. Because it's an Arabic city I kept thinking that all the locals were Muslim, even though I knew better. Most locals are actually Christian, and I had to keep reminding myself to stop stereotyping so much.  The historic part of Nazareth is tiny and can be seen in a few hours, especially if you're not a religious Christian making a pilgrimage to all the sites related to Jesus and Mary. I covered all the important churches, the old spice mill, and the market in three hours. It's a cute town, and it attracts uber-religious Christians from all over - I saw Greek Orthodox, Russian Orthodox, Catholics, Protestants, Maronites, and Mennonites. They were all staying at my hostel, and they were all discussing the Bible. They also all assumed I was a religious Christian, and seemed very surprised to find out I was Jewish. At least I wasn't the only one stereotyping! That says a lot about the typical tourist to Nazareth - along with Bethlehem, it's probably one of the only places that sees more Christians than Jews.

Nazareth

Basilica of the Anunciation

inside the Greek Orthodox church - looking towards Mary's well

El-Babour spice mill

Fauzi Azur Inn - great place to stay, located in a 200 year old mansion