Monday, August 23, 2010

Water + shade

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A black cat finds shade under the table near the monastery's fruit trees.

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For today's That's My World Tuesday let's drive north to the Sea of Galilee, to the Greek Orthodox monastery and Church of the Seven Apostles.
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Quoting Wikipedia,

"The church marks the site of the ancient village of Capernaum . . . . The village is frequently mentioned in the Gospels and was Jesus' main base during his Galilean ministry. It is referred to as Jesus' own city and a place where he lived. It was in the synagogue of Capernaum where he first started to preach."
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But for the last month Israel has been suffering from an intense heat wave, and the only salvation Israelis and many tourists seek right now is how to be saved from the blazing sun.
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We are obsessed with finding enough shade to keep from fainting and enough liquids to keep from getting dehydrated.
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You smile along with these stones when you discover the little outdoor spigot with a cup chained to it and the reassuring painting which invites you to drink free potable cool-ish water.
What does the sign say in Greek, anyone know?
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This thick tree makes a natural canopy and mercifully shades peacocks and pilgrims alike.
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24 comments:

  1. I like the geometry on the top shot. No doubt about the ortodox archicteture of that church. The tree looks wonderful and the peacock adds much to the photo.

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  2. These photos tell everything: the heat, the animals suffering as much as people do. The benches though are very inviting! Especially the one the peacock had chosen.

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  3. With the temps you're having, I'd be under that table myself. The tree is gorgeous... even more so than the pretty peacock! And probably as old as the hills there... Beautiful shot of the church against that relentlessly blue sky, Dina.

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  4. Dina- what kind of tree is this- I soon will have to plant one or two trees and this looks beautiful!
    Suzanne

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  5. JM, Wil, Francisca, shalom and thanks!

    Suzanne, I have no idea. I have never seen trees like these. I think you need the right gardener to make them grow that way, maybe.

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  6. Shalom Dina - I didn't realise that the heat was that intense just now. I hope it cools down alittle for you soon. I love that old tree in particular.

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  7. It is hot everywhere this year. Actually, more than hot;oppressive.

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  8. How very interesting. Thank you for teaching me something I did not know before. Still warm over here as well, wishing you a good and safe Tuesday.
    p.s.: the sign is speaking about the "memories of Menelaou Andromaxis and Despoinis Giagkou, who seem to have been from Lefkosia.

    daily athens

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  9. I would like to go to the holy land, where Christ walked and lived some day! I hope God helps me to fulfill my wish!
    The sign says "by the pray of...(a name) from Cyprus"and"in the memory of...(they are written some names)".

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  10. That tree looks tightly coiled and must provide wonderful shade. I love that photo of the water fountain. It did make me smile.

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  11. Heat waves are so exhausting and enervating. The elderly and babies are most at risk of dehydrating . If it gets too bad, drape a wet hand towel over your head and nape of neck under your hat . The evaporative cooling is very restorative.

    The church is unmistakably built on Greek orthodox lines and it is so nice to see the animals finding nice deep shafde to rest in.

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  12. Great summer shot. :)
    Lovely series of shots from your world.

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  13. The stones and trees look cool. I hope you have been keeping cool and hydrated too.

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  14. You got some nice pictures around this church. I wonder when they can safely use those benches, in winter maybe?
    Thanks to Robert for the translation...

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  15. Hi Dina! Interesting to see these places one knows only from books...

    Blogtrotter Two managed to get inside a cave and take pictures there; enjoy the mites and tites and have a great week!

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  16. I like the play of light in the first photo.

    I love the photo with the peacock. It is lovely, nature and man combined.

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  17. That thick tree is amazing! I've never seen it before. What's the name, Dina?

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  18. Friends, Thank you all for your observations.

    Robert and Marina, thanks much for translating the Greek.

    Arija, yes, I keep a cold (from the freezer) wet little towel on my neck all day, and that is IN my house.

    Eki, the tree was new and strange to me. Will try to find the name somehow.

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  19. Dina, according to the leaf shape I would say the tree is a Morus (fruit: Mulberry), but I can't be absolutely positive about this... :-)

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  20. Shalom Dina. The benches around the table remind me of Stonehenge...something about their construction!

    Love the comically smiling stones offering water to passers by.

    May you find all the shade and liquid refreshment you need....hope it cools off soon!

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  21. The way the branches hold up the tree is incredible. You are suffering from the heat, and I from the cold here.

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  22. Beautiful series of pictures, Dina. The second one is so fascinating.

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