‘One place and story that I really did not know about or understand the significance was in Jerusalem. When Jesus was sentenced to death before Pontius Pilot, I thought he was taken immediately, the crown of thorns places upon his head and the story continues.

‘However, after he was sentenced, he was taken to the house of the high priest, Caiaphas. He was kept here overnight. You visit the church and see a hole in the floor, this is where Jesus was lowered into a gaol cell below. His hands were tied and bound. He was left hanging in an awful gaol cell not fit for any human. We then went under the church and into the cell to pray. It was here that I felt very sad, knowing the events that would have followed.’

Being guided by the locals, gave Natasha an opportunity to ask questions and learn the history behind every landmark she visited.

‘I was fortunate to meet some amazing people who were so knowledgeable and proud of their country and history. Sheeref and Joe shared stories of the ancient pyramids.

‘Simon is a Palestinian chef and guide. He was able to share the plight of the Palestinian people as we travelled in the West Bank. Mousa is a Bedouin, living in the Sinai desert at St Catherine. He has been taking tourists up Mt Sinai since he was 12. He walks up and down the mountain, sometimes twice with no head torch or light.’

Natasha said the history, moments of prayer and reflection, and the memories made with the group she travelled has made her teaching experience more personal and meaningful when relating the religion subject to students.