Some Thoughts on Israel

GREEN Israel is green! In more ways than one. There are lots plastic bottle collection receptacles conveniently, but discreetly, placed in cities such as Tel Aviv. The scenery is green and productive Bread and Circus quality fresh fruits and vegetables abounds in all neighborhoods. Israel is also green in that it is prosperous and invests in the infrastructure.

ARAB - and everything else. Israel is, surprisingly for me at least, Arab. I expected Israel to be Jewish. There are over one million Arab Israelis who keep their own language and culture and enjoy a high standard of living for this part of the world. There are Arab towns, like Nazareth, where you can get authentic hummus, hear the iman 5 times daily, and see veiled women. They welcome us "to Israel". And yes, pictured right is a mosque with an Israeli flag on top. I have a great deal to learn about the Middle East. So, Israel is Jewish and Arab, but it is actually everything, so many hostels and churches / places of worship. Such diversity in population. In the past 2 days we have talked to American Jewish immigrants, sabras, volunteers from all over the world, missionaries. We hear every language and public places have translations in many languages. What a potpourri. Sometimes I think I am in NYC.

QUESTION If women can wear veils in Israel, what's with France where it is illegal?

EDUCATION Be forewarned if you come to tour Israel, it is mandatory that you learn about what you are seeing. Included in the price of a ticket will be some direction before you set off. Not speaking Hebrew will be no excuse. If there is no English guide one of the guides will apologize that she is a Hebrew guide, but she will do the best she can for you in English. Better pay attention because you will not get away until you understand well the history, the architecture, the time-line, the geography, and expect some spot quizzes. And you will be expected to correct for her any mistakes she makes in English. Bruce and I both know very well about Caesera, ancient port, from Phoenician era through King Herod, Romans, Crusaders, and more, all the way up to the present day.

Tonight we are in Nazareth where we just had, at the Annai Restaurant, a wonderful meal of chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce w/ fresh thyme. Absolutely 1st Class.

Jordanian Hummus

We just finished an Israeli breakfast which is heavier than breakfasts in Jordan. Salads had more cream and mayonnaise and cakes were sweet.

I missed the Jordanian hummus. Jordanians are the master chef of making hummus. No garlic, creamy and light and presented so beautifully - always with extra chick peas on the side and garnished lots of olive oil and parsley. The earthenware serving dish really dresses it up. Maybe this what attracted people like Queen Noor and Lawrence of Arabia to Jordan!

I will be making this for sure as soon as I come home.

Jacuzzis in your room

I am trying to figure out why our very modest room has a shower and a jacuzzi. Well, a warm jacuzzi soothes the body. Esp. if you've been hiking for hours. It's been raining too hard to venture outdoors yet but the weather is warm. The news is filled with stories of snow in New E.ngland

TV in Tel Aviv

We arrived in TelAviv to find higher prices, HUMUNGOUS servings of food, and TV in many languages, including English. This morning we were awakened by the Iman in Wadi Musa, Jordan, and now nobody is wearing a veil! A bit of culture shock but it seems that the Israelis are as nice to us as were the Jordanians except they serve us too much too much to eat! Bruce ordered a simple mushroom burger and it came on a long rectangular platter, heaped with salad and fries. Enough already. My chicken schnitzel was just a big. And there was a free dessert! I swear I took in more calories tonight than I do in a week.

Tomorrow it is off to Haifa and hopefully a bit of rest time.

More about Petra

Petra is listed among the 7 New Wonders of the World. Built by the Nabateans between the 3rd and 1st centuries before Christ, Petra was rediscovered by Hohann Burckhardt in 1812, Petra is an extensive area of ancient city and tombs. We took hundreds of photographs here, One of Bruce's favorites id the white donkey resting near a tomb entrance. My luggage is weighted down with equipment I used only for Petra: sturdy trekking boots, heavy rain coat, sun tan lotion, sun hat. To safely and comfortably climb to the famous Monastery, in my opinion, you need trekking boots, although good sneakers will suffice. You must be prepared for sun, cold, rain and high winds, all within a few hours. The weather can change very dramatically and fast in Petra. You also may need to wade through some water during which sneakers can get wet. So, I was very happy I had my mountain trekking boots.

Mosaics then Israel

We have stopped by to get a reservation at the Mariam Hotel in Madaba for when we return from Israel. They tell us that the Islamists are now demonstrating in Amman but all is calm. The King is negotiating with the protesters and the people feel confident that Jordan will remain peaceful.

We are now off to see mosaics before we go to airport. If there is still trouble in Jordan Feb 18, we will not return here but will go home from Israel.

Petra is Awsome

No Egypt. All's well in Jordan exc very little internet. Petra is AWESOME.
Jordanian hummus and baba ganoush are also the best I have ever eaten.

We visited the Lawrence of Arabia area of Wadi Rum. Very beautiful. I want to see the movie again when we get home.

We also visited Aqaba which was very warm. The Jordanians are all very warm and always friendly. We like it very much here.

More later. Israel tomorrow.