Israel and my visit to the Old City

Well, I was going to give a few paragraphs about my 20 hour layover in Paris but discovered I had nothing to say! You see, I only had about 6-7 hours to explore and then I got ready and flew to Israel. I really never wandered far from the hotel during that time. However, once I got to Tel Aviv (my second trip in 4 years) I knew where my passion truly belonged. This blog will focus on Israel. Although, I will be back here in 2 days, I really wanted to share some of my "hands on" experience about my second trip to this land of "milk and honey".

I put this photo on the blog because it really sets the tone for me and what I have learned about the Israeli's (God's Chosen People). This young security officer (a student) is guarding the area around Kind David's tomb within the walls of the Old City. He has already completed his 3 years of obligation to the military. Has traveled abroad and is now back home pursuing his college education. As "students" these young men (& women) take these part time jobs as "security officers" (not guards) because of their military training and background. They usually speak English fluently, and because of their youth, do not harbor preconceived ideas or idiologies. In other words, they don't have prejudices which might cloud their judgement when making a split second tactical decision about something unusual. You see these security officers at every grocery store, department store, hotel, bar, etc, around Tel Aviv. They check every bag, purse and backpack outside of these various establishments. Many have hand held wands. All are armed! The only inconvenience for Israeli citizens is, if a store or establishment does NOT have this kind of security. If that is the case, most Israeli's will not go into that establishment. It is simply a way of life.

You will also find soldiers (kids) carrying their rifles everywhere within Tel Aviv (stores, walking, shops, bus stops, etc). Since the state of Israel is so small, unless you are assigned to a fort within the terroritories (west bank) or near Gaza (south of Tel Aviv) these young soldiers generally live at home and commute to work like most Americans do here. They are allowed on all trains and buses free with an ID. Needless to say, their street crime statistics are extremely low! The 18 year old girls have a 2 year obligation and the boys have a 3 year active duty obligation and Reserve duty until they are 40yr. The Reserve starts once they are back from traveling abroad.

I am staying at the Sheraton Tel Aviv which is located right on the Mediterranean Sea. It is about 100 miles to Jerusalem which is the capital of the State of Israel. Tel Aviv just celebrated its 100 year anniversary, which is located next to the city of Jaffa (5000 years old) which was settled by Noah's son Japheth, after the great floods. (That is the kind of history that blows me away). Our trip today was across barren wasteland and desert that surrounded us from the time we left the outskirts of Tel Aviv. We saw elevations from -1400 below sea level up to 2900 above sea level in Jerusalem. The West Bank is situated just south and west of Jerusalem and has over 1.4 million Palistineans living in that restricted area which is land won back by the Israeli's in the six day war of 1967. As in the Gaza strip, all utilities (water, electricity) is supplied by the Jews. A very interesting geo-political dilemma!!!

I did learn today that most Israeli's drive like New Yorker's but with a little more patience and tolerance. No middle fingers and very little honking....just "go for it" kind of driving. Our guide today (10 pax van) said after one near miss today that "the fence around Israel was to keep all the crazy drivers from leaving". I believe it.

Before I forget it, the flight into Tel Aviv on Sunday morning at 0500 was very interesting. We flew in from Athens (unbelievable beauty with the lights around the islands) at 35,000 feet under total radar control from numerous flight agencies. However, at exactly 180 miles out we had to ask for permission from Israel control before we could continue. I was fully prepared to follow some Israeli F-15 if I found one on my wing when I was descending into their airspace.

We leave again tomorrow morning from the hotel about noon. We fly through Munich enroute to Frankfurt, and will arrive in Germany for the night about 8pm. The good news is we have a 26 hour layover then fly back into Tel Aviv on Thursday morning at 7am for another 2+ days here. I am excited. I plan to do a little more shopping, plus go meet (workout) with my new friend Sapir Tal, who is a Kung fu Master and who designed the Spikey that Pat and I are going to market and sell. It will be fun. I fly back into Paris on Saturday and home on Sunday...Mother's Day. I have quite a few pics from today that I will post on Facebook for those of you who belong. This trip has been wonderful and I continually count my Blessings for having such a great family and friends. More to follow......

Moose