Today we went to the Sea of Galillee and had lunch at the kibbutz that Jody first lived in when she came her 35 years ago. It is just by the Golan Heights. Jody told me how much the kibbutz had changed over the years, how it has become more commercial. She also explained about the conflicts that have happened in this area. There is still evidence of the conflict in the gun posts and fortifications. Interesting stuff!!
And to round of the day, we went to the beach to met Jim and Lisa (and kids) and share a couple of drinks. Too dark to take any photos, but I caught this one just before the sun went down. The picture does not do it justice. The sea was a deep blue and the reds in the sky were just breath taking!!
Today we went to the "Drues Village" The Drues are a Jewish/Arab people who have lived in Israel for centuries. They have stood the test of war, boundary changes and time. They have their own culture, schools and businesses. The main products that they produce are glassware and fabrics.
Woke up the first day and had my first real view of Israel!! Jody then took me for breakfast on the beach. We had a lovely middle eastern breakfast of eggs, soft cheeses, salad and bread. Fabulous.
Jody and I arrived back at her apartment at about 4am. We were both tired out - Jody especially as she had flown from Washington the day before and had already spent 8 or 9 hours in the air and most of the day waiting. Anyway.....
Arriving in the dark, I was not able to see much of the environment.
This morning I woke up and looked out of my bedroom window....... and this is the picture.
This is the view from my bedroom
Well I left for Glasgow Airport early this morning. There was the most beautiful dawn as Julia and I set off in the car. (The dogs came with us, just so I could say goodbye at the last minute)
Got to Glasgow far to early, like I was the 1st one in all the queues (in fact for a while I was the only one!!)
So dispite my worries about plane flights, it was very smooth - a tiny little plane - a city hopper!! And I have to say that actually I enjoyed it!!
Anyway, I arrived in Amsterdam, where I had arranged to meet Jody. We are taking the flight to Tel Aviv together. Fantastic. Her flights from the States coincided, which is fantastic as I now have company on the longest leg of the journey.
I met her in the VIP lounge, where there is Internet access and that is where I am blooging from now and I've uploaded the photos of the first leg of the journey and the beautiful dawn on leaving.
