Wayfarer5

So we got the bright idea to visit friends in Amman Jordan, then go on to India. Driving to Jordan was a kick. Crossing the border is chaos, no signs to tell you where to go. For a while they did not want to let us out of Israel. Seems the slacker who stamped us in 8 months ago never entered us into the computer system. While this was an admirable demonstration of solidarity with govt. workers around the world, it was inconvenient trying to explain that yes we did enter the country legally, yes those are real stamps.... While in Amman we too a day to go down to Petra. This is always worth a trip! What an incredible place! Then it was off to Delhi. I must say the kids are very good travelers ... read more

I'm sure better scribes than I have taken up this topic, but so what! What is the best Felafel? Where is it? Who makes it? There are a number of high priced Felafel joints in Tel-Aviv area, they proffer a large selction of snobbish toppings and fry them is special oil. But so far for my money, a mere 7 shekels, Abu Ali in Jerusalem on Salah ha Din street has the best so far. They are fresh, not too crisp not too oily. Sure there are only a few toppings, vegetables, pickles and hot sauce. but this is a real working man's Felafel. Great to eat while wandering the old city. I was not sure I could find them again after only having visited once several years ago. However on a recent trip up I ... read more

Rimmon Winery in the North of Israel produces some interesting wines primarily from Pomegranates. In fact they have come up with their own hybrid, much larger than normal and with the brix of wine grapes. Apparently these pomegranates can get to be 6 pounds, (3 kilos for the challenged) and the size of melons. Supposedly this is so however they were not fully in season when we visited, and the girl telling us about the winery was well endowed, wearing a push-up bra and a low cut blouse. As far as I can remember the conversation went like this. Presenter: So at the winery we ahve developed our own hybrid pomegranate, much larger than average. Me: I see... so are they firm, and full of juice. Some times the larger ones don't taste as good. P: ... read more

Three years in DC, a most strange yet wonderful place in many ways, are over. The house is packed and the trash is piled on the curb. Well it was Friday night anyway. This morning most of it is gone! Gotta love the wandering scavengers who love those trashed pieces of furniture. Too bad much of it was spoken for on Freecycle. Pesky thieves! Regardless tomorrow we fly to Tel Aviv where I'm sure we will find the people as wonderful and frustrating as everywhere else. So will begin a three year adventure in that fascinating, yet sad land. All the usual questions come crowding back into my head, Will the kids like the new school? Will our stuff arrive in a timely manner? How quickly will we feel at home? Where did we pack the ... read more