Starting our Israel Travel Blog

---

Well, we made it safely to Jerusalem. First, the Ben Gurion airport is stunning. There is a beautiful water sculpture in the middle of the lobby. The drive by Sharout to Jerusalem was a bit of an eye opener. We travelled with some Israeli's and they pointed out the various check points and the narrow corridor of undisputed land that links Tel Aviv to Jerusalem (basically, just the highway). The large wall separating Palestinian settlements from Isreal comes right up to the road at times.

We are staying at Allenby #2, right near the central bus station. It is a very warm place to stay. The owner, Dani, is a great host and others staying here are from Guam, the Netherlands and New Jersey. A map on the wall shows where people have come from all over the world to stay in this humble house. In the dining area is a huge satelite photo of Israel, showing the Dead Sea in brilliant-blue/green against the desert. In the morning Dani and some helpers serve us an Israeli breakfast.

Today, we plan to go on a walking tour of the Old City. Hopefully, the kids will be left with some lasting memories of this historic area.

---

Photos

Ben Gurion Airport
Beautiful waterfall sculpture at Ben Gurion Airport

Airport Exit
Heading to customs. Beautiful airport design.

New Jerusalem Bridge
New bridge in Jerusalem sporting cantilever and cable support design

First Meal
Jonah having his first schwarma and Coke

Allenby #2
A very welcoming bed and breakfast in Jerusalem. Dani and friends have about a dozen guests from around the world.

Humble Bedroom
Clean but simple accomodations at Allenby #2

Playground in Jerusalem
David and brothers enjoy a ride outside Allenby #2

Public Garden in Jerusalem
Beautiful public garden in Jerusalem

In the Old City
Micah and Jonah in the Jewish Quarter, overlooking the city walls and nearby hills

David and Tony at Allenby #2
David with a friend at Allenby #2