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TEL AVIV, ISRAEL
This was our first trip to this biblical land. We were spending three days in port and so we decided to see as much of the country as we could. Since Israel is quite small--about the size of New Jersey--it is not too difficult to cover most of the land. The problem is that it seems every square inch of land is so filled with history that it makes for slow going. Regent had set up some fascinating tours with a special overnight program for the world cruisers. We arrived in Ashdod and spent the morning receiving immigration clearance. Israel is on heightened alert since the anniversary of statehood was celebrated on May 15 and there have been some attacks along their northern borders with Syria and Lebanon.
We spent our first day visiting Tel Aviv and Jaffa. The port is a sea of white cars and vans-- hundreds and hundreds of them. They are all European cars and Asian brands. We found out that the cars are just in transit. It is cheaper to ship a car to Ashdod, transport it to the southern port of Eliat, and then put it back on a ship
to Asia than it is to ship a car through the Suez Canal from Europe to Asia. The same is true for vehicles coming from the Far East to Europe. It is very expensive to transit the Suez Canal and so the car companies have figured out how to avoid that heavy tariff.
We were surprised by how European Tel Aviv looked with their sidewalk cafes, bookstores, flowery landscaping and women dressed in western clothing. Tel Aviv is quite a modern city fronting the Mediterranean Sea. We haven’t been in a western city since we left Australia three months ago. Tel Aviv was mostly built in the 1930s so many of its buildings are art-deco and Bauhaus style. This vibrant city even has an IKEA store and $8 a gallon gas.
We learned that Muslims comprise about 20% of the population. But it was still somewhat of a shock to hear the Islamic call to prayer here in Israel. All of the current world news seems to be centered on the peace process in this area. Because of the upheaval in the Middle East there is great uncertainty about Israel’s relationship with its neighbors. When we were in
Jordan, King Abdullah was meeting with President Obama. Now Prime Minister Netanyahu is in Washington for a summit with the President.
The ancient port of Jaffa is thought to be one of the oldest cities in the world and is filled with Jewish, Muslim and Christian history. Richard the Lionheart was here during one of the Crusades. Now the old ramparts are home to an artist colony. Jaffa is also famous for its oranges. We walked the winding cobblestone lanes to a promontory overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the white city of Tel Aviv.
There was a deck party and BBQ dinner the first night in Israel but most passengers made it an early evening as there would be two long days of touring this fascinating and complex country.
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Alan & Carol
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What an incredible visit to The Holy Land (a part of the Holy Crescent)
Years ago we had several escrows fall out and we couldn't go with the Reverend Brad Hall where you have been. I was so pissed off, I stormed home and pouted with beer in hand. I finally calmed down and called Brad to ask him if we would bring me a Jerusalem cross, silver, about the size of a quarter. He was with Leonard Firestone so I left a message with his secretary. Weeks later, sure enough - he brought me a cross as I wanted. A few months later, I was meeting with the architect who was working on the new church (St. Margaret's Episcopal) and he said, no one is going to know this is a Christian house of worship ... no sign of faith attached. So, I reached under my shirt; pulled the new cross I was given, and now - it is right before me when we are there, 10' by 10'. I no longer am angry about missing the trip, even though I wished we could have gone. Yep - lots of issues between those two countries, side by side, and a Priest at St. George's Episcopal College writes frequently how Israel is not treating their neighbors well. Sad, but - it's all over the Middle East. I'll show you a picture of what I've written - not a faith issue but even Grace Cathedral has the same cross I wear and what's in St. Margaret's. I read The End of Faith by Sam Harris (professor emeritus at Stanford) a while back (Glen suggested I read it) and it put some questions in my head. But, we still enjoy attending Grace if for no other reason, the music. I sure wish we were there with you, experiencing history. Carol is out of the hospital again - no surgery (Thank God) and she is doing well, having adjusted her diet needs and wants. I'm still recovering from my surgery but we're both doing well. Sure do miss you two! Our love to you both. Alan & Ms. Carol