ISRAEL 22 JUNE 2011 IN PROGRESS

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINE



MICHAEL BRAAIS ISRAELI STYLE



THREE GENERATIONS


VIA DEL ROSA -- JESUS LAST WALK



WAITING FOR THE AIRPLANE IN JHB



BARBARA AND ALLY WAIT IN ADDIS ABBABA



EMILY UNDER WATER



EMILY SWIMMING LESSONS


EMILY GOGGLES



EMILY AT THE GUN




ANNABELLE LOVES THE SWIMMING LESSONS


ANNABELLE AT THE GUN



ALLY WAITS PATIENTLY FOR THE FLIGHT



NOT AT HER CHIRPIEST



BARBIE GIRLS


THREE GENERATIONS OF ZIVOR (SEIF - OR)


RONIT AND JACQUI IN TEL AVIV RESTAURANT



MEET THE GID-VORS



HAPPY EVER AFTER IN THE MARKET PLACE



WARMING UP AFTER SWIM


AKKO MEAL





TRIP TO ISRAEL JUNE / JULY 2011
PETER, BARBARA AND ALLY GIDDY
JACQUI, MICHAEL, EMILY AND ANNABELLE ZIVOR (BINYAMINA)
YUROM, SAVVA AND SAFTA SIEF OR (JERUSALEM) Michael's father, step mother and step sister
RONIT ZIVOR (TEL AVIV) Michael's mother
GILI ZIVOR (TEL AVIV) Michael's brother.
JENNY (BET HANANYA) Jacqui's right hand man at the nursery (Gun); Sha ul - Jenny's son. Ronit - Jennys sister. Safta (Granny) - Jenny's mother who often spends time at the Nursery and who loves the children.
Also working at the Nursery; Mirav who has just completed her matric and is now due to spend the next two years in the army. Orit ; part time retired lady; Eli Nor who seems to work when she feels like it.
GARY, HAGIT & PELEG (Stream) RUBNI -- Friends of Michael from many years ago.
Jacob (Jacov) Ronit's brother - Michael's Uncle.
TIBERIAS -- KINIRET / SEA OF GALILEE

HEWBREW WORDS Remember that an H is pronounced like the Afrikaans G as is Gee or Gou
Bogertov -- Good Morning
Yomtov - good day
Shalom Shabat == Have a good weekend (This greeting starts on Friday mornings normally)
Toh da -- thank you
Bet - "house of" & Lehem -- Bread = Bethlehem
Bite = house (noun)
Bat - "Daughter of"
Ben - "Son of"
Balagan - Mess
Ken = Yes
Lo = No
Shalom - Greeting for Hello.
Yala = lets go
Abba -- Dad
Sabba -- Grandad
Ima -- Mom
Safta - Granny
Dese da -- Okay thanks
Bo - Come boy
Boi - Come girl
Gun -- Nursery
Mah? -- What?
Mine -- Water
Yam - Beach
Manish Ma? -- What's up?
Tel -- Hill


PLACES
One major airport in Israel serving the two major cities of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem; Ben Gurion
Binyamina: the town where Michael and Jacqui have settled for now; About 50kays north of Tel Aviv on the Med coast.
Neighbouring towns:
Zikron Ja akov (Jacob's dream) -- also shopping centre.
Bet Hananya - Qibbutz where Jenny lives
Or Aqiva (Light of Jacob) - Town near to Binyamina. Place where we would often do the grocery shopping.
Akko; Coastal town on the northern coast road
Haifa: important tourist town on the coast
Tiberias: Town where the Sea of Galillee (Kiniret) can be accessed
Kiryat - Shamone -- town to the north of Israel where Gary and Hagit live.
Dan River and nature reserve. Dan is the name of one of the 12 tribes of Israel. The Dan river is supplied by melting snow in the high northern mountains such as the Golan Heights. It is a major supplier of water to the Fresh Sea of Galillee which is a major source of water for the Israeli people.
Cesariya- Ceasarea = Palace built by Herod for Ceasar Augustus around 4 - 70AD
Dead Sea = Yam Amelah - Sea of Salt.
Yaffo = Jaffa = Ancient city north of Tel Aviv founded around 1800 years before Christ.





LUNCH AFTER HOLOCAUST MUSEUM



BARBARA & ALLY VIA DEL ROSA - JESUS LAST WALK


ANNABELLE; DAD & EMILY



ANNABELLE; ALLY; JACQUI; EMILY & BARBARA


OLD CITY

Point to note:
This was a three week holiday for us. We had been able to purchase the flight tickets from a bonus that I had received at the end of 2010 and had some spending money from a recently earned incentive at work. But we would never have been able to afford all of the traveling, restaurants and activities if it had not been for the generosity of Jacqui, Michael, his family and friends. The cost of living in Israel is much higher than that of SA. The Exchange rate is around R2 = One Sheckel.

Tuesday 21st.\Still running everyday. `i want to be as fit as possible for our trip to Israel. Did a few last minute things; bought some biltong at Woolies. And found some Marshmellow easter eggs for Jacqui. THen added some local chocolates for good measure. I was fortunate enough to earn a small bonus this month and used all of this cash to buy some US$. The Exchange does not keep sheckels. Completed the packing of three of the four suitcases and wrapped them in bubble wrap with some tape that I had bought. I really did not feel like arriving in Tel Aviv to find that the presents that we had painstakingly sought out had been stolen. So now it is only the final small bag in which cosmetics will be packed in the morning to seal. \\

Wednesday 22nd; D-Day. We leave today. I was up at 04.30, washed and shaved and packed the wrapped suitcases into the boot of the car. I was completely ready and so decided that I could have a run this morning; even it was to be a shortie. As I left I met up with Elmaire and we did a round Grey before joining the rest of the group. I just went around the park before heading home. As I ran up to the house I met Edelene who was shocked to hear that I would be leaving in an hour. \

I had miscommunicated with Jaco and he arrived an hour early to pick us up. I had a quick shower, wrapped the last bag and did a quick check to make sure that we had everything that we had planned to take. Jaco dropped us off at the airport where we were nice and early for the 8am flight to JHB. Barbara, Ally and I had a Coffee, met with Terry Billson who was on her way to watch JC Superstar this evening. And Andrew Binning who was on a business trip. We checked the four wrapped bags all the way through to Israel so when we arrived in JHB we had plenty of time to check in. We sat on the balcony looking out for our Ethiopian Airline Jet. We mistakenly thought that we would be in this huge Arabic Airplane but eventually boarded a much smaller plane.

We were saving a good amount of money flying Ethiopian and this was apparent when we boarded. But we had a reasonable flight which left Jhb at 14.30 and arrived in Addis Ababa at around 9.30pm. We were immediately called to Gate One and so missed out on having something to drink in the restaurants. Not that we would have missed much. There are no smoking restrictions at this airport. This is so strange to us. We looked for some Lipice for Ally and then checked in; only to wait for a further 90 minutes. Finally we boarded our last flight for the day. We were first onto the plane. This was to ensure that we had place for our carry bags as we had trouble on the previous flight. I was really thirsty as you are not allowed to take any beverages through the XRAY machines. And pleased that I had a couple of minature brandies with me. So as soon as the drinks trolley came around I asked for a couple of cokes and was able to enjoy my evening drink. \\

While we did not sit in luxury we were quite okay on this flight. We left Addis Ababa at 23.00 and arrived in Tel Aviv at 03.40am.
We has slept on and off but you are never able to really have a good sleep on an international flight such as this one. The plane was parked a very long was from the terminal building. We drove through and then felt the difference between Addis Ababa and Tel Aviv. Clean smart airport with escalators that worked and no smoking anywhere. I had opted to wear shorts today and was pleased about this decision. We were hot and sweaty. All of these hot bodies in a cramped airplane -- I am sure that there must have been a strong body odour.


ALLY - OLD CITY

We had a reasonably long wait for the luggage but were happy to see all four bags on the roundabout; still securely wrapped in bubble wrap. We walked though the "Nothing to Declare" section hoping that we would not be asked to open our bags. And then emerged in Tel Aviv to see Jacqui, Michael, Emily and Annabelle waiting for us. The two little ones were a little apprehensive but we were soon on good terms. Michael had to go to work so they had brought two cars; We loaded all the luggage into Jacqui's Ford Focus; A really big boot which could take more luggage than my Merc at home. And Jacqui drove us to their home in Binyamina. It was just dawn and the traffic was light. I dozed off in the back seat with the two little ones.

At Jacqui's house we unpacked the suitcases and handed out all the presents that we had accumulated including those sent from Cape Town by Nicky. An important gift for Jacqui was a certificate to say that she did not have a criminal record. Many years ago Jacqui had been in a motor accident and was found liable. This meant that she had a criminal record in SA. We had been working for the past two years to try to clear her name. To have a criminal record could mean deportation from Israel adn could mean that she would have to close her school. We had finally received the clearance about a month ago and so this certificate was really important to her.

OLD CITY


JERUSALEM

For us we had already had a long morning and Barbara & Ally opted for a sleep while Jacqui and I took the children to the Nursery that Jacqui runs. Jacqui has staff who run the nursery for her. She supervises and does a certain amount of the work. Jenny is the main assistant. Jenny makes food for the children; Two cooked meals a day. There is plenty of play area for the children with lots of swings and jungle gyms to keep them busy. A huge pepper tree gives the whole play area shade. This is supplemented with some shadecloth that Jacqui has stretched over the playground.

The children and parents started to arrive. The staff consists of Jenny who is the main assistant, Elanore, Jenny's Niece, and a new lady who is Trying Out. Jacqui had to deal with a conflict situation where a Dad became overbearing and demanding. jacqui handled it without upsetting too many people.

Meanwhile I was witnessing a really interesting little act that was being played out;
A boy arrives with a huge carrot for the rabbits. The rabbits are in a tupperware plastic while their cage is being cleaned out. He sticks the carrot in front of the Rabbit's noses and they show no interest at all. This goes on for a while before Annabelle relieves him of his burden. Annabelle then divides the carrot into two and hands half to Emily. The two of them attempt to feed the Rabbits who again turn their twitching noses up at the carrots even though they are now two of them being pointed at the noses of the Rabbits.

Emily and Annabell having lost the fight to feed the rabbits join in the fun and pour sand over the rabbits incase they needed some nature to be added to the Tupperware. They still have the carrots in their hands and naturally begin to chew on the carrot which is now in two halves. Annabelle looks as me and asks in Hewbrew whether I am hungry and would like to join her for a breakfast of stolen carrot which afterall had been repeatedly rejected by the intended recipients. Without waiting for my response Annabelle bites of a small piece and hands it to me. I eat this stolen and rejected morsel. Annabelle continues with play and romping. The Carrot (half) hits the dust, Annabelle picks it up and dusts it off with her dress and tastes it. Clearly the sand does not make too much of a negative impact on the taste this contraband as Annabelle continues with the morning snack.

The two young girls move over to the sand pit. Now the sand in the sand pit is beach sand while the sand into which the carrot has been falling was rich red soil. So when the carrot falls again and Annabelle brushes it off on her dress again this does not work. The sand pit sand must be much grittier because after the next bite Annabelle moves to the edge of the sandpit and proceeds to spit the offending bits out of her mouth. This time she gives the carrot a much more substantial wipe and is able to crunch away at the carrot. Finally with not much left the carrot takes a last fall into the sand pit where a last inspection decides the destiny of the carrot; It is burried in the sand pit for ever.

During this whole activity I must have been laughing and crying so much that I attracted the attention of the minature students
who would approach me and enquire as to what I was going on about. Fortunately I had Emily translate their Hewbrew to English for me.

Jacqui completed her conflict resolution and we headed back to her home.

This afternoon Emily has ballet classes, Michael returned from work, Barbara and Ally had another sleep and I read my Spud 2 book. It was a hot and humid day and when Michael suggested we go to the beach I jumped at the suggestion. We loaded up two cars and drove down to the beach. I realised that my plan to run there would not happen. The roads are either too busy or have no shoulder on which runners can safely run. Today was my first swim in the Medditeranean Sea for about 20 years. Barbara and I had been to Nice (france) many years ago and we had swum in a miserable sea which had absolutely no sea life and no sea sand. This afternoon Michael and I swam out for a short but refreshing swim in warm water. I have been swimming every Saturday after the run but in Freezing cold water. I had been looking forward to this swim for so long and was not at all disappointed.

Emily was stung by a tiny jelly fish. She was attended to and then we ended our beach outing with an ice cream that ended dripping all over their legs and costumes. It was now around 7pm. People were arriving on the beach at that time with deck chairs. Back home we would have had our supper and would be thinking about bed time. Michael had safely driven from Cape Town to PE today. My family uses a communication tool called "Whats up?" It seems quite successful as they communicate between continents all day.

Back at Jacqui's house we had a supper of Cottage Pie and Broccoli pie. I had brought a bottle of KWV and Klipdrift and so had an evening drink. We had a really long day with Travel from home and a full day of activity so I was happy to get into bed just before 10pm.

Friday 23rd June
this is our second day in Israel. Michael and I wake up before the rest of the group and go for an early morning jog. This is also another of the things that I have been looking forward to. RIght next to Jacqui's house is an orchard. It is not fenced in and we run alongside the trees on a dirt track. We emerge on a main road which we cross and run next to an orchard of Avocado trees. We come across some men attending a field of peach trees. They have started early --- probably to avoid the heat of the day. It is only just past 6am and I am already sweating. We double back to see an old building which is a monument to Benjamin Rosthschild who was the founder of Binyamina (Israeli for Benjamin). He purchased huge tracts of land (30 000 acres) which he gave to farmers in the 1920's. These farmers work the fields by day and travel home each evening. From here we ran through the village and the Binyamina winery. We then came to the rail line where we saw another monument to the founders of Binyamina called the gates of Binyamina. From there we ran under the rail bridge and back home. We had taken an hour to run around 7kays. Jacqui had to go to school so after a quick shower I joined her. Jenny had made some cookies for Barbara. I had coffee and a pastry with them and greeted the various parents as they dropped their children. A Friday in Israel is the same as our Saturday. Here the children are taken to Friday (Saturday) School for a half a day. School was run as normal.


Michael, Ally and I did some chores; fix the lights on the car, had the puncture repaired, bought some braai stuff for this evening; meat, bread and special pastries and then some special weed spray for Jacqui's nursery. We also did a short ride around an Adrab area which, although it is old and established is not well cared for. The streets are very narrow, pot holed and the local people do a lot of "street living'. Jacqui had a gardener there this morning taking out the thorny weeds and hopefully the spray will make a more permanent difference.

We spent the afternoon relaxing until Michael's mother and brother arrived from Tel Aviv. We decided to go for a beach swim before starting the braai; Gili, Michael, Annabelle and I drove down to the beach where we first looked at what appears to be a smart beach with smart restaurants but poor bathing area. Then we found another beach where there is an ancient aquaduct that used to supply Ceasarea with water. Here we were able to have a short refreshing swim. Jenny and her son arrived a little later; Michael made a braai on his gas braai while the rest of us sat around chatting and catching up on family news. Really nice relaxed evening. After a couple of beers, Amarula, white wine and Brandy and Cokes I was ready to "check up on the Children". Jacqui had put them into her bed with Shreck playing on the lap top. That was enough to put me to sleep for the night.

Saturday morning; Today is like our Sunday; But of many years ago when nothing opens. We started off with our run through orchards; We found a=orchards of Pommegrana te, Figs, Grape vines, loquats, and best of all we found some ripe peaches which we picked ate and loaded some in Michael's backpack. We ran along an aquaduct and I was surprised to find that we were now behind Jacquis school. We found some blackberries which we also picked and loaded some (in toilet paper) into the backpack. This morning we had run 11kays in around 80minutes. An easy relaxed run / walk in the early morning sun. We had run mainly through the fields and orchards and had passed a number of cyclists.

Back home; shower and shave and ready to leave for Jerusalem for the weekend (Shabat).

We drove through to Jerusalem in one car; There were 7 of us in the car. In Israel the children have to be in a car seat and the police are very fussy about this. So we had to have the two little children in the back seat with Barbara, Ally and Jacqui and duck them down every time we saw a police car. The drive to Jerusalem was just over an hour. I was surprised to see how hilly the city is. The costal area is reasonably flat. As we drove into Jerusalem, Michael took us past the house of the Prime Minister; Benjamin Netanyahu where there is a protest in support of a soldier that has been captured by the Palestinians five years ago. The family of this man has set up a tent outside of the PM's residence. They hand out yellow ribbons to passing traffic. Netanyahu is not as popular as the President, Simon Peres who is practically his next door neighbour in Jerusalem. Michael's father is Yurom and he lives with his wife, Nava and daughter Shaka. They live on the third (top) floor of an apartment building near to the middle of Jerusalem.

We off loaded our luggage and drove in two cars to the Old City.

VIA DEL ROSA JERUSALEM

Here we walked around for a while before we were able to find the room where the Last Supper is to have taken place. It is an upstairs room, off another room. There is no apparent kitchen anywhere but as this happened 2000 years ago all kinds of things could have changed. The room has Stain Glass windows and an inset marble statue. The room is small & I was surprised to see that there was no restricted entrance.


PETER & KIPA

In the room were a number of benches, people sitting and praying and when we arrived there was a group of Spanish speaking people praying for each other and as a group.

BARBARA & ALLY WAILING WALL


Below the room of the last supper we went into what is called David's Tomb. The men and ladies go in separate entrances. Here too there is an amount of praying and reverence for the area.

ANNABELLE; DAD; EMILY IN JERUSALEM

we wandered around the Old City with all the high walls of stone. People have been encouraged to live here. This gives the area authenticity. There are shops in every little "nook and cranny". We found the Wailing Wall. Here too the ladies and gents have separate entrances. Men must wear a head dress; my Nippers Cap was considered suitable. The ladies had to wear a shawl which was provided at the entrance. Michael showed us where the Arab section was on the other side of this high wall. At one time the Arab people would throw stones down onto the people praying below. Now there is a truce. Army presence is apparent. These men and women carry semi automatic weapons with live ammunition. Yurom and I walked down to the wall and into the prayer area. Here there is a huge library of bibles. Men take the plastic chairs provided and sit and pray and read their bibles. Mostly aloud. Many fall asleep during their prayers. I don't feel so bad about falling asleep in church now! There is one area where you are able to stand on some very strong glass and look down into the catacombs below.


ANNABELLE; ALLY; JACQUI; EMILY & BARBARA

There are fountains of water with cups provided. It was a hot afternoon and I enjoyed a drink of water and washed my face and "hair" to cool down a bit. We found a tunnel which led to a narrow road. We wandered down this narrow road pushing the buggy with the children in it. The road was busy with locals and tourists. All kinds of food and tourist stuff is up for sale. Ally bought herself a Jerusalem Hoody. We bought some bread. It is a kind of circular seed loaf almost like a large bagel. the vendor provides you with a small packet of spicy dip almost like salt and pepper mix. We bought some cold drink from a man who carries a huge brass dispenser on his back and pours a cup of this natural juice from it. In South Africa the only equivalent is the Beer Vendors that you may see at Cricket Matches.

We wandered along the Via Del Rosa which is supposed to be the road where Jesus had to carry his cross on the day he was crucified. These roads have a smooth cobbled surface. Almost shiny and slippery. As we walked the local people showed us the various "stations' where Jesus is said to have had to pause. There are also chapels along the route. It is a long road and it was a hot dry afternoon. I had brought a Runners Backpack for Michael. He had filled the bladder and we had a constant supply of water to drink. But still it had been a long tiring day so far so we took a taxi from the bottom of the hill up to the place where we had parked the cars. The taxi would not take the whole family so Yurom and I walked up.

We had a bit of a rest before setting off again this evening. Nava made us some lunch. The table was full of salads, Chicken, Bean concoction and various humus looking mixtures. It was Shabat and the shops would only open about an hour after the first star appeared. So at around 8pm as it became dark we decided to take a walk to a local shopping centre. Barbara needed reading glasses as hers had been sat on and broken. And I needed a beer after all of the day's activity. As we walked along a cobbled pathway I pointed out that I could see a star. Unfortunately it turned out to be the lights of an airplane. But shortly thereafter we saw a real star and I knew that it could not be long before the first pub would be open. We found this open air shopping centre. It is a magnificent place that has been blended into the Old City. Tiny blue lights are strung over the center and the shops are magnificent. Probably very expensive: Nike. H Stern and similar famous brand names are evident. Barbara and I found a pharmacy - Super Pharm - where we bought a pair of reading glasses. The cashier pointed out that they had a One for One promotion so we chose a second pair for free. Still expensive by Clicks standards.

PETER & BARBARA WAIT FOR END OF SHABBAT FOR CHEMIST TO OPEN

Michael found us a seat in a restaurant that overlooked the city. It was an open air couch type of setting. We were high above the roads and could see across the ruins, graveyards and residential areas below. Yurom ordered us beers and a couple of plates of eats. It took a little while but soon we had two plates with cheeses and fresh raw vegetables served. The beer was a cold draught and did not touch sides. So when the waitress arrived I ordered another two beers. She asked me if I wanted a third and as Michael's glass was still pretty full I answered that we just wanted two. I showed two fingers to illustrate. She could speak English and so when she asked again do we want a third I tried to explain carefully that we just wanted TWO beers please. It turned out that she was asking if we wanted a third of a liter and not a third beer. Yurom complained about the poor service when the chips did not arrive on time. They were most apologetic and offered us a free desert of waffle and Ice cream as compensation. Meanwhile Barbara and I thought that the service was really good for a busy restaurant like this one. Michael explains that Israeli's love to complain. It was late and the second beer was making us all a bit sleepy. We walked down to the main road where Michael hailed a taxi to take us home. It has been a fun filled and active day.

Sunday 26th June. Our fourth day in Israel. Yurom made us a breakfast of Toast and eggs. There is currently a kind of boycott of the Cottage Cheese as it is too expensive at around R25 for a small tub. But this family has it with every meal and it is really good cottage cheese. We decided to visit the Holocaust Museum. The children were not allowed into the museum so Jacqui took them for a walk in the buggy while we went into the museum. It is a long Pyramid shaped building which crosses from left to right as you walk through a series of photographs, artifacts and movies made at the time. You are able to rent headsets to get a full explanation of each room. There are also guides for hire. We opted for a slow walk. Reading the explanations as we went from section to section. It was crowded with tourists and soldiers. The soldiers are taken there as a reminder of what it is that they are protecting. To really do this museum justice you should spend the greater part of a day there. Each room has a movie playing either with interviews or taken during the war.

RESTAURANT AFTER HOLOCAUST MUSEUM

There is also a room remembering the `Children lost in the Holocaust as well as a synagogue for special occasions. We met up with Jacqui and the children and decided to have a lunch and cold drink. we found a little Italian cafe on a street where we ordered pizza and a boglenaise dish. We ended with an Italian ice cream. Everything was really tasty and Ally declared that she was ready to settle in Italy. A running friend, Edelene Marias had given me a parcel to take to her parents in Jerusalem. He mother (Also Edelene) phoned and seemed quite anxious about this parcel; It contained chocolates which were in Yurom's fridge, a couple of Afrikaans magazines and some Masterton's coffee. We left it in the flat for them to collect in their own time as they were out of town at the moment. I am sorry I never saw them as I had promised Edelene that I would give them a South African hug.

Back in Yurom's flat some of the group were horizontal for a couple of hours. Shaka was back from her girl guides outing and spent the afternoon playing with the children. Jacqui hired a movie on line. It is possible to go onto their equivelant of DSTV and search for the latest movies and then play the movie "on demand". You now have access to this movie for the next 48 hours. I also learned later on that DVD hire is as simple as a street vending machine; You are able to insert your credit card, choose a movie and then return the movie to the same vending machine within 24 hours. If you are late or steal the movie then you are charged accordingly on your card. Sounds like a good business for RSA. Michael's brother, Gili, is a diamond salesman. He travels to America every couple of weeks and often carries up to $500 000 worth of diamonds with him. recently on a return trip he had forgotten to walk through the Red Zone (something to declare) at the airport and had been arrested. He was questioned for a couple of hours and then released. Today he had to be in court where he was again questioned about his activity. It seems that he has to pay a fine. But we are not sure if this is the end of it or if he will have a criminal record.

Sunday afternoon Michael had a number of patients to see. He rents "rooms" in Jerusalem. Michael is a Psychologist and works in a hospital in Jerusalem and another one in Tel Aviv. His main source of income is from the private patients that he sees in his office in Binyamina and those that he sees in Jerusalem. When he had finished his day of work we loaded ourselves in the car and headed back to the Old City. Here Michael had discovered a Light Show in the Tower of David building. The building is a restored castle. The show that we saw was an amazing light, movie and sound spectacle from the begining to modern times in Jerusalem. The movie / lights played against the inner walls with an appropriate music backing. It is impossible to describe what we experienced that evening; suffice to say that everyone loved the show.

It had been another full day. Michael drove us home to Binyamina. It is an open toll road that registers on a little gadget on the front windscreen and debits your credit card. The drive took us around 90 minutes but I slept most of the way. In the back seat was myself, Ally, Jacqui and the two little ones on her lap. Jacqui had found a street cat which is blind. This little kitten had traveled from Binyamina to Jerusalem and back. An amazing little creature that seems to be adapting to it's blindness and is able to move around with feel and smell.

Monday 27 June. Our 5th day in Israel. Jacqui goes off to the Nursery (Gun). Michael goes to work in Tel Aviv. The court case with Gili (Michael's brother) was reported in the local newspapers -- Financial sections - accusing him of being a diamond smuggler. What had happened was that Gili sells diamonds on behalf of an Israeli firm and on a return trip from USA he had approached the Nothing to Declare -- Green Zone and had been stopped while having diamonds in his bag. Now the customs, Tax and other legal people are making much more of it than it deserves.

This morning I drove on the right hand side for the first time in many years. It is a bit of an unnerving experience. But I did a bit of driving Jacqui back and forth so became more and more used to this way of driving. At first it had felt uncomforatble having an open space on my right hand side in the car. At the Nursery (Gun) I was given breakfast and coffee while talking to two dad's; More and Amnon. More is a bicycle teacher. His dad runs two bike shops in Binyamina and he teaches from very young to ride bikes. He takes groups of youngsters on trail rides. It seems that it is not unusual to see More being a kind of Pide Piper with up to 15 young boys and girls following him through the fields. More takes care of their 5 month old baby while Cherry his wife works in Tel Aviv. Amnon also has a child in the Nurserey and his wife is Maya who also works. Amnon does contract work and is often away from home for long periods.

Binyamina is a town of about 2000 addresses (8000 people) to the north of Tel Aviv and is surrounded by orchards and fields. Mount Carmel is the local place for hiking and bike activities. Another town adjacent to Binyamina is Zikron Ja acov (Jacob's dream). This and Ceasarea are some of the more wealthy towns of Israel.

This afternoon Jacqui went back to the Nursery while Barbara, Ally and I took care of Emily and Annabelle at a local park. Michael spent the evening with Gili and his dad Yurom in Tel Aviv. We had an early supper and watched some movies.

Tuesday Morning 28th.
This morning I was not feeling that well. It is a case of in the hot sun and perspiring and then into an airconditioner house or car. I am sure that this is what is giving me a kind of hangover feeling. Michael and I had a long walk this morning. we walked across the village to the rail line and then followed the Rail Line back towards the village before heading home. I find that there are a good number of people walking but they do not tend to greet in the same friendly way to which I am accostomed at home. Jacqui likes to be at the Nursery early and to greet the parents. She is then able to leave for most of the day as Jenny and Eli Nor take care of day to day running.


EMILY BALET



EMILY BALET



This afternoon we went to say goodbye to Emily's Nursery School teachers. Jacqui took them some gifts and we all said our goodbyes. Emily would be going to a new school from September 2011 when their school year starts. From here we drove to a lunch time restaurant. It remineded me of the Stellenbosch wine farm restaurants where there is cheese and wine tasting. They also have specialised chocolates for sale. You are able to take your own One Liter Bottle and buy a liter of Cabernet for 19 sheckels. We ordered a dish of salad, a plate of cheeses and a Pizza which we shared. A delicious lunch under a roof of grape vine leaves with a cool breeze.

We had a relaxing afternoon before we left for Jenny's home in Bet Hananya. She lives in a kind of Kibbutz (Qibuttz) with limited access. Jenny had invited the family for supper with her family. Her mother, Safta had prepared the Kuskus, chicken, salads and Pita bread. Her sister, Ronit, had made one of the most delicious Lentil soups that I have ever tasted. It had a taste of Mint and Lemon grass which made the bean soup something really special. We sat in the park while children played and family members joined us for wine and conversation. This was a real and authentic evening in Israel.

Wednesday 29th June.
Jacqui went off to work. Barbara and I stayed at home for the first part and then did a little shopping at local shops. Fortunately I have been driving a bit and know my way around. I am able to navigate on the right hand side of the road with minimal difficulty. Jacqui phoned to say that she and Jenny had made us a lunch. So we went to the Nursery where we found a delicious lunch of roast chicken, Pita bread and Humus.



Thursday 30 June
I woke up with a cold and slept late. Spent most of the day indoors. Just as a special end to the day Michael, Annabelle and I went for a swim in the Med. Emily had a Balet final which the rest of the family went to watch and came home later with Pizza for supper. Michael took me to a local pharmacy for some drying up medicine.

Friday 1 July
Michael had a patient to see. Jacqui went to the Nursery for the morning. By midday we were all packed and ready for our afternoon drive. We took two cars: Michael, Ally and I were in Michael's Uncle's car while Jacqui drove Barbara, Emily and Annabelle. Our first stop was at a spice shop. This was a new experience for us as the shop sold every possible kind of soup mix, Rice mix, Meat spice, Tea infusion, Halva amoungst a variety of other stuff. We found a Mc DOnald's where Ally and the children were able to buy hamburgers and a McFlurry.

We then made our way to Nat Zaret (Nazareth) Nat is "Daughter of". This too is a very hilly town. All the houses are apartment style (Duplex or high rise) on the sides of the hills. We found parking; jumping the center lane separation and doing a U turn at the same time is not a strange thing to do when seeking our a parking spot. Finding parking with the two cars was never easy. We walked up towards a church through little alleyways and tunnel like walks. Always so many shops full of spices and smells. I love these walks. Michael tells me that this is often how he finds stuff that he needs. I am not sure that items in these little shops are any better priced than those we would find in supermarkets, but certainly it is more fun to talk to the shop owners and their children who serve you. The church was closed until 2pm and the girls needed scarves etc so we decided to miss the walk through the church and found an interesting little synagogue which I think may have been Catholic.

We drove from here to TIberias and the Sea of Galilee (Kineret). We found a hotel with a wide grassy area, small childrens pool and a minute stony beach where you may not swim more than ten meters out. The water is fresh as this is a lake and not a sea. It is fed by the Jordan river. Across the Kineret is mountain range that separates Israel from Syria and to the north is the Golan Heights which is the northern most part of Israel bordering on Syria and on Lebanon.



ALLY & BARBARA IN SEA OF GALILLEE




VIEW OF KINERET



FAMILY PHOTO SEA OF GALILLEE



POOL AT KINIRET



BARBARA & ALLY SEA OF GALILLEE




After an afternoon relaxing, swimming in fresh water and in the Kiddies pool we finally made our way to Kiryat - Shamone where Gary and Hagit (Friends of Michael from many years ago) live. They were most welcoming and we were surprised to learn that Hagit had, for a variety of reasons ended up in Melville, Johannesburg 10 years ago. They are both studying to become teachers and have a baby of five months: Peleg. Hagit's mother who we did not meet and Gary had prepared a stunning meal for us. Delicious soup, KusKus, Chicken, and a variety of salads on the table. They have this long table that seats 8 people easily and a special table cloth for the Shabat. Later on Gary made us some coffee before we all fell asleep in a variety of rooms. Later I remarked to Michael that I would rather sleep on the floor in a home than a double bed in a hotel.

Saturday 2nd July 2011.\
Saturday; Shabat. :This morning we woke up in Kiryat - Shamone in the home of Gary and Hagit Rubni. Hagit started my morning with some delicious cake/ tart and coffee. After another stunning meal -- a breakfast of salads, fruit, eggs, Humus, spicy stuff etc all ending with a healthy cup of coffee we drove through to Tel Dan (Dan hill). This is a nature reserve with the River Dan running through. The Dan is one of the main tributaries of the River Jordan which feeds the Kineret (Sea of Galillee) The springs provide 230 million cubic meters of water annually.


HOT WALK = COOL SWIM


COOL WATER IN WADING POOL



COLD WATER FROM MELTING SNOW



FUN IN WADING POOL


DAN RIVER NATURE RESERVE


We walked along some of the trails both with the buggy and carrying Annabelle while Emily walked the whole way. We finally found the Pooh Bear tree and the paradise area where we took a couple of pics of the children. Then we walked past the small amphitheater and on to the wading pool. Here we all dunked ourselves and walked in the chilly water to cool off after the hot walk. We ended our Nature walk with coffee and ice creams.

We then drove in a westerly direction along the northern border of Israel with Lebanon to our right. It was surprising to see the extent of the cultivation of orchards, olive trees and vinyards. Finally we reached the coast (Mediterranean Sea). A short way south and we reached Akko where we stopped for our lunch. By now Jacqui who was in the car behind us was starting to become agitated as she was tired, hungry and needing the toilet.


BARBARA & ALLY AKKO HARBOUR



BALCONY IN AKKO


HARBOUR OF AKKO


ISRAELI MEAL IN AKKO



AQUADUCT RESTAURANT



FAMILY MEAL AT AKKO



In Akko we found the old part of the town where there are a maze of narrows alleyways with shops, restaurants etc. This is an authentic part of Israel. These shops sell everything from local foods and spices, fruits and veg, meats and all kinds of curios as well.

We found ourselves a little alleyway restaurant where Michael ordered a variety of local foods; Chips, Falafal, beef and chicken Schwarma, Pita Bread, Colslaw, Humus, Olives, and salads. A real Israeli midday meal. The Arab owner could not have done more for us. And the service was instant. We grabbed a couple of cold drinks and tucked into a filling meal.

The setting was perfect as we sat under an ancient aquaduct with the schwarma being sliced from beef and Chicken mixtures. Surprisingly the toilets - situated in the alleyway / aquaduct tunnel were clean and quite acceptable. After the meal the owner brought us some watermelon (uninvited) and ended off with some expresso coffee. Finally after Michael had paid the bill he brought an iced cold drink (Slush Puppy) for the two youngsters and Ally. We were all so impressed with this experience of Arabic hospitality. Barbara immediately started to enthuse how she and Dawn should meet in Israel next year and not Canada (Calgary) as she has planned.

We continued our walk through the alleyways and came out at the small fishing harbour. Here we were treated to some street side theatre before coming to the end of the Pier. We saw a couple of boys running and jumping about 10 meters into the sea. From the Pier we could see across the sea to Haifa. It had been a hot day and we had about an hour's easy driving back to Binyamina. Michael cleaned the cars, Jacqui cleaned the house and we spent the evening watching a bit of the Wimbeldon tennis and the first day of the Tour de France.

Sunday 3rd July.
Cathy's Birthday
I am kind of enjoying a late sleep lately. Trying to recover from the cold that I have picked up. Michael left for Jerusalem for work. Jacqui was at the Nursery early and had a bit of a confrontation with parents who wanted to take their children out of school for a period and not pay.

Monday 4th July
Not much to report for today. Did a bit of shopping and driving around with Jacqui and ended the afternoon with swimming in the Med. There are a whole of Medusa (Jellyfish) up and down the coast of Israel at present. It even made the news. An East Wind blows off the sea and brings with it these thousands of Medusa to the beaches. On the beach that we have been using there is an ancient aquaduct and a bit of a bay with a reef about 100 meters out to sea. However this makes no difference to the jellyfish who scatter all over the beach.

Michael & I were determined to swim; so we took our chances. I saw plenty of Medusa as I was swimming and thought that I had avoided them. One of the Mothers at the Gun had told us that even though they dont come into contact with you they leave a sting in the water. This is what I experienced today. A stinging sensation in a couple of places on my body. Jacqui had packed a picnic supper of sosaties that Michael had braaied earlier and salad of chopped tomato and cucumber which is a staple salad that they have with almost every meal. Jacqui had baked a spinach wrap to go with the supper.

I was surprised to see a young woman in a bikini, kissing and cuddling her boyfriend -- with her rifle slung around her neck! Jacqui explained that they have to keep their rifle with them during their entire military service. Later this evening Michael had an interview with a man from Hiafa University. Barbara and I went with him to Zikron Ya akov where there is this cute little area (closed off cobbled street) with restaurants and coffee shops. Michael met with the professor and we wandered around for a while before settling down for a glass of beer on the street front.

Tuesday 5th July.
Today was our Dead Sea day. We left at around 6.30am in two cars. The route took us on the N6 to Jerusalem. This is a toll road similar to that which is planned for Jhb ring road. You have a credit card receiver attached to the car. Everytime you drive under the toll machine your credit card is charged. If you do not have one of these gadgets then your number plate is read and you will receive an account in the post. As we drove past Jerusalem we saw the walls that separate Palestine from Israel.

The Arabs who wish to will live in Palestine with a separate administration. There is a military presence that separates the two. Ramaala is the capital of Palestine. Here there is ongoing development and it appears that the people are moderate and have something to protect. They do not become involved in the fighting as is happening in the Gaza Strip which is located on the South Western coast line of Israel. Here there appears that the Palestinians are more radical in their political outlook and are fighting for additional land. However local Israeli's have made this their home and are not likely to give it up without a fight (Settlers).

Once past Jerusalem on the South East side the desert begins. We drove a further about 90kays to the Dead Sea. There has been a drought for some time and this meant that the water level of the sea is lower than usual. The Dead Sea or Sea of salt as it is known in Hewbrew is situated around 300 meters below sea level. It is the lowest point on earth. It is surrounded by desert and there is no access to the greater oceans or seas. It is incredibly salty and also warm to swim in. We found a place to base ourselves for the day. There is a section of hotels where we registered into the Royal Plaza hotel. There are probably around 10 hotels in this desert plus some shops and restaurants. We had use of the pools, lounges and access to a safe bathing area. We had suitcases of our stuff which we lugged around.

We started off with a sea swim. The two girls stayed in the water for only a few seconds. The salt content of the water stings sensitive skin. The rest of us experienced the Floating Effect of the dead sea. What happens is first of all the water is hot. You walk across a sandy section and immediately see the white salt on everything that is in the water. Then as you wade out in to the water you realise that you do not just float but your legs are forced up.

Trying to stand upright when you are out of your depth is difficult. I then tried on my tummy and again had the sensation of my legs being forced up behind me. I tried a couple of swim strokes but when I splashed some water into my mouth I decided that this was not a good idea. The water does not just taste salty -- it is such an intense saltiness that it burns your mouth. Any tiny cuts or abrasions will sting. Your private parts will surely sting after being in the water for a while. They tell me that the water has a huge healing ability for skin diseases.

We commandeered a couple of pool couches under some shade but I found even that was too intense so I moved to inside the hotel for a while. Michael and I also tried out the indoor salt pool. No difference from the sea. Also just as salty except without the sun beating down on you.

We checked the temperature gauge and saw that the outdoor temperature was now (11.00am) at 44 degrees centigrade. Throughout the day the temp varied between 43 to 46 degrees. It was hot. A dry intense heat. The children had a great time in the fresh water pools. Emily has been taking swim lessons and this has given her a huge amount of confidence. Eventually we had her diving into the pool. The one thing that she is still battling with is swimming and breathing. That will come. Annabelle had her water wings and was also having a great time in the water.

It was too hot and everyone moved upstairs to the lounge for a bit of airconditioned cool. There was a set of rules: no feet on the table, no eating at the table, no sleeping on couches etc. We seemed to break all of these rules and the children especially. Ally was having the time of her life. Plenty of water to swim in and plenty of food to eat. Barbara and Jacqui played cards. Michael slept on the couch and I alternated between dozing and the book that I was reading.

Michael had booked us in for lunch. It was a bufet with more than enough for everyone. I started with a soup. I have learned that the Israeli soups are the best. Then I had the normal mix of meats -- Chicken and Tuna with plenty of Humus, Kuskus, salad etc. A bufet always offers more than you can eat. Today was no exception. When it came to puddings there was a selection of creamy cakes -- no ice cream. Ally found a delicious apple pie. No coffee but plenty of water to drink.

MEET THE FLOATERS


A FLOATER IN THE DEAD SEA


SEE MY CLEAN FEET MOM!


GEE UP CAMMIE


EMILY HAS HER FIRST REAL EXPERIENCE OF SWIMMING WITHOUT WINGS


CAMEL RIDING IN THE ISRAELI DESERT


DEAD SEA PUSHES YOUR FEET UP


ROYAL PLAZA HOTEL LOUNGE


DEAD SEA FLOATING


BARBARA PRACTICING FOR WATER POLO IN PE


BARBARA CAN NOW TRY OUT FOR THE WATER POLO TEAM


ALLY: BORN TO BE WILD!


ALLY AT EASE

After lunch we found some shady areas for pool swimming. We all had one final Dead Sea swim and then spent the rest of the afternoon swimming and relaxing. The pool couches are really fantastic when you are reading / dozing off. Before we left we helped ourselves to the free welcome drinks and biscuits. We stopped at a coffee shop for coffee / frozen chocolate and headed off home. I collected some Dead Sea rocks as a keepsake. Ally had put some sand and salt into water bottles. We made a stop to get onto the camel for the obligatory photo's. As we passed Jerusalem we were stopped (slowed down) for security checks then stopped for water. I took over from Michael driving the final hour home. He was able to relax and make some calls.

The interview with Haifa University could lead Michael onto a new direction. He could lecture there in two different departments as he received a second offer during the day today. And long term he could head up a clinic in his field where both research and treatment takes place.

It was a three hour drive home and just becoming dark at around 8pm. Israel uses daylight saving.

We put children to bed and followed shortly there after.

Wednesday 6th July.
This morning Michael and I had a short run around in Binyamina. I still have a lot of sinus and cold; Not feeling my best. Barbara and Jacqui too the children to the nursery. I took Michael to the train station which he took to Petah Tiqva (His home town where his monther lives): Michael works in a hospital here. He may be leaving this institution within a few weeks.I spent the morning at the Gun (Nursery).

This evening we drove through to Tel Aviv. Binyamina is around 50kays to the north of Tel Aviv (Mountain of Viv). The main interconnecting roads are all double carriageway with street lights. There was not too much traffic and we found the road where Gil lives and then walked down to the harbour where we were meeting for supper. This evening was a real family evening with Yurom joining us from Jerusalem. Michael drove through with Ronit and finally Gili joined us as well.

I am not sure if the whole family as it was that evening has ever been together before. The last time we were together was when Michael and Jacqui were married in PE. It was a stunning evening in this cosmopolitan city. Ally ended up buying a pair of jeans compliments of her sister.

MEET THE GID-VORS





MICHAEL & YUROM IN TEL AVIV RESTAURANT


GIDDY & ZIVOR MEET AT TEL AVIV RESTAURANT


A HAPPY AND GOOD LOOKING GILI IN TEL AVIV RESTAURANT

It seems that Edelene's mother has not yet collected the parcel that I dropped at Yorum's home. I just hope that not too many of the chocolates have been eaten up. I had to put them in the fridge or they would have melted.

Thursday 7th July. \
We have been in Israel 2 weeks today and have our last week ahead of us. Michael had to be at work early and took the car. Barbara and I went to the nursery with Jacqui. Here we tend to do little but chat to the parents and the people working there. I have finished my third book of this holiday; Spud 2 the madness continues; Jeffrey Archer; Prisoner of birth and now: Alone in Berlin. This was a most interesting book to read; Written by a man named Ditzen (pseudonom Hans Fallada) in 1947 just before he died. He was born in 1893 and lived through the two great wars as well as the great depression. He was a German with all kinds of struggles such as drug addiction and alcoholism. He wrote this book based on the facts presented to him after the war regarding a case that had been investigated by the Gestapo where some people had distributed anti Nazi postcards. This book was translated to English in 2009. It is well worth a read.

I drove home to give Ally some lunch, do a bit of a clean up and fill the car with petrol. Each time I did something like this it was a major achievement for me. All filling stations are self service. One person mans the shop which ranges from a full mini supermarket to coffee shops to take away meals. The petrol pumps have no attendants; you pay in advance with cash or with a credit card at the pump itself. I am enjoying being able to drive around; being mobile and self sufficient to an extent. I have become familiar with Binyamina and surrounds through driving and walking / jogging.

Jacqui had her "old" car at the nursery so I took it home and cleaned out weeks of rubbish from the back seats. Children accumulate rubbish in cars including old uneaten lunches. These tend to decompose, rot and stink. with two families living in one home and us living out of suitcases the house tends to become quite messy. So regular cleaning up is necessary.

Ally did a shopping tour today. Michael came home early and had a number of patients to see at home later in the evening. I made us a chicken stir fry for supper including the special rice mix that we had bought the previous weekend.

Michael had a number of patients to see on Thursday evening. He sees patients at home as well as in the hospitals. Private work is a lot more lucrative than Hospital work.

Friday 8th morning.
Michael and I started the day with our run. We have been doing shorter runs (walking included) as I have still not gotten over the cold that I picked up and find my sinus' hurting. But even the least bit of exersize at 6am works up a real sweat. After a shower and coffee I took Jacqui's "old car" to the car wash. It needed a real inside and outside clean to give it any form of respectability. We read on the news of a motor accident a short way from where we live. It seems that the police had been chasing a car with three young men and they had run a red light, hit by a delivery truck and the two in the back seat died. I don't find Israeli drivers to be bad drivers, they are not as courteous as some of the drivers at home but then they are far more skilled than others that we encounter.

A few things that we have noticed in Israel:
1. There is construction going on everywhere you turn; Cranes building housing as well as industrial construction.
2. All new houses have solar heating. The house where we are staying has solar power and only on very few occasions have we had to turn on the electric geyser. It is summer and this probably changes in winter but right now it must be a huge electricity saving.
3. Houses have roller shutter doors to close their houses. These are not heavy duty as we would use in the shops of SA and they are electrically operated. But it provides two services; It keeps out the blazing sun and keeps out any invaders.
4. CATs. There are stray cats everywhere. They appear to be healthy.

Later this morning I spent reading at the Gun (Nursery) until they closed at 12pm. (As we would on a Saturday). I think that Jacqui would do well to work a 6 day week as most other schools do.
Michael had seen patients at home and then we all headed off to a local pool -- costs a fortune to swim but it is still impossible to swim in the Med as the Madusa (Jelly fish) have made swimming most unpleasant. From there we drove through to Zikron Ja acov for speciality Ice Creams. This town has some old narrow streets which are full of people. The town is home to a number of English (American) speaking Jews.

Friday 8th Evening..
After an afternoon where some of us had a nap and others caught up on some reading etc. we spent the evening at Cesaria (Ceasarea Old City Ruins). They had a Kite festival. What this is a gathering of about 100 families and their kites. All shapes and sizes but not the real serious kiting where the kite can lift the kiter. This was totally a family affair. The old ruins of this castle / city that was built around 2000 years ago forms the basic setting for a number of activities.


MICHAEL CONGRATULATES A KITE FLYING ANNABELLE

A SCHALK BURGER TACKLE


OUR ONE TAILED KITE
There is no entrance fee. A cultural band played us instrumental music. The Music was perfect for this cultural evening. It formed the background for the family evening. We arrived around 5 or 6 pm and stayed until just before dark at around 8pm. Michael's friend Gabriel (Pronounced Gavriel) and friend Ina, joined us. Here alcohol is freely available and wine from a local vineyard is available by the glass. However we have not observed any alcohol abuse. I am sure that there is but it is not apparent. Especially not in family settings such as this. Alcohol can be bought at any time, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day at filling station shops.


MEET THE KITE FLYERS
This evening was a real cultural experience for us. Just sitting there on the grass, listening to the soft background guitar playing and harmonising; while watching the Israeli families as they enjoyed their evening out was a special experience for me.


KITE FESTIVAL IN CESAERIYYA


EMILY IS THE CHAMPION KITE FLYER OF THE EVENING


DAD RELAXING AT KITE FESTIVAL


CULTURAL EVENING AT CASAERIYYA KITE FESTIVAL


ANNABELLE FLYS A KITE


SCHALK BURGER WOULD BE PROUD OF THIS TACKLE

MICHAEL IS A PROUD DAD

I had roasted a chicken for supper. Unfortunately the potatoes were not cooked. After supper we fell asleep to a strange futuristic movie called; "The road". I will not recommend this movie.

Saturday 9th; The Israeli equivelant of Sunday.
We all slept a little late. Mike and I went out for our morning walk / run. We found an orchard of Grapefruit and helped ourselves to one each that we ate as we walked. I enjoy this hour of exercise in the mornings. I always come home sweating profusely and it takes me an hour plus a cool shower to cool off.

After a lazy morning at home we drove (in one car) to Tel Aviv -- Petah Tiqva where Michael's mother, Ronit, lives. We had lunch in her apartment. As you drive through Tel Aviv you are struck by the number of Apartment blocks. As far as you can see there are flats all over. Highrise and older blocks that are not as well kept but often closer to the center of town and the beach areas. Ronit's flat is very nice with a spare room for guests. She treated us to a full table including cakes and ice cream for desert. Gili joined us for lunch. He has recovered from the ordeal of the Diamond Customs issue. It appears that work is back to normal and that his employers are treating him well despite his mistake of exiting through the Green Zone while he should have gone through the Red (Declare at customs) zone. He is very tired and finds himself sleeping late; a necessary release after the tension of court and police etc.

After lunch we played a bit of bridge. Jacqui and Michael had to have a bit of a refresher but soon picked it up. Barbara declared her holiday to be complete as she had pictured herself with a glass of wine, relaxing with the family andd playing bridge. Ronit's brother, Jacob (pronounced Jacov) joined us. He told us his one English Joke about the Dead Sea where the Fisherman asks for 10 sheckels to explain what he is fishing for and tells the tourist the it is he who is the first fish of the day. Jacob tells us how he has promised his Later mother that he will keep the family together and he does his best to do so. Jacqui met their mother just once in the hospital just before she died.

After a relaxed afternoon and too much to eat we left for Jaffo (Yafa) which is a section of Tel Aviv that is famous for its history and has markets and cobbled walkways. From the top we could see across to the main section of Tel Aviv and the beaches where the rich, famous and singles live. As a result of all this driving around; Each time we drive we have a whole lot of sing song's in the car; The children are now walking around the house singing songs such as "Izika Zoomba & My friend the witch-doctor"

We walked around this area for a while and then made our way home for an early evening. It was really hot so it ended up with only Michael and I sleeping upstairs. The rest of the family slept in the airconditioned lounge.

Sunday 10th July 2011;\
Michael went off to Jerusalem for the day. He does a full day's work today and will only be home at around 9pm. Cleaning and Tidying up after children is a never ending story.
Jacqui and I spent the first part of the morning at the nursery. I sit and read. Right now I am reading Spud Three. I find it very amusing and can suddenly burst out into giggles and laughter including tears. Jenny's mother who cannot speak a word of English also sits outside and offers me coffee and cakes. I think that she becomes quite worried when I am reduced to tearful chuckles. Once all the children had arrived and were being fed, Jacqui and I returned back home where the rest of the family were just waking.

This morning we drove through to a place called Ein Hod. THis is a small arty village on the Karmel Mountain. There was a fire there not too long ago. It destroyed a whole mountain side of trees and vegetation as well as some of the Ein Hod homes and shops. The village was quiet today but on weekends Jacqui tells us that there are all kinds of markets and artistic items on show. As it is we saw the local artwork on the streets.
After an iced coffee, Jacqui caught up on some shopping. Dropped me off at home to pack away and then took Ally to a clothing shop to spoil her a bit.

This evening Michael was too tired to drive home and stayed over in Tel Aviv. People sleep all over the house; couches, floor, sleeper and beds. Trying to find a cool spot.

Monday 11th July
This morning Jacqui and I went to the Nursery. I have enjoyed greeting and chatting to the parents as they arrive. Jenny makes me Lemon Grass / Mint tea and chocolate cake. I sat chatting to Amnon for a while. I collected Barbara and the children a little later. An older child brought a bit of a shadow show for the nursery today. Jacqui was not feeling her best and we left early.

We drove through to Tel Aviv - Jafo - Jaffa - Where we met Michael. We walked along the promenade and into a narrow street market. Ally bought some gifts for her friends at home. Barbara bought a couple of T shirts for family. Michael had not been home and was in his work clothes. It was too hot for long pants so he bought himself a pair of shorts. We pushed the buggy though the streets and alleyways and up to the same lookout point that we had seen over the weekend. I discovered that Jafo is a really old part of Israel. The first settlers came to the hill (Tell) around 1800 years before the birth of Christ. It was developed as a port. And restoration began in the 1960's. It is now a good looking area with many of the buildings having been restored. There are however pockets of "shacks" where the families have owned the property for generations and are reluctant to give up their homes. We had lunch at a restaurant called Alladin which overlooks the Tel Aviv beaches and harbour.

Jacqui was not feeling well so drove directly home. It was a hot afternoon and I felt that I had just this one opportunity to have a swim. So I rushed down to the beach and dived in for a very quick swim before Michael and I headed home. On the way Michael phoned one of the property sales people and established that a fairly new building of a sea facing, 5 bedroom flat in Tel Aviv will cost around R7 million.

A little later Michael took Barbara, Emily, Annabelle and myself to the aquaduct beach (Yam) for an afternoon swim. The Madusa (Jellyfish) were almost entirely gone. Just a few small ones in the water. Unfortunately Michael was stung. He and I had a 3 kay run up the beach and back. I made us a supper of Spaghetti Boglonaise and we watched a bit of TV until we all fell asleep. Barbara and Ally have taken to sleeping downstairs with the airconditioner on. My cold is almost entirely cured but I am still wary of sleeping under the aircon. This morning Nicci and Stefan flew to Athens and will have spent the night there. They are off to Skiathos Island for a Wedding photo shoot.

Tuesday 12th
We have two days left before we have to leave. We have had a special holiday where we have been able to integrate into the life of Jacqui and Michael and their families.
Jacqui not feeling too good. We go out shopping a couple of times. Ally and I find some suitable gifts for her friends at home. Jacqui spends most of the day trying to recover. Annabelle is also not her strongest. Michael has a patient later this evening. I finish Spud Three. I watch the 10th stage of TDF.

Wednesday 13th July 2011: the final day of our Israel Holiday. Barbara is already planning her next trip to Israel with Dawn in March next year. We will have to see if that comes off. Nicci and Stefan had a marathon trip to Greece and landed in Athens this afternoon. It is just across the Meditteranean and feels close. Barbara will spend a week in Cape Town while they are in Greece.
Spend the afternoon and evening in Tel Aviv.

Thursday 14th July
We leave for South Africa at 1.00am in the morning. Fly to Addis Ababa - three hours -- Fly to Johannesburg -- Three hours and final section to PE arriving at 18.00.