Golan Heights, Israel

Shalom!

We've spent the last week in Israel in the Golan heights with Andys brother, Nessem. Another treat of our travels, thanks to Andys family again, is having this opportunity to live and breathe the culture and lifestyle in Israel, and more importantly spend time with Nessem who Andy rates as one of the most important people in his life.

We had planned on Israel being the end of our mideast trip, mainly to make parting a lesser sorrow with the fam, however changed our routing on a whim within an hour of arriving in Jordan. This was thanks to a greedy handed airport worker who groped me on the bus! I, being the polite kiwi pushed his hand away rather than shouting, smacking, or generally embarrasing him publicly which is what I learnt afterwards is the correct response. It seems obvious now but in the moment my intinct took over and sadlyI froze reverting to the subtle manners approach, thinking 'surely he gets that I am not into this guff. Nope, got to be tough here. My carefuly arranged arsenal of angry looks, short responses to his typical, 'where are you from' type questions, and carefully arranged arm, bag and books on my lap, didn't do much good to keep away his intrusive hands. Grr! Not a biggie, but really offensive. Next time I will bite...not literally but you know.

So, definately not to judge the country by one sour apple, but after that experience and the general first impressions of Jordan we realised that the best way to cut our losses and ease into our new surroundings would be to hop accross the border straight away, being the impulsive munchkins we are, and start off in Israel.

So after a long days travel from Amman to Jerusalem, then to the top of Israel we surprised Nessem by walking down the main drag a month early!

Needless to say it's my first time in occupied territory - the Golan Heights was taken by Israel from Syria in the 6 day war in the 1960's, and the military presence is strong in my virginal eyes. When Iraelis hit 17 years old they automatically serve 2 years in the military and following this 1 month each year until they reach 60! Its pretty strange seeing kids in skate shoes with pants around their asses and M16's slung over their sides sleeping on the bus next to us.

The food here is to die for, the largely organic fruit is usually picked the same day we eat it day by Nessems mother who still works the fields, or by a sneaky side of the road manouver on our drives through the country. I've never had cherries or apricots like these before. The hummus, falafel, and local cheese 'lahbne' is too good. Aula, Nessem's wife is going to teach me to make it for ya'll on my return!


It's a beautiful country and obviously a strong contrast to Asia and for that matter NZ. I could babble for hours about it but as we are using the neighbours internet I'll resist. I will say though that it is far more lush than I expected. It is more like what I imagined a lot of Europe to be like with the fresh produce and cream stone hills dotted with olive trees and stone fruit orchards. You know it's Israel though when you see the old bunkers, active mine fields and ruins of castles from the crusades. One, Nimrod castle dates back to 1229 ad, during the 6th Crusade. We drive past it each day, there's much history here! It's facinating being somewhere so old for a little kiwi. Jerusalem was another story! HOLY!! (haha)

Anywho, rest assured despite the infamy of Israel and the Golan Heights, and the UN presence here we are utterly safe. Nessem, Aula, and Andy, their son (and Andy's namesake) are great hosts and we are having a blast.

I'll add some photos soon.

xxx

p.s - We have decided to flag Egypt this trip as it will just be too damned hot this time of year. Instead we're swapping it for more Greek Islands and a few weeks in Turkey!!
Egypt will have to wait for the Africa Expedition in 2011