Farwell Israel.....

Israel has been a fasicnating country. I see Israel as a nation of people from all around the world. Israelians come in all shades as they were dispersed from Israel as the 12 lost tribes of Israel some went to Europe, others to the Middle East, others to Africa. You can see Israelians with blonde hair to blue eyes to African looking from Yemen. What unites them is strong patirosim to their religion Judaism. Having controverises with the Palestian muslims. Israel is a dictiomy. Israel such a young nation and Tel Aviv a young city of ~50 years old with people and foods from around the world. Jerusalem on the other hand one of the oldest cities in the world ~3000 years old and of course the holiest of the holiest and diverse with all 3 religions having roots there and live in harmony. Where else in the world can you see at a blink of an eye a rabbi scurrying off to the synagoune, an armeian priest dressed in black running off to do a sermon, an imman, or a catholic priest all within one square mile of each other. Religous groups ex. Muslims, Chrisitans, and Jews selling different religious articfacts from other religions than their own such as the eye of fatima, star of david, and the cross. Truly amazing.......

Giving how harmonious Jersualem is, I hope that that will trickle down to other parts of Israel such as the Israel and the Palestian conflict. I unfortunately think that it will take a miracle or an act of god to resolve the Israel and Palestianian conflict as the Muslims say....Insha'Allah (God Willing)....

DAy 126: Jerusalem, Israel...

Woke up way to early to go see the Dome of the Rock. Dome of the Rock is single most important area for all three religions Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Jews believe this is where Abraham sacrificed Issac. The Christians believe that Jesus descended from Heaven here and the Muslims believe Mohammed descended to paradise here. So you can see that it is definitely a hot controversial spot. Currently there is a mosque that sits on top of it. Had to go thru a secuirty check when entering the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock. The Jewish people are currently thinking about building a third temple, the Western Wall was part of the 2nd temple that was destroyed. We weren't allow to go in because you can only go in if you are a muslim. There is a big gold dome that sits on top of it that was donated by the king of Jordan. Talk to the security guard there and figured out I was Indian and went on to tell me how he really enjoyed Amita Bachhan movies and broked out in an Indian song. Boy the Indian film industry has definitely penetrated much of the Middle East. Walk arounds a bit. The different quarters sell all the different religious stuff ex. the Muslim quarter will sell the eye of Fatima (Muslims), Star of David (for the Jews), and the cross (chrisitans). I guess when you are running a buisiness religion does not matter and political controversies. Also people intermarry as well. Every time you turn a corner you see such extreme levels of religiousness. You want down the Jewish corner you see the orthodox jews in their black coats and their side dreadlocks, you turn a corner and enter the Muslim section and you see the Arab men in their white outfits and the woman in their burkas, you turn another corner and you see the Armeian priest. People from the different quarters mix they don't just stay in their own quarters, ex. Jews go into the Muslim quarter vice versa.

Met a nice lady Raquel and her family from Texas, chatted for about an hour. Headed to the airport. Got to the airport 2 hours before my flight. The security people at the Israelian airport whent thru my luggage and checked each piece of my clothing at3x asked me a serious of questions the same questions 2x wanted to know who i interacted with wanted to see my pictures of israel. I didn't mind the checking my clothes once, but they did it a couple of times and when they gave me back my clothes it was all thrown together in my suitcase nothing in order and they had lost one of my locks. I was not happy about that. I thought how interesting gettting into Israel took about an hour but leaving took double the time. I guess they didn't want to have any bombers on the plane where they cannot do anything. I did think it was a bit extreme though.

Day 125: Jersualem, Israel

Another exciting day of learning about the history of Jerusalem. Every time you turn around you see something interesting it never stops..... It is one of the most amazaing and historical sites I have ever been to and would highly recommend it for those interesting in religion or history. Started the day by going to the Tower of David museum to learn about the history of Jersualem which is about 3000 years old. Jersualem is divided into 4 quarters Muslim, Christians, Jewish, and Armenian. Armeninans are one of the first groups of people to accept Christianity that is why they have a piece of Jersualem. Founded out that groups over the years have been trying to control Jersualem like the Bablyonas (from Iraq) kicked the Jews out and made them live in modern day Iraq and the Persians than occupied them the Persians let the Jews stay in Jersualem. Headed to the City of David which is older than Jersualem meaning more than 3000 years old. Had a bit of a wander, but got frustrated at the disorganization of the site that I left.

Then headed to Mt. Olives. This is where there is a massive graveyard where alot of Jewish people are buried. Found out that Jews put the head of their tombstones down where the christians put them up. Jewish people want to be buried here because they believe when God comes for the Jewish people going into Jersualem that they will be the first to go there. They pay quite a high premium to be buried here. Then headed to the church where Jesus mother Mary was buried. After headed to the place where the last Supper was. Below the last supper is where King David was suppose to be have buried so they are basically in the same building. The Last Supper on the upper floor and the tomb of King David on the bottom.

DAy 124: Jersualem, Israel

What can I say except simply amazing!!!!!!!! Jersualem is what I expected the rest of Israel to look like or at least most of the middle east. You feel like you are in the olden times with the cobble stone walkways and the covered souq areas. We first went thru the new city which pretty much looks like any other modern middle eastern city in the middle east. Then we went to the old city and went thru one of the gates. We went into the Jewish quarter first. and saw the orthodox Jews with their long dredlocks on the side of their heads and their shaven hair in the back with their black suits on and their hats apprently this style of dressing from taken from the Russian a couple of centuries ago. Then went to the Western Wall where the 2nd temple stood before it was destroyed there is still part of the temple called the Western Wall and it faces the Dome of the Rock which is single most important area for all three religions Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Jews believe this is where Abraham sacrificed Issac. The Christians believe that Jesus descended from Heaven here and the Muslims believe Mohammed descended to paradise here. The Jewish people write down their prayers and then put it into the cracks of the wall, once a week someone collects the prayers and put them on Mount Olives which is where the Jews believe God will stand before entering Jersualem. The Christians believe Mount Olives is sacred because this is where Jesus will have his Judgement Day. Men and woman are seperated in the western wall. After putting the prayer note in the cracks of the wall the woman walk backwards a sign of respect. Then went to the Muslim Quarter to get to the Christian quarter. Some some Jewish people in the Muslim Quarters. Saw woman in their black burkas. Muslims like green and blue. Green for the color of paradise which they believe is their heaven. Blue is the color of fatima's eyes (Fatima is the daughter of Mohammed she had blue eyes), her eyes are suppose to ward off evil. Followed the footsteps of Jesus where Jesus gave his final speech and the place where the cross was on the rock. Then went to the place he was cleaned and buried. In Jersualem there are people coming around that want to exchange money for you like the souqs where pepole selling you stuff.

Then went to the Palestinan Territory to Bethlehem where Jesus was born and the manageer where he was kept. The only reason he was born in Bethlhem was that they were suppose to record his birth there. FYI in case you are wondering it has snowed in Bethlehem during x-mas! Palestine Territory looked different than Tel Aviv, it is more run down and there wasn't alot of people around. We went thru a checkpoint only when reentering Israel. There is a wire that seperates Israel and the Palestian territory. Tried Palestian beer Taybeh it was pretty good. Talk to the reception guy at the front desk of my hotel he was a Palestian christians said that the PA is corrupt and it is hard to get into Gaza, but he did not support the Israleans. There is a small group of Palestians who are Christians. They are caught in the middle of this conflict. Talk to another receptionist who was also Palestian Christian and he said things were better during the Israliean occupation at least people got paid for things, now he said it sometimes takes months for people to get paid.

Day 123: Nazareth and Gailee, Israel

Today went to Nazareth where Jesus grew up saw the old and new parts of Nazareth. Passed by the silicon valley of Israel. The Church of Annunication where many nations donated paintings. Learned that the carvings outside on churches is from the romans influence. Saw carvings of the Angel Gabriel coming to Mary to tell her about Jesus. John the Baptise baptises Jesus. Saw where Jesus turned water into wine. Saw where Jesus was baptized. Jesus called it purification. Jews believe that every number up to 613 has a significance. Jews don't work on Fri. and Sat and just like the Muslims, Christians it's of course Sat. and Sun. Went to the Sea of Galiee. Jesus had 12 disciplies which represents the 12 states of Israel. Zion is the name for the Hewbrew word for Jersualem, that's what people refere to when they say the Zionist movement.

Day 122: Tel Aviv and Jaffa, Israel

Today went and booked my tour for Israel and Jerusalem my tour guide was very helpful. I noticed for most Israelians it takes them a bit of time to warm up, but she was one of the few Israel's that was warm immeditaely. Today my german friend Andrew and I headed out for the camel market where they sell nick nacks and yummy desserts. We were accompanied by one of the girls that worked in the hostel of course being interested in the Israelian and Palestine conflict we asked her some questions. She told us she has no problem with the Palestian nor people from Jordan or Syria. She told me she use to have friends in the Palestian Territory but she cannot visit them anymore since Israelians are not allow to go to Palestian Terriroty. She said it was the goverment from both sides that's the problem. The Palestians do something and that the Israel government respondes very aggressively. She didn't blame the Palestine's for anything and she was very objective when talking about the situation. She hoped for peace from both sides. I asked her about traditional Israelian food like what I saw in the US such as mazto balls, bagels, etc... she told me mazto balls are actually from german and poland. she said there is no traditional israelian/jewish foods its brought from the different countries that the jewish people reside in. Which makes sense as Israel is such a young nation 50 years old. After the halocaust a lot of Jewish people immigrated to the us and this was the food that they brought. We then headed to the Yemen quarter of Tel Aviv, thru the market tried some yummy sweets. The people are generally very laid back when trying to sell you stuff. Went thru the Yemen section which is the older part of Tel Aviv and saw some beautiful old homes and freshly planted pink flowers growing. It was quite beautiful to see the old buildings with the fresh young flowers, reminded me of how old parts of Israel was like Jersualem over 3000 years old and how new Tel Aviv which is only about 50+ years old. Then headed to Jaffa, saw some cool articeture then heard the mosque prayer calls, my impression was that there would be no Palestine's living in the Tel Aviv/Jaffa, interesting how the perception forms when watching the media. There are some Palestine's living in the Israelinan territory with work permits, etc....I thought that when I came there would be quite alot of Israelian police around. All Israelian woman and men are required to serve in the army. Jaffa we saw both Jewish and Muslim stuff being sold. Tried Yemen food which was bits of chicken in soup. Soups are quite popular in Yemen. Tried some green looking vegetable stuff they say it comes out in your skin the next day. There are alot of Yemen people of Jewish background that immigrated to Israel. Met a nice guy who was part Yemen and Morroco. Tried a fruit shake they have quite a big fruit shake selection in terms of the fruits.

I saw quite a diverse looking mix of Israels' from blonde hair to blue eyes, to African looking, what of course binds most of the people is their religion Judaism. Most of the people had immigrated after the Holocuast from various countries in the world. This reminded me of the US with the mix of people.

Day 121: Hello Israel.....

Day 121: Got up way to early to catch my flight to Tel Aviv. They had more security checks than usual they had one at the counter and then one at the waiting area. Being a litte apprehensive after the things I had seen on T.V. etc... I was looking around for any suspious looking suicide bombers. I was grateful when the plan finally landed in Tel Aviv. Got to the airport and saw the flag with the Star of David. Got grilled by the airport security for about an hour when I was going thru passport control I got questions from how much I spent on my trip to the origins of my name. I didn't mind the security check as it made me feel more secure about the safety of the people. I then headed to the train station. Went I got to the train station I noticed a civilian with a gun, I was a little taken back by this, but was told that they do this if the civilians feel threatened. I didn't find the people to be as friendly and open as they were in Turkey, they seem a little more apprehensive. Could be since everythign they had gone thru to get Israel and being attacked. I did find the men not to make remarks to woman that I had found at times in the other Middle Eastern countries. Could be that the men are use to being with woman and in the Middle Easter muslim countries there is more of a seperation between men and woman. Tel Aviv reminds me alot of NYC and Miami, NYC with the tall buildings and the fast pace life and Miami with the beaches. They have pretty much the same foods as the rest of the middle east, olives, cheese, it was nice to see delhis and bagel shops. Tried herring with mayoniase and a pastry stuffed with olives. It was not as I expected I was expecting more military men with guns etc... The grocery stores did search you when going in. I met a girl on the train from Miami who was going to the Hebrew University she told me some of her Jewish friends at home had volunteer to go to the Israel army, boy I thought what patroism to their religion.

Day 1120: Farewell Turkey....

Day 120: Well today is my last day in Istanbul and I have thoroughly enjoyed my stay. I guess you could call Turkey a complete package, beautiful scenery with the fun beaches and the intelliectual side with all the history and culture, mix of the east and west cultures, great food, and above all nice friendly people. On two occassions I was walking with some men and didn't have a ticket for the train and they insisted on using their preparid card to let me thru, I have also met two nice ladies on the train that couldn's speak much English but once I told them I had gone close to their home town they were excited and insisted on me coming out to visit them. The men can be a little overly friendly, but I guess what can you say guys can be guys. I saw men playing bagnamon, people fishing on the bridge, kids playing the water. As Turkey moves towards the Western culture I hope they don't loose touch of their Eastern values.

Day 119 & 120: Istanbul, Turkey

Day 119: Today I went on a tour of the Bhopshours sea which splits up Turkey in the asian and european parts. Most people live on the Asian side, since it's cheaper and live on the European side. Saw the mosques with all their minerts, number of minerts (that's where they have the call to prayer) depend on how much the doners had contributed. The Asian side didn't look to different than the European side. Then went to the Blue Mosque and saw all shades of blue. The mosque had a mixture of Arabic, rocco, and baroque styles. Went to a Turkish bath where they steamed you up then they scrubb you down with a nice massage.

Day 117 & 118: Istanbul, Turkey

Day 117: Took the city sightseeing bus and drove around town. Saw turkish men playing backgamon, very popular thing to do in Turkey. Then went to a Devonshire dance, where the men go into a trance like stage and dance around the stage in circles its suppose to be religious. Went to Aya Sophia, the grandest church before 15th century of Chrisitanity. It was pretty amazing to see the church as it is now converted to a mosque. You can still see the remants of the church with Jesus and Mary drawings. Then you see the big black circles with gold writings all around Aya Sophia I have been told this is the name of the prophets friends. It remined me of seeing the black an gold contrast that I saw in Greece. The colors were quite grand in the Aya Sophia and the mosiacs as well. The birds were flying thru which added to the scenery. Then headed to Taxism walked around a bit. Seems like Turkish food consist alot of cheese, bread, and olives.

118: Today went to Topaki Palace and ran into two new friends I had seen the day before. The Topaki Palace was home of the the sultan (politcal leaders of the country). The palace was pretty amazing. The mosiacs were pretty incredible. It was a nice blend of Arabic and European w/rocco style, symbolic of east and westof Turkey being the crossroads. Went to the Harem (private quarters for the sultan and his family) where he had many concubines and eunichs (castriated male servants from Africa). Seems like I have seen alot of concubines and euncihs in royalty which is the common thread in most cultures I have seen so far. Then went to the grand bazzar it wasn't as impressive as the ones in Syria. Had a pide (which is basically a pizza rolled up on the sides, without any tomatoe sauce and cheese). Then headed to Taxism where they have cobble stone walkways and great shopping and food. Tried the stuffed potatoe which is potatoe whipped with cheese and butter and then loaded with a bunch of different types of salads.