Beginning the Next Phase

Canaanite Wall, 18th Century BCE

Michelle, Toby and Gabriella arrived 7/8.  I followed on 7/20 and for the last two weeks we have been touring around with Michelle's sister Julie and two cousins - Baylor and Maya.  It has been a great way to spend time with the family and the cousins have had a lot of fun together.  We have been from Rosh HaNikra on the northern coast, to Akko, to the Carmel Market and Old Jaffa in Tel Aviv, up to Tel Dan Nature Reserve in the northern Galilee and back down to Tsfat for some mysticism and Yemenite wraps.  Saw some fantastic ruins and sites.

                                                                Rooftop in Tsfat

The history never ceases to astound.  It is hard to imagine that you are standing in a port where Jonah was alleged to have set sail for his encounter with the whale.

And then Sharona and Gal take us to a jewelry studio where, in the course of renovating, the owners uncovered relics dating back 2500 years (Israeli law allows property owners to keep artifacts found on their property - they are displayed in a small exhibit in the studio - amazing stuff).

But now vacation is almost over.  Toby and Gabriella start school on 8/27, Michelle and Susan start their Ulpan class and I am looking into learning either the oud or some Klezmer fiddle (or both).  The High Holidays approach and the seasons will turn. So the next phase begins.