Food, Safety and Other Matters

Some have asked about either food, lodging, transportation, or safety in Israel.

The food here has been amazing and abundant. We've had breakfast and dinners in our hotels. Lunch has always been out while touring and always at places fully capable of handling not just our group of 43, but multiple groups our size simultaneously. Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners all feature fresh fruits and vegetables. There was an avocado salad at Nof Ginosar in Tiberias earlier that I went back the get two helpings. So good. It is easy with a full buffet including great desserts to overeat. I've given up on the breakfast buffet altogether and gone back to my granola bars. I've also pulled back on what I chose at lunch and dinner. If you are considering coming to Israel, just know that you will be well-fed. It is also refreshing for me to not have to worry about stomach issues with the water. It is no different than drinking the water in the U.S.

Lodging has been somewhere between a Holiday Inn Express and a Marriott. The food, service, and a few room amenities are like the Marriott, and in comfort and size the rooms are like a Holiday Inn Express. What is unique, of course, is the location of these hotels. One in Tel Aviv, one on the side of the Sea of Galilee, and here in walking distance from the Old City in Jerusalem.

One interesting note on Nof Ginosar, the hotel on the Sea of Galilee. It is a kibbutz. Our guide spent some time explaining the unique nature of the kibbutz. It is true socialism at work. No one owns anything, all income goes into a pool and is shared by the members of the kibbutz, all work is shared as is property. The kibbutz is entirely voluntary and seems to work effectively only here in Israel. Our experience of living in the kibbutz of the hotel Nof Ginosar was very positive.

Transportation in Israel has been no different than transportation in the U.S. The roads are well developed like ours and, unlike other countries I have visited, the rules of the road are followed. We have travelled by coach style bus. The bus is comfortable, the driver skilled, and the tour guide and others constantly speak to us over the loud speakers. They also pipe music over the loud speaker occasionally. When we first reached Jerusalem, they played the song, "The Holy City." It was a nice touch.

One important thing to say is that I have not felt unsafe here. I am aware of the fact that the neighboring countries have issues with the Jews and want to cause them harm. I am aware that not far from here Syria is having its own problems. I am aware that there have been bombs in public places in this country. However, I am also aware of the dangers of living in the U.S. It is risky to do anything in life. I have not seen any evidence of the tensions. The tour guides have been wise in where they take us, how they take us there, and when they take us. They give us the same kind of warnings we give each other about going into big cities like what neighborhood to watch out for and when to travel where.

Off to church... shalom