Masada and the Dead Sea

So here are the pictures from Masada. An ancient fortress from the Roman Times. If you want to learn more, just Wiki it I guess. =P We got to Jerusalem on Thursday night, and had to catch a bus Friday morning at 3am so we could make the sunrise. With barely any sleep, we hiked up the Snake Trail. There was a cable car but it didn't open until 9am. It took about 45 to 60 minutes to get all the way up and beat the sunrise. It was completely worth it!!!

The following pictures are from the Dead Sea. It is completely true... everyone floats!! You cannot sink. But it does burn when it gets in your eyes, as do any other cuts or rashes. At the Dead Sea, many people like to cover themselves in the mud. It's a clay, like texture that would feel great, it it weren't for the tiny pebbles. You're supposed to let it sit on your skin for awhile and then was it off. I hear people pay mad $$ for this type of body treatment. I guess it helped my skin. I was never one for that stuff anyway. It was just fun smearing mud all over yourself!! =)


Also, on a side note - if you double click the pictures it will pull up the web album.

Refugee Camp

So here are the pictures from the Ama'ri Refugee Camp.  Like I said in the earlier post, this was the most meaningful/profound experience I've had here in Israel.  

A Day in Ramallah

Here are pictures from our day in Ramallah, in the Occupied Territories.   Every meeting we attended we were always greeted with beverages and snacks, such as juice, coffee, tea and crackers or pastries.  It was interesting to note this cultural aspect because, most often, when we attended Jewish-Israeli speakers we just sat down and got down to business.  From my understanding the Arab culture is very hospitable. Usually meetings don't start right away and there is discussion of family, the weekend, or other various topics.  Things are very laid back, and meetings usually don't start on time and meetings generally run long.  Many of the Israeli organizations are very Western, in the sense that there is very little small talk and things are kept on a tight schedule.  Not to say that Israelis aren't courteous, because our encounters have always been cordial.  Although, you could see the adaptation of this trait in the Palestinian organizations, because there is so much work to be done.  An underlying theme of wanting peace but acknowledging the past kept reoccurring throughout all of the speakers.

Sorry for the Delay

Hi everyone!!!! Sorry it has been so long since I've last posted.  It has really been a whirlwind of events during the first 10 days of the trip.  We've met with so many people.  I'm going to try and go through my schedule and try and coordinate it with the pictures I've taken.

Also here's the link if those pics are too small.

http://picasaweb.google.com/mistajojo/FirstDayInIsrael

Day 1 and 2

Oh my gosh!!! What an amazing past 2 days.  The first day we were able to visit Jerusalem.  Saw the Dome of the Rock, the Wailing Wall, and the Holy Sepulcher!!!!  

There are sooooo many young Israeli soldiers on duty.  Some look like they're 15 and they're holding machine guns.  

The second day we met people from the PA, PLO, and other Palestinian Organizations.  We also met the Chief of Staff of the PA President.  Wasn't able to get a pic with him though... he was moving so quickly I didn't get to ask.  Same thing with the PA Foreign Minister.  

The most eye-opening part of the day was visiting the refugee camps.  The children were sooooo cute... but it was soooo sad to witness the areas in which they had to live.  We were able to give them American candy that we were told to bring with us.  When I was reaching in for my pocket I realized that there sometimes just isn't enough candy.  There clothes were tattered but there smiles were brand new.  I will never forget visiting and hope that one day I will be able to return.

Sorry guys... I still gotta figure out how to post pics with my new macbook... not sure where they are and I gotta get some rest.  Will post as soon as I can. 

Later,

Will

Departure Day

Well... I promised to start one of these to keep family and friends, who don't have facebook, updated. Since I'm leaving today, this post will be short. Still a few more things I gotta do.

Just wanted to say that I really appreciate all the well wishes, advice, and love everyone has been sending my way as I begin this exciting trip. I love all of you!!! I'll see everyone when I get back in two months. Until then, I'll do my best to keep everyone posted.

Pictures will come by the bucket load.

Take care everyone!!!!!