| (Cont' ....) One of the strongest feelings we got was that of being safe on the streets. Much different to our home in Birkenhead, Merseyside. There seemed to be a tremendous sense of unity among the people and it had a tangable effect on us. There was less of the self-centredness evident on British streets. We never felt nervous walking around at night - ever. Perhaps this is what happens in a country permanently on a war footing. |
| Food, of course, plays an important part in Jewish culture, and there is always somewhere to eat, wherever you find yourself. Apart from the traditional Falafel stalls, there are the inevitable eateries such as MacDonalds, Pizza Hut. There is also the gloriously named, "Bonkers Bagels" chain. |
| Our favourite place to eat was the Rimon Oriental Restaurant, just off Ben Yehuda. Wonderfully cooked food, friendly staff, quick service and reasonable prices. There was a great camaraderie in restaurants and shops between staff and customer. OK, it's good for business to be friendly, but where else would a shop-keeper, whose shop you had visited only once, recognise you on the street, stop, shake your hand and wish you well. Not, I think, in England. They do in Jerusalem, and does that mean you are more likely to go back? Sure does! | 
|
 
| We digressed from the usual tourist thing on a few occasions. One such being to plant two memorial trees in the Hadassah Forest. It was an interesting bus ride to the far south west corner of the sity, behind the Hadassah hospital, but a real pain to find. However, a moving experience once we arrived. This is a government scheme to encourage tree planting across Jerusalem and costs very little to be part of. Incidently, once you have got your head around the idea of going by bus it's really quite good. All trips are 4.10 NIS. You just get on, pay (change given) and get off where you want. |
| Our other digression was to visit the local Messianic Fellowship which is part of the International Organisation, Prayer For Israel. We had the priviledge of attending their Chanukah party on the 23rd December. Love them doughnuts (OK, 'donuts', for the American readers!).
We loved our time in Israel, and we know we will be going back, God willing, one day. Finally, for the brave at heart, we have put together a small on-line photo album. |
| Back .... |
| 
|