Israel visit 2004 From Okinawa and then straight to Israel, there's no stopping, just a minute I want to take a breather. One heat to another, only this time there is a breeze, and time to swim in the sweet water of the Sea of Galilee. We made our way to Jerusalem after our arrival at Ben Gurion airport and all the stringent security checks. Every year it changes, with more and more settlements, which look very nice with their carved protruding stones in pale orange covered in fast growing vines to help one to shelter from the searing heat. As I enter the city everything seems calm, more and more locals are walking the streets and more tourists are evident, there is a sense of calm, and as I drive towards my destination, now I can see why. On the west bank a grey image runs as far as the eye can see, it is the wall that you have heard so much about. I feel sorry for all the families that have been separated by it's presence but to be honest, if my children and family are in danger of being killed I would do my utmost to stop anyone trying to do harm to them, and I'm sure you would do the same. However, let's hope that this is only a breathing point to a safer and fair solution. While I was in Jerusalem I visited the Holy Sepulchre in the old city to pray for peace. I entered the resting place of Christ and kissed the tomb hoping one day people will sort out their differences. The old city is like a theatre with every shopkeeper trying to make you part with your money. Some of the traders are very dramatic and could sell snow to an Eskimo, if you speak to them you are doomed to buy something. However, I must say there is such a talent and craftsmanship in all products, if this energy and talent could only be used in the cause of bringing peace. I stayed with my friends in Jerusalem for a couple of nights and did some one on one training with them covering Kata and Bunkai. After the training we made our way to the best falafel stall in Jerusalem's Mahane Yehuda market for what are reputedly the best falafel in Jerusalem and I have to agree. Then it was time to make our way to Padis Hana where we would send the next three day's with my friend Eitan and family. Every day we would visit a park or beach, which was of course completely packed become it is the holiday season. In the evening while having a few ice cold drinks, one of my colleagues and Eitan would face each other for continuous application (renzoku bunkai) after about 10 attempts each the sweat was flowing and I would have them finish by correcting their katas. All too soon it was time to say farewell to Eitan and to journey to my favourite place, the Sea of Galilee. My friends have a private beach there where we slept under the stars for a week. My only enemy were the mosquito's, but I had purchased a net so managed a good sleep. One fantastic night after midnight the sky was absolutely filled with shooting stars. I have been told since that these are an annual event and are called the Persids Meteor Shower. Our last two nights of the trip were spent in Jerusalem. I wanted to sleep outside in a netted tent, as it was cooler in Jerusalem at night due to it's altitude. I was awoken at 4.30am by the call to all Muslims to pray (chanted by the al-mu’azin, "the prayer caller") , however, I soon slipped back into a deep sleep, until woken by the heat of the sun. I have been to Israel every year for the past 32 years, and it 's still a new experience every time. One thing is for certain, the land and the animals live together, but the people don't. George Andrews Home | Articles | Archive List