40 Years of Visiting Israel

I first went to Israel in 1972 to conduct a Gasshuku in the Kibbutz Tzora, "place of wasps,” the word Zorah is also the name of an Egyptian Sun God. The most bizarre thing is that as a young child I was attacked by a swarm of wasps.

Anyway back to my story.  We enjoy the same thing every year and why not if it brings you happiness?  I visit places such as burial grounds according to religious beliefs to receive spiritual guidance, as there are 46 doctrines.

My family is sympathetic to my belief to receive this divine, the history in Israel effects all people as we all breathe the same air.

On arriving at our destination this year, we were greeted by our close friends, shown to our quarters and after a cool shower, it was off to bed.

The next day we made our way down to the Dead Sea, where we spent the night, and the following morning we went to Ein Gedi Spa where you can relax in a warm spa, swim in a cool pool or cover yourself in Mud from the bottom of the Sea, which has therapeutic and healing qualities.  During that afternoon the temperature reached 47°C with dry humidity, and as to history it was one of the world’s first health resorts from King Herod’s time.

Arriving back in Padis Hana that evening, I then went to Netanya to conduct a class at the new Honbu Dojo in Israel.  I was greeted by Sensei Leon’s wife Norma and the kambukai then after 3 hours of training in a very nice Dojo I was invited to dinner where the conversation was about Sensei Leon, the students reminisce about their times and experience with him.

The next day we made our way to The Sea of Galilee which is sweet water, as we arrive the temperature was 41°C with a light breeze which was welcomed.  After a swim and everyone had cooled down it was time for a BBQ.

We stayed at our friend’s private beach and slept under the stars in mosquito nets.  Looking up at the sky that night I saw a very large shooting star which went right across the sky, I made a wish so let’s hope it comes true.

The level of the Sea of Galilee has risen almost 2m this year which was great, as we paid a visit to The River Jordan where you can run the Rapids and the water is quite cold, after 90 minutes of twists and turns you reach calm water and silence.

Two glorious weeks have passed without notice, and so its time to leave this sacred place. My special thanks to all the people that made this trip very enjoyable.

George Andrews