Jerusalem and more

We are now in Jerusalem: I write this from the Old City where it is almost Shabbat. Earlier we went to the Western Wall, prayed and placed prayers into holes in the wall. It is very moving and filled with so many people. The fact that I could go there makes me very proud for reasons I won't go into in order to avoid being too political. The old city is intimidating still - although I'm sure I'd grow used to it in time; it's like a 2000 year old bazaar and full of Christians, Jews, Muslims, Armenians and all sorts of people from all over the world.

Earlier we went to the Israel Museum, which was very impressive. The Judaica and ethnography were fantastic, as was the art collection. The Dead Sea Scrolls and the 10th century bible were mind-blowing. Masada in 40 degree heat was hot. And moving and an amazing story and the fact that it exists at all is hard to comprehend.

We are staying in Yemin Moshe, the most exquisitely beautiful part of Jerusalem. The streets and the buildings are made of jerusalem stone and it is beyond description. It's a pedestrian-only area and is peaceful and beautifully kept. The apartment is ok.

Yesterday was mostly spent in the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve in blistering heat. Another amazing experience. Beautiful animals (i fell in love with the ibex'), oases, vistas and just indescribable. Swimming in the dead sea the previous day was painful. Slathering ourselves in dead sea mud was great and our skin is now silky smooth.

Food continues to be fantastic overall. Israeli breakfasts should be compulsory. The Ein Gedi Youth Hostel food is passable (just). The coffee is not.