Tired dogs

I am referring here to our feet, of course. We covered miles and miles of sand in the last few days: up to Bet Shemesh for Shabbat, all around Jerusalem, over to Ramallah, and back to Be'er Sheba. We love Adam's weekends when he isn't drowning in something mundane like Cardiology and we took full advantage of that this weekend. These days won't last forever, or so the third year medical students keep telling us, so we are living them up.

Adam and I's friend, Laura, is in the country visiting from DC. A good friend of hers, Tamar, lives up north near Jerusalem and they kindly offered to host us on their quiet mokshav (a variation of a kibbutz) where we were wined and dined.

There is a real advantage to hanging out with women about to give birth: they are nesting and HAVE to cook until they just cook anymore! Tamar is 71/2 months pregnant, is simply radiant, and channels Martha Stewart. I am talking about homemade pumpkin lasagna and chocolate cupcakes with marshmallow fluff inside. Oh, did I mention the espresso machine with fancy foamed milk? Those of you living in corners of the world where you can pop over to a cafe on any given day and find such luxuries won't understand what it does for a spirit to have such warm, comfortable, fall foods arrive seemingly out of nowhere. We also did some wandering on the Israel National Trail that runs head to toe of Israel, enjoying a pleasant fall day here. Sans any changing leaves or maple syrup but enjoyable just the same.



We also did some wandering around Jerusalem, lots and lots of wandering. Here are some cool pics of what happens to an ancient city when Tommy Hillfiger comes to town. Could be worse, for sure! Its the price we pay to have some fashion available to us that didn't just wander in from some recently dissolved eastern block state.
We went from Jerusalem to Ramallah for a meeting with COHI's Palestinian Coordinator for the coexistence project I am working on here. Its a super modern city full of helpful people, wireless internet, and dudes on the corner selling tea. Here is a shot of the downtown artery leading to-away from the city center. The photo was taken from a comfortable watering hole for resident ex-pats, of which there are many: Stars & Bucks. Nope not kidding. God Bless America and our addictions.




So after an uneventfully pleasant day in the West Bank we motored back to Be'er Sheba, and boy were our feet tired! On a totally different note, I've decided that I need a hobby so I am taking up photography. From now on I will be posting some artful pics on the blog every once in a while. Your constructive critiques are welcome.

Until next time.....may the road rise to meet you!