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The group is headed to Petra today. It is a day trip that begins about 5am, arriving at the Israel/Jordan border before 7am. They return around 5pm to the border and if they were like me, will be very grateful to be back home in Israel. Jeff, Tony and Jane will be leading the group. They stay in Eilat and I am sure they will enjoy the Red Sea and the surrounding areas.

Will was given some tickets to the Jerusalem Symphony at the last minute last night, so we ended up at a concert hearing some George Gershwin, Paul Hindemith, and Jean Sibelius music. We really enjoyed the Gershwin and Sibelius.

I noticed that my B&B has done some major renovations. The rooms have been painted, new bedspreads, new draperies, cafe update, even a security system and security guard. Overall, it is a lovely place to stay. The precious lady who cleans my room just beamed when she saw me. We exchanged limited Hebrew as she speaks Russian and I speak English.

The rhythm of my day has slowed down considerably from the tour. I am usually up and going by five am and do not get in bed until around ten pm. Now, I have slowed down and even slept in this morning. I have some books to read and some Bible studying to do, so my down time will be welcomed. I am also looking forward to seeing some new sites and some new restaurants.

There is so much comfort for me in the daily things I do, from getting my paper from the same guy on the corner to eating my breakfast at the B&B, and for sure, watching when I cross the street. I am still shaken up from yesterday and am really watching when I step out. In Israel, the pedestrian has the right of way and cars stop on a dime for them, but let’s have some common sense…

Today was another beautiful day with lots of sunshine and very mild weather.

Still no word when the Peace Summit is going to be held in Annapolis. Why is it that every lame duck President thinks his legacy should be through Israel and at her expense? Just a question.

I did see in the Jerusalem Post that a new section of the Calatrava Bridge mast at the entrance to Jerusalem has been winched into position. The work on the bridge is for the light rail system and is causing considerable traffic jams. After speaking to several friends who live here, the opinion is that because of all the building and road work, the traffic is worse. Jerusalem was not built for cars and buses.

I also read a wonderful article about Herb Zweibon, chairman of Americans for a Safe Israel (AFSI), a New York-based organization promoting peace through strength rather than land for peace. His monthly publication called “Outpost” is a must read. Here is a quote from the Jerusalem Post:

…his organization… is anything but apologetic when it comes to its relentless support of “the state and the land of Israel.” This undying loyalty, as Zwelbon hastens to point out is “not a question of supporting the government; it’s a question of supporting the integrity of the land, because it is essential. And it makes little difference to us whether the government of the United States or the government of Israel believe that they can somehow compromise with the Muslim community. This just will not happen.”

The Shabbat is fast approaching and I see everyone hurrying to get the groceries and errands done. Tomorrow is Friday and it will be even busier. I look forward to Shabbat tomorrow night. We have invited several friends for dinner. Let’s see if I can remember how to cook.

This entry was posted by Sandra on Thursday, November 1st, 2007 at 8:21 am and is filed under From Israel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.