Israel

In June I got to go on a 9 day adventure to the Holy Land. It was one of the best international experiences of my life. There is no way to summarize on a blog entry such an impactful and poignant experience, but here is a taste. Photos from top to bottom: Herod's palace on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea just south of Tel Aviv; traditional falaffel; Ginette taking a break; the Dead Sea - we really did float!; Masada, where about 900 Jews held off the Romans for 3 years in 70 AD staying in what had been Herod's home away from home - it's right next to the Dead Sea, and it's a wasteland; the Garden Tomb, where Christ was buried and resurrected; view of the old city, with the Dome of the Rock; spices at a market.

The people were fantastic, the guides were extremely knowledgeable about history and how to best see the country, the hummus was to die for, the camel was a flirt, the sites were powerful and holy, and the experience was unforgettable. It was definitely the highlight of my year.