Jerusalem

My flights on Royal Jordanian from Doha Qatar to Amman Jordan to Tel Aviv Israel were excellent. RJ is part of the American Airlines alliances called One World. The airplanes were brand new 757 and 767 with English speaking staff and great food/drink! A very easy trip. The RJ plane from Amman to Tel Aviv was not parked at the main terminal where we arrived. Instead, we were bussed out to the military plane area and boarded our plane under the watchful eyes of soldiers.

I arrived in Tel Aviv where the Ben Gurion Airport is large and very modern. I asked Immigration not to stamp in my passport and there was no problem. This was what I had been advised by the Isreal Consulate in Los Angeles. My bag was delivered and I then met the cab driver which Heather Mueller had arranged.

As I mentioned, Heather is an Episcopal priest from Maui; we met many years ago on the island and have remained close friends. She retired from her parish and has taken a one-year job as Warden for St. George’s College in Jerusalem. She is responsible for all of the guest rooms and the logistics for the courses which are offered at the College. I was able to met several of the members of the last class – The Palestine of Jesus. Several were from Australia, one from Canada and the others American.

I am staying in one of the dorm rooms and it reminds me of my first year at UC Berkeley. Two twin beds, two desks, two closets and one bathroom. Quite a change from my stay in Doha! As all of you know, I can sleep anywhere. It is now Saturday am; breakfast was simple and filling. We are leaving for a walk in the Old City. WOW!