Shalom! During eight full days in Israel, I began to learn about one community's search for identity even as I tried to process the meaning of hospitality and hostility.
You traveled with belly and mind and heart engaged. And now I have too. Sweet and sad. Have you ever read any of the Traveler’s Tales book series? They’re collected essays and anecdotes from specific places around the world. We’re traveling in France right now accompanied by two of them (TT France, TT Paris). It’s great to read your way through and into a landscape.
YES!!!! Of course I know about TT. Love them!!! I couldn't cover all that we did and I've been down with the flu since we returned two days ago. Thanks for writing, Peter!!!
Enjoyed the writeup Kalpana. Reminded me of all the places we had visited. And we got to go to the Palestine side and got that perspective . Spending Christmas Eve in Bethlehem and witnessing Mass in the square was absolutely unforgettable. The Olive wood artisans, their stories and their work was amazing too. Thanks for reminding me about this very special trip.
Padma, Wow!!!! That would have been awesome. I do wish I had talked to you guys but I had no idea you'd been there! Christmas eve would have been fantastic. When we meet next I'd like to talk about where else they took you inside Palestine. Ours was only the holy spots in Bethlehem.
Wonderfully written, Kalpana. You've captured it so well. I too felt quite conflicted being in Israel. There is much to admire in their spirit and much to loathe in the way the Palestinians are treated. It is somewhat jarring to see Israel going into the West Bank and Hebron and creating such misery, and yet most citizens are unaware - or choose to be unaware or unbothered - by it.
Srikanth, Forgot to respond!!! Thanks so much for reading it and writing to me. When we meet next I'd love to talk a bit more about your experience in Bethlehem. Christmas eve would have been such an experience! Yes, it's impossible to not be conflicted when you visit.
What a remarkable trip for you and Mohan! Reading your excellent trip report made me transport to Israel in my "inward eye" as if navigating the immersive Metaverse full of culinary and cultural experiences ;-) Keep on writing Kalpana ji ..its uplifting
You traveled with belly and mind and heart engaged. And now I have too. Sweet and sad. Have you ever read any of the Traveler’s Tales book series? They’re collected essays and anecdotes from specific places around the world. We’re traveling in France right now accompanied by two of them (TT France, TT Paris). It’s great to read your way through and into a landscape.
YES!!!! Of course I know about TT. Love them!!! I couldn't cover all that we did and I've been down with the flu since we returned two days ago. Thanks for writing, Peter!!!
Do have a blast in France. Waiting to read about your travels....! My favorite country.
Superb as always
Engaging and lovely as always!
Enjoyed the writeup Kalpana. Reminded me of all the places we had visited. And we got to go to the Palestine side and got that perspective . Spending Christmas Eve in Bethlehem and witnessing Mass in the square was absolutely unforgettable. The Olive wood artisans, their stories and their work was amazing too. Thanks for reminding me about this very special trip.
Padma, Wow!!!! That would have been awesome. I do wish I had talked to you guys but I had no idea you'd been there! Christmas eve would have been fantastic. When we meet next I'd like to talk about where else they took you inside Palestine. Ours was only the holy spots in Bethlehem.
Lovely write up Kal; a country that I’d always wanted to visit. At least I got to see it through your gifted eyes!
Thank you sweetheart!!!! Always appreciate your reading my work....
Wonderfully written, Kalpana. You've captured it so well. I too felt quite conflicted being in Israel. There is much to admire in their spirit and much to loathe in the way the Palestinians are treated. It is somewhat jarring to see Israel going into the West Bank and Hebron and creating such misery, and yet most citizens are unaware - or choose to be unaware or unbothered - by it.
Srikanth, Forgot to respond!!! Thanks so much for reading it and writing to me. When we meet next I'd love to talk a bit more about your experience in Bethlehem. Christmas eve would have been such an experience! Yes, it's impossible to not be conflicted when you visit.
What a remarkable trip for you and Mohan! Reading your excellent trip report made me transport to Israel in my "inward eye" as if navigating the immersive Metaverse full of culinary and cultural experiences ;-) Keep on writing Kalpana ji ..its uplifting
Thank you so much for reading!!!! Am very grateful....