Sent: Sat 8 Nov 2008 8.14 PM (Singapore Time); 2:14 PM (Israel Time)
Subject: Israel via my BB wireless



Hiyah folks,

It is 2 pm Israeli time on 8 November 2008.

Earlier today, we switched to a Palestinian 'tin-can' bus to venture into Jericho which is Palestinian Authority ("PA") controlled. Israeli citizens cannot travel into PA territory thus necessitating the switch.

We visited Elisha springs and the Mount of Temptation where Jesus was tempted. We also visited a sycamore tree which stands as a memerial to the Zacheus incident in Jericho where Jesus called out to the said tax collector.

It was a pleasant cable car ride up and down the Mt of Temptation.

Next we visited the Tel of Jericho. Basically nothing left here. It is one large archaelogical dig site, if you can imagine.

Even the part of the ancient Jericho walls that remain are deeply embedded into the earth. Speculation is that this is part of the wall that contained Rahab's house since her house was spared judgment and thus the adjacent city wall probably did not fall. The rest of walls of Jericho have desintegrated

We had lunch in Qumran.

Now journeying to Galilee. Thank goodness, back in the aircon windowed nice comfy seat israeli coach.

By the way there is a casino in the Intercontinel hotel in Jericho. It was the first thing palestinians opened when they obtained control of Jericho some years ago.


Shalom,


Terence