Photos from Palestine and Israel

[stevecrout]

For those who might be interested in viewing some of the photos Maribel and I have taken during our time in Palestine and Israel, we'll be adding more to the albums as we go.  For now, here's the links to the albums we have on the site so far.

Always pleased to answer any questions about the country or our travels.

Steve and Maribel

https://picasaweb.google.com/110688208856190686965/DeadSeaSept2012?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCOG95eq_w7y7dw&feat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/110688208856190686965/BethlehemAug2012?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCLTmvNj61drCJA&feat=directlink

https://picasaweb.google.com/110688208856190686965/Palestine2012?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCLfpnq3nzYemSg&feat=directlink

[Donovan]

Thanks for the pictures Steve.  It is always nice to see another part of our world even though we are not physically there.

[Dennis]

Aaahh ... where are the bike pics?  One of the things I like about your travel pics is when you show off the local iron.   One of my favorites is you on the Ural in Afghanistan with all the looky loo kids (I hope I got the right bike and country, but you know the picture).

The  Cow and Enfield picture I posted some time ago was from a friend travelling in India.  The motorcycles ridden in other countries tell stories themselves; their economy, their major trading partners, their history of colonization,  their local tastes, whether they are a "re-use" vs. "disposable" society .... lots can be learned by what they ride.

A photo of a typical Canadian motorcycle would lead one to think we were overfed, overpaid knownothings with too much money and not enough taste.

Peace & Grease, Dennis.

[stevecrout]

I agree with Denis that it's always nice to see what other parts of the world are driving but in the case of Palestine and to a lesser degree Israel, the 'bikes' are limited to a few brands of step through scooters. I've seen a total of 2 real bikes in Israel so far, a Suzuki of 1980's vintage and a 90's vintage Sportster with an old hippie and his partner on it. Lack of parts, regular mail, lousy roads and not enough disposable income yet all play a part too.

The real drama involves the reckless and aggressive manner of driving here.  I'll have to record a minute or so of video some morning and send this back for you to watch.  You'll see right away why the regular bikes just aren't here. It's truly a suicide mission to ride them daily and the cost to import and register would be too high to keep them as toys.

Plus, most of the young single fellows who would consider owning one of the real bikes still lives at home and Momma holds the final word on all that stuff and you know how she would vote.

[MaximX]

It is a place I would like to visit....Thanks for the pictures.  I did not know there were remains of the babies Herod killed.  Would love to float on the dead sea.  I would wonder at the authenticity of some places, like knowing exactly where Jesus was born, but interesting stuff.  Feel free to add to what you sent.  Israel is a key player in world history and will continue to be until the end.