Two weeks have come and gone since our last post. Since Kalymnos we saw the city of Athens, Greece built around thousands of years of ruins. Touring Athens gave us a glimpse of the birthplace of democracy as we walked among the fallen buildings of an ancient society. The first part of Chanuka was also celebrated in Greece which is quite apropriate considering it is the celebration of the miracle of the Macabee victory over Helenistic forces in the 2nd century BCE.
From Athens we flew to Israel to see family and tour The Holy Land! The last three days of Chanuka were spent living in the old city of Jerusalem. The sites of Jerusalem are endless and date back to before the existance of the ancient city of King David. We also toured the tunnels of the Western Wall of the ancient Temple. With all of the walking we did in Jerusalem we needed our fill of falafel and schwarma, the national foods of Israel.
Of course, our trip wouldn't be complete without some rock climbing so last week we headed to Wadi Rum, Jordan. Along with all the incredible climbing, Wadi Rum is also full of many warm and welcoming people. The Bedouins of this desert village were not apprehensive about inviting us into their tents for tea and teaching us about their culture. Our last night in Wadi Rum was spent sleeping at the summit of Jebel Rum after completing a climb called the Pillar of Wisdom, a 350 meter vertical adventure. Yesterday we crossed the border back into Israel with some new friends and plenty of incredible new memories.
Post swim in the cold and refreshing Aegean Sea
Our family for the first 3 nights of Chanukah
Athens!
At the gates of the Acropolis watching a storm roll in
Athens synagogue, a great place to spend the 6th night of Chanukah
Chicken Schwarma in Israel! Finally!
Chanukah with family in Kfar Sava, Israel
The last night of Chanukah at the Kotel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lit the last candle on the giant chanukia on the left.
Navigating the water ways beneath the old City of David
Our luxurious accommodations in Wadi Rum, Jordan
Getting a lift through the Jordanian desert
The most distinguished Mr. Camel and a couple of intruding tourists
On top of Jebel Rum where we spent the night beneath the stars after a very long day of climbing
Crossing the border back into Israel
