South Africa

Just after I came back from Israel, I then had to travel to Johannesburg for a week. I've been before but there's something about Jo'burg that makes me uneasy. Last visit was a couple of years ago when they were preparing for the World Cup. I think they had a lot of migrant workers in then because this time round I didn't feel as uneasy - you still have to be on your guard mind!

I stayed in Sandton at the Holiday Inn and flew with South African Airlines. Both were good.

The food has to be the highlight though - I've still yet to have prawns quite like the South African ones. This time as well, we also went to a restaurant called Carnivore - was exactly what it said on the tin...lots and lots of meat!

Jerusalem - Part 2

We had a really good tour round by a guy who used to live in Jerusalem - there's so much history here...it almost overwhleming. We followed the Stations of Christ - basically the points during his final days - for example, when he first dropped his cross, when his brow was mopped, etc, etc. It s amazing to think that we were actually standing in the same location...

The Wailing Wall - note the messages insterted in the cracks - the Wall was covered in them...



The Zion Gate - note the bulletholes...


Christ's Last Supper and the street outside the tomb of King David.


The 8th Station of Christ and the King David hotel - what contrast...


Just as we left Jerusalem, we stopped at a Vineyard on the way back - now the last time I was in Israal I tasted the best wine I think I'd ever tasted - Tzora Wines. I looked in vain in the UK for a supplier but never found any - it just so happened that our guide decided to take us to this particular vineyard. Needless to say we had a great afternoon wine-tasting followed by a couple of purchases...

Jerusalem Part 1

For the last day of the trip, our distributor had arranged for a presonalised guide to tak us around Jerusalem. At first we were no really bothered, however it was well worth it as it turns out. The city has some amazing history and some amazing sights. It's hard to believe all the reloigions live so close to each other with a (reasonable) amonut of restraint. Having said that, it is clear that for all factions ot agree on anything in Jersualem just takes a long, long time.

Jaffa Gate, Christ's tomb and the slab on which he lay...


Jerusalem streets and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre



Ancient Graffiti and beautiful flowers

Israel - Haifa

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I'm on a few trips away at the moment, this week I've ben in Israel - firstly in Beer-sheva, then up to Haifa before coming back down to Tel Aviv and lastly, a day in Jerusalem.

Crying Lightning

Incredibe storm tonight...unbelievable rain...!