Saturday 25th June 2011

This morning we visited the ancient mountain top fortress of Masada (built by King Herod in the Judean desert), and which once saw a famous stand off by Jewish resistance fighters for over 2 years against the Roman 10th Legion, following the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD. It had a very sad ending, as it resulted in all the inhabitants eventually taking their own lives, rather than being taken into slavery.



You can walk up all the way by the “snakepath”, but we wisely decided to follow the others in our group and use the cable car – it is very, very hot on the top.



After lunch, (and lots of water to drink), at the local springs at Ein Gedi, we went to the nearby shores of the Dead Sea. The water is 33% saline, compared to the average sea composition of just 3%.



At over 1,200 feet below sea level, it is the lowest place on earth – and probably one of the hottest. We both went in for a float (you can actually read a newspaper whilst on your back) – it is too salty to really swim. Some bathers coat themselves in the mud by the shore, as it has very good medicinal properties for skin ailments. There are fortuantely showers available to wash yourself down with afterwards.

Thursday 23rd June 2011

To day we visited Jerusalem, the capital of Israel (both old and new). Here I am standing just in front of the famous Western Wall (Kotel), dating back to the Second Temple, destroyed by the Romans back in 70 AD.



In the afternoon we were taken to the Holocaust museum, Yad Vashem. It must be the saddest place we have ever been to. To try and understand Israel, you have to visit both this places.

Wednesday 22nd June 2011

Today we visited the old (& new) city of Jaffa (Yaffo)
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We saw both ancient ruins and modern art galleries.

Tuesday 21st June 2011

We had our evening meal on the seafront at Tel Aviv, with our dearest Israeli friends, Ruthy & Eli Gorenstein.



We all had a wondeful evening, and it was a really great way to start off our holiday. 

Tuesday 20th June 2011

Arrived last evening in Tel Aviv, Israel for our short break.



Our hotel is just across the road from the beach front and marina. 

Sunday 15th May 2011

This afternoon we were invited over to Sharon and Keith’s home, to celebrate the 18th birthday of their daughter (& our niece) Katie.



There was a great turnout, with nearly every close relative able to make it from far and wide, and spanning many generations of the extended families. We all had a fantastic time, especially Katie.

Sunday 1st May 2011

This afternoon it was back again at the river Thames, this time for a nice long walk in the Spring sunshine at Windsor and Eton.



There was a lot of traffic about, and so we we parked in Eton. Then over the bridge to Windsor, and a long walk, first to the lock at Romsey, then a lovely afternoon cream tea !, followed by a walk up to the castle and into Windsor Great park – very useful to burn off all those extra calories !!!

Monday 25th April 2011

This afternoon my brother Simon, with his two sons Scott & Alex, came over to us for a celebratory birthday tea. (see also podcast)

Sunday 24 April 2011


Today we went for a lovely stroll in the beautiful spring sunshine, alongside the River Thames at Henley.

Saturday 9th April 2011

Today I was invited to watch Spurs beat Stoke City 3 – 2 in a most exciting match.



 

 

Part of the hospitality package was a pre-match talk by their legendary ex-captain Alan Mullery, assisted by Mark Falco (left) and then a post-game talk by some other famous players, John Pratt (centre) and Paul Allen (right) . All this plus lots to eat in the Captain’s Club restaurant. A brilliant day, topped off by a great win secured by 2 goal Peter Crouch (top) and one by Luka Modric.