Jordan Valley (part 2)

I was kinda tired last night and left out some things from yesterday........

Driving north along highway 90 takes you through the West Bank area of Israel.  In the past it's had reputations of being very unsafe and a place that someone should not drive through. Especially someone by themselves with a a rental car.  Many people still feel that way but the fact is that the area is quite safe now and is a very scenic route.  When exiting the West Bank there is a security checkpoint where they briefly scan you and your car and wave you through, much like the San Onofre checkpoint on Highway 5 in CA. 

Of course when I got to the checkpoint I was stopped.  Not only stopped, the guard took my passport and waved me to secondary exam area.  I had to take all my stuff out of the car where they x-rayed it. Then they examined the car with mirrors to look underneath and had me open the engine lid. (The car is a Hyundai Getz... I was curious what the engine looked like myself) I was told to go and sit.  So I'm sitting with 3 other IDF soldiers and giving them a hard time because I think they got the short end of the stick with assignments, being out in the middle of nowhere in the heat.  I was wearing a Las Vegas World Poker tour t-shirt and one of the soldiers asked me if I played in the tournament.  I figured what the hell so I lied and said "of course".  He asked if I won and I told him "You think if I won I'd be driving a Hyundai ?"  They let me go a few seconds later.

Driving in Israel is very easy and has not been a problem at all. All the signs are in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. The journey north took me through Tiberias and along the shores of the Sea Of Galilee.  There are some really scenic observation points along the way but unfortunately the views were horrible because of all the crap the winds blew into the air.  Maybe next time.

So driving is fine. Until you get to Tsfat.  For some reason, Tsfat does not have any street signs. Not only that, many streets do not have any names!  How are you supposed to find anything?  I figured I would go to the old part of Tsfat because I know my way there and see what happens.  I get there fine and then head to the north part of town to get closer.  I finally give up and ask a guy and it turns out I was about 10 seconds away from the place.

I am staying at the Villa Galille which is a fairly new boutique style hotel.  It is incredible and I would highly recommend it for someone who wants to visit here.  It has about 20 rooms, all with spectacular views.  The rooms are very comfortable with small plasma screen tv's, fridge, coffee maker, and balcony.  The views are of Mt Meron (more about that later tonight on my next post) and of parts of Tsfat.  Last night the view was very poor because of clouds but this morning it was spectacular (see photo)

One more clarification. I am meeting Willi & Gudi here in Tsfat.  Willi is the cousin of Michael.  Rabbi Dubowe was morethan generous in arranging our meeting (Rebecca - He is hilarious and very good as a tour guide!!)

In 30 minutes I'm going down to enjoy an Israeli breakfast and then Willi & I will be spending the day together to explore this area.  He actually started touring with me yesterday after dinner and we saw a remarkable tomb of a revered rabbi, Yonatan ben Uziel located in the mountains.  Today should be very interesting.