Before that I was in the Xmas crunch - working seven days a week and scrambling my post-grad applications together. The short break in Israel was much much needed after such a hectic few months.
My travels took me to the North, to Lake Kinneret, hikes and drives along the Lebanese and Syrian borders, then to Jerusalem where I experienced New Years Eve at the Western Wall, followed by New Years at a club called Leila.. From Jerusalem I headed South into the Negev desert where camel riding and a night in a Bedouin tent was followed by a hike through the Ein Gedi oasis and a float in the Dead Sea. Then onto Tel Aviv, hometown of my grandfather and barely recognizable from what it was back in his days, sightseeing in the now uber-hipster Jaffa, a bit of partying and shopping, then back to Jerusalem for a talk by the Prime Minister. Basically it was an insane couple of weeks full of questions and frustrations to do with politics and society, juxtaposed to incredible food, people, parties, and places. I have never had a strong stance for or against Israel, and I still struggle to define one, but experiencing the country and meeting with locals - both Jewish and Arab - has helped put a more human face on the country that is so often ripped apart in the news. I didn't feel any particular spiritual connection to the land that so many people feel when they visit Israel, but I couldn't help but think at every turn 'did Jesus walk here??' 'Did Moses see this??'.. So much history and importance packed into such a small country, it's hard to even skim the surface. The highlight of the trip was waking up at 5am to hike Mnt Mesada in order to catch the sunrise over the Dead Sea. What a treat.
It was an amazing break, and I came back to London completely refreshed and rearing to go! The weather has even been great. I have been able to bike with only one pair of gloves on and no hat - I must have looked like the most bundled up hobo ever before... My flat is so warm it doesn't need heating on for more than an hour a day, and my flatmate has a new girlfriend who has made him the giddiest guy I have ever seen - and also, lucky for me, a total neat freak in order to impress her. So things are going well and life is good and I might even be able to hold onto the slight tan I picked up in the desert for another few weeks. Here are some pics:
