Travel Days - On to Israel

We had a few long travel days yesterday and today.  Yesterday we woke up in Aqaba, traveling back to Amman for our last night in Jordan.  On the way, we stopped for lunch at the Safi Kitchen, which is a non-profit organization that aims to preserve the local culture and natural resources to promote the southern region of the Jordan Valley (Ghawr) as a tourist destination throughout the year. The key beneficiaries of the kitchen are local women and youth who are short of financial opportunities in their communities. They participate in an authentic farm and meal experience to showcase their tradition and culture through food.  By engaging in tourism activities, community members receive a much-needed income from the kitchen. Women can now make their own financial decisions and youth are leading up conservation activities in their communities.  The community continues to value their environment and more businesses are being led by women. They are also sharing their culture authentically.  If you are in the area, I highly recommend stopping by, saying hello, and enjoying the local dishes.  Back in Amman, we had our last dinner with our tour guide, said goodby to several of our travelers, and tucked in for the night.

This morning we headed from Amman, across the Allenby Bridge, and into Israel.  Our first stop is in Tel Aviv.  After checking into the hotel, we headed out for a late lunch, followed by a stroll through the local art walk and Carmel Market.  Jll and the kids headed to the beach for a little before dinner with our new guide.  Alastair was excited to learn that the drinking age is 18, so he, Jll, and Adelaide are currently out at a local speakeasy-themed bar with a few of our fellow travelers.  As for Dagny, Maggie, and I, we strolled along the Mediterranean for an after-dinner ice cream at Golda and watched some night volleyball being played on the beach.  Touring starts again tomorrow.  Wish us luck.

Dave