[Palestine to Israel]

My first day in Palestine would have to be the most impressionable day of my travels to date, which coincidentally totals 8 months now. Firstly I had, as most everyone does, to endure the scrutiny and paranoia of the security forces at the land border crossing. Why am I here, what do I want to see, dont you think its dangerous here?...are the opening questions.

As luck would have it I met a UN worker, Mariam, who lived in Palestine and she drove me from the border to Jerusalem, blatantly condemning the occupation in Palestine and describing Israels UN violations.

Jerusalem is an amazing place with a unique vibe of its own; it is an old Arab town with great souqs filled with local stores. It is along the cobble stone street that is crowded with people that I have rubbed shoulders with with Jews dressed for prayer, Muslim woman like ninjas and pilgrims in European dress. Its a clash and meeting of pivotal history and culture- the birth place of Christianity, Judaism, next to Islams 2nd holiest site, all within a stones throw of each other.

Later on I met a delegation of peace keepers. The historical claim of the land is at best subjective. But the current situation is clear. Israel is the current victorious conquer. Its expanding its cities into the occupied zone. Its dividing the occupied territory into areas of no go zones - removing the freedom of movement of its peoples. Its in total defiance of UN resolutions and with an annual budget of 3 Billion US, courtesy of Uncle Sam (some sources claim as much as 9 Billion) Israel can afford to keep pushing on. The people of Palestine, of course, resist the occupation and the tic for tac killing sadly continues...

I am surprised as to how obvious Israel violates UN regulations and human right issues and how ignorant I was of the situation. But the real surprise is the media, how it is manipulated to support Israels view and provide a very different picture to the west. On my travels I have seen many times the gulf of truth between the medias agenda and that of my own truth. I now begin to understand the real power of media and why Noam Chomsky is so critical of it.

And before I could curl up in bed full of questions, images, stories; I met an elderly Christian woman in the hostel. Our discussion started with 'who was Abraham' and in a long winded, marvelously supported and passionate monologue she describes why she is here. Her conviction is beautiful. The signs are here, she says, the 2nd coming will be soon, just months away...and she is awaiting for God to raise her to the heavens. Why not wait in the holiest land?
This place attracts all kind of crazies...the locals call it Jerusalem Syndrome.

To avoid politics or religion here is like avoiding to breathe.

I spent a peaceful 2 days in Ramalla on Mariams generosity; its a typical Arab town …a name I didnt associate with normality.

Israel, in contrast with Palestine, is very western European and Tel Aviv is beautifully situated on the Mediterranean with a wide, white sandy beach. My last 2 days were caught in a border town as everything was closed, shops, borders and all! With out warning I was amidst the holiest days of the Jewish calendar, Yom Keporem. I spent my time chatting with the Israeli security guard and heard another side of the story.

Safely in Jordan again, I fly to Dubai tomorrow.

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