We had three people, a professor and two students, from a small local university come in to "map" the cistern. Out of their work will come an exact representation of the water system's dimensions. They took most of the day, which meant that no digging could take place. We think digging will start tomorrow, and there is an air of excitement because some artifacts were found when part of the causeway was taken up toward the end of the day. Even the archaeologists, stoic bunch that they can be, are excited.
Our residence (they call it a resort) while here is Neve Shalom, located as part of a community named Newe Shalom, which means Oasis of Peace. It was established by Bruno Hussar in the early 1970's, according to a pamphlet I read. It is a village of Jews and Palestinian Arabs of Israaeli citizenship. The pamphlet states, "The members of the community are demonstrating the possibility of coexistence between Jews and Palestinians by developing a community based on mutual acceptance, respect, and cooperation."
The school is the first Jewish-Palestinian bilingual children's program in the country. Last year, one of our people talked with two girls who were in third grade and best friends, one Jewish and one Palestinian. As they skipped away, there was the realization that this might be the best way to bring the two sides together, two children at a time.
Our rooms are basic minimalist. Mattresses on wooden slabs, tiny shower, and electric teapot. However, we are so tired at night that it doesn't matter. The food in the cafeteria is getting very old - basically the same things over and over again: chicken cooked two or three different ways, vegetarian casserole (suspect at best), tomatoes, cucumbers, and the ubiquitous hummus. We're all craving bacon right now!
However, the view from our lanai is magnificent, as you can see below.
M.
Marge, on the contrary, the menu is varied. One day you have tomatoes, cucumbers, and hummus. The next you have hummus, cucumbers, then tomatoes. Give them at least some credit!
ReplyDeleteHarold, you are right! How wrong of me to leave out chicken with the tomatoes, cucumbers, and hummus (or hummus, cucumbers, then tomatoes)!
ReplyDelete