Jamaica and I just finished traveling around Israel with about 15-20 of the convention staff. We had a great time unwinding from the convention stress and getting to experience the country. Jamaica has done the whole Israel touring thing once before, 13 years ago. I have been here three times in the last eight months to setup all the logistics for the event, so it will be nice to actually get outside beyond the convention center and hotel room.

Aside from the ferocious weather–120 degrees in some parts–we enjoyed learning about this historical land and its precious people. It doesn’t take long to see why this region is so contested, not the least of which is because Islam, Judaism and Christianity all hold this place sacred!

Jamaica and I left the tour group this afternoon (they fly back to the U.S. tonight) and hopped a 2-hour flight to Istanbul. After a grueling wait in the customs line at the airport (hundreds of people, little air conditioning and two customs officials working!), we were on our way to the hotel. We’re on the 12th floor of the InterContinental overlooking the Bosphorus Sea–the body of water that separates Asia and Europe, with Istanbul on both sides.

We’re here until Monday and then we start our journey back home after stopping in New York for a few days.

Comments

One Response to “Goodbye Israel, Hello Istanbul”

  1. Jeff Hamilton on August 4th, 2007 3:46 pm

    Have fun in Constantinople. Seriously, it must be amazing to be at the literal crossroad of east and west. Talk to you when you get home.

Leave a Reply