Traveling with Family (part two)

Passover warning sign at the entrance to the Jewish Quarter of the Old City

Close up of Dome of the Rock

This is a country where 80 to 90 percent of the people age 18-20 are in military uniform. It is apparent on the streets and at every checkpoint. The Israeli military is a bit more casual than the US military, at least in terms of outward appearance and demeanor. For example, on the bus one day I stood next to a female soldier carrying an automatic weapon about 2/3 her size. In contrast to her green uniform she was carrying a pink backpack, one of the zipper pulls was a pink teddy bear. I’ve also seen soldiers with their pants pulled way down exposing their boxers as is common among American males. At the checkpoints the soldiers usually appear quite relaxed, with the kind of banter between young men and young women you might expect anywhere – except these young adults are all in uniform.

Soldiers on patrol in Jerusalem

Among the other sights seen on our travels were signs in the Golan warning of mine fields. This wasn’t on the current border, but rather some miles in from the current lines. We also saw two United Nations posts with vehicles patrolling the Lebanon-Israel and the Syria-Israel boarder. Near the border are several war memorials, one Mt. Bental, is a former Syrian bunker and site of a large tank battle during the 1973 war.

Remains of army tank below Mt. Bental

The recent wars and on-going terrorist attacks lead to a high level of vigilance and scrutiny in this country. This was exemplified in crossing the border between Israel and Jordan. Crossing into Jordan our guide simply collected the group of passports, had them stamped and we were on our way. While there were armed soldiers at the border, they simply smiled at us as we passed. On the way back into Israel the reception was much different. A soldier at the border examined our passports. A few people were stopped at this point for closer inspection. Next we queued up to have our backpacks x-rayed and to pass through a metal detector. No one could go to the restroom with a backpack. The final step was to answer questions by the border police and, if our answers were acceptable, have our passport stamped.

Jordan border

Miscellaneous thoughts:

Was Maktesh Ramon was the home of the Ramons?

Observed on a menu: Chicken with rise or potato.

Heard on a recent tour:
Guide: One of the successes in Israel is the common language.
Israeli Tourist: Yes, Russian.