Jerusalem to Vancouver

November 28th - Day 16

It's been a wonderful holiday, but today we finally packed our bags, with hopes to return soon to this remarkable, complex and truly beautiful country. It was still very early in the morning by the time we finished packing, but by the time we left, the market, empty of vendors when we awoke, were already selling their wares when we dragged our luggage through the market, making our way to the train for Tel Aviv, and a 17-hour flight to Vancouver. We were on our way home!

Before we left, we discovered our flight had been delayed by about an hour, so we had time for a quick, last walk through the neighborhood.

Side streets and alleys were clean, tidy, and often interesting to stroll through. A relatively affordable area in Jerusalem, there were clearly many young families living there.

What could possibly go wrong?

Early mornings are a busy time for vendors setting up their shops and stalls for the day. Here, a large slab of beef is being hauled across the street on a shopping cart.

A synagogue, one of dozens in the area.

Some of the doors were clearly intended for someone shorter than Hilary.

Countryside outside Jerusalem, on the way to Ben Gurion airport. We're taking a newly commissioned fast train, so new ,in fact that we were able to ride it for free. Traveling at up to 160 km/hour through tunnels through what is a pretty hilly area in Jerusalem, the entire trip took only 20 minutes.