By Joan Kurtz

“What are your plans for celebrating your upcoming 50th anniversary?” I was asked by a friend in 2019.

I replied without a pause, “I want to go to Israel!”

With delays dues to Covid, we finally went this spring. Accompanied by our daughter, son-in-law and 10-year-old grandson, we spent nine days with a guide and driver, taking us to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Sea of Galilee, Golan Heights, the Negev and so much more.

As it was migratory time for birds, we were continuously looking sky-ward, watching huge flocks of storks, hawks, vultures, eagles and other birds soaring overhead and gliding on the air currents. Quite a sight to see.

We participated in an archaeological dig where our grandson found a pottery shard of an amphora, a wine vessel, which had not been touched by a human in over 4000 years!! It was dated to around 2300 BC. He was not allowed to keep it, but they did give him some other more common pottery shards. Very cool.

We hiked in nature reserves, bargained in flea markets, ate walking around shuks (food markets) and saw more ruins and relics that were truly ancient. Wherever we walked, we were surrounded by history.

I am looking forward to going back again…soon!