Should I or Shouldn’t I?
… I could write about the strip search I was forced to endure in Tel Aviv airport. (not nice / not appreciated)
Or, I could write about the dodgy way I got my visa to enter Syria, the so called axis of evil, which is the one of the mot beautiful places I have ever seen.
Or, I could write about the exotic and ancient sites I have seen - Madaba, Amman, Damascus, Bosra, Alepo.
Or, I could write about the amazing people I have met - like the people of Malaalula who still speak Aramaic (the languge of Our Lord), the friars doing an amazing job, the refugees fleeing into Syria and Jordan from Iraq, arheologists and salt-of-the-earth farmers.
But, what I realy really reallly want to ask is: SHOULD I OR SHOULDN’T I TAKE MY BIBLE WITH ME WHEN I VISIT TURKEY NEXT MONTH?
Any advice????
PS. sincere apologies for those who have sent me emails, very limited and slow access means that it will take me a while to respond. But for the record I want you all to know that I am seeing some things that I know I will remember for the rest of my life. Forget what the news folk say and visit Syria and Jordan, apart from Cambodia no other place has had such an affect on me. I am only sorry that I can not share it at any length or share my pictures or use a spell cheque.
PPS. Tomorrow = Lebanon, but I have no visa. I am told that my habit is all the visa I need - I have worn it every day and all day for about a month (without washing it), which is not so unusual amongst the Middle East friars
YOUPI! PAUL MADE IT TO LEBANON!
Why does everything have to be so difficult in the Middle East?
I caught a taxi recently,the driver was from Israel (love the accent). And of course when he found out that I have Lebanese heritage he started to discuss the problems in that region. Interesting thing he said: that the region of Jordan, Israel and Lebnanon would, without the conflict, be Eden or paradise. Wonder wehther he mean that as a biblical reference or just a reflection of the beauty of the region. Of course the two aren’t mutually exclusive. Anyway, Paulie have a wonderful time and stay away from strip searches. No matter how hot it is.
Marroun, What can I say - I must have one of the most desirable bodies in all of Israel, Once again, on my way home, the customs officers couldn’t keep their hands to themselves. I must have the phsique and looks of a jihad martyr.
Rania,
….. AND I AM SO GLAD THAT I DID. THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO PRAYED ME OVER THE BORDER.
You articles affect me so much, would you like to be my friend?? We can learn from each other and multiply our value together.