Well I have now become quite well settled in Jerusalem and decided a tour of The Middle East would help my knowledge of the area. Or to be honest just an inquisitive Jimby. So hope you enjoy the views below.

I went to up to the Sea of Galilee, which is very historic, as you might recall from Sunday school classes.The place is full of all sorts of pilgrims, who come to visit the religious sites and to dine on fish.

Then, I was in Haifa on the Mediterranean coast. The city is a little industrial. Not too much to see, but our hotel was just across from the zoo.

Not too far from Haifa there are some nice beaches. With the wind coming off of the Mediterranean, it was a little too cold for a swim, but I enjoyed seeing the deep blue water.

In Tel Aviv, we stayed in cinema-themed hotel. For example, the bedside lamps were miniature spotlights, the artwork was movie posters, and the desk chair was a director's chair. I call this my Hitchcock look.

After all that traveling, I was in need of a relaxing vacation, so I headed down to Eilat on the Red Sea.

As you can see, Eilat, which is nestled between the mountains and the sea, is a resort town. There is a seaside carnival with rides, games, and plenty of fastfood establishments.

After a few days in Eilat, I crossed over the border from Israel to Jordan.

The king couldn't come greet me in person, but he sent his regards.

I went to the historic city of Petra, located deep in the Jordanian desert. You may have seen it in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Parting is such sorrow.