Traveling

Finished at the dig site - have a certificate to prove it! which is helpful when the security at the airport ask what you've been doing in Israel. I took a taxi to the bus station in Tiberias - the driver wanted to drive me all the way to Tel Aviv airport for 400 NIS then 200 NIS - about $40 - special price - so he could pick up new arrivals there - but of course, I am not yet leaving the country. Caught a bus to Jerusalem. The country is so small (about the land mass of Massachusetts) that I recognize some familiar landmarks along the highways. The typical route goes around the West Bank; at one point the dividing wall is visible and I counted 11 minarets in the town on the other side. I am glad that I didn't try to rent a car - it's expensive and I haven't grasped the local rules - such as why police were casually patrolling with their lights flashing. On the toll roads, they photograph the license plate and bill by mail - no stopping. The Egged buses are very nice, air-conditioned, travelled by families and old and young people, foreigners and orthodox Jews, and lots of soldiers who show a pass and ride for free - with their rifles. The only problem is that around 5 p.m. on Friday they stop running because of Shabbat - until Saturday evening. Because I am meeting my next travel group on Saturday at 5 p.m. - I had to get to Jerusalem today, even though there wouldn't be much to see - because of Shabbat! I have had an easy day and picked up supper early at a market. No complaints. My room is in the Old City, and I have been people watching. By the time you mix customary dress of Orthodox Jews and Orthodox Christians with Muslims and modern teens, it's fascinating.