in the middle east

While Jessica's parent were here in late December we spent a couple of days up in the North, around the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights. When Jessica and I were last here in October, it was cloudy and rainy; so were delighted to have sunny days marked with clouds. These are photos from our day trip up in the Golan heights. It was a spectacular day from beginning to end, with amazing sights and stunning natural beauty. From the snowy foothills of Mt. Herman, to the Dan Spring nature reserve, to the heights of the Golan hills. This really is one of the more beautiful places on the planet (of course there are many, but this is definitely one). This entire territory has been in Israeli possession since the Six-Day war of June 1967. Because the three major sources of the Jordan River come from these hills of Mt. Hermon, it's obvious why it they are a strategic possession for any nation trying to sustain agriculture. This territory is also the primary reason for the tensions between Syria and Israel today; this land was not included in Israel's territory in the 1948 borders drawn by the U.N. decision, yet in 1967 for military and economic purposes Israel seized the area. As we drove about we saw both the striking beauty of the hills, as well as the signs of war that still mark the land in the form of old bunkers, trenches, and minefields; the contrast was as stark as it could be (for an informative overview of the history and territory of the Golan, Click Here). As the day neared its end, we were treated to an amazing sunset as we descended the hills. Our pictures don't do justice, of course, but you can get the idea. Click Here.