United Statesian

White plastic chair on a salt-bar in the Dead Sea Dear Citizens of the World, What's an expat to do on a Saturday in July in Israel? The logical answer = Drive two hours through a desert to swim in the Dead Sea. Since it is one of the "touristy" things you hear about for so many years, you actually go with low expectations. I was surprised at just how fun it could be! A more beach-like entrance in Ein Boker Gotta love the chubby-speedo look! It was very hot! The thermometer said 41ºC (102ºF), but it felt much warmer. The water felt like warm pea soup, and the showers even warmer. It is not a Sea to go to in the summer to cool off on a hot day. It is the adventure and novelty that count. Look mom! No hands...I'm floating! There were a few people, but it was not crowded. Especially at the public beach in Ein Boker -- not the touristy one with a Spa and tractor pulled train. There is still lots to see (the Oasis, the waterfalls, Canyon trails, Masada). I will definitely ...

Dear citizens of the world, All Saints day is the Spanish tradition that precedes the Halloween invasion from the West. November 1st is traditionaly the day that families remember the departed by visiting cemeteries to clean the tombs and leave flowers. The pueblo of Torrico is no different. This tile is from the first person buried in the village cemetery. It loosely translates as: "Stop and contemplate, This tile, sad and cold, Which will one day arrive, Without a doubt in dust you will be." There were a few children dressed up for Halloween and looking for treats, but there were many more visiting the cemetary and the grounds were full of fresh (and plastic) flowers. I do not know what the future holds for Spain, but I hope that the "Party" version of the holiday does not come to replace the Spanish tradition of remembering their dead. A parting shot from the center of Torrico with the sunset on All Saints Day the Church with its' Crane's nests and the...