32 » OpenRoad Driver
W H E R E O U R R O A D TA K E S YO U
Three Days
in Israel
Words and photos by Chris and Rick Millikan
The Holy Land has long
attracted travelers. Years
ago, a cruise ship and its
excursions introduced us to
Israel’s intriguing culture.
Treasured memories inspire
our recent return aboard
Viking Star. Rather than
revisit Palestinian Bethlehem
and Jesus’ birthplace, this time
we head towards Jerusalem
first.
Boarding our motorcoach, guide
Mordecai welcomes us with, “Shalom!”
Exiting the country’s largest port, he
interprets the cityscape, “Ashdod’s modern
neighbourhoods reflect our new prosperity.
Israel thrives today by developing high
tech products like computer software, SIM
cards for cell phones, water purification
systems and advanced security programs.”
Rolling onward, we behold Samson and
King David’s homeland. Vineyards, grain
and cotton fields, olive and date groves all
still flourish along the Judaic plain. The
highway gradually winds upward between
two notable hilltop villages. We discover
one boasts a synagogue shared by Jews and
Christians. The other, Abu Ghosh, is an
Arab community that supported Israel’s
birth in 1948. We learn little-known trivia
as an aside: it became Israel’s hummus
capital by setting a Guinness Record for
consumption. Just below ancient terraced
hillsides, we spy a 9/11 memorial, a
compassionate response to others suffering
terrorism.