Arrived at Larnaca

After two months away from Europe we are in Cyprus. We left Haifa in the morning and arrived in Larnaca at 12 the following day. We had good sailing weather but ran the motor half the time. Westerly winds as we approached Larnaca.

The last days in Israel we visited the West Bank with Betlehem and Hebron. We saw some of the wall dividing Palestina from Israel and settlements in the area. We also visited Aida camp. A friendly taxidriver followed us most of the day. We crossed back to Israel at checkpoint 300 by foot, before taking the bus back to Jerusalem and finally Tel Aviv. 

All travel involves saying goodbye. And as Edvard still talkes about his friends from day care, we will remember the good people at the marina and spesially the neighbour boat with its live aboards family. Thanks for welcoming us!

Comments on blogg.

During our time in Egypt we did not have much access to internet. The comments posted on the blogg some how got threw to me though and they were much appreciated! So thanks to all for comments and letting me know who is reading!

Next stop Tel Aviv

After a good and mostly relaxing week in Ashkelon we headed north to Tel Aviv. We said good bye to some very friendly "live aboards" from the marina. Also in Tel Aviv we have been well recieved by the people living on their boats.  About 1.2 million live in the center of Tel Aviv. Here there are too big beaches but more people and the location right in front of the growing city makes for a much more urban feeling. The city seems to have a international poulation and bee a popular holiday resort for many.

Our routines are similar to Ashkelon with us spending time on the beach. Both the kids love it. We also celebrated Edvards 5th birthday on the boat. Three guests was just super and I think it was a memorable day for Edvard.

We plan on staying here until Saturday when we will head north to Haifa before crossing over to cyprus.

Jerusalem

We made the trip to Jerusalem today. The history and atmosphere makes an impression. As does travelling in Israel. Many of the soldiers on leave still carry their weapons with them. It takes time getting used to.

The Old City of Jerusalem has many holy sites for muslims, jews and christians. We mainly visited the church of the holy sepulchure. The old city has different areas for each religion. I could have spent alot longer time here. With the kids a day was ok. Edvard most of all talks about his coming birthday but of course the history from ancient Jerusalem also interests. I guess Ingrid is most pleased once wes are back on the boat and she can wonder round and gather things in her bag. Me and Janna are very happy to have made the trip.

Tomorrow is Yum Kippur. The holiest of all holidays in judaism. No cars on the roads and a 24 hour fasting of food and water among other things. We aim for a restful day.

La Familia

Slik ser den fantastiske, sjødyktige  skuta ut.

Bilder

Noen bilder fra El Tor og videre oppover.

Oppsummering

Det har vart noen gode uker på La Familia nå siden vi reparerte motoren. Her kommer en liten oppsummering fra vi forlot El Tor. Vi har sett mange delfiner men spesielt utenfor Sinai var det store fine delfiner som lekte foran oss på båten.

Etter fire dager med seilas og fire spennende netter på ankring kom vi til Suez. Her begynner Suezkanalen og det er masse store skip å følge med på. Det er mest jeg som syns det er kult da! Vi benyttet anledningen til å dra til Cairo og ride på kamel og se de fasinerende  4000 år gamle pyramidene.

I selve kanalen kom vi veldig nært de møtende skipene og bølgene de lagde var så store at man ble helt bløt hvis man satt foran på båten.

Siste by i Egypt var Port Said her slutter kanalen og etter at losen hadde fått sin gave og blitt hentet av losbåten satte vi kurs mot Ashkelon i Israel. Seilasen tok 28 timer og Edvard sov ute under stjerneklar himmel i sittbrunnen! Her i Askelon har det blitt masse bading og litt roligere dager på stranda. Deilig for alle!