Traveler’s Journal
When: 7 p.m., Thursday, March 10
Where: Sequim High School library, 601 N. Sequim Ave.
Cost: Suggested $5 donation (adults); 18 and younger, free
Presenter: Tom Saffold
Presentation: “Tales of the Middle East”
by Tom Saffold
For the Sequim Gazette
In June 2015, my wife Kathy and I joined our daughter and her husband in Israel where they were working on a media project for a year. Our daughter also planned a trip for the four of us to visit Istanbul, Egypt and Jordan. We were able to catch a glimpse of the differences in the cultures and learn of their histories, which helped us to relate to the locals in Israel even more.
Because tourism in Egypt and Palestine is declining from the deteriorating political stability of the region, we saw more poverty than anticipated and more heightened security measures to protect tourists.
This was especially true in Egypt which lost several major political figures to assassination while we were there and recently had experienced terrorist attacks upon tourists. Perhaps unsurprisingly, much of the time we were the only tourists to be seen! We chartered a boat to take us up the Nile, which was a magical escape. We also traveled on the local railway system, both in sleeper berths and coach, in order to see the countryside most authentically.
In contrast, Israel, Turkey and Jordan seemed to be doing well in their economies and we saw many nationalities walking around and enjoying the sites available. But even there a security presence always was discreetly available or very visible.
I was wondering what it would be like visiting these areas during Ramadan. Most people appeared to be consistently religious but we only saw tempers flare a few times due to their requirement of fasting. We ended up excusing one of our guides early because he would not take a single sip of water in 115-plus degree heat!
We especially enjoyed the natural parks and other features of the unique landscape. Hiking in the heat seemed to be our most frequent endeavor! Some highlights were Ein Gedi and Banias. The waterfalls in that dry land are refreshingly beautiful.
From the summits of Mount Hermon and Mount Bental, we could see down into Syria and watch rockets and missiles being fired across the border! The people group near the border are the Druze
and they did not seem fazed by the war going on nearby. Their apple orchards are their pride and joy. We bought some of their fruit and honey and it was delicious.
The foods we ate in all four countries were very different from one another and this was a delight to our palates. Turkey and Israel have been influenced greatly by outside cultural cuisines, but also had dishes that went back to their roots.
We are so thankful to have been able to travel in the cradle of civilization. Our memories bring faces to mind when we hear the news from that area of the world. I look forward to sharing stories of our adventures and experiences, especially some from less commonly visited areas.
About the presenter
“I was born into a military family and lived many places in the U.S and overseas. Because I am a school teacher and have the summers off, my wife and I often would use that time to road trip around America giving our kids history, nature and social enrichment. Travel and the accompanying new experiences always has been a priority for our whole family and our kids have continued that tradition.
“A couple years ago we visited our son for the summer in Thailand and Myanmar, which was a wonderful time learning their culture and history. So this past summer when our daughter invited us to join her and her husband in the Middle East, we jumped at the opportunity!”
About the presentations
Traveler’s Journal is a presentation of the Peninsula Trails Coalition. All of the money raised is used to buy project supplies and food for volunteers working on Olympic Discovery Trail projects.
Shows start at 7 p.m. in the Sequim High School Library at 601 N. Sequim Ave.
Suggested donation is $5 for adults; those 18 years old and younger are free.
One selected photo enlargement will be given away each week as a door prize. Creative Framing is donating the matting and shrink wrapping of the door prize.
For more information, call Dave Shreffler at 683-1734.
