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Time comes and goes and we keep moving forward, using terms like before and after, yesterday and today, old and new. One city embodies that in its form, function, and name. That city is Tel Aviv, Israel.

"Tel" is a word describing a mound, typically built up by humans over time. It implies age, ancient secrets buried deep, soil and earth. It is essentially, just an old, artificial hill. "Aviv" means spring and new life. So you could interpret the name of this city to simply mean "Old and New". As you'll see, the city and the country are both exactly that. It's land that's been lived in for thousands of years, but with modern conveniences and sensibilities.

Indeed, even some of the issues that still exist there today can trace their roots back very far in time. Fortunately, when I left for this tourist trip to Israel last fall the level of violence occurring there was nothing like it is now. There was high security, and sometimes a feeling of unease, but I felt safe the entire time.

It was a fun, extremely educational adventure. And although I'm writing this many months later, these posts are based on extensive notes and emails I wrote while I was there. This travel blog has always been part recording and part reflection, and this case is no different.

So in the coming days and weeks I'll be posting my thoughts and experiences from that trip. I hope you can join me for the ride.