13 February 2009 - Flying out of Tel Aviv, Israel

Despite my best intentions, I wasn't able to keep up on my blog during this mission. Instead, I wound up spending my evening hours working. Still, it was a productive mission and one that introduced me to several new countries and cultures and many new people.

There is a bit of irony in this trip: I started my journey a month ago in Bangkok, Thailand (Sin City, if you will) and ended it in Jerusalem, Israel (the Holy City). As always, I had some remarkable experiences – ones that I want to write down and remember for a long time. In the interest of time and of my weary head (it's about 4 a.m. as I write this blog), I'm going to focus on ten highlights of the trip. I've included pictures where possible. These moments are not listed in any specific order:





1. An extremely fast power boat ride down the Mekong River through the heart of Bangkok with Charlie and Cameron. We had just toured the Grand Palace and walked around to see the various vendors gathered outside the gates. Our biggest concern was avoiding the river "spray" and praying that we weren't ingesting any of the water.

2. Extreme Airport Sports in the Chennai, India airport. I was absolutely positive that Charlie, Cameron and I would not make our flight to Sri Lanka from Chennai because of the hour delay leaving Bangkok; I was wrong. Picture the famous OJ Simpson commercial, where he's leaping over the suitcases in the departure area to make his flight – that was us. Thai Airways ushered us from the plane, through customs and immigration. They sent a young Indian man to personally carry our luggage off the plane first. The attendant led us through the throngs of Indians either greeting passengers or bidding farewell to their friends and loved ones, only to repeat the same process, but in reverse this time: baggage check, immigration, security, and finally plane. We weren't the last ones on the plane at 2:00 a.m., but we were close!

3. The blur that was Sri Lanka. I'm saddened to say that I didn't get to see anything at all in Sri Lanka except the airport, the hotel and the office. If anything is particularly memorable it was the reception we received from our staff there. They were warm and friendly and were thankful that we had come; we were thankful for their invitation.

4. Climbing the shaft inside the Great Pyramid. I have wanted to do this since I knew what the Pyramids were. The experience itself was surreal and exhilarating. A colleague of mine (Vikki) and I paid $20 to have the honor of climbing up the long, cramped, steep, smelly, humid and warm tunnel in the Pyramid that eventually led to the tomb. I used the opportunity to get my exercise in. When we reached the tomb, we found it had some of the best acoustics I'd ever heard. The walls of the tomb were made of black granite. The whole experience was fascinating. The outside of the Pyramids were impressive enough, but the inner workings were amazing. I need to find the movie that they showed us in elementary school about the Pyramids. I can't wait to refresh my knowledge.

5. Experiencing the dangers of Cairo traffic - THREE times. Within the first two days of arriving in Cairo, various taxis I drove in had three separate accidents! They didn't think anything of it, but I (with the knowledge that these cars have NO seatbelts) was extremely aware. It's amazing that no one really got hurt, but disturbing at the same time!

6. Smoking a Sheesha at Khan el Khalili, the large public market in Cairo. Our Watch Officer Samantha and I enjoyed a cup of tea and a sheesha after a successful shopping trip in the market. The apple flavor tobacco is the first I can remember that was not completely offensive to me. I'm glad I tried it; will it be a regular activity in my life – I don't think so. The most enjoyable part of the evening was conversing (that's probably too strong a word for it – rather communicating) with several arabs sitting next to us. I think we got quite a few pictures of them and they were fascinated with us. It was quite funny.

7. Climbing into the second largest Pyramid (Khafre). Yes, I went to the Pyramids at Giza twice and yes, it was worth it. Every time I go, I learn something more, see something new, etc. The layout of the tunnels/shafts in the second pyramid were very different from the shafts in the Great Pyramids: different angles, different type of entrance, different type of tomb. No less amazing though. I'm fascinated with the geometry, mathematics and building techniques used to create these wonders of the world.



8. Getting the "rubber glove" treatment when entering Israel from Jordan. Apparently the Israelis don't appreciate the diverse countries I've travelled to within the last 12 months – Yemen, UAE, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sudan, Kuwait. I suppose who could blame them. Yet, all of my colleagues (except for me) breezed through security at the Allenby bridge. I, on the other hand, underwent the Spanish Inquisition. Do you know how hard it is to explain "business continuity" to someone off the street? It only took an extra hour or two to get through. No strip search this time, but you can tell I'm anxious for a return visit!

9. Praying at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City. After wandering around the Christian Quarter and visiting the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Samantha and I spent a few minutes at the Western Wall. For whatever reason, I am often moved by such experiences and this one was no exception. I spent a few moments to take in my life and utter some prayers for those in need. In the end, I tucked a tiny note into the wall with my prayers and recited the Lord's Prayer.

10. The rubber glove treatment again? Leaving Israel is harder than getting in. The interrogation this evening lasted a good hour and involved every aspect of my job. Whey did I choose the flights I chose (I didn't; Amex did). What is it that I do exactly and can they see a copy of the Emergency Response plan for the "Israel" office. No, I don't have one; that's their responsibility. How many entities make up the World Bank Group? Who's on my team? Where are they? Actually, who am I? In the end they determined there was no need for a full body cavity search this time. I did, however, have the honor of unpacking and repacking my bags. Maybe I'll actually get to sleep on the plane!?

I always consider it a great blessing that I've seen the places I've seen, but meeting my colleagues from around the world and getting to know them and their concerns is truly the greatest gift. Traveling is a privilege and one that I cherish, but now it's time to come home and see my family.