Oxonians we become!

We’re in our new home in Oxford! And it’s pouring down with rain outside (who would have thought?), but at least it has given me the chance to put pen to paper, so to speak. My last few days in Israel were lovely and hot (it got up to 40oC at one point). Talia and I went shopping, swimming and ate even more humus and falafel and other generally delicious food. We also managed to fit in quick visits to some of the local towns around where Talia lives and even went for a sunset stroll at Caesaria. This is a beautiful ancient city that lies on the shores of the Mediterranean and was built around 20 BC by King Herod the Great (who as far as I can tell was only great at killing his family members and the odd rabbi or two). My memories from the last time I visited this site (as an 11yr old) are of the ruins themselves and scrambling through archways and the like. They don’t include all the high-end yuppy cafes and restaurants and pubs that are now nestled amongst the ancient ruins. Thankfully these have been very tastefully merged into the sandstone walls of the old city and it is all very beautiful indeed. If you are ever in the area I highly recommend a stroll down through the chariot racing arena to the amphitheater and back before sitting and sipping hot apple cinnamon cider in the seaside cafes while watching the sunset paint all the ruins in pink and purple as it melts into the sea. 

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