|
 Richard
of Arabia
As Randy Cort and I motored our rented Vespas throughout the
backroads of Israel, we came upon an
Arab merchant who was offering the opportunity to sit on his camel
and have a photograph taken for a fee of $10.00 American money.
Taking full advantage of this rare opportunity, you can observe
my portrayal of Richard of Arabia. But the most exciting news
of all was that I did it for $7.00! After all, it was his camel,
but my camera and my film.
The Dead Sea...
This was the most memorable aquatic experience of my life.
I thought that I had been in salt water when I played Water Polo
in the San Francisco Olympic Club or body surfed in Santa Cruz,
but this was unbelievable. The water was very warm, about 92 degrees,
it felt very oily from the 33% composition of chemicals. By comparison,
the great Salt Lake, in Utah is 18%. The water was so buoyant that
I could not swim breaststroke because my
knees would not get down deep enough below the surface of the water.
The actual
depth of the water where I was, was about 5 feet. I remember catching
a droplet or two from an errant splash in my eye---burn city! Finally,
the entire experience was marked by the view of the Jordanian border
and, at the time, an occasional sound of a gun shot. What
do you think, are my memories vivid?
|
The
Western Wall
One of my favorite photographs is this one. It shows me placing
a note in between stones of
the Western (Wailing) Wall.
The placement of the message is a request for
a special blessing of contentment for my mother, Ethel and my
wife's mother, Ellie. I am sure that my written prayer has found
it's journey, but if ever I go back I will know to look between
the stones that are ten from the left corner and threestones high.
Lake Tiberias... 
The beautiful historical Sea of Galilee was a stopping point on
our sightseeing travels. Several of our USA players joined me
in this recreational swim. It may have been the first time a water
polo ball had been passed around this infamous body of water.
We embarked on this side trip a day or two after winning the gold
medal, and I can vividly remember thinking of how fortunate I
was to have an opportunity to swim in this sacred place. I had
to pinch myself, and wished that I had paid more attention in
Sunday School.
|
