If you caught Daybreak this morning, you may have heard us talking with Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon... in Jerusalem! (glad I didn't have to foot the bill for that long-distance call!)
I guess I'm just fascinated with that part of the world, the Middle East. It is an intriguing, alluring, mysterious place to me. I'm even trying to learn the Arabic language, on the off-chance I may need it someday. It's really tough, just so you know.
As a journalist, I would say I'm always trying to find the other side to a story. I've never been to the Middle East, and I feel as though what we see here in the States, is just a small fraction of what takes place over there. One part of the Mayor's interview that stands out is his comment on hearing bombs last night... but feeling completely safe walking around the city earlier today (there's a 10-hour time difference) and seeing the sights.
Now, I know there's not violence on every corner, 24-hours a day... but, like Mr. Gordon said, it's a very real possibility. I just can't imagine! I've talked with other people who've traveled to Israel, and they say people over there really think nothing of going to the mall, and having a car bomb explode outside. It sounds almost flippant, doesn't it? To me, it's unthinkable - imagine standing outside Fashion Square and having a car explode. Hmm.
I would be very curious to have you, the readers of the Daybreak Daily, to share your stories/experience of Israel, or the Middle East in general. If you've lived there, or traveled there... please leave a comment! What's it like? Are we completely off-base here by thinking it's a scary place? For those, like myself, who haven't yet traveled to that part of the world, we're so limited to what we see on TV or read about in newspapers, on-line, etc. I really don't like feeling that limited in my knowledge... but that really can't change until I experience it for myself. However, I would love for you to shed some light on the "other side of the story." I hope you take some time to comment.
Anyway, I did some surfing, and came across some interesting sites, including our sister city. Enjoy!