Hi everyone - I am not new to FT but very new to the Forums, so thought I had better stick my nose in and say hello!

Hi Iva. I know you from the Chats. It's good to see you here, in the Forums

Hello postie - I am only just finding my way around - it is only recently that I discovered Chats [and now I cannot find where the smilies have gone!] I think I should have stuck with my original username "Iva0Brain" as I seem to have lost mine somehow!

If you click 'Switch to Full Reply Screen' at the bottom of the reply box, or if you click 'Reply' at the bottom of the reply to which you are responding, you'll be able to see the smilies.

I don't think we have many members from your beautiful country. Welcome to the forums.

Welcome to the forums.

I visited your country some years ago, just for the day, when I was staying in Cyprus. I remember it as being very hot, and sadly a day when there was unrest so we were not able to see all we planned. I still wouldn't have missed it for the world, a wonderful experience.

@ren33 - I have come across a couple of members from here and have been in contact with one of them a couple of times. I have been a member of FT for four years but only came across the Forums last week when I asked for help on Chat regarding a problem, so thought it was about time I joined here as well!

@sue943 - I have lived in Israel for 35 years and even I have not seen all the places I intended to see when I first came here. There was never any time when I was working and since I had to retire due to an accident I have been unable to travel around. Now, of course, I am stuck at home for the duration, so even if I was able to it is out of the question.

'Unrest' as you put it, happens, but I never regret coming here and will never leave. I am happy and content in my life, and that is all that matters really.

Welcome Iva, I have been there three times long ago and have many cousins there.

Welcome to the forums, Iva! Israel is on my bucket list of places to visit! Enjoy your time here - there's lots to explore!

I hope you can make it cinnam0n - I know that I am biased but it really is a wonderful country.

I was only there a day, and they declared a state of emergency! What I saw was amazing, wandering through Old Jerusalem, an experience not to be missed. As a Christian, my visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was a must.