Firstly, profound thanks to all those who contributed to our request on what to do, where to go and what to see. Returned yesterday evening: touchdown at Geneva Airport, the Swiss-French hostess wished all passengers a pleasant onward journey, and then..... Shabat Shalom, which was much appreciated as the flight arrived at 16.30.

What can we say? Amazing, fascinating, historic, beautiful, varied, - could write a book detailing 8 days in Israel. Jerusalem perhaps the most incredible city we have ever visited [this from us who have lived all over the world]. Very heavy security presence [wonder why]? especially near the Wailing Wall. Israelis very helpful and friendly. Tourism, with thousands of tour buses, big business. The little Garden of the Tomb [little known methinks] very thought provoking. Areas of the Old City fascinating. Masada and Nimrod Fortress both spectacular [former with Swiss cable car]!

Yad Vashem wonderfully displayed but oh so heart-rending and moving - had difficulty holding it all together and could not speak for at least 15 minutes after exiting. Some of the videoed testimonies absolutely horrific. A must for everyone to visit.

Could go on and on, but wont bore everyone: huge pluses, but some minuses too: driving standard atrocious, dangerous, aggressive - saw a fatal accident returning to Ben Gurion Airport at 09.00 yesterday. Bethlehem and Nazareth both huge disappointments, litter strewn, clogged with traffic and dirty.Yafo [Jaffa] Carmel markets well worth a visit [brought home aubergines, red peppers, mini cucumbers and nectarines - couldn't carry any more]!

By and large, a trip to remember because of the all-pervading sense of 2000+ history.