We are exactly two thirds done with our trip, which seems to me like a good point to take stock of where we have gone and some of the things we have done:

January 13-21: Istanbul, Turkey

Enjoyed experiencing the city with friends! Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Princes' Islands, good eats!

January 21-24: Cairo, Egypt

Experienced unrest in the country, as anticipation rose for the one year anniversary of the 25 January 2011 Revolution.  Feared for our lives every time we crossed a street due to the insand traffic!

January 24-27: Dahab, Egypt

Chilled out in the sleepy beach town, recovered from a bad cold, did lots of reading and walking.

January 27-February 10: Israel, Palestine

Explored Israel and the Palestinian Territories.  Rented a car and drove along the Dead Sea, through the Golan Heights, around the Sea of Galilee, to Tel-Aviv, Haifa, and Nazareth; explored Jerusalem and Bethlehem on foot/via bus. Experienced Shabbat and the Jewish culture full force.

February 10-26: Jordan

Spent one week in/around Amman staying with my cousin Lisa and family, enjoying time with them and the respite from full time tourism.  Spent one week exploring Crusader Castles in the Eastern Desert, driving to the Dead Sea, Hiking in Dana Nature Reserve, and Exploring Petra.  Camped for a few days in Wadi Rum, hiked in the desert. Snorkeled in the Gulf of Aqaba.

February 26-March 5: Sinai, Egypt

Experienced crazy Bedouin tension in the border town of Taba.  Rented a beach bungalow in a deserted tourist town and enjoyed snorkeling and warm weather.  Volunteered on a WWOOF Farm in the beach town of Nuweiba, getting to know locals and other WWOOFers. Kiteboarded in Dahab and enjoyed the most amazing ice cream on earth every night from our favorite café there.

March 6-March 14: Mainland Greece

Flew from Tel-Aviv, Israel to Athens, Greece.  Couchsurfed with an incredible host.  Explored Athens on foot, eating all the way!  Rented a car for a few days and drove around the mainland, checking out all the Greek Ruins.  Spent another night in Athens with our couchsurfing host, sharing food and stories.

March 14-? : Greek Islands!