Well its early hours on Tuesday 15th Feb 2011 and I'm in Luton airport ready for my flight to Israel. I'm feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves as not sure what to expect. I am working in partnership with a legendary crew from Cricket for Change who regularly travel the globe on trips like these. During this trip we are working alongside the Palestinian Beit Jala lions and Israel Cricket association.

After the long flight two of our guys were pulled off for questioning due to Afgan stamps on their passports. Some 40 mins later we were all together again and on the bus heading to the border at Bethlehem. Driving through Israel I was surprised at how well built up it was and how good it looked. Police cars everywhere but quite a relaxed atmosphere.

Then we got to the border! Armed guards everywhere and walls like I've never seen, even in prison, still keeping an eye for the famous Banksy piece. We were met the other side by the rugby guys who took us out in Beit Jala for the night. Very different this side of the wall. It was quiet, eery, with random groups of heavily armed soldiers around the odd corner. We felt safe with the rugby boys who looked after us and shared lots of stories over the local delicacies!
Up early and seeing the sites before our group splits and we deliver part 1 of our coaching sessions. More to follow soon...

Posted: 17.02.11 09:37