'Azzun, Beit Furik, Eliyahu Crossing, Huwwara, Shomron Crossing, Za'tara (Tapuah), Sun 18.8.13, Morning

9:25 We entered the territories through the Shomron Gate. It was quiet and we saw nothing unusual.

We drove to Salfit and saw that the iron gates were open and vehicles could go in and out. Nadim told us that there is a college in Salfit that teaches courses through the Open University. We did not known that.

Zaatra, (Tapuach Junction) seemed quiet. There were a few soldiers in the center area where a Palestinian car was stopped and was being checked. There were soldiers in their booths on the road to and from Nablus, but the traffic was moving smoothly.

Huwwara checkpoint is blocked off completely with razor wire. The huge lights that once lit up the checkpoint and the parking lot after dark were on in the middle of the day!  I wonder who's paying for this waste of energy! The traffic into and out of Nablus was moving normally.

The entrance to Beit Dajan was open. We viewed the lovely valley between Beit Furiq and Beit Dajan. It is now yellow-brown and dry. We did not meet any sheep or goats this time.

We drove past Yitzhar and Qedumim. There was nothing unusual on this road. The entrance to Azzoun was open.

Later we had some coffee with a Palestinian fellow. We sat in a circle and were able to have a conversation (in Hebrew) about the current political situation and the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis. The conversation was on a friendly and informative level. We women agreed that this conversation is what made the entire morning worthwhile.

We left through the Eliyahu Gate. The woman guard checked all of our ID cards.