"No problem. Everything will be alright!"

Tel Aviv, October 21: My randevouz with Jon and places in the Holy Land: One problem, one solution, one step- at a time.

I chose a day trip to the Sea of Gallilee over a friendship meeting between our group of Indian delegates and the Tel Aviv Chamber of Commerce officials. A drive through the hills of Golan Heights, the land where Jesus preached, lived, and made miracles, or an opportunity to experience leaders exchanging ideas, cultures, and thoughts on innovation? It was a tough choice; in fact, tough for only a minute as my travel instinct generally takes over most choices. Later I realized that our guide, Jon, made me even more thankful for having chosen frolic over intellect for that day. 

Jon, a smiling little middle-aged man, arrived to pick us up at 8 am. He said it was his lucky day since he was spending it with six lovely ladies. I, the chatterbox with a curios mind, waited long enough to be polite and jumped on to the navigator seat in the 12 passenger van for a better view. Jon ignited the van with words that made us look forward to the day ahead. Little did I know about the profound exchange of ideas and culture that was going to happen between Jon and me on that day of frolic as Jon began to drive us out of the busy morning traffic of Tel Aviv.

We had just recovered from a bad-guide nightmare and a good first impression was necessary. Polite introductions happened and he asked us what places in particular we'd like to see. Negotiations began as six women expressed their choices of must-see spots. We had one day, ten hours, and 300 kms that could be covered. "No problem," said Jon beaming, "everything will be alright! I'll make sure we make the most of the day." What a good attitude! I decided he was the best guide we've had so far and it was going to be a good day.

As we drove through the city and on to the highways of northern Israel, I learned more about Jon. A trained engineer qualified from the USA, he served in the army for thirty years. He has an American wife who loves Tel Aviv and is a great cook. He still acts as a part-time military advisor but loves to drive travelers around Israel a few days a week to keep life exciting. He always finds interesting travelers who impress him with their knowledge of Israel. And, if he does come across some tough ones, he makes sure they get their money's worth. Then, "Everything is alright. No problem." Jon's Jewish ancestors chose to move to the Holy Land during the hard times in the early 1900's when many fled to the new world countries to become bankers and bright business men. His Eastern European family wanted to be close to their God's land and aspired to trace their roots in Israel instead of fleeing farther away from the torment. "No problem," said Jon, "we still had a good life because we were with family. Everything is alright."

The first stop was Nazareth, the home of Virgin Mary and Jesus's conception ground. You drive on a well-built highway through wannabe clean Islamic towns, lovely modern kibutzen, and a few rolling hills to arrive in the busy town of Nazareth. I had observed by then that like many men I know, Jon loved commenting on the traffic, especially while changing lanes, passing, or letting others pass. He was polite, however. Remember, he was with six ladies. He would observe, tell me a bit more about what we were going to see, verbalize the traffic condition, and before he reacted with the van, he'd say, "Once I change this lane and go left, everything will be alright. No problem!" It was an exercise repeated throughout the day. I was amused each time.

We spent the day making stops at various points of interest - the scenic town of Tiberias, the Church of Beatitudes at Tabkha, Jesus's baptism site at Yardenet, and a popular winery in Golan Heights. All through, Jon, was enthusiastic and cheerful. He gave us the history, and answered most of our questions thoroughly. He took us shopping at a lovely organic market where we indulged our senses and resources in the aromas and tastes of local olives, sweets, dates, and more. Without any problems, he was able to guide six ladies out of the market at the decided time and with shopping satisfaction. Later he helped me order a delicious falafel lunch at a very local spot off the main road and joined us at our table with his pizza slice to admire how much spice six Indian women could devour. "No problem," he said, "I'll get you more chili sauce and everything will be alright."

The sun set as we drove on from our last stop at the winery. The falafels that were still sitting in our tummies invited naps and snores. Jon drove gracefully through the hills and a pass that separated Syria, Jordan, and Israel over to the polished highways of Israel. I kept him company as he told me about his days in the army, pointed out bunker sites and tunnels, and reminisced over the tough times that took so many innocent lives. "Ask what they want to a common Israeli worker, a baker from Gaza, or a mother from the West Bank and there is one common answer - a peaceful life," he spoke from his heart. According to Jon and what he observed of people during his thirty years in the army, "When you have a roof over your head, food on the table, and a family that loves you there is no problem. Everything will be alright!"

Close to Tel Aviv, I asked Jon about the kind of music people there like to listen to. He told me, "There's everything here. Rock, jazz, you name it." He often takes his wife to concerts in the city and his favorite bands are the Beatles and Elton John. Soon, he began whistling the song "Imagine" by the Beatles and I hummed it and later started singing it. He joined me and then went back to whistling. "I love that song!" I told him. It takes your troubles away and makes everything alright. He agreed.

All through this, I wondered if Jon fitted his "No problem..." phrase in every context as a wishful reminder of what he and his country don't have or as a lesson from his experiences that it is the little joys in life that solve your problems and make everything alright. I'd like to think it was the latter. Take one problem, look for one solution, one step at a time; we shall overcome then, and everything will be alright.

I asked him for his email so that I could send him a thank you note or a reference. He said it was not necessary and that he had a lovely day with us! I worried about his long drive back from our hotel to another city where he lives during rush hour. He said, "No problem, I'll get home when I get home, my wife will have a hot dinner ready for me, and everything will be alright."

I will tell you of the hilarious jokes Jon told me some other time.