Tom Forrestall travels (and paints) in the Holy Land

Our dear dad, Tom Forrestall is fully immersed in his 6-week trip to Israel to create a series of paintings there. My brother, Frank Forrestall, who is a film maker based in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia is along for the adventure. Frank is carefully documenting the trip in video and taking photographs with the goal of making a film about their trip and dad's experiences while painting all over this extraordinary country. Dad managed to meet up with an old friend from the Annapolis Valley, Yehuda Mitklaf.

Frank is being a big mensch (for the non-Yiddish it means a person you would be happy to befriend and associate with, because you feel genuine in their presence) for keeping the rest of the family updated with stories filtered through his hilarious take on things. His photos add to the fun of hearing of their many adventures---and misadventures (broken stool and Frank learning the fine art of haggling to buy a new one.) From ten days in Jerusalem to two excursions to the Dead Sea and Massada, the mountain in the desert, and on and on, they are both having a memorable, moving and fun time together and we are all grateful Frank was free to accompany dad on this trip.
above: Tom Forrestall paints the old city of Jerusalem. 

Tom Forrestall with the Temple Mount in the background. 

Tom Forrestall (above) painting a scene of the wandering alleyways and streets 

of the old city of Jerusalem. 

Tom Forrestall with his watercolor of the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem. 

Frank (disguised as a native) with The Temple Mount in the background. 

The cemetary on the Mount of Olives.

The Western Wall at night. 

Ancient Hebrew tomb.

Frank shows his animators fondness for unusual sculptures.

Frank said the restaurant had a "no guns" policy. Much like umbrellas by the door, how will you remember which one is yours?

The desert view stretching out to the Dead Sea from half-way up the mountain to Masada. 

The square on the right is the remains of a Roman siege camp.

All photography taken and owned by: Frank Forrestall

-Monica Forrestall