My name is Ata Manasra and I have been a guide for 11 years. I began guiding full time 11 years ago after a career in education as an English teacher and administrator, and I also served as a communicatons field officer for the Red Cross. My last assignment in the Red Cross was to spend 6 months in Yemen, and after the completion of that assignment I decided that I wanted to be closer to my family. I returned full time as a tour guide, which combines my passion for the culture and history of the area with my love for meeting new people from around the world. However, during my work with the Red Cross I continued to provide guiding as I could with groups who requested my services. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my 3 sons and 1 daugher. I am truly amazed by their wisdom and I am proud father as I watch them grow into young adults. I am an avid soccer fan and one can hear my cheers with my sons for Real Madrid during the matches. I also am passionate about my garden, which includes lemon trees, olive trees, tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, and herbs. One of the simple pleasures of life is a glass of tea with fresh sage from my garden when I return home. I also enjoy singing and if you ask I can always teach you some Arabic songs. It is a great way to unwind on a long day of bus travel! I am former chairperson and now the secretary for Future Vision Society, which provides pre-school and other services to our community. We were proud to welcome President Jimmy Carter to our village and share with him our projects and the joint agreement that we have made with our Israeli neighbors as both communites work together to provide a better future. I am happy to share the work of Future Vision if you have any questions. It is my hope as your guide that I will engage you in the culture, history, and beauty of the area, and I will do my best to examplify Palestinian hospitatlity to your group. It is my hope that we will become acquainted as global citizens and leave as friends.