Hello! Thank G-d, I made it safely back home but I still have a lot more to talk about from my trip! I figure it was ok to focus in the moment and write about everything later. So here is a big update. . .
Monday, January 2nd
In the morning I woke up to a big breakfast spread with rolls, pita, Israeli salad, hummus, cream cheese, cake, coffee, and anything else you could ever want! After a yummy breakfast and a relaxing morning, Jake, Meyer (his son), and I went to Erez’s house to meet up. From there, we thought we might go on an adventure but ended up going to a mall for lack of ideas and time. There we ate and I went to H&M, an amazing clothing store that we do not have in Denver. I bought a very pretty skirt, on sale of course, and I thought it was a successful outing. It was also interesting to see all of the Israeli mall stores, only 10% or so were the same as the U.S. and they had a lot more specialty stores then a US mall.
After our lazy morning/afternoon, we went to Meital’s house, Shikea’s daughter. She also lives on a Machsov with her husband Koren and their cute kids Shaked and Ohad. Meital took us to a friends house before dinner who owns a nice jewelry boutique. She hand makes pieces with crystals and stones that a very beautiful. I bought a gorgeous ring there (don’t worry, I will post a picture).
After shopping, the whole family (everyone that was in town) went for one big last dinner. There were 25 of us, including all of the kids! It was so nice to be together but we were a loud and crazy bunch, which is exactly what is to be expected from my family.
After dinner, we all said our goodbyes. The American cousins were leaving Israel and I would not be able to see the Israeli cousins again because of my travels. It was a sad goodbye but I had such a good time with everyone, especially being able to get to know my Israeli cousins better. I can’t wait to go back to Israel soon and see them again.
Josh then gave me a ride to Tel Aviv, where they were staying the night and leaving in the morning. In Tel Aviv, I checked into Sky Hostel. I am staying in a female dorm where I walk in the room to find Lebohang, a lovely woman from South Africa. I loved her immediately and I was so happy to have a great roomie.
Tuesday, January 3rd
I woke up to the hustle and bustle of Tel Aviv. It was a large city that I had never spent any time in. I looked up on the Internet a breakfast place and directions. Just a short walk. No problem.
I get to the address/ cross streets and my breakfast place is nowhere to be found. I had the address with me but, I could not find any numbers on the stores, this was a busy area. I try and ask someone and they do not know what I am talking about, they spoke English but did not understand the concept of each store having a number and they did not know where the restaurant I was looking for was.
Ok, fine. I just want coffee and a little something, so I can go anywhere. I walk into the first kosher restaurant I see and they do not have coffee. Needless to say, I spent 2 hours and 30 minutes trying to get a cup of coffee. I finally found a place, got my cup of coffee and a pastry and it was 50 shekels! That’s $13.50, which in my opinion is crazy expensive for coffee but whatever, I was in dire need.
After “breakfast” I went to the HaShalom train station to meet up with Shannon. We went to get a bit to eat and were lucky enough to sit outside and enjoy the breezy Tel Aviv weather, which is a rare pleasure.
We then went back to the train station to pick up a few things and then he had to go back to Haifa.
I went back to the Hostel and had a relaxing evening with Lebohang.
Wednesday, January 4th
I was very excited when I awoke because it was my first day in Israel where I did not have plans! I had the freedom to do whatever I wanted! I knew I wanted to see Rabin Square. I had gone 6 years ago and learnt about Yitzhak Rabin’s incredible life and tragic death. I knew I wanted to see the tribute to this righteous man again. Lucky, Lebohang did not have plans and was able to come with me on my day of adventure.
Rabin Square was a short walk from the hostel but, we stopped and grabbed lunch first; a big pita with seasoned chicken and potatoes and all of the Israeli fixins. I had rough directions and when we arrived I asked a few Israelis for further direction. The square was a lot bigger then I remember and I am glad I went again. I was also happy to share a little of Rabin’s story with Lebohang.
After wandering around the square for a bit, I finally saw a Magen David Adom blood donation station. I had looked for one in Jerusalem, with no luck and now it was right there! I donate blood and platelets as much as I can in the U.S. and I have always wanted to donate in Israel! I signed up, which was a bit difficult with the Hebrew forms, and I was ready to go! The first step is always an iron level test and blood pressure check. I always have slightly low blood pressure but that day it was really low. The medic had me drink some juice to try and raise my numbers but they wouldn’t budge. I was so sad! But, at least I tried!
Lebohang and I then walked to the beach to see the view. It was absolutely breath taking. We were there at the beginning of the sunset and the view only reinforced my opinion of Israel’s beauty.
We went back to the Hostel and had a glass of wine, as Lebohang had to say farewell to Israel, it was her last night. We then grabbed a slice of pizza and tried to get some rest, we both had a busy day ahead of us!
Thursday, January 5th
My last morning in Tel Aviv was spent packing with a bit of shopping. Then I said goodbye to Lebohang, a wonderful woman that I hope to see again, and headed to the train station.
I took a train to Haifa, which was my first Israeli train experience. The ticket was fairly cheap and the train was really nice. About an hour later I was rushing by beautiful scenes of water as the train pulled into Haifa. I took a 10-minute cab ride to the Haifa guesthouse where I was staying and was pleasantly surprised when I got there. The guesthouse was a hotel/hostel with several buildings located at different heights on a big hill. The buildings were separated by little gardens. I got to the female dorm room and was overjoyed to see that the room was really nice, clean, and empty! Not to mention that it had a balcony with a beautiful view of Haifa!
After settling in, I went to the Baha’i Gardens to meet up with Shannon. Most of the different levels were closed but it was still nice to see some of it up close. We then walked around for a bit and then went to grab a bit to eat. Then we went for coffee and headed to Shannon’s friend’s baby shower. The baby shower was a lot of fun and everyone was really friendly. It was a great group of people, mostly medical students who are from all over the US and studying in Haifa. They were all sweet and I was really glad to meet them.
After, it was pretty late and definitely time for bed! It was too late to take the bus so I opted for a taxi. When I hailed the Taxi another Israeli was trying to get a cab too and the cab driver insisted we share. I was kind of of lucky to have him because his English was great and the driver knew as much English as I knew Hebrew, so practically nothing. After they argued about where my hotel was they came to the conclusion that they both had no idea. He decided to drop the other guy off first and to get directions from his cab radio. The taxi then pulls over to a stop and the Israeli runs out, the driver tells me “sorry, one minute”, 10 minutes later the Israeli comes back with cigarettes, of course two packs, one for him and one for the driver. We finally continue on our way and come to the Israeli’s stop. Then the cab driver goes back the other direction to drop me off. I realize that my stop was 15 minutes away and I had now been in this cab for 45-50 minutes. He drops me off and I ask how much, expecting 30-45 shekels and he has the guts to tell me 75 shekels. At this point, as I am choking over all of the second hand smoke and have now been in the cab for more then an hour, I laugh and I tell him “I’m sorry, but no. You made the other guy share with me, got lost, took a cigarette break, and made this the worst cab experience of my life. Here is 30 Shekels. Thank you and good night.” The cab driver said, “oh, ok.” And that was the end of it. Never a dull night in Israel!
The guesthouse was still empty when I got back and I actually had a great night sleep.
Friday, January 6th
I woke up to a beautiful view of Haifa and felt sad to leave. But it was Friday and I was very excited for Shabbat and mostly just excited to see the Steinbergs. I have not seen them since they made Aliyah at the end of September and I missed the whole family. Right now they are living at the Afikim Kibbutz n the north, near Tiberius. I took the bus and an hour later I was in a new city! Tiberius looked cute with a lot of little stores but I was excited to finally try the Kosher McDonalds and utilize the free Internet (I’m such an American).
Lizette came to the bus stop to get me and then we went to see Kever Rachel (grave of Rachel). It was on our way and a site that I thought I wasn’t going to be able to see, so this was a treat! There was a beautiful short synopsis of Rachel’s life that proved she was a self-less individual who was willing to sacrifice and challenge others for the greater good. Then we went to see the Kever of Rabbi Meir Baal Hanes. It was also the site of the Rabbi Meir Baal Hanes Learning Institution. It was a beautiful Kever to see.
We then went along on our way to Kibbutz Afikim and Lizette’s new home. The drive was beautiful as we passed fields and fields of lush agriculture and drove along the Kinneret.
We arrived and had plenty of time before Shabbat. When Lizette’s boys, got home from school, she told them they could show me around the Kibbutz. They were happy to do so. They loved it there! Tons of animals and outdoor activities, what little boy wouldn’t love it? They showed me all of the houses, the dog kennels, the basketball courts, the swimming pool, their schools, playgrounds, the dining hall, and the Kibbutz dining hall. It all looked great. We then headed back to prepare for Shabbat.
Shabbat with the Steinbergs felt so much like Denver and warm like home. We had a nice Friday night dinner and a very relaxing night.
TO BE CONTINUED!
I need some sleep. All of the traveling was exhausting. I will post more soon!
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