Jetlag is totally kicking my ass but whatever, it's so worth it. I've been super busy ever since I've arrived in the Holy Land. Everyday we've done some really fun stuff. First day we went out to eat at some really nice places. I got to have my beloved Israeli brekfast right on the beach in Tel Aviv. Israeli brekfast is so excellent, two egg omlet with an assortment of cheeses, tuna salad, bread or pita, and chopped vegetable salad. In my mind you just can't beat that. Second day was excellent; went to Old City in Jerusalem and went to the Wailing Wall plus walked around the markets in the arab quarter. It was funny; I had a random conversation with a tourist from New Zealand and we talked about how the Wailing Wall should really have a different, happier name. Wailing carries such a negative connotation so why not call it the prayer wall or the wall of happiness or something. I'll have to make my suggestion to the Rabbi's when I get a chance.
After Old City we went to my Uncle's house in South Jerusalem and I got to see a number of my relatives. It was a very nice gathering and it was great to see everyone. I saw one of my cusins that I handn't seen in 11 years, crazy right? It's so nice how everyone is here for the wedding and so I'll get to see all of my relatives in one place at one time. BTW I'm totally just providing the cliff notes version right now. I have plenty more details written down in my journal. I took a whole bunch of pictures (as requested by a couple of friends) in the Old City too but then I left my camera at my Uncle's house. Hopefully I'll get it back tonight when I meet up with my cousin.
Yesteterday we pikced up my sister in the am after enjoying another Israeli breakfast on the beach. And when I say on the beach I mean literally on the beach, with waves coming in over our feet. There's this great place right on the water where you literally cross a rope and walk 5-10 feet and you're in the water. Nothing like that in Jersey. The water was great too. Yesterday I went in after we went back to the beach for the second time. So warm and nice; eventhough this time of year is jellyfish season. They come every year for like 2-3 weeks. I only saw one so far and I even picked it up and got some pictures taken with it. Then last night another family gathering for my one uncle's birthday. Lots of laughs, and the typical Israeli debates/arguments that ensue at family gatherings. Yesterday's topics: Pention debate between who has it better; government workers or those in the private sector here in Israel, and the difference between organic and regular food (that one spurned on by my mother). To an outsider you'd probably think holy shit they are fighting and yelling at eachother but in reality we're just talking. I usually just sit back and watch, waiting for the right moment to intervene. For instance; my mom talked about how she buys only organic vegetables and I chimed in that I want here to stop b/c the organic lettuce is all brown and filled with bugs. Quite a compelling argument by me if I may say so myself.
So far another excellent trip. I'm sure it will only get better as time winds down until the wedding. Today I'll get to sepdn time with a few more of my cousins and I'm sure it'll be a great time. Back to the beach for now, maybe more later.
Holy land. Great food. Non-stop Eating.
Great weather. So warm. Every Day.
Beach time. Strong sun. Nice Tan.
I bet you're feeling a whole lot better about going now. Your breakfast/beach time sounds amazing right now, especially since I ate shredded wheat in my car on my way to work this morning. Your family discussions sound like the ones my dad has with his siblings and the rest of us when we're together, but in English. I like how you had to put your foot down with your mom, made me laugh that you felt you had a compelling argument by pointing out the obvious.
ReplyDelete"Holy Land. Great food. Non-stop Eating." Go for a run if you get the chance.