Salt and Water, Salt and Water, Salt and Water

Today’s post is coming to you from 35,000ft. On an Airbus 320 from Detroit to Seattle there isn’t a whole lot to do but read, look out the window, sleep.  But, if you have your own technology do what you normally would do anyways. So, I thought it the perfect time to get my post written so I’ll be ready for more sitting around when I get back to Seattle. :-) Hopefully though with this being June 1st and the start of our summer flying, sitting around will be a thing of the past! I’m crossing my fingers, but not holding my breath.
This past week I haven’t been sitting around though! I was off to Israel! My friend, whom I'll call Fry, works with my airline and was cool enough to have me tag along on his trip! My first time in the middle east and it was spectacular! I was only in Tel Aviv and the very close old city of Jaffa, but it was enough to get me itching for more. Sadly, the free day that we had there was on the Sabbath, so people told us would shouldn’t waste our time going over to Jerusalem, which was a hour away, because everything would be closed. But not to fear there was a lot to do in TLV and we did a lot!

Upon arrival at the hotel most of the crew dashed to change clothes and run over to the Carmel Market, the biggest market in the city, which was only a few blocks from the hotel. With our precious hours of daylight fading, everything closes at sunset for shabbat diner, we hurriedly tried to maneuver the market and all its treasures. Food was everywhere! Olives, pita, fruits, veggies, baklava, fish, dried fruit (from a lady who tried to rip you off). A fresh smoothie had to be consumed and it was delish! I was reminded of an important lesson, always look at your change. I didn’t do this and some lady gypped me out of 20 shekels, about $7! Less talking and more paying attention!
After enjoying a gyro made with the traditional stuffing of chips, or french fries for us Americans, we moseyed our way back to the hotel just enjoying the street sights. It was a sunny day and the beach was calling our name so a lounge by the Mediterranean was very much in order. It was apparently calling other people by their names too, the beach was packed.

 When we got there the sun was hiding behind some clouds that were sneaking in on the fierce wind that had started to blow. It didn’t take to long to get covered with sand. But can there really be such a thing as a bad day at the beach? NO! After a chat, where I found out one of the crew members commutes from Sydney(!), a swim, burying Fry in the sand and an encounter with a local kite surfer, we dusted off our towels and went back to the hotel. It wasn’t long till some of the crew gathered for a ‘debriefing’. After a few adult beverages 6 of us went in 1 taxi to a club that ended up being easily within walking distance of the hotel. Our taxi driver proceeded to try and get us to pay 120 shekels, or $35 for a 3 min cab ride, it seriously was that close. An argument ensued and the word police was thrown around and for a second I thought I might end up in the Israeli police station that night. All ended well, with us paying only 60 shekels which was still too much. We dance our troubles away and said goodnight to the day as the sun was rising on the next.


After a long 5 hour sleep Fry and I headed over to the old city of Jaffa, which was a beautiful walk down the boardwalk along side the Mediterranean. What sights there were to behold! There were fishermen, families, a man washing his horse in the sea and a fella sitting on a couch blasting Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody in front of a falling down building the had mannequin parts hanging from it. That one we couldn’t figure out.
After spending the afternoon waltzing around Jaffa, eating ice cream, breads, caramel bananas, taking photos and just enjoying the day we returned to the hotel to lounge by the pool. Since Fry had to actually work on the flight back to JFK he had to take a quick nap while I caught the sun set and enjoyed the last moments of the trip.
I can not wait for a chance to go back! Israel was a diverse, fun, cultural place that has so much to offer. I had never really comprehended how much there is to see there. Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho, Galilee, the Dead Sea, Tel Aviv. Its a great country and all within half a days drive of everything! I learned some fun facts too:
According to an Israeli superstition, if a bee is trying to get you all you need to do is say "Salt and Water" three times. I tried this out in East Tennessee yesterday and it worked great!
Cherry Tomatoes, Skype and Rummikub are all from Israel.
The glue on Israeli stamps is kosher!

I could go on and on but will hold myself back. Bottom line, if you have a chance to go to Israel, do it!
Shalom Shalom (Peace be with you)

Next for sure adventure: Malaga at the end of June!!