We Made It!

We made it!

After arriving at LAX and moving seamlessly through check-in, security and boarding, (Many thanks to Orit Topf and her staff at World Express Travel!) we departed Los Angeles for Tel Aviv at approximately 2:30 p.m. PST. Lumbering along in our 777 airplane was a fitting metaphor for our excitement and anticipation for this journey. We’re all carrying along heavy emotions and concerns for what lay ahead and what we leave behind, not to mention the extensive array of technological distractions we stuffed into our carry-on luggage: iPods, laptops, Kindles, video games, etc. Though the acceleration of the jet engines down the runway seemed slow and persistent, we were in the air and flying toward Israel before we knew it! We could not help but notice the extra security from not only El Al, but also the LAPD, who escorted our plane as we taxied to the runway. We could not have felt safer.

I especially am grateful for my wife and children. I am laden with care and concern for those I leave behind for this journey.

As we fly over the arctic circle on our path to Israel, I am reading the final chapters of Superfreakonomics, By Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner. They outline some misconceptions of global warming and cleverly juxtapose the noble efforts of former Vice President with the simple science the effects an erupted volcano has on combating the perilous future of our global environment. They include the curious truth that the climate increases in heat when airplanes DON’T fly, since the trail of cloud airplanes leave in the air apparently serve as a buffer for the sun’s penetrating effects. Of course, the economists are going to advocate for the intriguing suggestions of some very bright scientists who imagine that global climates can be changed with 18-mile garden hoses suspended by balloons shooting sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere is a cost beneficial alternative to changing people’s fundamental behavior. But, I digress...

We arrived in Israel at 2:50 p.m. IST (is that correct? Israel Standard Time?) and we were met in the relatively new, quite fancy, and a little overbuilt Ben Gurion terminal, by our fantastic tour operators. After the luggage retrieval, and sadly one family’s dismay to learn some of their luggage was in Zurich, Switzerland en route to Israel, we boarded our bus with our Argentinian-Israel Guide, Dani. Due to our late arrival, we traveled immediately to Jaffa where we began our journey through Israel with some great introductions to this historic city. Dani shared with us how Jaffa is a city that takes from throughout time, beginning with its Biblical references in the book of Jonah to the Greek goddess Andromeda and everything in-between. As we began getting hungry and tired, we were enlivened quickly by a dynamic discussion on the role of converted Jews and resident aliens (from Thailand, Phillipines, etc.) in the State. That’s the excitement of a trip like this - history comes alive and relevant with every step we take.

We enjoyed a delicious meal at Dr. Shakshuka’s - who knew one need a post-graduate degree for eggs, tomato sauce and cheese! It was evident that the Dr. earned his title after we tasted our first meal together in Israel. During dinner we shared a little bit about ourselves and what we hoped to gain from this experience. We were all touched by the diversity of our responses and the sincerity in which EVERYONE, even Dani our guide, were willing to let this trip become a transformative and unforgettable time in their lives.

No evening in Israel is complete without chocolate! So, when in Tel Aviv you go to Max Brenner. After settling into our rooms, we headed out to the Tel Aviv port - a scenic evening spot for dining and clubbing and we ate some spectacular desserts crafted by the ‘bald-man’ himself - well, not literally Max Brenner, but it sure tasted great!

We then returned to our rooms exhausted, exhilarated, and ready for a new day.