Archives
Shalom once again
So, its been one year since my last confession... I mean blog. And now I am in Israel, im currently in Gilo a surburb of Jersualem. I left yeaterday evening and after an eventless flight made it to Zurich. I was one of 4 women on the plane the rest were boring business men, i think i was the only one not in a suit!
At Zurich I had an hour to find my gate before my flight to Tel Aviv. I know this sounds siully but I found it amussing that boarding was held off untill eveing prayers were said and they were busy making sure there were 10 men, i think for Kaddish.
I pity the Swiss Air staff doing the Isreal flight at least El AL can give as good as they get. Firstly security were in fits of laughter as they argued that their luggage wasnt too big or heavy and had the cases wressled out of their hands by the flight staff. Then There were complaints about getting their meal latter not sitting with freinds.... Just being Isreli/Jewish. Eventually I got an hours sleep but was most dissapointed we didnt get a film.
Then at Tel Aviv, mabye its mt innocent face but I was one of the first out theough the famous security. At 4.30 I made it to Lola nad Normans and went back to bed.
I woke up to an amazing view over Jresualem as Gilo is up a hill. I went to the suppermarket where everything is Kosher, I kept checking with Norman 'are you sure its Kosher?!' My eyes lit up. SO ive had some jelly sweets and i have some chocolate youghets and Ruth I have the Elite chocolte spread cos u would never let me try it!!
Tomorrow im getting up to do the old town before Shabos. Im really excited but limiting the money im taking! Thats about it for now
My number here is 0097254 8145299 so feel free to txt me
There are Jews Everywhere!
So Friday morning I got up and braved the buses. I vaugely rembember Israel was the first place I encountered Bendi-buses, they still have them. I went to Jaffa Gate one of the entrances to the old city. After being shouted at in many languges and accidently wandering around the Islamic quarter I found the Cotel, Western Wall. While here one woman asked how old I was if I was married and if I wanted a husband. I respectfully declined but she assured me she knew people!
I left the wall and walked around the outside up to mount Zion to see the view, its beautiul. From here I just ambled taking in the sites. Until I was bombarded by thousands of Muslims heading to the mosque for friday prayers. Litterally I was the only person walking in the other direction, the only white person and being very English reffused to push my way through. I just wanted to get out of the old city and just kept walking against the masses. When I did escape I came out at the Islamic area of Jersualem, not the safest place to be. So I walked around the old city walls until I was back at Jaffa gate.
From there I went to Ben Yehuda St, which is one of the main shopping streets. It where the tourist kitch is as well. On a friday before Shabbos its quite busy, and i wandered around and managed not to buy anything. However should there be any requests I am willing to purchse for others too. I had an Ice Cofffee in a cafe before heading back to have a sleep and shower bfoe lighting the candles. It was a quite Friday nie just the 3 of us.
I got up early Saturday morning and made it to Shul, it was all over by 10.30 I dont think Ive ever been there so early in the service in my life, it was an experience.We had a slow afternoon being walked by the dogs and meeting Lola and Normans freind Rachel who translates for the Prime Minsters office. She starts uni in October. After a sleep we watched Strictly come dancing on BBC prime, but i know who wins as their 6 months behind!
Today I was taken to Jersualems zoo the Biblical zoo. Lola and Norman voulnteered for life and have membership to take guests too. They also too me to the clinic to see the behind the scenes area. The premisis is relativily new onlt 15ish years old and nicely laid out. Its really nice to amble around, and a very enjoyable morning. I was also treated to Schwerma or lunch, thaths kebab to u lot. It was good!
Now im sorting myself out for tomrow as i start my medical stuff. Im not going to have much free time for the next two weeksbut i willl try to stay in touch.