OK, here is what we did yesterday:
We spent most of the day at a great kibbutz, lunch there and a tour with a super petting zoo, friendly and hungry farm animals and super turtles.
And best I think was the biblical gardens and we all planted almond trees.
We learned about growing olives and how to press them for olive oil, how to make wine, and saw 2 donkeys, one of which was pregnant, lots of beautiful flora.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Tired ~ by Mommy
Don't even ask me what we did yesterday; I cannot remember, but it was fun.
I do know that last night we arrived in Haifa, a San Francisco like city on the northern coast of Israel full of hills, a harbor city, very steep streets, lots of hustle and bustle on the streets, cosmopolitan clothing stores, McDonald's, gelato shops, and fresh seafood.
After we checked into our hotel last night, we took the kids out for a walk and to go to dinner. The air was clear, a light breeze was in the air, and we had reservations, courtesy of the hotel, at Jacko's, a casual seafood place a few blocks away. We walked and took in all the sights and sounds. We passed a subway stop, many gelato places, all sorts of people, and lots of neon lights. The formerly exhausted kids got a second wind from the fresh air and determination after they decided where to stop for gelato after dinner on the way back.
Jacko's was small and cozy, wooden tables covered in paper tablecloths, and before we even had been given menus, we had 12 small plates of Israeli appetizers before us: eggplant and tahini, the ubiquitous cucumber and tomato chopped salad, cole slaw, hummus, beets, pickled veggies, and whatever else, I forget but enjoyed.
Dinner was the freshest fish, caught that morning by the maitre d's grandfather, the fisherman Jacko, I presume. We ate every bite, despite having been full before we began from our small plates.
We ambled, happy, and giggling, and telling jokes, back down the main street, found our chosen gelato place, and each had a "small" cone. Need I even add that small turned out to be a euphemism for ENORMOUS? We were not even sure that we had even ordered the small size and were prepared for a big bill. But the total for 4 huge cones that easilyt would have been $5 a pop at Ben and Jerry's? 40 sheckles. That's about $2 a piece. Mmmm.
I do know that last night we arrived in Haifa, a San Francisco like city on the northern coast of Israel full of hills, a harbor city, very steep streets, lots of hustle and bustle on the streets, cosmopolitan clothing stores, McDonald's, gelato shops, and fresh seafood.
After we checked into our hotel last night, we took the kids out for a walk and to go to dinner. The air was clear, a light breeze was in the air, and we had reservations, courtesy of the hotel, at Jacko's, a casual seafood place a few blocks away. We walked and took in all the sights and sounds. We passed a subway stop, many gelato places, all sorts of people, and lots of neon lights. The formerly exhausted kids got a second wind from the fresh air and determination after they decided where to stop for gelato after dinner on the way back.
Jacko's was small and cozy, wooden tables covered in paper tablecloths, and before we even had been given menus, we had 12 small plates of Israeli appetizers before us: eggplant and tahini, the ubiquitous cucumber and tomato chopped salad, cole slaw, hummus, beets, pickled veggies, and whatever else, I forget but enjoyed.
Dinner was the freshest fish, caught that morning by the maitre d's grandfather, the fisherman Jacko, I presume. We ate every bite, despite having been full before we began from our small plates.
We ambled, happy, and giggling, and telling jokes, back down the main street, found our chosen gelato place, and each had a "small" cone. Need I even add that small turned out to be a euphemism for ENORMOUS? We were not even sure that we had even ordered the small size and were prepared for a big bill. But the total for 4 huge cones that easilyt would have been $5 a pop at Ben and Jerry's? 40 sheckles. That's about $2 a piece. Mmmm.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Stamina ~ by mommy
Leo woke up at 4 AM upset that he wanted to know what time it was, but could not find a clock in his room. He spoke to Abby asking to use her book light and after a misunderstanding, was about to get use of said book light when Stephen came in to check on the commotion. Tears and tired talk ensued, but Stephen brokered a deal whereby Leo had access to a light and a clock and we could all go back to bed. Fortunately, mommy had taken a Benadryl teh night before and so fell happily back to sleep unlike some of the others.
But to their credit, A, E, and L woke up relatively cheerfully once they remembered we had Masada on the agenda for today!
Shorts? Check.
T shirts? Check.
Just in case jacket? Check.
Hiking boots? Check.
Sunblock? Check.
Swim gear for Dead Sea float after the hike? Check.
So we rode the long bus ride to the south. Saw Jewish and Palestinian settlements throughout the West Bank. Many contrasts. Contrasts in geography and ways of life. We passed by the area where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. We talked about desert caves and how life might have been then. We talked about water and power and the environment and the fundamental needs of people for their day to life.
And we rolled up to Masada. And we looked up. And we looked at the cable car option. And we looked up. And our strong minded tour guide strongly discouraged some of us from walking up. And we strongly encourage those of us who were unsure that they could indeed do it.
In the end, some rode the cable car and some walked up the snake path and it was good. The day was beautiful and cool and had a steady breeze. We took lots of pictures. We ran around the top and loved seeing King Herod's bathroom. Leo thought he might have his bar-mitzvah on the top of Masada. Mommy and BB talked for an hour in the shade. We all took the cabel car down, just in the nick of time too to take a 21st century bathroom break.
We had a refreshing lunch at a Dead Sea hotel before we took the Dead Sea float - no Dead Sea plunges. Tentative at first teh kids one by one got in and marveled and teh crunchy salty sea bed. A few crunchy salty clumps will make their way back home for show and tell. We floated and laughed adn Zayde tried to take our pictures. I hope they all turn out.
After Mommy dried off on a lounge chair, Zayde noticed I looked all salty. I took a lick and sure enough I was!
Long sleepy drive back to Jerusalem for yummy sleepy dinner at Spaghhettem!
Tomorrow the Knesset and Yad Vashem.
Benadryl for everybody tonight.
But to their credit, A, E, and L woke up relatively cheerfully once they remembered we had Masada on the agenda for today!
Shorts? Check.
T shirts? Check.
Just in case jacket? Check.
Hiking boots? Check.
Sunblock? Check.
Swim gear for Dead Sea float after the hike? Check.
So we rode the long bus ride to the south. Saw Jewish and Palestinian settlements throughout the West Bank. Many contrasts. Contrasts in geography and ways of life. We passed by the area where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. We talked about desert caves and how life might have been then. We talked about water and power and the environment and the fundamental needs of people for their day to life.
And we rolled up to Masada. And we looked up. And we looked at the cable car option. And we looked up. And our strong minded tour guide strongly discouraged some of us from walking up. And we strongly encourage those of us who were unsure that they could indeed do it.
In the end, some rode the cable car and some walked up the snake path and it was good. The day was beautiful and cool and had a steady breeze. We took lots of pictures. We ran around the top and loved seeing King Herod's bathroom. Leo thought he might have his bar-mitzvah on the top of Masada. Mommy and BB talked for an hour in the shade. We all took the cabel car down, just in the nick of time too to take a 21st century bathroom break.
We had a refreshing lunch at a Dead Sea hotel before we took the Dead Sea float - no Dead Sea plunges. Tentative at first teh kids one by one got in and marveled and teh crunchy salty sea bed. A few crunchy salty clumps will make their way back home for show and tell. We floated and laughed adn Zayde tried to take our pictures. I hope they all turn out.
After Mommy dried off on a lounge chair, Zayde noticed I looked all salty. I took a lick and sure enough I was!
Long sleepy drive back to Jerusalem for yummy sleepy dinner at Spaghhettem!
Tomorrow the Knesset and Yad Vashem.
Benadryl for everybody tonight.
Climbing & Floating
(Fri.) Dinner last night w/cousin Cochava after a day exploring Jerusalem's Jewish Quarter and playing a scavenger hunt through a cool neighbohood.
(Sat.) Just a quick note to say that Emily, Mom, Dad & Sonora climbed the snake path all the way to the top of Masada today! BB, Zayde, Tanta, Abby & Leo walked through the museum, then took the cable up and rooted for the their more adventuresome relations to hike the rest of the way.
The innovation, history and sacrifice behind Masada impressed all, including the breathtaking views of the Dead Sea.
It took some coaxing, but Leo wound up enthusiastically floating in the Dead Sea along with Mommy, Dad, Sonora, Tanta and his sisters while BB & Zayde took pictures from the shore.
We're tired & hungry & happy!
(Sat.) Just a quick note to say that Emily, Mom, Dad & Sonora climbed the snake path all the way to the top of Masada today! BB, Zayde, Tanta, Abby & Leo walked through the museum, then took the cable up and rooted for the their more adventuresome relations to hike the rest of the way.
The innovation, history and sacrifice behind Masada impressed all, including the breathtaking views of the Dead Sea.
It took some coaxing, but Leo wound up enthusiastically floating in the Dead Sea along with Mommy, Dad, Sonora, Tanta and his sisters while BB & Zayde took pictures from the shore.
We're tired & hungry & happy!
Friday, March 27, 2009
Morning in the Holyland
The whole mishpucha met up at JFK and caught the midnight flight out to Tel Aviv, where we met our wonderful guide Itzik. He treated us to a little sweet wine on top of Mt. Knopos overlooking Jerusalem, toasting Shehekeyahnu and welcoming us to Israel.
After a fitful sleep in a real bed, we're getting ready for our first full day of sightseeing in the City of David.
Pictures and more logins from more folks to come.
Speaking as the Tanta, I feel like it's so right for us all to be together, especially here.
Happy Daylights' Savings - again. And Shabat Shalom from Jerusalem.
After a fitful sleep in a real bed, we're getting ready for our first full day of sightseeing in the City of David.
Pictures and more logins from more folks to come.
Speaking as the Tanta, I feel like it's so right for us all to be together, especially here.
Happy Daylights' Savings - again. And Shabat Shalom from Jerusalem.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
All a Twitter ~ by Mommy
Leo played three pieces on his guitar this morning for the primary unit music recital and rocked the house.
Mommy finished up her paperwork and phone calls from her busy day yesterday.
Mommy and Daddy finished packing last night.
Mommy has to pack for Leo and Emily.
Roe is picking up some cat litter for the cats.
Stephen is getting a haircut.
Stephen will pick up sandwiches for dinner.
School gets out at 3:20.
Car picks up up at 3:30.
Off to JFK!
Mommy finished up her paperwork and phone calls from her busy day yesterday.
Mommy and Daddy finished packing last night.
Mommy has to pack for Leo and Emily.
Roe is picking up some cat litter for the cats.
Stephen is getting a haircut.
Stephen will pick up sandwiches for dinner.
School gets out at 3:20.
Car picks up up at 3:30.
Off to JFK!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
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