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
Monday, March 23, 2009
Visiting Israel traditions ~ by Mommy
Everyone we tell about our trip has lots to say, ask, add, and recommend.
Today, Cindy, our wonderful Hebrew school principal gave me a dollar.
"Why?" I asked.
"It's for tzedacha."
"Huh?"
"You will see. When you tell people you are going to Israel, they will put money in your hand. Use it. Use it for people who need it in Israel. There will be people who need it."
Cindy is one big tzedacha herself. She gives herself to everyone.
Today, Cindy, our wonderful Hebrew school principal gave me a dollar.
"Why?" I asked.
"It's for tzedacha."
"Huh?"
"You will see. When you tell people you are going to Israel, they will put money in your hand. Use it. Use it for people who need it in Israel. There will be people who need it."
Cindy is one big tzedacha herself. She gives herself to everyone.
tickets now too to go with the shoes ~ by Mommy
Thanks ZD for the tickets itinerary. All printed out and ready, one for me, one for Daddy.
I bought Leo laces today for his hiking boots and now we are truly shoe ready.
I don't think I will get to everything, but I did do lots of laundry today so there is a chance.
Most importantly, I got a big bag of Sugar's special cat food so that he has something to eat while we are gone and Allison, our trusty cat and house-sitter sits with him and with Spice.
I bought Leo laces today for his hiking boots and now we are truly shoe ready.
I don't think I will get to everything, but I did do lots of laundry today so there is a chance.
Most importantly, I got a big bag of Sugar's special cat food so that he has something to eat while we are gone and Allison, our trusty cat and house-sitter sits with him and with Spice.
West Coast Prep
We're figuring out shoes on the West Coast, too. Sonora just got (the UPS guy literally handed over the box 30 minutes ago) a pair of her favorite flip-flops from Zappos.com. In my haste to pack things for our larger move back to NYC, I think I mistakenly sent the comfy beige shoes I wanted to bring to Israel back to the Big Apple already. :-( So, it may just be sneakers and sandals for the Tanta. I'm trying to pack light, so this'll help in that endeavor.
BB also put the fear of G-d in me about having all my prescriptions in their original bottles for the security check-point. So, I just picked up fresh refills of everything my doctor ever thought I might need to ingest. Phew!
Can't wait to see everyone...!
BB also put the fear of G-d in me about having all my prescriptions in their original bottles for the security check-point. So, I just picked up fresh refills of everything my doctor ever thought I might need to ingest. Phew!
Can't wait to see everyone...!
shopping and packing
We are so excited to begin our adventure in Israel. Today, I bought good walking shoes for me and water sandals for Zeyde to use for the underground cave visit and for the Dead Sea. Tanta and Sonora will meet up with us all at the airport and then we're'off! I have been e-mailing with our guide, Itzik, and he will meet us at the airport in Tel Aviv. He is a very experienced guide and has a background in comparative religions as well. He says
he's ready to take on the Snyder/Kastenberg clan!
Gathering things for Packing ~ by Mom
Okay, we have separate piles all over the floors of things we want to be sure to remember to pack. A has one pile, E has another, L his own, mine is in the bedroom, Dad keeps emailing me lists of things for him to remember.
We have all 5 passports ready and up to date. BB should annoint us organized for that fact alone!
BB is off to buy crocs for Zayde.
ipods are charging.
We have all 5 passports ready and up to date. BB should annoint us organized for that fact alone!
BB is off to buy crocs for Zayde.
ipods are charging.
Monday, March 16, 2009
The Cast of Characters by Mom
BB - matriarch and uber trip planner
Zayde - patriarch, fluent Hebrew speaker, and frequent Israel visitor
Tanta - loving Tanta and enthusiastic world traveler
Sonora - loving Auntie who lives life with an eternally half full glass
A - Kid #1 and smart adventurous veteran traveler at a tender tween age
E - Kid #2 and happy and smiling and eager to bring back souvenirs for her Hebrew school class
L - Kid #3 and enthusiastic for his first time big trip, but a little worried about not knowing Hebrew. Glad to hear Israelis often speak English
Mom - Returning for her 3rd visit and so happy to share the experience with her family
Dad - Returning for his 3rd visit as well who got an international cell phone plan just in case
Zayde - patriarch, fluent Hebrew speaker, and frequent Israel visitor
Tanta - loving Tanta and enthusiastic world traveler
Sonora - loving Auntie who lives life with an eternally half full glass
A - Kid #1 and smart adventurous veteran traveler at a tender tween age
E - Kid #2 and happy and smiling and eager to bring back souvenirs for her Hebrew school class
L - Kid #3 and enthusiastic for his first time big trip, but a little worried about not knowing Hebrew. Glad to hear Israelis often speak English
Mom - Returning for her 3rd visit and so happy to share the experience with her family
Dad - Returning for his 3rd visit as well who got an international cell phone plan just in case
Getting Ready by Mom
My test is over, I have caught up on laundry, gathered my tax information so the time is here, time to think about what we need for our big family trip to Israel.
My biggest concern is that everyone have the right combination of appropriate footwear. Not too many pair of shoes, not too few, but just right. Sturdy sandals, for sure, light hiking boots too, and the third is the mystery. Sneakers? Clogs? Flip flops? I will have to scour everyone's closets to make sure I get it right.
Luckily I love shoes.
My biggest concern is that everyone have the right combination of appropriate footwear. Not too many pair of shoes, not too few, but just right. Sturdy sandals, for sure, light hiking boots too, and the third is the mystery. Sneakers? Clogs? Flip flops? I will have to scour everyone's closets to make sure I get it right.
Luckily I love shoes.
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