Travel~ Israel!

Making new friends, Kenafeh, morning wake up by Call to prayer, shopping in the Old City, awesome people driving us from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv even though they were sick, running along the beach in Tel Aviv, Hummus, getting my picture taken with my camera by a guy in a speedo (hey... he asked. and yes, it was awkward), Hair cut, more hummus, Sabikh, Cocktails, Dancing, shaking Senator Joe Lieberman's hand at our hotel (we were the only other ones in the restaurant at 10pm...no pictures), sunset swim, balcony view, dancing at a Disco in Tel Aviv (one of the items on my bucket list checked off. you know, keepin' it simple. unfortunately no pictures), talking in Hebrew, having conversations with myself in Hebrew (most people wanted to speak English), date nights, sleeping in. These are just some of the memories from last weeks trip.

It was so great to go to Israel last week! It was the second time that we went and both times were two totally different experiences. The first trip to Israel, we stayed in Tel Aviv for only a couple days, went to Jerusalem and got a four hour tour of the Old City, went to Capernaum (the village of Peter and where Jesus performed many miracles), stayed a night on Yom HaKineret (the Sea of Galilee), splashed in a waterfall at Ein Gedi, and floated in the Dead Sea.

Although we didn't do any sightseeing this time, it was an amazing short vacation for us. It's always hard to find someone you trust at the task of watching your children. Our friend, Esther did a great job and we are so thankful. Richie and I needed some time reconnecting...how important to do when you're married! Taking trips together has never been hard for us, but it is hard when you don't have family nearby.  Actually, the last time we had a vacation like this, with just the two of us, was almost three years ago when we went to Israel!! 

Our friends picked us up at the airport and took us to their home in Abu Ghosh for the first night. Beverly had an amazing home cooked meal waiting for us. After dinner, the guys went to the local bakery to buy some Kenafeh for dessert. Joe was sick, and they still drove us to Jerusalem the next day and then to Tel Aviv. 

One of my favorite memories this trip was being woken at 5am to the Muslim call to prayer that can be heard in the entire town. I got up to go to the bathroom and looked out one of the windows. All was calm, quiet and dark. It felt like no one was awake in the town except me and my active bladder. It was a very serene moment. I'm not Muslim, I'm a Christian. But I used that time to thank God for the amazing experience to be on another honeymoon with Richie. 

My first picture of the trip and first stop...

Bakery in Abu Ghosh

Abu Ghosh

Missionary friends of a friend,  Joe and Beverly.

Kanafeh 

cheesy, sweet and crunchy

delicious!

Breakfast in the Old City, Jerusalem before the Markets were open.

Our friends Beverly and Joe took us to their favorite place.

This is where we had breakfast~ upstairs. You wouldn't even know it was there because the entrance to the upper room was in the back of the restaurant.

The Market in the Old City

Never enough time. We had to hurry and to get to Tel Aviv for Richie's work late that afternoon.

At the Hotel in Tel Aviv

Complimentary chocolates, wine and fruit
Seriously, is this how Richie travels for work every time? 

Ahava products. 

Our view from the balcony

free at the hotel club lounge

Is that a camel? I'm pretty sure it's a camel. 

Are you planning a trip to Tel Aviv? I recommend Bertie for a dinner date. This restaurant rocks. We went there our first night in Tel Aviv. The food was amazing. Carpaccio with fresh artichokes and tomatoes, and the fresh fish served with rice and chopped grape leaves makes me want to go back. The cocktails were unusual but taaaasty. Cocktails were over $10 so I only got two. 

This one was made with Israeli Arak (a licorice flavored alcohol), Cucumbers, Cilantro and sprinkled with pepper. It was very fresh

Gin, Cardamom, Fresh Lemon Juice

Richie's drink ~Tequilla and fruit juice and Beef Jerky

Our date night photos....

Richie dressed up. I love when he dresses up.

Sabikh

Eggplant, fried egg or hard boiled egg, and falafel in a pita sandwich 

covered with hot chili sauce and tahini sauce. (each place has their own version...with or without falafel etc.  I heard the best place serves it with Feta Cheese but I never made it there) 

Shuk Ha'Carmel (Carmel Market)

Place where locals buy their produce, dried fruits, beans, sweets, and other items.







Sunset swim. It was very cold.

My new hair-do

Subtle red and blonde highlights and tapered bangs. I can do that!

Dizengoff Shopping Center

A little unnerving as your bags get checked before going in. It's easy to get lost here. 

 They have many booths with prepared food to buy (you can see a big pot, behind and left of Richie)

After the mall, we went to a music store and bought some music in Hebrew.

Jaffa Flea Market 

(Huge Flea Market with scarves, antiques, rugs, and clothing and furniture)

My favorite in Tel Aviv! One of the sellers we even recognized from two years ago.

I'm at home. lol.

I talked her down to 75 shekels (about $21)

 Expensive, but we liked it and it's a great souvenir that he'll wear a lot.

Made in Israel vintage sweater

Ben Gurion Airport on a Friday

Erev Shabat special...got all of this food and the two beers for 100 shekels about $28 (not super tasty, but it was a good price at the airport since they were closing for the day)

Have you been to Tel Aviv? What are some of your favorite places? I want to go back again!