We're Here and the Food is AMAZING

I finally made it to New York City. Smack in the middle of Queens, to Kennedy International Airport. The international terminal is quite a ways from Delta, so I was happy that I asked for assistance due to my hip.  Checking in at El Al was an amazing experience. I believe traveling to Israel on the first day of Chanukah is one the most incredible opportunities to see the chosen people of He-Shem and to watch their customs and faith.

We were honored to be guests in the King David Lounge. Oddly, two different people came up to me like old friends and said, “Oh, it’s been so long since I’ve seen you,” then patting my shoulder continued their end of the conversation in Hebrew. I don’t know who the Jewish woman is, that apparently shares my features, but apparently people like her.

The flight crew was wonderful. They did everything in their power to make everyone comfortable on the 10 hour flight. This morning, about 4:30 a.m. the most beautiful thing happened. All of the Hasidic men on the plane, (and there were A LOT of them) Stood up, donned their prayer capes and coverings and began praying simultaneously in Hebrew. It was amazing.

A few hours later, a minion (10 men in a line) formed across the plane from my seat. All of them faced Jerusalem from the air and began praying together and bowing in worship to He-Shem. (He-Shem simply means “The Name” and is the preferred way to speak of God among the Jews I have met so far. )

Once we landed in Tel Aviv and went through customs, we headed to our hotel to freshen up. Our guide, Zion Ben David and our driver, Samuel are wonderful, we have had a non stop lesson on the history and culture since we boarded the bus.

After we checked in and freshened a bit, we went to the Port at Tel Aviv for dinner at Boya restaurant. I have NEVER experienced such amazing food in my life. After ordering they began bringing rounds of tapas. They brought hummus, tahina, pita, roasted vegetables, a cauliflower dish that was incredible, calamari, shaved beef, brouchetta and some other things I can’t remember the name of. We were practically full before they brought the main course. Mediteranian Sea Bass, Rib Steak, Lamb Kabob and other incredible delights came to the table. Being from the Midwest, I had to try the steak. I must say, I have NEVER had a better steak anywhere. It was perfectly cut, perfectly cooked and perfectly delicious. It quite literally melted in my mouth.

After dinner we went to old Jaffa, otherwise referred to as Joppa in the New Testament. It was incredible. We spent more than two hours walking through the city. I am going to let the pictures do the telling for Jaffa.

I have a 7 a.m. wake up call and as of now, it is 2 a.m. Israel time. Good night and He-Shem bless you. Keep praying and I will keep posting.