Back to the room to get some rest and some more lounge time and computer time.

As sunset hit I took several pics and it was just beautiful.

I let dinner from the generous food in the lounge suffice, plus we had the late lunch, plus
I had all that food on the buffet with most of it staying in Israel. I needed to start shedding things to make the bag weigh less.

I decided that I wanted to take another taxi ride through Tel Aviv and I also wanted to go visit the other Sheraton in Ramat Gan. So down I went and caught a cab.

It was an interesting ride. I went through a passageway that had to be in Clean Sweep, the movie.

Across town and many apartment buildings came the 3rd Sheraton. Security going in was a wave and a Shalom.

I talked to the friendly man at the front desk and explained that I wanted to check out their executive lounge. I even showed him my key and he laughed as it is the same. Gave me the floor and said go on up. I love Israel.

The hotel is beautiful, clean, modern, a far cry from the other hotels, and very, very comfortable. I could enjoy this. People sat around the bar area drinking, conversing, a mix of Israelis and tourists.

Up the spacious elevator (the others were small and narrow) to the 4th floor.

Not only is the exec. lounge up here but also the pool and gym, ok, yeah, let's take a look. I waved to the cute Sabra behind the desk and made my way outside to a beautiful, very nice looking swimming pool. Yeah, I wanted in. I won't make any references to myself as the 'White Whale' LOL and move on.

The pool was great, so was the jacuzzi, but the view, wow!

You now had a fantastic, outdoor view of the city, the WTC, the TV tower, trains coming and going, a rail station across with pedestrian bridge, and so much more. Also the freeway was there, Ashkelon this way and all. I loved it. I stood and stared at it for a while.

I didn't want to leave. The weather was fantastic. Europe is freezing right now and in 24 hours I will soon be in London. brrrr

I hated to leave but moved on. I am coming back! I will probably mix and match this hotel with the others on a future visit. I like being by the beach, but I love the modern hotel.

Great workout area, techno type music, which I love, I listened, and crashed the lounge.

No one was there, no key card needed, walk in. What they trust me or something?

Smaller, but nicer and more modern than my home at the Moriah.

Same food as well, which is fine, I am full. Not that I would nosh on their food or anything.

They had a tv and tried to play with it, they had some interesting channels. The girl came over and in very broken English, I think, said I could stay but not play with the tv or something. I couldn't tell. Her English is like my German, which probably worked in my favor. Oh well, I am done here. Yes, I did check out the bathroom, as always, much more clean and modern than the others.

Tried an upper floor and walked around but no views and all inside. Nice though. The view has to be great, but then no balcony. Can't have it all.

Back down and toured the lobby with a giftshop, small, but will do. Bought a different kind of bottled water, what I have seen in the movies, but different from Neviot in the lounge.
All in Hebrew and in a handwriting. This one is much better than Neviot, fyi. The water connoisseur that I am! and I am not kidding there, :P.

They had tourbooks and postcards. Ok. Bought a couple of books on Israel, Tel Aviv, and some postcards. An elite candy bar and I think that will do it. He gave me a sticker for Israel saying thanks for coming.

Now if the credit card will work, thankfully, it did. I was happy. I asked about the security check at the airport, explaining I am leaving tomorrow and said don't worry, it is not tourist season, it will be less crowded and they are easier at this time. Whether or not true, it was comforting. Yes, I was getting a little nervous about the big security check.

I thanked him and made my way with my new goodies and I thanked the cool guy at the front desk. Also grabbed a Jerusalem Post. I get them at my door but figure could use another for someone's goody bag.

Went out to catch a cab, the doorman said he would call me one. The taxi drivers in Israel, stupidly, leave their lights on (on top of the cab), even when occupied, which doesn't help things. I tried to get one coming into the hotel, he was full, he chastized me, he was rude. Screw you!

Went back to the doorman who apologized. I said screw it and made my way across the street. It is a very impressive set of buildings and very modern. You would never guess you are in the Middle East. Could be LA or London. Very European.

I crossed the street and tried to wave another, with the light on, who drove by, Ok, this is bad. I may be stuck here and the jetlag is settling in.

I then found a lovely Russian immigrant, she was a babe. Do you speak English? far more than most of the Israelis she spoke fluent, flawless English and offered to help. Too kind.
She pulls out her cell and then offers to call me a cab, I am impressed.
I see a cab from the other side, wave, he stops, I think her dearly. If it weren't for the jetlag, I might have asked her if she wanted to get a drink. Very cute, but alas, not meant to be. (une belle femme!)

The benefit of the hotels is that it overrides any language problem. Sheraton Moriah Ha'Yarkon street, and off we go. Dosvidanya baby.

If the fatigue weren't settling in, I would have picked another hotel to visit, but why chance it. Same drive, but now with a different direction and before long, back home.

More views on of the city, more Israeli tv. Clean up the buffet.

Oh, a couple of things before I close the day out. I had bought a small Israeli flag and that was hanging on the chair, I have pics of that and the room.

More for my little brother who thinks Seinfeld is better than Friends(NOT!) , cough, but I am a fan all the same.
Jason Alexander aka George Costanza (the summer of George ) was in Israel showing his support and they gave him a prestigous award. They interviewed him in English on network 2, Stein, during the news, and that was cool.
I like the cute little Network 2 clicks between commercials with a major Debra Messing(Grace on Will and Grace) look alike starring. It is like the cutesy Antenne 2 promos in France before they show a commercial. Wish we did that.

Also, there was a UN or something meeting in the Hague about Israel and the Palestinians and the Wall being built. Ah, I support the wall, and then some!

The big shinding on the news was showing Israelis in The Hague(Holland) showing support for Israel's position and then the Palestinians and their cause. I will just say this on the issue, then move on. You send your people to blow up innocent Israelis and wonder why they need to protect themselves? please! I like the wall. I am sorry for any inconveniences it gives to the INNOCENT Palestinians, who have been screwed, but hey, you have to protect your people. Also, terrorism is down by 50% since the wall went up. I think the US needs one, too. The Israelis also sent out a bombed out bus to the Hague and I think that proved its point very well. Keep the Wall Ariel!

My last view of the city at night, another prayer, and to bed.

Back in jolley ole' England in 24 at my Sheraton Skyline, Heathrow.



[This message has been edited by InterflugIL62 (edited Mar 10, 2004).]