Tel Aviv to Heathrow BA 767-300

Ok, let's finish the Israeli part.

I am making an effort to get this done, now at 0200 am.

FYI, the remainder of the trip is going to go fast, it pretty much has been covered in previous reports, realizing that one of you wants to go to England and wants info, but I will call you before you go and will give you plenty of advice.

Ok. Walked around the terminal, covered pretty much every store, more so the chocolate stores, but didn't buy anything. Not sure where the credit cards were $$$ and I still had a few days ahead of me.

They have 2 lounges at Ben Gurion. ELAL and JetSet which is pretty much for everyone else.

BA gave me a pass to the JetSet, very nice, they made it easier for me than when I have to hassle with the BA lounge Wardens at Heathrow. Kind of ironic. I also had access to it via Priority Pass, so I am covered.

Dropped off the pass to the Warden in a very crowded, packed, and uncomfortable lounge. Again, hell. Too much.

How long has this freaking airport been in operation? Very glad about the new terminal and I wouldn't want to come to Israel until they complete the new Terminal 3, but I am glad that I did this once. ONCE.

They had some cookies, some very tasty little chocolate cream cakes, those were delicious. A few sodas, I actually filled my cup with water from the water cooler.

The place was packed, no place to sit, and way too uncomfortable. The WC/toilet is meant for skinny people and a contortionist act is needed to get by anyone in it, too much. Public one is much nicer. Grabbed a couple of cakes, threw a few things in my pockets, and told her I would be back as they board the bus from the lounge, which I def. like! Wish that more airports would do something like that.

Back into the public area and whewww.
Kind of ironic, the lounge sucks,
the public area of the terminal is better, more spacious, plenty of seating, again, the opposite of the landside area which has nothing for visitors, greeters, save a couple of shops.

I enjoyed the big windows and you had views of some good planes. Swiss MD-11, Air France A320, Iberia A320, Royal Wings Dash 7(Jordan), Lufthansa 747-400, and several ELALs and an Arkia 757. All good. I couldn't see our plane.

They have a big Israeli flag in front of the terminal on the apron, I like that.

I think for many people, especially from the Americas, they may make one trip/pilgrimmage here. So it is hard to leave not knowing if you will ever come back. I will come back, I know that.

I will gripe about the stupid security, but I will come back. However, to be honest, if I have a few days,etc, I have a feeling Cyprus, Egypt, or Jordan would probably do the trick. (being honest)

Ok, I have seen everything, done everything. I went to a music store and bought some Israeli music cd's, which, are priced in US $$$.

Back at home I was at the Virgin Megastore and found an Israeli Cd, couldn't read it , said why not. Dana Berger. The first song on the CD I have listened to thousands of times, including today, I love it.

So I buy out the Dana Berger collection plus one more, not sure who. I paid out my remaining Shekels and used my plastic for the rest.

I have listened to 2/4 so far and they both stink! Oh well.

Same with Nena in Germany. I bought a cassette at Zurich Airport. Found a song that I had listened to so many times, loving it, I broke the tape, but never found it again and Nena's songs are good, but I want this one. Such is life.

Ok, WC break,and good bathrooms they are, thumbs up, visited the small Synagogue where some guy was repacking his stuff, then back to the lounge. More cakes, more to swipe, it is a bit emptier now and flights are going out.

They call the BA flight, down the stairs. A BA agent takes the ticket and wish her my best. To the last Israeli standing at the doorway leading to the bus, I say Shma Y'israel. (pretty much God bless Israel, or how I take it in translation)

Onto the bus, we go out to the plane. Cool! Lot's of good planes out and it is neat to be near so many ELALs. Now may I have a magazine please? LOL I slowly exit the bus and slowly make my way to the plane, covered stairs and all so I can look, looking over at the arrivals area where it all started, and then up and back, technically speaking, on British soil with friendly and sweet BA crews to go along with it. Cheers mates!