Oui, ca fait du sens, actuellement.

You can taste the milk and it is yummy.

I need to buy kitkat over there. Was going to at the LHR arrivals store but too overpriced and poor me would have to carry it, oh no. LOL

Ok, we are in Israel. Thank you everyone for the nice comments. I am receiving them in different places. If Sarah(Dallas) says I am sounding like her, uh oh. I can't afford the Four Seasons, save to hang out in the lobby and steal their pens, LOL

Thank ya dear.

____

The bus made its way to the terminal. Again, more stares at my lapel pin.

It was dark and a little cold. I assume most, if not all of you, have seen some pics of the famous Ben Gurion arrivals hall. It says Welcome to Israel in English left, Hebrew(Ivrit) right. It is on the airport website.

There are several Israeli flags, wanted to kiss one, but they were on the other side as there are 2 main staircases going in. I have always used my imagination as to what was beyond those doors. A series of hallways, escalators, this and thats. No.

You walk up the emotional staircase and into the building into a giant arrivals hall.
It is huge, well built, good design, and with high ceilings.

I had to go to the desk and finish writing my passport #. I had half of it memorized. I think I can do it all now as I tried it coming into NY.

Not a bad thing to memorize. That and your DL and of course your American and Starwood frequent flyer and hotel cards. I forgot my stupid Hilton # and didn't have the # with me, oy.

My friend went to the Israel Inspass machine and was gone like a flash. I could NOT say the same. I did take some time to check it out and I was impressed with the place.

A question on flyertalk was do they have a transit area? Yes, they do, they had a big sign for transits, I guess for Europe to Jordan, Cypress, or what have ya.

Ah, the lines were long, I mean really long, and they were not moving.

Israelis to the left, all of us here foreigner people to the right.

I am curious that they don't have a special desk, pre-passport control, for those making a real Aliyah or moving to Israel. I use the term loosely for my visit. It is also what you do at a Bar Mitzvah ceremony when you go up to read the Torah.

I was not pleased with the slowness. --- I had this at Narita. I had one hour to change planes going to Hong Kong and thought, hey, let's go landside and get a stamp. Big, big mistake. Til this one, slowest lines ever and then customs there, too. Barely made it back. Ouch ---

I also know, with all due respect , of the Israeli (and Arab) culture to cut in line. It is a national pastime. Well not in front of me, well, so I thought.

I don't know how they did it but 3 people very subtly cut in front of me. 2/3 was an older couple. I wanted to tell them to go somewhere but passed. I am not in a hurry. Who knows what time the hotel will check me in. I did request an early check in.

When we got up to the railing, thank you for having them!, I put my hands out to both sides, carry on draped over my shoulder and Duty Free bag on the floor. You ain't gonna get past me, ha ha.

The officers, and all women( I like that part), are in very narrow cubicles and you have several cubicles bunched together, kind of weird, to be honest.
An American girl(and cute) in the line to my left looked to her neighbor and said how the officer was being very thorough. Oh yes. The line to my right had an Algerian family, Orthodox Jewish, kippot and all, which had passport problems. The officer would hold up the passport behind the window and point to something. I am sure they were hating life. You could see it. They were there a long time and there were there when I finally left. God bless them.

The sun was coming up in this long wait, I am guessing about 45 minutes or so, maybe more, who knows? they did have a clock in front. I could see the BA logo at the baggage claim ahead where the Israelis were getting their bags, no foreigners, we were all here.

Our line was actually moving. I was wondering what on earth are they doing up there? having tea? LOL (line from a tv show)

Quick flashback. On 2 occassions, one at Zurich and one at Paris CDG. I was in line for passport control when respectively, an ELAL plane came in. Several of the arriving passengers ignored us and went for the front.

I was furious on both counts and at Zurich people made a fuss. The Swiss P/C and police de l'air did nothing, sitting behind the windows. I like how in England and the US we have a gatekeeper who controls the line and sends you to your desk. Then it is harder to cheat.

I will say this politely and carefully. This behavior just doesn't inspire positive feelings for Israelis who do that crap, especially in a foreign country. What are ya thinking? Moving on...

When I got to the front of the line a Hassidim was at the front of his line. He then stood out in front of the railing thinking he was going to go to the first booth that opened. Nah ah. I stepped up and held my ground.

When the dear, cheating older couple who had cut in front of me moved on, it was my turn, and I jammed up.
he he he Don't take me on, LOL.

Ok, now let us see what on earth is taking so long. You look at the passport,check the computer, move me on.
NOT Not here anyway.

She took the passport. I said Shalom but showed I needed English. She took a while and checked my passport, looked at me, checked. Then asked me several questions. How long? why? where? how? blah blah
Do you know anyone in Israel? yes, 2 guys, Dov and Ophir. but I don't know their last names. sorry guys. Probably can't pronounce them either. smile How did you meet them? From an internet travel group(flyertalk).
Do you have any family in Israel? No. (well, technically, I have very distant cousins, relatives that I learned about in our family history) A bunch of Latvians got tired of the place, smile, some went to South Africa, most came to Canada(and then some here, obv), and some went to Israel/Palestine at the time. I have seen pics of them, but I don't know them. So, I said no, which is fair.

I forgot what else but it was a fair amount of questions. I did explain it was my first trip to Israel and she noted that I am alone, something that seemed to be somewhat of a concern. I asked for a stamp and "you want a stamp?"
Ken(yes). Boom. That stamp just knocked me out of most Arab/Muslim countries. The question I have most is with Malaysia, which is Muslim. ( A Canadian was arrested arriving in Lebanon with an Israeli stamp, fyi)

I am done! NOT! First, as long as that took, I was faster than the average person. I would not want to do this on a regular basis. Sorry to say.

Then you head to the exit and there are security people standing there. Ok, they want to confirm that I have been cleared. Nope.

A very cute girl and she reminded me of a beautiful Iranian girl that I knew in college(one of the clubs I was in)
took me to the side. She took my passport and asked me the very same questions that the passport officer had asked me, wow. She was cute, she was polite, and she was professional, but it was a security interview like I have never seen in my life. I assume that if you fly ELAL you don't do this as the first officer asked me what flight I came in on, BA. (note, I say girl to show younger, vs. woman, older)...

She asked me the questions, the biggest one why am I alone? I explained quite frankly, no one else wanted to come.
She dropped it. I also explained that while my stay in Israel is short I am on a long, overall 2 week trip to Europe.
She asked about who I knew in Israel. Explained how we met. I think last names would have helped. Then she could have called Dov at 6am and yanked his chain. smile.

She had a piece of paper in my passport which I wish I had looked at before going to the exit. The first officer makes notes on what they ask you, which the 2nd officer duly looks at. If you are inconsistent with your answers, you ain't gonna like life!

She also asked me if anyone had given me anything to take off the plane. No, I am alone. Think French Kiss where Kevin Kline puts the plant/diamond in Meg Ryan's bag. Something to think about. He gets stopped at customs, she doesn't. Because she is so innocent looking. smile

My cute officer goes and confers with a supervisor in Hebrew. They yacked for a bit. yikes Longer than I would have thought necessary. She came back, handed my passport, and said "have a nice trip." Toda rabah
( by the way, her accent was sexy, too)

Whewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww

If I went through that crap everytime I traveled I think I would travel less. Too much. Never expected it on arrival, but on departure, and they ask you more on departure. Oh joy..........

Now to bag claim. It has been so long(same with Cairo) that the BA sign is now down completely. Fortunately, I saw the sign from inside P/C. Now it was an ELAL flight from Bangkok.

However, my bag was not there. Uh oh.

I had that 'prompting' to go check the other caroussel and there it was. I had put a big (kiss up) I love Israel or something sticker on it, maybe that helped.

I walked around the bag claim a bit and grabbed a cart. I can roll the suitcase but took the cart. I saw the way to the Aliyah/Absorption office for immigrants, which is exciting itself.

It is a nice arrivals hall, not too shabby. I should have exchanged money here but there was a line.

I also want to say that I had been strengthened spiritually. I usually get nervous at security, customs crap, but as the religous people on here can confirm, the Lord had blessed me that I was very confidient and relaxed.

If you arrived nervous or fidgety, I think you would get nailed. So I am very appreicative of the strength that I had.

Out to the green channel at customs which I expected would be another E ride at Disneyland. To my surprise, it was empty with one guy sitting in the middle yacking with a woman. Not the dreaded customs hall of LAX Bradley, which I don't care for (too strict) that I was thinking and out the door.

Thanks for making me giggle. I agree with you that AA crews are like McDonalds compared to BA, though I love the AA legroom on 777s vs. BA tight 31" legroom.

I told you to sit on the right side. Probably a fluke that it was the better side.

Yes Mazel tov / congratulations: you will no longer be allowed to visit Malaysia now that you have that stamp; unless you get a new passport. I think they charge a lot in the US to renew a passport. This is an expensive stamp.

Salut et merci pour les infos.

The right side is what BA gave me, but worked out fine. As you will see when we get there , I am so tired now, I had the right side leaving Y'Israel but went right into the clouds which was sad.

Some American Air crews are wonderful, but there are so many bad ones, and I mean BAD, that it just makes you pull your hair out. We had one on the LHR-JFK route, I just don't know how she has a job. A whiny little thing and drove everyone crazy. But I also had one on BA LHR to CDG that you will learn about someday, when we get there. She reminds me of the witch on the Weakest Link. UGH

The report will slow down as I wanted to get us to Israel and then do that quality thing. LOL

Sad to hear about Malaysia. I was afraid of that. I am getting so many stamps that I am ready for a new passport anyway,as they are special to me.

A bientot, Shalom

First, again, I want to thank everyone for their comments. Had dinner tonight with some people and they gave me their feedback. It is appreciated.
I am taking it slow on sending out the report to my e-mail list because someone will whine that it is too much mail, while I have others who want more NOW! I love it. Patience.
It is easier to send it all out at once(it really is alot of people). I may step it up a bit this next week if no one complains about too much mail, which many of you saw on the Yahoo group it was nuts this week.
Remember, I am just the messenger and should not be shot. Thanks. (but I get to do the shooting ) he he
______________

OK, this is a big moment. The first time you come through the customs exit doors into a new country.
Certainly Israel is very special emotionally. I have seen the arrivals hall many times on the news. When they shot at the Arkia 757 at Mombassa the place was bristling with people waiting for loved ones who had survived. . However, in the Israeli movie 'Besame Mucho' (kiss me often) when the little geeky English kid comes tripping out, that is more what I had, a very empty and desolate place. He waves his hand, Israel! Too much. I know millions of emotional greetings have taken place here, but unfortunately, none were for me, and I wouldn't ask anyone to climb out of bed and be here at 6am to greet me.

I exited into the arrivals hall, almost dead as a nail. A few people holding signs up for names. It is funny because it looked rather diferent than from times when I had seen it on the news, but looked very similar as to the movie Besame Mucho which I had wondered was a movie setup. I was suprised that they were allowed to film there.

There is an Israeli import shop called Steimatzky over in the Valley where I have spent some time. To say the least. Have picked up many good Israeli CD's, movies, books, and just hung out. Plus, the owner taught me
Ma nishma, spelling?, meaning how are you? He would play the CD's and let me sample them. Love it!

I looked forward and there was a Steimatzky which now is the real thing. I looked at the stores but with no Israeli money, yet, I couldn't buy anything. I hate that peniless feeling. Plus, I am betting it is cheaper in Tel Aviv.
We also have an Israeli market, Super Sal, which I could have fainted when I first walked in, it was incredible.
A non-Israeli is rare as who else wants to shop here? I think I have taken care of their chocolate products bill for a long time. So I have been intro'd to Israeli chocolate, but now wanted to see what was here. They had an incredible bar called Krispit and I bought the entire box(mom, no comments, thanks ). Unfortunately, I have yet to find any more of them and I am hooked. Israeli chocolate is very good. Those who are nice might get to sample some.
Maybe, smile. I also casually hang out at the store. Big ELAL 744 model(yes, I want it!) hangs from the ceiling. (the women there are cute!)

I have even brought some chocolate to church for our socializing time. Does very well. Ironically, at the Oneg at the Temple, they never have anything Israeli. Oh well. (but their cookies are wonderful! so all is forgiven LOL )

So, did the shops, saw the food court, I ain't hungry, passed the ELAL ticket center, but no goodies( don't worry, I get some later, he he ). Then to the departures area.

Yes, I was dissapointed. The Arrivals hall is nice, modern, and a good piece of architecture. Probably why they show it more in movies. The Departures area, ah, it is old.

I also wanted to go see the infamous security check, something that turns people off of coming back to Israel. I will do a full spiel on that later, promise. Most of the checks take place behind a large gate so you can't see. The officer is there with her clipboard. All looks freaky to me. Do I feel Israel goes overboard on this? definitely. I know it.
Do they need security checks, Entebbe and all? Yes, but don't scare the good people off. Most people are private and don't like to answer 500 personal questions.

-One of our worst security experiences was after Lockerbie. We flew TWA and coach at that from Heathrow to LA. Wow, what a bunch of questions. I was blown away. Too personal and overkill and you can tell now they have stepped way back. Flying AA out of Heathrow where I was in transit I had one minute of questions. Do the C/R thing: yes, yes, no, no, yes, yes, no, no, yes. This is a friend of mine who memorized all the security questions and then did this at Frankfurt.
They were not amused.

When we were at CDG flying TWA home she started asking us in English and I got tired of it, blew her away by going into French and answering everything they were looking for. She was amazed, kept quiet, then moved us on, worked for me! LOL -

So I looked through the cages, not too much of course, looky loo that I am, at the operation. To be honest, I had expected much more and I do hope that the new terminal will provide that. It is a small, cramped area and for all the time they have had, there should be more space and efficiency. I did see the BA/LH/CO area, area D, ah, looks alright. Yeah, it was empty then, much worse when I had left. I was concerned about leaving and the hassles involved, but that seemed to comfort me a bit. Hey, they ask you what they ask you, and you live with it. You are leaving the freaking place anyway, right? smile

Just to share I know people who have had BAD experiences with the security, some Jewish, some Christian, one Arab(Palestinian-penpal of mine) and some won't go back. More on this fun when I leave.

I found a bank and exchanged my beloved Swiss money, 100 CHF Franks to Shekels(about 300 or something). Figured that would be enough for a taxi into town, some spending money, and would be fine and then find a 'real' bank in town. It was Bank Hapaolim, have heard of them, and actually they gave me a decent exchange rate. I used the credit card most of the time, but you do need some cash. Fluent English and friendly.

A friend of mine in Europe warned me about all the bad service I would get in Israel, sorry to dissapoint, but no, they can be very friendly and kind. Actually I enjoyed the service. I was very much welcomed to Israel. Once you get through all the security crap, Israel is wonderful.

Half of the exits were blocked and they are manned by plain clothes security. I went back to Arrivals and then outside.

I stood there looking at the famous Terminal that I have seen in pics, movies, and the like. Airliners Worldwide magazine from the UK did a story about Ben Gurion. Brian and I were in the Borders bookstore at the Bridge near LAX when I saw the magazine. Let's just say I studied everything on the article. Airliners.net also has some good pics of the airport.

It is a very security conscious airport, hence, my camera never came out to public view anywhere at the airport, not worth it. I have been chastized for taking pics at different places. I didn't need the gamble.
There are plain clothes police everywhere. Cameras, too. What I was surprised was that there wasn't an over presence of uniformed police and soldiers. A friend of mine told me when he landed in Israel, he led a tourgroup, he was looking for someone and the soldiers were right there to say, hey ,how ya doing? May we help you? cringe. They are watching everything.

It was kind of cold, but it was a nice breeze, light wind, trees blowing. Loved it. Almost felt tropical.
I am here.

I headed to the taxis and booked a taxi to Tel Aviv. Bus, in Israel? no thanks. LOL

Kind of like in Mexico and one other country, forgot where, you go to a taxi office way to the other side away from everything and sign up for a taxi. Rennaissance Hotel on HaYarkon St., the main street in Tel Aviv where most hotels are.

You could see the ELAL maintenance hangars, the tails of a couple of planes, and hear a few planes taxxing out. Not a very busy airport by any means, but it is very interesting.

I was directed to a taxi and got in, Shalom, do you speak English? some, ok. We could chatt a little with my few words of Hebrew and his somewhat better English.

I have always been curious about this drive, one more reason to take a taxi than a bus, which this bus, I guess, I would trust.

Exit the airport and out onto the highway to Tel Aviv. You pass the checkpoint into the airport, curious how that works. ( I think the one at LAX is worse)

I have always had an interest in Tel Aviv. Certain cities pique my interest, long before I ever get there. Frankfurt being one of the big ones, and I feel at home in Frankfurt, Paris, London, Zurich, Johannesburg, Sydney, Hong Kong, Montreal & Toronto, etc. I have my list. I have always wanted to go to Tel Aviv specifically, now I am coming home. No one said welcome home, but I felt it anyway.

It was a nice trip on the highway, actually reminded me very much of the trip from Malpensa Airport to Milan. Similar houses, scenery, it is a small world. It really is.

I always pictured something different. Very green, some big houses out here, whereas in the city it is mostly, if not all, apartments. I like the empty feel and the openess. Far from the case in Tel Aviv, as with LA.

They had the traffic conditions in Hebrew on the big boards over the highway. I love those. Paris has the best, of any city in the world. LA has a long way to go as we have some, but if we had more, we would know to divert our driving.
Bouchon et tous. He had the morning radio on from which I could understand zilch.

I had studied a map before going and tried to figure out the freeway system. How different it is to see it in person.

I had considered the Sheraton Ramat Gan, mostly as it is a new hotel. People got after me, especially an English mate from Manchester(Jewish) who has travled to Israel many times. Said stick with the main hotels in Tel Aviv.
In fact we debated it. My Israeli friends also gave me advice, stick with the main hotels. So I did.

As expected, people are darting in and out, changing lanes, cutting you off, I expected it, but it freaks you out a bit to see it. They aren't as bad as in Egypt, but def. more aggressive than back at home. (LA drivers can be pretty bad, fyi!)

I wouldn't want to drive here. They are crazy. Cairo drove me insane with the honking and just utter chaos. This is more organized and there is some reason to the highways, driving, but there is, ah, major room for improvement, to be honest. I have read articles on Israeli driving. They turn right from the left lane, right from the left lane, and I actually saw it. Cringe! I guess they don't give tickets!? Where would you start? Mexico City was like this. Mexico City was so crazy that Brian and I sat in our hotel room and watched traffic(Crowne Plaza downtown). It was hysterical.

I suppose at the right location, you could watch traffic here, but I had better things to do.

We exited the highway at Ramat Gan (Financial/Business Center,love those), saw the beautiful Sheraton that everyone said no to, and headed into Tel Aviv.

One of my favorite movies is 'Clean Sweep', an Israeli film. When I went to the Israeli Film Festival I was in line with everyone else to see the movie 'Time of Favor' ( a classic), it sold out, I was ticked, had to go see the remaining(leftover) movie called Clean Sweep. It is a police/detective type that takes place in and around Tel Aviv. I loved it.
It became one of my favorites. They have good shots ot T/A. Toward the end they do a wonderful motorcycle chase through the streets. I enjoyed that. Now I was where that chase was taking place. Oh that was a good movie. FYI, I have it on DVD, with English subtitles. I will sometimes do the Hebrew subtitles as I know the plot inside and out
and can actually learn a few words by watching the Hebrew letters., but mostly do it in English. Love the theme song.
KADOSH! I would love to get that theme song on cd if anyone knows where and how, etc? toda

So we did the drive through the city routine. It is older, more run down than I had thought. Every city has its good and bad areas, I guess I was expecting more of a Zion, if you will. All of a sudden we emerge from the mass of low apartment buildings and come out to Ha'Yarkon st. This is the Tel Aviv Promenade where most of the T/A's hotels lie, and on the beach. You take the highway up, Hilton is on the right, the others on the left, and go into a small, congested street where you literally drive through the front area of the: Sheraton Moriah, Crowne Plaza, and then my new home, for the night, the Rennaissance. I can't follow their Hebrew spelling, it doesn't seem to match!? xoxo
Oh well.

I had done alot of homework on the hotels. Went to the Marriott and Sheraton websites, where I have elite status, (Hilton is too expensive), reserved, canceled, reserved. Make up your mind! LOL After I had canceled the night in Jerusalem I finally settled on the Rennaissance here.

I had e-mailed them asking for an early check in, upgrade, etc. We actually e-mailed a few times and they were nice.

The taxi fare came to 80 shekels, which I had been told to expect. About $20 US, divide by 4 something, being bad in math, I divide by 4. I then gave him the 100 NIS note (New Israeli Sheckel), he said no, I said YES. Take it. The fare is very generous. As you will see later I paid 9 pounds, plus a pound tip, to go from one hotel at Heathrow to another, there is an 8 pound minimun. That is about $20 US, almost. We drove half way across Israel. I can live with their prices. England(the Motherland, if you will) would bankrupt me in a week. I also wanted to give a good tip to my fellow Jew. Toda rabah. I take care of my own. I give very generous tips in France,among other places. One tip to the porter at the Orly Hilton just pissed my dad off saying way too much. So sue me, smile.

He helped me with my bags and the porter showed up out of nowhere. I think he was escaping the cold in one of the cars. It was freezing. There was a fierce wind off the Mediterranean and it was just not what I had expected.

I finally am at a point where I can porter my own bags but said hey, let's live it up, and gave him the bag. I want to be pampered here. No security check. Their security is very inconsistent and that bothers me dearly.

Thanking the driver we went inside. There were cars everywhere, what a mess. Also a security risk, fyi.If I I saw this in Jerusalem I would be nervous.

Finally in front of the reception desk were 2 plastic/paper Israeli flags stood. I kissed my hand and put it on the flag, long overdue in finally kissing an Israeli flag. The staff behind the desk were impressed. Gee, first time to Israel? LOL
They knew that from the e-mails.

A lovely Turkish immigrant checked me in. Countering my Israel/USA lapel pin, which I wore everywhere, she had a Turkish flag, Israel flag lapel pin, we laughed.

I had some Marriott certificates that I wanted to use, she said go up and get some sleep and talk to the manager later, fair enough. Can I get upgraded? Well, you have to pay more, which they told me in an e-mail. Most Marriott/Rennaissance hotels upgrade me based on my Silver card, not here.

Ah, I thought go to the room and talk to the manager later when I have my witts(Brian, no comment!) LOL.
It is the lounge access that I want. We wished each other our respective pleasantries. Very friendly staff, just slow to upgrade. Oh well. I didn't want to give in and pay more. Hard when you get it just about everywhere else. The Marriott at Vancouver Airport fought me on it and we did battle, then the last time I went with a girl from Spokane, they upgraded us. Ok..................

You could see through the big windows the fierce waves right in front of us, it was a beautiful sight.

The lifts have the English chimes that I like and up we went to the 7th floor. ding ding

There was the coveted exit sign in Hebrew I was looking for. I like the different exit signs from around the world. For some reason the French 'sortie' in Quebec, vs. France, just annoys me, that is another story. In France they use the int'l sign. In Quebec, where the English exit used to be exit/sortie the French language zealots got rid of all the exit signs, even in hotels, hence, my annoyance. Maintenant, c'est tous SORTIE. It bugs the heck out of me. Same with Keluar in Malaysia. Another story and for later, thanks.

I can't read the Hebrew word for exit, for the Hebrew alphabet that I know, it just doesn't make sense. I would love to see the word written out in English letters, if possible, as they don't have it in the Fridany night prayer book.
How I learned alot of my Ivrit.

My first mezuzot (not my last!) is on the doorpost to the room, this is cool. You know that you are in Israel from that.
The hallway is average, could be bigger. All of these hotels are in great need for a makeover.

I tip him as well, but give him US $$$ which I bring along for tipping. Helps in England, I can assure you!

The room is decent size. Large queen( I think) bed but very low to the floor. My bed at home is tall. Maybe that's it.
I drop everything off and as Brian knows the first thing I do is turn on the tv. Finally, Israeli tv! way too long overdue.
Israel One- Echad, Two-Stein, 3, I think 4, I love 10, CNN, BBC Prime,( I need BBC World), Russian, Turkish, was very surprised nothing in Arabic. My biggest TV fest was in Cairo with several channels of tv stations from around the Middle East. It was hard to leave the room and my friends got after me for that. "We didn't come to Egypt to watch tv." wahhhhhhhhh LOL

Lot's of programming in English and tons of South American soaps subtitled in Hebrew. Why the Israelis are so muli-lingual. Same with the Dutch, the Scandinavians, etc. Whereas my dear, beloved French and Germans use annoying
voiceovers which is FAKE. You gotta see Cosby in Germany with that fake overtone auf Deutsch. Disgusting.
I prefer subttles, then you hear the natural sounds. You also learn the language faster. We watched 'Yes Prime Minister' in Denmark with Danish subtitles. I probably learned a handful of Danish words from that one show.

I go out on the balcony and enjoy my view. Fierce winds are blowing from the West from where I have come
and it is cold! There is one lonely ship rocking back and forth in the sea with surfers and some boaters, they are crazy! Straight across from me is the Crowne Plaza Hotel. They can see me, I can see them, no privacy here at all. They needed to give more space between the hotels for sure.

To my right is Tel Aviv, the great city. Masses of low rise apartments/flats, the Sheraton Ramat Gan( I think she is haunting me LOL), the World Trade Center, I love that kind of architecture, and masses of other buildings.

Arkia and Israir(Israel's 2 domestic carriers and some charters) buzz in and out of smaller Sve Dov Airport. I think I have heard 3 names for this airport. Lot's of smaller planes buzz in and the view is just awesome. An Israeli Air Force C-130 (military plane) passed by, so cool. I can finally stay in the city and watch planes at the same time.
L'chaim! To life!

I kick off my shoes and do some unpacking, thinking I would be there for 3 nights. (NOT!) I turn on the heat, the tv is going, and set up a bar/buffet on the long table. All my coveted Dasani water from home( I am not kidding, touch it and you get it!), the Swiss, Belgian, and English chocolates, and other nicknacks borrowed from the British Airways lounge back in the Motherland.

TEL AVIV DAY 1

After a quick lie down and my first intro to Israeli TV, I decided to go get my first
Israeli meal. The Israeli breakfast buffet was included the other days, but I had to pay for this one.

It was held at the Africa restaurant. An interesting name, but actually, you are a couple of hours drive or a 45 minute flight to Africa (Egypt).

Gave my room # and pre-paid $20US, which I liked, then walked into a comfortable restaurant filled with delicious food.

The front table had more bread than I have ever seen in my life. Every kind of bread was available, save challah, which would have been nice. I piled bread on my plate.

They had cream cheese, but not the delicious Jerry's Deli (LA) that I am used to. Well, it was icky, sorry.
Israel needs to learn what cream cheese is, smile.

They had delicious Kugel(thanks Aunt Judy, who intro'd me to it and I love it), cheeses, meats, an interesting pasta, kind of dry(for breakfast!?), the traditional Israeli salad bar(which I am not into, sorry), every kind of fish, oh, they had everything. Shock of all shocks I piled a couple of plates and took a table by the window. The waves were ferocious and I loved it. The waitress came over and did that Kafe? thing, lo bevakasha, and it was soon apparent that her English was non-existant. Surprising in Israel. She must be from someplace else. I wanted to ask for a hot chocolate, but that just wasn't going to happen. I think I tried it even in French, no go. oh well

They had orange juice and I braved it with the water. Surprise. The water in nearby Egypt is disgusting, but actually is quite good in Israel, showing it is more of a Euro country. I had heard that it is safe to drink, but was actually good.

I did a couple of trips to the buffet and then prepared for my escape with some 'leftovers.' The other guests were European tourists yacking away in different languages. My lapel pin had a couple of stares. Gives away that I am an American in a shot.

I took my wrapped up napkins filled with goodies and he is like, nah, but I explained I am jetlagged, tired, want to take back to the room, an exception please. He agreed. Toda.

Back to the room and some shuteye. The winds howled through the room.

Well, ouch. They had a suicide bombing in Jerusalem. I heard everything in English via CNN and then all of the
Israeli stations had it. It was terrible. A Jerusalem City Councilor saw the whole thing and held a dying man in his arms. This was bad. The blast on one of the city's buses was so powerful, it shook a nearby hotel where they were having a Prime Minister's conference. It was quite depressing and I did cry. Going from CNN to the Israeli stations
and keeping up. I was glad that I had canceled my first night in Jerusalem and made it Tel Aviv.
Unfortunately, it had put Jerusalem into great doubt, sorry to say. Then some long needed rest.
___

Woke up late afternoon to more winds and more cold. Took another view from the balcony and took several pictures. Caught more tv and then decided to go for a walk. Also took care of business downstairs.

No on the upgrade without paying more. No on the Marriott certificates. Pretty much no on everything.
Yeah, we're out of here. I was scheduled to be there for 3 nights, but I never mind changing hotels.

They were polite but firm. One of the guys actually reminded me of a former French professor of mine in college. The resemblance was too much. Did a walk around the lobby, enjoyed the view through the windows, and looked at their pastry cart, ahhhhhhhhh.

Outside to the cramped front conditions. Cars everywhere and everything is just cramped. We need to redesign.
You can use me for advice. smile

Walked to the right, heading South toward Jaffa, and hit the real Sheraton. I have seen many pics of it, it has starred in movies, and probably one of the more famous hotels in Tel Aviv.

This is the only time I had received a proper security check. Maybe have not even needed it. I went through the revolving doors and put my arms out for the wanding. Explained I wanted to talk to the front desk clerk, and I was cleared. I have never in my life seen such inconsistency on the security. Didn't make me feel any better, to be honest.

Go to the front desk and ask the guy for the best rate and is an upgrade to the Club floor doable? $165 US and no, no club floor for you. We're done. Shook hands and left.

Did a quick walk around the hotel, not that I love doing that or anything, LOL. You can call me the Columbus of hotel explorations. Decent seating area, pastries, and a bunch of over suited Israeli businessmen yacking in Ivrit. Boring stuffed shirts. LOL

To the gift shop and wow, lot's of goodies. Some shampoo thingy in my toiletry bag leaked all over everything, hence, bye bye tooth brush. Took me forever to clean that stuff out, ugh. Have better things to do.

Hence, a new toothbrush, Colgate in English, but had a sticker in Hebrew on the back which made it more exciting.
Bought a Tel Aviv shirt and a tourbook. She was very pleasant and very kind. I loved it and told her I would be back. Actually never made it back but it was the best hotel giftshop I had seen.

Now back to the other hotels. There is the other Sheraton, a Sheraton Moriah, on the other side of the Crowne Plaza. I think I had actually booked it and then canceled in the book and cancel game.

Security was nothing, explained what I wanted to do. Checking you out.

Smaller hotel than the other Sheraton, that narrow batiment(building) of the other 2 twins.

Talked to the front desk and a cute Sabra(she is half English, like me) answered my questions. I will give you
$160 US,with lounge access and upgrade. Let me think about it.

I left the hotel, thought about it, came back, and took it. She had written down the offer for me before and now I just said, take it and book it. Sheraton Gold # given and all.

Yes, I liked her and she was cool. We shook hands and til tomorrow. Can't wait. Went to the end of the lobby where they also had the big windows facing the Mediterranean, a bit calmer now than before.

I look out the windows and an ELAL 747-400 flew in over the coast, I am sure the late night from Kennedy. It was an awesome sight, no time to get outside. I stood there with my mouth wide open in awe. I had an Israeli guy sitting behind me stare at me like I was nuts. I am nuts. I like airplanes. They are cool. I watch them, too.

Out to the Promenade. A bit dirtier than I had expected. Older, too. I have seen them promo this place from time to time and it looked better then. A good makeover will do it.

I checked out the little shops, stands, went down to the beach. As I was walking right past a little cafe the guy comes out and says in decent English, come in, come in. Please, sit down, have dinner.

I look at the menu, looks alright. My first Israeli meal, outside of the hotel, no suicide bombers running around. In Jerusalem I would be more concerned, but this isTel Aviv, I am probably ok, I pray.

He gives me a taste of the lamb, it is wonderful. Ok, bring me the lamb. He tries to get me to indulge in the salad bar which I am just not into. Hey, it ain't Sizzler. smile

The reward for coming in was a beautiful, and I mean beautiful! 20 year old American girl sitting there. I guess she is the waitress in this dead empty restaurant. We talk the whole time and I am loving it.

She is from New York and came here on a Jewish birthright(free trip) to Israel. Fell in love with it and never looked back. Went back to NY for a visit but otherwise she lives here. I can understand. It is very special.

She is 20 and has a boyfriend, so that was that, but I did enjoy talking to her.

The Lamb meal was Heavenly. It was the tastiest, most delicous lamb I have ever had in my life and they could see I liked it. I liked it so much I ordered another to take to the hotel for the 3am wake up and jetlag combatting snack.

They gave me a free dessert, some little chocolate pastries, ice cold, and I wished them my best. I was getting tired, also wanted to move on. It was like a 20 minute goodbye.

Getting dark, was dark, grabbed my packages and back to the Rennaissance.

I get a call from Ophir who left a message. Welcome to Israel, do you want to get together? I am tired but yes, this could be fun.

So he picks me up and gives me the tour of Tel Aviv. Thank you so much! It was so appreciated.

He took me out to Jaffa(Yafo-Hebrew name), which is the old city. Very Muslim with a Mosque and more Arab architecture. It is wonderful. We hike up a trail to a good lookout point(fyi, would make for a great make out point if you have that someone special with you).

You have the most incredible view of Tel Aviv, the Promenade, the hotels, everything.

I didn't want to leave the site but it was time to move on.

Ophir game me an excellent tour de la ville. Just know that I loved it. We saw everything. Something I have always
dreamed of. As I was falling asleep, sorry, he took me back to the hotel and we would see each other on Tuesday for the big lunch.

I went out on the balcony and enjoyed my priceless view of the city before heading to bed. The city is all lit up and it is incredible.........................I also did that 3 am wake up thing, spent some time on the balcony, ate my lamb , and saw a plane come in from over the Mediterranean, cool.

__________________________________________________ ____________________

I have bought a whole bunch of DVDs from WorldAirlineRoutes.com and watching the new Swiss A340 video.
Incredible!

Tel Aviv Day 2 Monday

I woke up to a beautiful Monday morning. More planes into Sve Dov, gorgeous day, less windy than yesterday but still a bit cold. Watched the Israeli tv plus the cable. Stared into the Crowne Plaza hotel right across from me, kind of weird. I love channel 10. They have some good looking young ones but one woman, wowwwwwwwwwza! She is hot!
Israeli women are babes. I watched the station to keep an eye on her.

Iraq, Iraq, Iraq. Oy. LOL

More follow up on yesterday's suicide bombing. The freaky part is that I could have been in a taxi next to the freaking bus. Something that has come to mind more than a few times.
Again, I felt more comfortable at home after I had moved the hotel from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv.

Down to the free breakfast at the Africa restaurant with those fancy chimes at the lift. Looked out the window at the end of the hallway to see the beautiful ocean and Jaffa to my left.

Is the breakfast free? It depends on how you play with it. The rate was $120 US so I deduct the breakfast and call the room a $100 US. I think more hotels need to give breakfast. Ironically, I never have breakfast at home, almost always only when I travel.

They checked my room # off at the desk and in I went in to the Africa Restaurant. Today was more crowded but I had a table near the window.
More bread, sadly no kugel , but they had quiche and some other goodies as well. Good eggs, some meats, and the orange juice isn't bad.

The cute waitress from yesterday who didn't speak English turned into a grumpy (religous, kippot and all) older man who atleast did speak English, so I received my hot chocolate, which wasn't bad. I watched the surfers, swimmers, joggers, hikers, and all. I can relate well. This is me back at home being on the beach almost everyday. Good for them! I took a break. Again, tourists speaking more funny languages, German was one of them, that I could tell.

I was able to sneak a roll out but wouldn't push it like yesterday.

Toda rabah and off I go. Went down to the gym and pool. The gym was average, nothing like the Spectrum Club back at home, but good for a hotel. I asked the older guy who spoke English for the direction to the pool and he pointed below. It was a decent pool and I planned to come back, but never did. Oh well. I can swim at the Moriah. (NOT!)
Oh well.

Went for a small walk. They closed off the beach access from the hotel from the lower level. They said bums would come in, but I am sure security played a part. They would have to have a gatekeeper man it.

So to the lobby and outside. It was much warmer than yesterday but still kind of cold. Again, inconsistenices in the security check when you re-enter the hotel. Oy!

Back to the room and traded a much needed swim(playful mikve/cleansing, what I do at the pool at the gym)
for some sleep which was needed after the 3 am wake up. A product of jetlag, no doubt.

Before checking out there was a lovely maid and if you know me, I love maids carts. I loved the laundry bags, mostly cause they were in Hebrew. So I asked for a few and a few other goodies. I actually took a few things, err borrowed , cause they were in Hebrew. The only country in the world where you will find hotel goodies in one of the special languages of the Bible, so enjoy it. I enjoyed one last view, not sure what I would get shortly. A few clicks with the camera as well.

I had to pack everything up thinking I would be there for 3 days. Atleast I don't have to worry about airlines weighing my suitcase today, whewwww. It is already getting heavy.

I chatted with Vera, a Lithuanian(Litvik) from Vilnius. My grandfather came from Latvia so we come from a special heritage. She gave me whatever I had asked for and with a kind, warm smile. We started talking. You are American?
What do you think of Isarel? I love it! I can't get enough of it.
She did some griping at the Israelis in that because her Hebrew is not as good as it could be, a complaint by many Russian immigrants, according to the book on Israelis that I am reading, they are held back and not able to progress as far as they once did in the their home countries. She is well educated and her English is great. She had a good life back in Lithuania. She came to Israel because she is a Jew and could worship freely here.
This well educated, I think teacher!?, is now cleaning hotel rooms for no money. She complained how expensive Israel is(honey, spend a day in London, this ain't nothing... ) and I sympathized. I also gave her a fair tip which she appreciated. I don't normally tip maids, but this one is special. Brian does, but then I tip pretty decently to the porters, so it works out.

I took my leave and wished her my best, even said a prayer for her. She taught me alot in that little conversation.

With that, chime on the lift, and down to reception. Check out. We shook hands and I thanked them for everything.
You are checking out early? Yes, wanted to move to a different location. ( ah, I got a better deal! suckers! LOL )

I still wished them my best. I did a quick trip to the gift shop, a pain pulling my suitcase. European hotels are awful, if almost non-existant with in house gift shops, and interesting the Israeli hotels have excellent, well stocked gift shops.

As I left they offered to call me a cab, I laughed, said no thank you, dragged my bag and carry on over my shoulder 2 doors down to the Moriah. Ma nouvelle residence en Israel.

Tel Aviv Day 2 Monday part 2

Wheeled the bag down that narrow street to my new home, the Sheraton Moriah.

The outside looks the same as the others.

Mr. security dude wanted to see my passport, the one time that I would have it on me, not gonna happen. You can see my drivers' license. I would prefer your passport, yes, but the D/L is easier. He accepted it, thank ya.

Go to front desk and there is the cute Miss. Lawrence. "Oh no, you are checking in on the 17th floor at the lounge." Can you say yeah?! I love it! Now this is how I want to be pampered in the land of the Bible.

More chimes and take the lift to the 17th floor. The hotel is old, it shows, but I like it.
Needs a major touch of fresh paint and some fixing up. Probably hard now with the low tourist trade.

Enter the lounge and go to the main desk. Ah, chocolate pecan pie. They had a selection of pies, other goodies, and some Israeli nicknacks, like a tiny bagel shaped sesame something. I had a FEW of those. Cut myself some chocolate pecan pie while she checks me in. A Sprite to go with it. Check out the view.

Oh, by the way, I checked out the lounge at the Renn., not a big deal and def. not worth paying more. Heaven was smiling on me. I was glad that the Renn. was cheap, they did me a big favor, and the Moriah is where I belong.

We have a room for you on the 16th floor. Finish my pie and grab a water. Down one.

The room is ok, equiped with a handicap toilet. I turn on the tv and Israel 1(Echad) is not working and that won't do, call for a tv guy to fix it.

The view, quite frankly, sucks. Decent ocean view, I can see Jaffa(facing South), sorry I didn't take any pics of it, but I had a big wall to my left, no view of Tel Aviv. I normally would have taken it but something said, go for better. I called the front desk and they actually directed me to the lounge, I like this. Come on up and we will take a look. The guy did come and fixed Israel 1. I figure a good 'mitzvah'(good deed) for the next (poor schlub ) who does stay there.

Up to 17. Ah, more goodies. We have a room on the 18th floor, let's go take a look.

She immediately gave away that she was a religous, traditional Jew as she waited outside in the hallway while I looked. I was impressed. For some reason the mezuzot on the outdoor post stood out as well. Kiss. I will take it. The view was Heavenly. The corner room, one over, would have been Paradise. Looked straight at the Hilton, which is further down the Promenade. Never got over there, surprise surprise. To my left, the ocean, straight down, the Promenade area,
to my right, an even better view of Tel Aviv with my Sheraton Ramat Gan and the WTC way over. If I bent out over the balcony I could see the TV tower. One of my passions are towers, I like this one.

Back to the lounge, new key, change rooms, got my bags, and yes, naughty me, swiped something from the old room. Love them souvenirs.

My new room was a dream. The view is probably one of the best views you can have of Tel Aviv. Now, with no Crowne Plaza in my face, I could see so much more of the Northern suburbs, plus I suppose, Herzlia. The room is big, very high ceilings, old, but very comfortable, and with a big King sized bed(fit for a KING, he he he). I tried that unpacking thing again, now 2 nights.

Pulled out a splendid glass table and set up the buffet. My chocolates, waters, other drinks, other goodies, my camera and film, with my camera ready to go at a moment's notice. I did stash some things in the well designed minibar.

Now I have an even better view of the planes coming in. Arkia and Israir ATRs galore.
Almost got sick of the (bloody) things whereas I had never seen one in person til yesterday.
La vie, c'est etrange, n'est-ce pas?

Yes, mom I took so many pics, you will never know, LOL. I have a bad habbit of taking a 1000 pics of the same thing.
Melbourne Airport Hilton I was very guilty of that, photographing every plane a 100 times.

I called the infamous Israeli flyertalkers and told them my new residence with #.
Both have lives so the voicemail took care of everything.

Now the dilemma. One of the pitfalls of a nice, fancy room: I want to stay! I am tired, this place is comfy, but I should go to Jerusalem. The suicide bombing yesterday really threw me off. Yes, I wanted to go to the great city, where the Saviour rode in on a donkey, but a bomb went off yesterday.

I did some thinking, reflecting. I decided to stay. I still have part of Tuesday, I have a good part of early Wednesday, so there are options.

I love this place and I want to stay, so I stayed.

Picked up on some rest and then to the lounge. Lot's and lot's of food. I had some more, will never say how much, of the chocolate pecan pie. In fact I probably had most of it, shhhhhh.

Then behold, they had a computer thingy with internet access. Oh life is good. You have to pay for it but at whatever NIS and $4 US per hour, I am there.

I was able to add to my prepatory 'notes' on flyertalk and play on my singles sites and update my yahoo lists, but no AOL access. (scheiss) I kind of needed that. So I took an hour and then someone else wanted to play. More food and drink and then it is time to go for a walk.

I walked the Promenade down below. I don't know what you call it, they were playing a kind of tennis, smaller racquets but not racquetball, watch out! The sun was slowly going down and you could see more planes going into Ben Gurion. Much warmer now and nice seabreeze. Hey, it reminds me of Malibu.

Past the 3 hotels and up near the real Sheraton. Past little cafes, bars, many of them empty, sadly, and over to across from the Dan Hotel. That is one of Tel Aviv's finest hotels.
I wanted to go up and play, but enjoyed the view outside, maybe later.
Maybe Dov would take me for a visit, NOT! LOL

I went as far as I could and then as it was getting dark, headed back. I could have taken a taxi, no buses, please, but knew I needed the walk. Let's be honest, after all that chocolate, yeah, walk.

They have a string of Embasies across the street on Ha'Yarkon. I like Embassies. Stood in front of the French Embassy claiming temporary standing in France which was cool.
They even had a French gendarme inside. In a few days I will be in the real thing.

They actually have Embassies for several countries: India, Russia, and some of the former Soviet Republics, but the French one is the only one I paid hommage to. Vivre la France! No Embassy for Syria?? hmmmm LOL Maybe someday.

Back to the other Sheraton and up to the lounge, which was now packed and had tons of food and many conversations in Hebrew, English, and what else.

I could have made dinner with what they had. They had a wonderful chicken salad, chopped egg(does this sound Jewish? LOL), rolls, the traditional Israeli salad bar, the drinks, and some desserts. I enjoyed, then enjoyed the view of Tel Aviv at night and watched some CNN. For those who drank they had 2 kinds of wines. Not a bad deal at all.

Then I did the naughty thing and went down to the hotel restaurant buffet. Yummmm
$25 US, again, in a fixed US $ price. More food than you could ever know what to do with.
And you wondered if Jewish people like to eat!? LOL Oh my.

Salmon, pasta, rice(very Middle Eastern kind of rice, yummm), veggies, some oversoaked kind of beef, hey, I tired about everything, save the salad bar. I love salads at home, don't get me wrong. Ordered an Orange Fanta and could hear German from a LARGE amount of German tourists behind me who I am sure were drunk. They were happy.
German in Israel!? Ok... Hey, all my Jewish ancestors in Europe spoke German/Yiddish. So there ya go.

I was getting tired and jetlag was settling in. They had a delicious looking chocolate cake, not round, and I asked for the privilege of taking some to my room explaining jetlag and they agreed. I am glad that I left when I did.

When I got back to the room there was a knock on the door. A bottle of mineral water and a small tin of cookies with a cute picture and name of the hotel on it. Actually, for some reason, never drank the water and the cookies were ok, but I love the tin and it now resides in Malibu. (in fact it is now 2 feet from me)

Had a message from Dov and we talked for a bit. That was a very expensive phone call, fyi, just to let ya know. I figured it was an Israeli cell. I should have been able to call South Africa for that price. We set things up for the first Flyertalk lunch in Israel and agreed on a meeting time. I also liked that he agreed to come to the hotel vs. meeting down the street.
Saved me time as Mr. Early bird arrived too early in the am for me. He also gave me advice on picking up on women. He actually gave me some good advice which I have to credit him here. I came to Israel to check out Israeli women. But he said you want to get women who are away from their home turf and so now it would be harder to chase Israeli women in their own home. True and I have dated Israelis at home in LA, maybe now I will do better that I have actually come here. So where are the French women? Yes, Dov is a stud, I will concede that, otherwise, I would have ignored his advice. :P

I enjoyed some late night tv and that wonderful view from the balcony. I don't think I have ever had such a more beauitful city view in my life, not comparing to Maui in any way, but I would compare to the Marriott in Montreal, one of my favorite views, facing North, from a high floor, but this has a balcony.

By the way, no pool, it is closed for renovation, so there went my 'mikve' in Israel. Oh well.

Lights out(exhausted) for a bit then did the 3 am wake up call and I was wide awake. So we pulled out the buffet. The chocolate cake from the restaurant, some Dasani, some Sprite from the lounge, some Swiss chocolates(I have the same kind next to me now!), and more views from the balcony. And some early morning planes coming in.
I also said a prayer for Israel. It was too perfect, too calm, too peaceful not to. God bless this sacred land eternal.
Shma Y'israel!

I called mom to say hello, got the machine, sometime in the evening, and said don't worry, all is well, and gave her a message of comfort that I would probably be skipping Jerusalem so that was a peace offering.

Then I decided to call Brian and yank his chain. I started to leave a message and his mom picked up, explaining he was in the hospital and that she was on her way down. Oy vay! You go away and look at what happens.

I forgot the pin on my AT &T calling card and they weren't going to help. I haven't used it for so long, being cheap and not having phoned home for a while from abroad. So back to AT & T and had to use my credit card.

I called the kid at his hospital bed and sure enough it was true. You have to wait till I leave to get sick, what am I going to do with you?

He was better and we yacked and I didn't care what it was costing. I still have yet to see the bill, cringe. It was special to call him from Israel, a place he would not come to and sent me off alone(guilt trip here, mate).

Now he is well. That phone call, fyi, was very special.

September 11th in New Zealand and now this!

With that fun back to bed

Tel Aviv/Herzlia Day 3 Tuesday part 1

Shalom all.

Even with the early jetlag rise, and after going back to bed, I woke up at sunrise. It was beautiful. I took a series of pics across the city, literally in a lateral, horizontal fashion across Tel Aviv at sunrise.

Now there is a new ship out in the water. An ELAL 747-400 came from the East, assuming Bangkok? buzzed around T/A, to the ocean, then out over the ocean turned around and into Ben Gurion. I would love to know the routing and where in the East did it come from?
I know it didn't fly over downtown Jeddah, that is for dang sure.

I actually did catch some more shuteye, then morning tv, buffet , and shower.

Meeting Dov at 1030 am in the lounge. Saved me lot's of time. I am supposed to meet an American/Israeli guy with an Australian cowboy hat on. Ok.............

Got up to the lounge with a shopping bag:camera, film, and some airline goodies for them flyertalker people. Was able to grab some food but no computer, it was spoken for, oh well, the lovely ladies at home had to wait. LOL

I was watching a mix of Israel 2, Steiiiin, and CNN. Orange juice and morning goodies were great. This is a busy lounge. I happened to be standing up and this guy walks in with a cowboy hat. I look at him, wave him over, Dov??? nice to meet you. He looks familiar and can't put the face. Ahhhhh, when I lived in Ohio I became very close to a guy named Art, both are lot's of fun and they look alike.

He sat down with me and we shmoozed. Not what I expected, to be honest, we saw no pics, but he was even more fun in person. I like him. He kept making me laugh and that will get ya points. He needed a smoke so we took in the sights of sprawling T/A from the outdoor balcony. He told me some very interesting stories, I will let him chime in here if he wants!? to share and then I will add those comments to my e-mail list, if he wants. Up to you, bro.

With that and my heavy leather jacket, finally didn't need it, we set off for a long walk.

I took pics of everything. Earlier on my walks I was afraid to cross the busy street, terrorfied, to be honest. These are Israeli drivers . He said the rule is you walk out into the street and they stop. I let him be the guinea pig. They actually stopped. I was shocked. During my walks, well, I was afraid. But I guess they actually do stop.

There were kitty cats everywhere and as you may know, I love cats. Hmmm an Israeli cat!? US customs would love that one.

We hiked over to one of the major boulevards, I snapped pics, and loved it. I did see a major supermarket that I wanted to go in but never made it. That I regret.

I had left my watch at home, seldom wear one, use my cell here to see the time.
The dear Sheraton Moriah did not believe in clocks in the room, the Renn. did, that drove me crazy and I had to call down to reception to check on the time. They were fine with it.

So we walked into a small shop and I bought a small, travel sized clock, can always use, eh? I didn't like the watches I saw at Heathrow or anywhere else, including here. I am very picky when it comes to watches. I have a beloved Qantas watch which their Duty Free has now discontinued selling, so now I am reluctant to wear it as I wouldn't want anything to happen to it. I know, buy a cheapie, I will, give me time, ha ha ha. Too funny!

We walked through the shops and enjoyed the scenery. It was wonderful.

We passed an ELAL office. Yeah, we're going in. They had a small security check but then inside it was great. Masses of ELAL timetables AND ticket jackets. No inflight magazines, darn. Yeah, I took a few, as many as my bag would handle! As many of you will now see circulating in your goody bags and Karl you will have a package shortly, when I get around to it.

Then Dov had to stop at the Delta ticket office. He spoke Hebrew and was duly chastized, in fun, as it is a US airline but they are Israeli, so I was just playing. They did have some interesting brochures, but didn't want to drag them, the ELAL goodies too rare.

He then saw my suffering with my coat and all and offered to drop things in the car. Bless you, my son. That was very nice.

It was freezing the first day, warmed up the next day, now it is beautiful and don't need a coat, go figure. The LY goodies needed a rest as well. We were near the Dan Hotel but didn't go inside.

Back up into the city we hit an AM PM, says that on the receipt. They had the cutest girl there and I asked her if she spoke English!? she chastized me, of course I speak English!
Ok..... I had that in Sweden when I first landed, actually I love it. Wish more people in the world could say that.

They had the usual rounds of Israeli chocolate, most of which I could get at home at the Israeli market here, in fact stopped by 2 nights ago as I was homesick, and bought a (few) chocolates as well.

Finally, the find of all finds, a Perrier bottle, not just cause it is beloved, sweet, tasty, wonderful, delicious Perrier, but now a Perrier bottle in Hebrew with English, duly added to my collection of bottles and cans from around the world. Toda

We ended up at the outdoor bazaar and Dov said he needed to tell me something right before we went in but would wait. Okkkkkkk Yeah, I knew what he was going to tell me. And if this were Jerusalem, I never would have gone.

Outdoor shops, goodies, loud music, some really good Israeli techno type, I wanted that song. I have tons of Israeli cd's, fyi. Lo and behold, kippot/yarmulke, the skulcap. What you wear Friday nights. I know/thought I took mine out at home and hence, it is still at home. I wanted to buy a new one anyway, and so for 5 shekels, it was mine.

Dov told me something that I won't repeat here, only that T/A is secular and might not be a good idea. I understand.
It stayed in my pocket but I did want to wear it. Oh well.

They did have watches but I didn't like them, sorry. Would have loved to have bought a watch in Israel. I am picky.

More goodies, more pics. I wore my lapel pin. They were playing an American song and some women were singing to the song in English, I was impressed.

-Reminds me when we were stuck in a traffic jam leaving Italian Switzerland/Locarno for Interlaken. Everyone inched along the highway nearing the famous tunnel. A carload of Dutch youth saw we were Yanks, yeah, we stand out, LOL, so they started singing a song in English just for us, we laughed and waved. This reminded me of it. I loved that.-

They were good, too.

More pics, more touring. They also had the Christian souvenirs and Dov told me another cool story, but will let him tell if he wants. I didn't see any Christian souvenirs that I specifically wanted. If I had gone to Bethlehem, too dangerous, fyi, that would have been different.

He then tells me as we leave that the place we just left is one of the biggest targets for suicide bombings in Israel. I think he said # 2. I knew it, I cringed, I ignored it, I moved on.

In Jerusalem I would NOT have gone there, I can assure you. I guess you are playing a game with the odds in Israel, like in the old Northern Ireland, like in Colombia now. ouch But you have to live your life. If it be God's will...

More walking, more touring, getting late.

It is getting time for the first Flyertalk lunch in Israel, which I had been looking forward to.

Back to the car and out of Tel Aviv. We drove past the US Embassy, which I had seen on the news at home &. I waved.

This drive was actually a good tour of Tel Aviv itself. Out to the Northern suburbs and into
Herzlia. An Orange County/Silicon Valley suburbia of glass office buildings, nice homes and flats, and even a Coffee Bean, but no Starbucks, oh well.

Tel Aviv/Herzlia Day 3 Tuesday part 2

Apparently there has never been a Flyertalk meeting/lunch in Israel until now.

For the uninformed 'Flyertalk' is like AA where a bunch of crazy, over addicted airline frequent flier mileage and other travel related junkies get together and share war stories.
If you want to check it out, flyertalk.com, check out the Trip Reports. I am fascinated with this and have barely looked at anything else since getting serious with this section.
This report, fyi, is being posted there so you can always look at it there should your dear cat ever delete my work.
he he

Anyway, I did a post on this same Flyertalk for any Israeli flyertalkers if they wanted to meet for a meal. We had 3 takers, sadly, I think we could have had more? DannyZ, LatusELAL? where are you? We missed you.

Next time, I am sure, and I will be back. I am in love with Israel, so how could I not?

Hence, Dov arranged a meeting and contacted Ophir and Nur(spelling?).

Dov had driven me around Tel Aviv and now we came to the lunch. A yuppy type outdoor cafe and I felt very safe there, for some reason. I still have the business card and will put it up on my wall, when I unpack it in 2007.

I had met Ophir Sunday night who had driven me around. Then I met Nur, who actually reminded me of someone slightly, again from Ohio.

We all met and sat down. Dov had some crazy American hotsauce called Cholupa or something like that. He whipped them out he he he for the other guys but explained I could get my own, this is true, not that I am into hot sauce. I love Thai food, go figure.

The menu looked yummy and yes, was in English for me. I am impressed that 2 and a half, smile, Israelis went into English for me, that is a great gesture. Can you picture several Americans going into another language for one person? Spanish I could see, maybe. (Dov comes from the US originally)

One of my joys of all joys is to talk travel, flying, miles, war stories(from travel), airports, customs, lounges, what may 'fall' into the bag, the list goes on . And if you don't know that by now, then you don't know me very well. Of course you could be new. I have to wonder what my new friend in Australia, a lass in Brisbane, no names here, LOL, is thinking as she reads all this. (that I am nuts, well, true)... but shhhhhhhhh We're all nuts in some odd way.
I guess more so if you stand there and watch airplanes fly overhead.
Even more so if you have a heart attack cause you didn't get upgraded to Business/First class or you were denied coveted airline or hotel lounge access. Gee, me?? please...

So we talked travel, and aviation, and airlines, and flying, and miles, and you name it, we talked about it, we yacked, we loved it, we had a good time. It was a delicous meal.
I kept ordering sodas. Waitress spoke decent English but I had 3 translators at my disposal, was awesome.

By the way, ladies, especially my Jewish femmes on my list, they are good looking guys and I believe all are available. Just a thought... Schlepping to Israel required.

Nur flies Delta, so does Dov, Ophir flies Continental, I fly American/Oneworld. So if we had Star Alliance covered, we would have been good.

The one area where they got me was talking about excess luggage. My bags are always over but I somehow get out of being charged. Frankfurt was sweatingly too close.
They said how often they are charged for the overweight bag if flying just from Israel to Europe, whereas to the United States you get a higher allowance. Thank goodness or I would be dead! Remember, I am a pack rat. I am just flying to London tomorrow, uh oh.

I loved the meal, I loved the chat. It was fun and I want to do another one, cholupa and all, bevakasha(please). I excused myself to the WC to let them chat and yack about me and take a break and speak Hebrew. I looked for the men's and a woman directed me to it in fluent English without my asking, toda rabah. They then had those little artsy postcards you find at restaurants and like I did in Egypt, I did here. What I will do with them, who knows. So I took a few. I may have some spares...

The sad time comes when you must say goodbye. I offered the goodies in my bag, some British Airways magazines,cookies, etc., saying they weren't going back with me. I dropped them to the ground to watch them go for them and I was (chastened) for litering, oh well. Someone did take them, thank goodness.

I said goodbye to Nur and then to my new friend Dov who was heading back to his Kibbutz in Northern Israel. Maybe someday I will get up there. I already miss him.

Ophir drove me back which I appreciated as he needed to get back to work, so thank you for that. No buses please. I got nervous when they said they would put me on a bus. ahhhh
It was a sacrfice for him, so thank you.

More buildings, more pics, I atleast took a picture of a sign saying Jerusalem, so that is a start.

We drove past the Mossad H/Q and that was cool, but kept the camera down.

We drove past a flock of Israeli soldiers, that was a great sight. I admire them greatly, just too lazy to be one of them. smile

As with Dov, Ophir did help me as to my questions for the security check tomorow, something that did concern me. Yeah, I was nervous about it, hearing all kinds of bad things, like going for a test. More later.
My short time in Israel was a concern.

I parted with Ophir, but he comes to the US alot so I will see him.

That was fun!

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).]