This trip was a long time in the making!
We talked about it for years but once Michael & Michal were engaged and planning the wedding for Israel we knew this was the time to make it happen!
Off we go!
As always...
First morning in Tel Aviv. Alex and I set out to find coffee and breakfast before heading to Jerusalem.
It was an incredible feeling driving into Jerusalem. Then seeing a sign for Mount Scopus where my home base was when I was on Year Course was like a homecoming!
In Jerusalem we met up with our guide, Yoni,
for a tour of the Old City.
We really enjoyed the Ramparts Walk, and walked along the walls of the old city. Neither Alex or I had ever done this before. Highly recommend!
Yoni took us to meet a friend of his who is a scribe. He's learned how to write torahs as well as to make art out of the Hebrew alphabet.
Jake and Allie's Hebrew names
This reminded me so much of my Bat Mitzvah invitation that my mom designed.
Market in the Arab Quarter
Church of the Holy Sepulcher
Dome of the Rock
At the Kotel
An incredible day in the Old City with Yoni.
We stayed in Jerusalem that night at good family friends Bob & Debi. I absolutely can't believe that I forgot to take pictures. My dad was Bob's professor at Thomas Jefferson College, now Grand Valley State College, and they became dear friends. I found out that Bob met me when I was only days old. My dad had many visits and time with them in Israel and it was so sweet to spend time with them and talk about him.
They made us a beautiful breakfast before we headed out to see Machane Yehudah, the famed market in Jerusalem. The kids loved it!
After coming back from Jerusalem, we met up at wedding central and got to have some nice time with everyone up on the amazing rooftop.
The next morning, Wednesday of our trip, we headed up North. First to Caesarea, an ancient port city built by King Herod.
You can see the blueprint of the castle at Caesarea.
Next we headed to Kibbutz Beit HaEmek where Alex's dad, Stan, lived when and why he met Alex's mom, Dorothy.
Next we visited Rosh Hanikra, a geological formation of caves on the border between Israel and Lebanon. The grottoes were formed by the waves on the soft chalk rock over many, many years.
Literally at the border between Israel and Lebanon.
On our way to Tiberias for the night, we drove through Ma'alot where I spent two months working at a preschool and living with some of my best friends.
In front of the Sea of Galilee or Lake Kinneret.
Next we went to Tzfat or Safed. Tzfat is known for Jewish mysticism, a labyrinth of alleyways and art galleries.
Thursday night, in honor of Thanksgiving, a bunch of family and friends in for the wedding gathered to watch football. Extra bonus of the night was that my friend from Young Judaea, Machon and Year Course, Benji Lovitt came by to the party. Benji, who made aliya and is a comedian, is from Dallas and had so many people in common with Michael, he was practically a wedding guest at that point.
Climbing Masada
On the ride back to Tel Aviv we stopped at the most amazing place for all the amazing Israeli foods!
Such a special day that Michael put together!
Friday morning we visited Michal's grandparent's Kibbutz, Be'erot Yitzchak for a chance for the families to meet and to toast the bride and groom.
That afternoon Allie met up one of her favorite counselors from CYJ.
That night was the rehearsal dinner although it was a little different as it was only the groom's family and friends.
After the dinner, Alex and Jake joined some of the group for late night World Cup battle between USA and England.
Saturday we spent a wonderful day with Alex's cousin, Linda from his dad's side, and her family. It was so much fun being with them and seeing Jake and Allie with the little ones.
Could we be looking in more directions?
We toured Tel Aviv with a fantastic guide, Avi.
We started off in Jaffa, an ancient port city. It was beautiful with incredible views of the sea and of Tel Aviv.
At the Wishing Bridge where legend has it that if you hold onto your zodiac sign on the bridge while looking out to sea, and make a wish, it will come true.
In Tel Aviv we learned about the history of it's founding and had an amazing lunch before getting ready for the rehearsal dinner.
Check out www.avitoursisrael.com if you're looking a really fun guide and way to see Israel.
Finally, the main event - Michael and Michal's wedding! I wish I had taken more pictures, but it was just perfect. The sweetest ceremony for a wonderful couple and an extremely sweet night!
Absolutely amazing trip! Until next time, Israel!
