It is only halfway through spring break, and I just got back from my first half. This past week I was in Israel and tomorrow I jet off to Madrid...it is certainly not a bad life that I live.
Last Wednesday I left for Tel Aviv (and I am glad that I left when I did because of the strike in Barcelona). I landed in the Holy Land Wednesday afternoon and it was only the beginning of one of the best weeks. Wednesday night Rian, Karen, Jade and I went to dinner and then went to Dizengoff. The last time that I was in Tel Aviv was almost seven years ago, so I really do not remember much of Tel Aviv. It was fun to see a different side of Tel Aviv and actually be able to explore the city.
The weather was beautiful on Thursday, so Rian and I went to La La Land for some Hummus and salads. La La Land is located right on the beach, so it was perfect for getting some sun in. I wanted a little bit of a base tan before going to Eilat -- and I got it!
On Friday morning, Rian and I woke up very early and met the other girls in Eilat for IDC Herzliya's version of spring break. We stayed at the Isrotel Princess and met up with Jillian, Karen, Elan, and two other girls studying abroad in Tel Aviv. The minute we got to Eilat, we changed into bathing suits quickly and were off to the pool. For those of you who have had the chance to experience PUNTA CANA or PV Spring break...well, IDC Herzliya spring break does not compare...the Dominican Republic and Mexico have nothing on Eilat, Israel. The weather is better, the hotel is better, the food is better, and the boys are so much cuter! It is amazing that we were situated in one of the most controversial places in the world, and still were able to have the time of our lives! I could see Egypt from the pool (and no, I am not trying to sound like Sarah Palin, I actually could) and Jordan was right across the sea! The next three days were filled with pool parties and tanning. At night, we partied at a Camel Farm, literally, right in the middle of the desert. Words and pictures cannot describe the weekend we had -- in fact, the girls going to Europe for their spring break did not want to leave (but you did not hear it from me)!
When the girls left for Europe, Rian and I stayed an extra night in Eilat. I honestly think I could come back as a travel agent in my next life, I found a great restaurant on the water called Pago Pago.
Monday morning, Rian and I went to Neve Tzedek to shop and walk around the narrow streets. We went to Sigal, which had cute, handmade jewelry. After, we walked along the beach and found a spot to lay out for the afternoon. We got way too much color and went to bed early for a change! Much needed sleep.
9am wake up call and we were off to Jerusalem. Even though I was in Jerusalem in June, a lot has changed since then. The Mamilla Mall was finally completed! Rian and I dropped our stuff off at the hotel, and explored. This was my fourth time to Israel, and I still get excited every time I go to the Old City and to the Kotel. Rian and I walked the streets of Jerusalem, walking through the Jewish Quarter, leading us to the Kotel. We were blessed by two Rabbi's who gave us the Kabbalah string before entering the Kotel. After the Kotel, we just kept walking until we reached Ben Yehuda street to stop for lunch at Moshiko (best falafel's in Israel!) and then we walked through the Shuk.
Everywhere we went in Israel, we played Jewish geography, and somehow we were connected to each person. I honestly love Israel and even told my parents that I wanted to make Aliyah! Who would have thought, me, the nervous girl in ninth grade who had no interest in going to Israel, now texting her parents in Eilat, telling them she never wants to leave! If you have not experienced Israel, I highly suggest it. It was truly an amazing week! Thanks Rian! xoxo
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