What A Difference a Day Makes
Sorry for no posting last night, but the fatigue and business of travel has caught up with us. After breakfast yesterday we headed out to the Souks for last minutes bargains on trinkets to carry home. We wanted a few more precious hours to soak up the sights, sounds, smells ,tastes, color and faces before departing to Tel Aviv
The jeweler that Louise had met yesterday designed and crafted some very cool earrings for me made from Ancient Ottoman/Turkish coins. Truly a one of a kind memento of this part of the world. Josh found an Israeli soccer team jersey that was actually long enough for him!
Rather than hassle with lots of switches from Taxi to Sherut (shared van) to bus station in Tel Aviv and yet another taxi to our conference hotel, we bargained with a driver to pick us up at the rear of the Hospice9yes, inside the gates! No dragging the bags a mile down the Via Dolorosa) Not sure how he accomplished that, but we were glad of it and of his air conditioned Mercedes. Those of you that know me well, know that I can travel on dime, and don’t need much to be satisfied. It has always been much more about the locale than where I am staying. That being said, A/C was a blissful respites from the scorching heat of the week.
Tel Aviv seems like not just another city, but another country in comparison to the ancient rhythms of the Old City. Modern, bustling, traffic laden, and noisy in a different way. It is hot here,too but there is a coastal breeze.
Our hotel is a huge business center adjacent a Country and swim club. Josh and I have a large. Modern suite with a sitting room, dinette, 2 TVS a balcony and luxurious bathroom. We spent a couple of blissful hours in the pool, just standing and floating, reveling in the refreshing water. We have transitioned without a blink and had to turn the AC off last night to sleep because we were too cold! Unimaginable!
We met up with Drs. Linver and Stavros and family for buffet dinner last night and caught up on what touring each family has done. Mike and Mina Jo Linver brought their 10 year old granddaughter Margolit with them for her first visit to Israel. She and Grandma will be doing visiting to Haifa today while the rest of us go to work.
Unfortunately we have reached at the road weary stage and are fighting bronchial colds. Despite all the vitamins, airborne, hand sanitizer, we have succumbed. Josh can hang out a recover while Louise and I head off to work. We have nearly exhausted the supply of throat lozenges, decongestants and ibuprofen that I travel with so on his agenda for later today is finding a grocery store or pharmacy to replenish. Although feeling a little punky, I am excited for the day and conference to begin and hope to see some familiar faces among the technologist attendees from 2 years ago.
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we embark on the real reason for this trip- education and sharing of technology, ideas and methodologies. Gratefully these concepts transcend all differences, albeit those of faith, borders or politics. It is good work and we are blessed and privileged to do it.
Shalom
T and J
Ps- pics to be posted tonight
Sorry for no posting last night, but the fatigue and business of travel has caught up with us. After breakfast yesterday we headed out to the Souks for last minutes bargains on trinkets to carry home. We wanted a few more precious hours to soak up the sights, sounds, smells ,tastes, color and faces before departing to Tel Aviv
The jeweler that Louise had met yesterday designed and crafted some very cool earrings for me made from Ancient Ottoman/Turkish coins. Truly a one of a kind memento of this part of the world. Josh found an Israeli soccer team jersey that was actually long enough for him!
Rather than hassle with lots of switches from Taxi to Sherut (shared van) to bus station in Tel Aviv and yet another taxi to our conference hotel, we bargained with a driver to pick us up at the rear of the Hospice9yes, inside the gates! No dragging the bags a mile down the Via Dolorosa) Not sure how he accomplished that, but we were glad of it and of his air conditioned Mercedes. Those of you that know me well, know that I can travel on dime, and don’t need much to be satisfied. It has always been much more about the locale than where I am staying. That being said, A/C was a blissful respites from the scorching heat of the week.
Tel Aviv seems like not just another city, but another country in comparison to the ancient rhythms of the Old City. Modern, bustling, traffic laden, and noisy in a different way. It is hot here,too but there is a coastal breeze.
Our hotel is a huge business center adjacent a Country and swim club. Josh and I have a large. Modern suite with a sitting room, dinette, 2 TVS a balcony and luxurious bathroom. We spent a couple of blissful hours in the pool, just standing and floating, reveling in the refreshing water. We have transitioned without a blink and had to turn the AC off last night to sleep because we were too cold! Unimaginable!
We met up with Drs. Linver and Stavros and family for buffet dinner last night and caught up on what touring each family has done. Mike and Mina Jo Linver brought their 10 year old granddaughter Margolit with them for her first visit to Israel. She and Grandma will be doing visiting to Haifa today while the rest of us go to work.
Unfortunately we have reached at the road weary stage and are fighting bronchial colds. Despite all the vitamins, airborne, hand sanitizer, we have succumbed. Josh can hang out a recover while Louise and I head off to work. We have nearly exhausted the supply of throat lozenges, decongestants and ibuprofen that I travel with so on his agenda for later today is finding a grocery store or pharmacy to replenish. Although feeling a little punky, I am excited for the day and conference to begin and hope to see some familiar faces among the technologist attendees from 2 years ago.
Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we embark on the real reason for this trip- education and sharing of technology, ideas and methodologies. Gratefully these concepts transcend all differences, albeit those of faith, borders or politics. It is good work and we are blessed and privileged to do it.
Shalom
T and J
Ps- pics to be posted tonight
It is good work and is it's own reward. I know you will be encouraged by the women and their eagerness to learn what you have brought to share. You will be home soon enough so savor every moment. Love you both!
ReplyDeleteHi Terry and Josh Good teachers make the best ambassadors! I;m sure your efforts will be well rewarded. We hope your colds will not prevent you from enjoying every bit of your time Having seen your pictures from your previous trip, we easily visualize you both (enviously) in your explorations. Phil had his first infusion of the new chemo this morning and is home now though a little spent.
ReplyDeleteI was up at 6 this morning to sit with B and O while Sally took Phil for his infusion. Mom had her Remicade concurrently. Now we are both here dog sitting!! Or are they sitting us??? All are well. Love Dad and Mom