A few days in Israel

It has been a busy few days in Israel. Janet and I keep commenting that it feels like we have already been here for weeks. I will try and catch you up on our travels so far. I don't know how often I will post photos on here but I have been almost daily uploading photos to facebook because that is easier.

Flights and Arrival
Everything went pretty smoothly until we got to Romania for a layover. Janet almost missed our connecting flight in Paris and was the last person on the airplane. We arrived in Romania for a second layover (this was the cheapest itinerary we could find) and had to go through customs and check back in with our new airline, El Al. I read about and heard about how strict El Al can be and they didn't let us down. We came through Romanian customs with no problems only to find Janet's bag which they forced her to check in LA didn't make the connecting flight.

We got our new tickets and proceeded to the security for El Al. They separated the both of us and asked many questions probably for about 15 minutes. The questions ranged from why are we visiting Israel, how long are we staying, did anyone else touch our bags, where is your cousin's wedding, how are you related to your cousin, did anyone give you gifts to bring, and the list goes on. They were thorough to say the least. Janet later told me she could barely answer the questions because she knew she was coming for the wedding but had zero information about it. Regardless they finally let us through and then proceeded to check the contents of our bags. They also made both of us check all the bags we had and only carry on our passport and one other thing. I literally walked through security carrying my iTouch and passport.

Once we got to the gate for the flight, there is another security checkpoint. Pretty much every single other passenger went through with no problems but they stopped us and checked us again. They made us go through the security screening again, swabbed our feet and the stuff we carried on for a bomb test (you know the kind they do) and finally let us through. It wasn't until we got on the flight that we realized we were the only ones they did this to. Everyone else had all of their carry on bags and other materials. They also sat Janet and I in different rows and we didn't have anyone else sitting with us. Honestly at this point it felt pretty comical but we were happy to make it on the airplane. Also during the whole check in procedure it was obvious they were watching us and every single El Al employee knew exactly who we were.

We landed in Tel Aviv with no problems and were pleased to find Janet's bag had been put on another flight to Tel Aviv from Paris. Later when we were unpacking, we discovered they literally went through every single thing in our bags. All the contents of my bag was rearranged. Stuff that I packed in the top was now in the bottom. Even my toiletry bag was all askew. All in all it was almost 24 hours of total time in airports and on flights but we made it safely and arrived at our hostel at 1:30am. I do have this to say about El Al...they have great in flight food. By far my favorite of the three flights.

Where are we now?
We spent a day in Tel Aviv visiting a market, the Diaspora Museum, getting our feet wet in the Mediterranean, and taking in the sites and sounds. Everyone can't believe we only spent a day there but I in particular was excited to get out of the big cities and see the beauty of the country. We took a few buses on Thursday and arrived in Mitzpe Ramon. It is a small town of 5,000 people on the edge of Makhtesh Ramon which is basically a unique geological formation caused by erosion and millions of years. It looks like a huge crater or canyon but if someone hears you call it that they will correct you.

The hostel we are staying at is wonderful and the couple who run it are outstanding. They provided detailed information about hiking in the Makhtesh and gave a sunset tour of the Makhtesh rim and described in detail the town, how the Makhtest was formed and interesting tidbits about the area.

Purim
We arrived in Israel at the exact same time as the Purim holiday. The holiday commemorates when the Jews beat the Persians in a series of battles many many years ago but as the local describe it...it is basically Halloween. It is also the only time of year Jews are basically commanded to drink. I didn't make that up. I heard that from more than a few people. Adults and children alike get involved (children at least with the costumes). We saw young and old dressed in various costumes all day long. The holiday lasts until the weekend and involves a great deal of revelry, partying and staying out late.

Upon our arrival in Mitzpe Ramon, we were lucky to be invited to a special Purim parade in Sde Boker which is about 30 minutes north of Mitzpe. It is also the burial place of David Ben-Gurion. The parade is put on by the local high school and they make everything from recycled or soon to be recycled materials. The four grades in the high school compete against each other. They are each given a theme and have to make floats from scratch and dance numbers. It is basically amazing. One of the best parades I have been to. We will be sure to post photos and videos from the parade. My favorite was the class with the Establishment of the State Theme. Their floats were incredible...one with David Ben-Gurion standing on his head (posted on facebook).

Hiking
We went on a beautiful hike yesterday in the Makhtesh with our new friend Max who is also staying in our hostel. It was about a 7 mile hike and it got very hot near the end...we are in the desert after all. The hike finished near the main road and you basically hitch hike back. It took us about an hour to get picked up and a little over two more miles of walking. I was dead on my feet at this point but we finally got picked up by a van full of people headed back to Mitzpe. I was exceedingly grateful.

There is probably much more to say but I will leave it at this for now. It is beautiful here in the desert and it is obvious Israeli's love their country. We have also found everyone to be extremely nice and helpful. I loved traveling in Bolivia and Peru but there is nothing better than being able to speak English here and being understood.