The North, Jesus' Footsteps, and Don't Go to Rimonim Hotel

Oh my god. How am I going to even summarize the past two days? The past 48 hours have been an absolute whirlwind--probably the craziest days since I've been here in Israel!

So we woke up later in the morning on Tuesday to get some much-needed rest and head up north for my favorite city--HAIFA!!! I tried to describe the beauty to my mom and Jeni, and they were slightly skeptical of my descriptions. I mean, "really pretty gardens" doesn't quite encompass the stunning view of--

and--

Jeni and my mom fell in love with Haifa and the Baha'i Gardens just like I did! The peace, beauty, and warmth of the gardens and the religion enamored us and we fell in love. It was the perfect start to our day.

Me!

The archives at the Baha'i Gardens. Unbelievably enough, this is actually the seventh story of the building--the rest is underground!!!

We drove on to Nazareth, worming our ways through the tiny streets with angry honking Israelis. My poor mother was navigating these headache-worthy streets, and the speeders zipping around us had us like--

Finally, though, we found a mini parking garage and made friends with the owner--he was a sweet guy. Then, we headed to lunch at a little falafel place up the street. My mother and I had falafel, while Jeni ate a delicious steak hummus dish. But of course, no excursion is complete without Jeni getting ripped off, and her dish was four times the price of my own dish. When we told the Morrises the price, they were like--

However, our frustration at the driving and the prices melted away as we entered the Church of the Annunciation, where Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her that she would soon be pregnant with Jesus.

Me and Mary

My mom and me in the church with Mass taking place in the background!

From Nazareth, we drove to Tiberias, a city on the Sea of Galilee, where we planned on staying in our hotel. Oh my god. From the moment we drove up to the hotel, we got wrapped up in controversy. The guard asked if we liked Obama, and we were like--

Very subtly, because while I knew the right answer was--

My mom and Jeni were a little less enlightened and kind of reacted like--

The guard started laughing and waving his hands shouting "No, no, no Obama!!!!!" And we just giggled a little nervously until he let us through.

But that was just the beginning.

We then walked into the lobby with all of our bags and immediately the cocky checking-in guy was like, "Um why did you say you have only two people when you clearly have three? You only purchased a double room. You need a triple."

We attempted to explain that I was intending to sleep on the pullout bed that came in the room but he was all sassy like--

"I hate you"

And was just completely rude. Jeni got super fired up and insisted that we talk to his manager. So we walk into this side room, and the manager was clearly prepped by his minion. He called us liars, insulted us and our country (like who the eff could insult America, come on), and forced us to pay an extra ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS FOR ME TO SLEEP ON A BED THAT WAS ALREADY IN THE ROOM. Literally unbelievable. What it came down to was, I ordered a double bed room with a pull-out couch based on the number of beds, while this hotel accepts reservations based on the number of people. It was an easy problem to solve, but we have never experienced ruder customer service people--EVER. Hence, don't say at this freaking hotel (we promised we'd give them a bad review, so here ya go, Rimonim).

We were literally escorted to our room by our security guard, because we scream danger (well Jeni had steam coming out of her ears at this point, so maybe they thought she was a fire hazard), and we finally get into our dingy little triple/double. The pull-out bed has no mattress, and our room is of course right next to a freaking amusement park that plays crazy club music until 11. Like of course. 

We escaped from the hotel, because we were probs being watched, and we ordered a yummy dinner up the street. We got to sleep super early, because we needed a ton of rest and we had to wake up early enough to stuff ourselves full of $100 worth of free buffet breakfast to make up for my expenses.

Well, we stormed downstairs right as the buffet was opening--and oh my goodness, it was the most delicious spread we'd ever seen. Rugalach, so many fruits, fresh fish, different hunks of cheese, overflowing baskets of bread... I couldn't believe my eyes.

So we stuffed our faces, and then we drove on to Capernaum, the town where Jesus evangelized right on the Sea of Galilee.

The sign

The church

The sea

The Peter statue

I absolutely loved Capernaum this time around, because it was much earlier in the day, which meant cooler air and less people. It was peaceful, humbling, and spiritual.

We then drove on the Safed (pronounced sfaht), a mystical Jewish city that has existed for over a thousand years. It had an art colony, galleries, and ancient synaogues. You guys--it was absolutely stunning. Even ties with Haifa!!! It's a lot of pictures, but definitely look through them!!

So stunning. WOW. We even went to this incredible Yemenite restaurant and made friends with the cook/owner. Loooove. It was a specialty!

It was our favorite place! From Safed, we drove over three hours to get to Jerusalem and visit the Israel Museum. It was actually pretty amazing and fun. We saw the Dead Sea scrolls, an ancient skull, and lots of historical items relating to ancient civilizations. We spent as much time there as we could--which honestly wasn't long; we were exhausted--then we drove back home to Raanana for dinner. We had a yummy French dinner and some ice cream. Then, we drove home to reunite with the family!

It's been an amazing two days. I have loved hanging out with my mom and Jeni, and I have one more day to enjoy Israel. One more day!!! It's actually pretty hard to believe. 

Now, it's almost one in the morning and I feel like I'm falling asleep sitting up. Aghhhh. Good night dearies--one more day!!

<3,

Aubrey

The Trio Takes Jerusalem

Wow. What a hilarious, enlightening, AMAZING day. We woke up so early we about died, then we headed into Jerusalem!!!

I was so excited to finally relax and just enjoy the ride. Two adults in the front seat; I couldn't wait to be led around by the all-knowing elders. Until they turned to me excitedly and exclaimed, "All right, Aubrey! Lead the way! It's all up to you!"

So, I dejectedly accepted the task of corralling my mom and Jeni through Jerusalem.

Upon arrival to the Old City, we walked (ran) directly to the Western Wall and explored the tunnels underneath the Old City. We saw arches, cisterns, and walls from 100 BCE. It was astounding, and our tour guide was the sweetest thing in the world. It was amazing, guys.

Crazy arched roof underground

After this hour-long tour, we practically sprinted to the main gate for our next tour, a tour of the entire city. Beautiful views, fascinating information, and explorations into the nooks of the Old City. It was exciting to watch Jeni and my momma see some of these sights for the first time.

The Old City from the rooftops

The girls and the dome!

But I have to say... Watching Jeni take on the shopkeepers just about killed me. I was gasping for air as she bargained with shopkeepers in the Old City. Belly-dancing outfits for her daughter; an alabaster shell for $55; camel leather sandals... I seriously about died. I'm dying laughing right now as Jeni is showing off her souvenirs and realizing she shopped like she was drunk. I'm dying, guys. 

We hurried to the City of David, the capital of ancient Israel, for our final three-hour tour of the day. But about 15 minutes into it, we knew this wasn't gonna work out. We hated the guide to distraction; he about put us all to sleep. We skidaddled after a half hour, and Jeni stalked to the customer service office to get some money back. She talked to the lady for about ten minutes--at one point, I think I heard her say "you should pay us to take this tour"--and came back to me and my mom proud with her skill. "Alright," she smiled, "I was able to get them to come down from 141 shekels to 125."

I sat about frozen for a second. "Um.... 16 shekels?"

She nodded with a grin.

"That's about three dollars."

Jeni's face

She literally ran back to the window and gave that girl a verbal butt-whoopin'. I think that the hilarity of Jeni's anger outweighed my frustration with losing so much money (aka $12 a person). Once again--my mom and I were dying. DY. ING. 

We wandered back into the Old City and continued shopping. But, as the sun started to go down, the locals began to swarm into the streets, and we began to get some pretty dirty and suspicious looks. It was time to get out of the city. Especially because we needed to restrain Jeni from going back to a shopkeeper that had ripped her off. 

We had the most delicious Italian dinner, and then we drove back home. We've been chatting with fam having the most hilarious and fun time. This has been the most fun week ever--the colliding of my favorite parts of two different worlds. Tomorrow we head northeast--gonna be another amazing day! 

Hooray<3

Aubrey

The Best of Visitors

So... My special visitors have arrived....

MY MOM AND JENI ARE HERE!!!!!! She and Jeni (my mom's friend that actually put me in touch with the Morris family) flew across the Atlantic Ocean to spend my last week in Israel with me. I could not be more excited!!

They arrived yesterday for Shabbat, and I led them through all of the religious rituals. I'm a Jewish genius now.

*flips hair* "it's no big"

Orit immediately warmed herself up to jeni and my mother and wasted no time asking Jeni for some of her candy (classic Orit). We napped for a few hours, then spent half the night chatting and laughing with Esther and Nava. It was a wonderful night.

We woke up early to head into Tel Aviv for the day. I do have to say, it is very different travelling Israel with job-holding, salary-earning adults as opposed to poor college student peers. Like we rented a car and I don't have to deal with public transportation anymore. AT. ALL.

And we booked private tour guides for MONEY.

And we ordered BREAKFAST like for real instead of just COFFEE.

And we are staying in a hotel in a few nights!!! Not a hostel. Not an airport Starbucks. A hotel.

I can barely breathe.

We spent the day walking around the city together, which reminded my mom and Jeni of Downtown LA for many reasons--not least of all the lace.

We then headed over to Old Jaffa for a more "ancient" feeling city. Tel Aviv feels like it could be in any country anywhere in the world (that speaks Hebrew, that is), so I wanted my mom and Jeni to get a feel for the unique personality and beauty of Israel on the first day. And boy, did they!

Look at that blue ocean!

My excitement spilling over!

We looked over the Mediterranean Sea and Tel Aviv, prayed in St. Peter's Church, and explored numerous little art galleries, jewelry shops, and one-of-a-kind designer stores. We definitely got in the Israeli mood.

It's exciting to have two people here whom I love so much and share an Orange County, California background with me. I find that they have similar perspectives and observations to my own, and it's been so enjoyable for me to explain my own experiences to them knowing that they'll understand what I mean. Talking with them about the history of Israel and the cities we've explored also opens my own eyes to the fascinating information I've learned and retained since my arrival. I'm spouting dates and facts like--

Go me, man.

From Jaffa, we drove about an hour and a half (due to traffic) to the city of Caesarea, an old Roman port that has the most fantastic view of the Mediterranean at sunset and unbelievable ruins.

How *wow* is that!?

We had a delicious dinner on the shore, then drove home in utter exhaustion. We are crawling into bed as tired as can be, because we have a packed day tomorrow--maybe my busiest since I've come to Israel!! Couldn't be more thrilled to spend my final week in Israel with two of the most amazing women in the world!

With so much joy,

Aubs (and Jeni and Sabrina!)

The First of the Lasts

Just finished up my last Shabbat dinner in Israel, and yesterday was my last day of my internship--can you believe it?

Before beginning my last day, though, the Stark family (holla, at you Sarah, ily) and Atara were arriving at Ben Gurion International Airport, and, in addition to it being my last day, it was Sarah's birthday!! The Morris family woke up super early to decorate the Stark household and cook a delicious breakfast. I set my alarm for 6 AM... Then sat for an hour and a half due to the delayed plane. I basically fell asleep sitting up--

waiting like

After a lovely surprise (and an amazing gift of some trashy magazines from Sarah), I went in for my final day of Institute for Counter-Terrorism research on Thursday, slightly nostalgic. I put on a sad face, exhibiting my nostalgia and reluctance to leave....

But the sadness was a front.

To be honest, I was just so excited to wrap up this amazing experience, check off my accomplishment, and kick back to relax with the family (and two very special visitors arriving tomorrow!!!).

They're the best, you guys. I have so much fun with them. I honestly don't know what I'm gonna do without them once I leave.

I woke up this morning to a quiet house.

I honestly thought they might have abandoned me. I felt like Sid the sloth.

But it turns out everyone was just really jetlagged and sleeping in. So I wasn't left alone, thank God.

I spent the day preparing Shabbat food with Esther, watching Orit dance and perform for us, and preparing flower bouquets. Shabbat dinner was delicious and lovely; I even told some really hilarious jokes that people almost giggled at. I'm kinda almost part of the fam (:

Tomorrow is my last Israeli Shabbat, which about kills me inside. No more fresh hallah, which tbh is the best bread in the world.

No more Hebrew prayers--I mean, do I understand the words? Of course not, but I basically know the rhythms now.

No more benching and candles. SO SAD. 

But I'll probs end up going back to Harvard Hillel and celebrating Shabbat with everyone and I'll end up being a better Jew than all of them. I'll be like, "um excuse me did you wash? Then why are you speaking before we break hallah. Ignorant. Ugh."

The traditions have become so comfortable and homey to me, as has Israel. I plan on spending this last Shabbat really reflecting on the amazing times I've had in this beautiful country and the fulfilling relationships I've formed.

Shabbat Shalom, dear friends,

Aubrey

They're Baaaaack

Yes!!! It's true!!! My family is back!!!!

I woke up at 4 AM to the first blaring house alarm of the day--but I was actually EXCITED. I heard Orit begin her yells of joy, and it put the hugest smile on my face. Then I went straight back to sleep.

I woke up at a godlier hour, put on some clothes then ran straight upstairs to greet those I'd missed so much. And I arrived upon a terrifying but wonderful sight. After being completely alone for five or so days, coming upon a scene of frantic unpacking was like--

But in the most wondrous way possible, I promise. I finally had people around!!! And--almost as amazing as the company--

Food in the oven?!

Snacks on the table!???!

It was like I hadn't yet woken up and was still in a beautiful, beautiful dream.

Orit presented me with all of the "gifts" she'd "purchased" for me in America--including an opened bag of chips and some items from my own room that I have definitely had for years. But I made sure to thank her profusely anyway for her generosity. 

I went to work for my second to last day, but honestly you can only look at the dozens and dozens of splintered terrorist groups that announce themselves on Facebook for a few hours til you wanna barf. Why?

So around one, I figured--

And stuffed my face trying to make my worries disappear. While that, of course, wasn't completely successful, the much needed sustenance sufficiently carried me through the rest of the afternoon. I got on the bus around 5 to get back home to my lovely, crowded, loud, bustling home.

I was put in charge of Orit and Akiva for the night while the older Morrises went to parties and weddings. At first when they asked me to babysit, I was like--

Then I realized that a schedule of sleeping, Army Wives, and reading Hillary Clinton's Hard Choices wasn't exactly super pressing. So I had a wonderful night chatting with Akiva about his trip and his future and his beliefs while frantically loading cartoons on an iPad for a restless Orit and watching her dance and sing.

Around 10 or so, we retreated upstairs into the master bedroom to start settling into sleep. So relaxing... I started to drift off.

Then.

The house alarm went off. 

NBD, though, right? Because it was obviously just the Morris parents coming home.

Only the alarm didn't go off. Akiva and I looked at eachother slightly panicked and he whispered, "that's the house alarm." 

We crept to the master bedroom door, peeked out as the alarm continued to blare, and came to the conclusion that a murderer had entered the household.

*in my head*

I surreptitiously locked the master bedroom door, and Akiva and I crept back to the bed. I paused Orit's TV show and as she started to whine, I very sternly and rationally told her, "ORIT THERE IS SOMEONE IN THE HOUSE AND WE NEED TO BE QUIET." I probably scarred her for life, but she definitely got silent.

I calmly told Akiva to call his parents and ask what we should do next. Then put my hand on Orit to reassure her.

On the outside:

On the inside:

Akiva breathlessly asked his parents what we should do now that we'd locked the door and protected ourselves from the murderer/thief. He suddenly took a huge sigh of relief and hung up. "Nava just got home."

Sure enough, Nava had arrived and didn't feel like turning off the code, so she'd just let it keep going.

"Hahaha were you scared??!!" She asked.

"Me?? OMG no not even a little!!"

as a single tear rolls down my cheek

That was honestly all the excitement I could handle for a single night. The Morris family might be dealing with jet lag, but I have the much more difficult task of relearning how to interact with other human beings. Just in time for my final day of work tomorrow--wahoo!! Well, I am now going to sleep. because as the best babysitter in the history of ever, I quite think I deserve it.

Toodaloo my loves,

Aubrey

PS In case you feel like you're the only person on the planet reading this humble lil blog, I promise you're not. Here are some of your fellow humans (slash maybe dogs? that'd be my dream, a literate canine choosing to read my blog) that have joined you (just over the last week!) in accompanying me on my journey. Love you all!

United States	170
United Kingdom	47
Netherlands	34
Romania	23
India	14
Australia	11
Germany	11
Honduras	10
Israel	9
Canada	6

Last Lonely Day

My last day alone here in Raanana is coming to a close--the family will be home in 5 hours!!

My host family was supposed to arrive at Ben Gurion International Airport earlier this afternoon, but their flight was delayed, so they should arrive in the middle of the night. Their arrival will probs wake me up in a panic, and I'll be positive there's a murderer breaking in--

But seriously, guys, I'm absolutely stoked to see everyone for the first time in three weeks!

I took work off today to clean the house and get things ready for the fam, and I've just been hanging out since then. Finally enjoying a summer vacation that doesn't involve jetsetting and crazy transportation. Just me, the couch, and Netflix... It's all I need... For like five days until I go insane from boredom.

I should have some good stories in the next few days, as I'll be finishing work, seeing the fam, and receiving an oh-so-special visitor in just four days... (:

Catch ya on the flip side,
Aubrye