I have done a lot of traveling in my life....and I have done a lot of traveling within Israel. There was nothing like this trip. One of the more special experiences of my life. The interweaving of a unique set of circumstances played into the magical time: a long overdue (four years!) reunion with family that is very dear to me, a tri-generational exploration of Israel with Ami, my dad (Opa) and myself, and seeing this place I love through the eyes of my very adventurous, open and spiritually connected five year old. Before the trip, Ami and I learned a lot about Israel together, and he naturally used third person pronouns in our discussions: THEY eat cucumbers for breakfast in Israel (for example). I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story, but his diction switch near the end of our trip speaks to the depth of connection built in these weeks:
[Pointing to the Israeli flag flying high on the hills of Jerusalem]
Look Ema, there's OUR flag on top of that hill.
Enjoy our pictures :)
Saying goodbye to Noa:
On the airplane:
We made it!
First moments with Israeli cousins, immediately a crew :)
Opera's debut! Falafel!
A day trip to cousin Ilan's home and neighborhood:
A field trip with cousins' Sahar and Thea's class:
Beach day with the De Lowes:
Playing in Lana's family's home and neighborhood:
Shabbat at Uncle Jack and Auntie Helene's:
The beginning of our Opa/Ami/Ema adventures:
The grottoes at Rosh ha'Nikra:
At the border of Israel and Lebanon:
One of the many AMI/AMICHAI signs in Israel:
Staying in a yurt in the north with Opa!
Adventuring Akko:
First stop in Jerusalem, rugelach and sufganiot!
'Amichaim' Candy:
The shuk in Jerusalem:
HUC in Jerusalem, where it all began...
Exploring the new city, Jerusalem:
Day trip to ride camels and float in the Dead Sea :)
Old City exploration:
Heading to the Kotel:
The best meat restaurant in Jerusalem, "EMA"!
Ami's new friend, Amit (yup!), who is also Deaf! They are pointing to each other's hardware! :)
The shuk in Tel Aviv:
Ami's first experience as a street performer in Tel Aviv. Opa and Ema sat at a cafe having a snack and coffee while Ami earned 39.5 shekels performing with his new juggling sticks! HA!
Back with Ami's beloved cousins, digging in Cesaria:
Cousin bonding at the ancient amphitheater in Cesaria:
Our last Shabbat at the De Lowes in Pardes Hanna:
Treasuring our last time together, just Ami and Ema, on the 12 hour plane ride back:
Reunited and it feels soooooo good :)
UNTIL NEXT TIME.....L'HITRAOT!
