First days

First impressions of Israel

27/04/2012

I arrive at Brussels at the check-in for El Al Israel Airlines to Tel Aviv. First question they ask: 'Do you speak Hebrew?'. I see my name on the list fluoridated then they start asking; Why do you go to Israel? What are you doing there? Do you know someone there? Where are you staying?'. After this questions there decision was made, I had to go for further investigation to a separate room. In the room they checked all of my luggage and opened the presents for my guest family. We were with a few in the room, luckely everything was fine and we were guided to the gate. As a compensation we were allowed to cut the row.

"This is your pilot speaking, we landed at Ben Gurion Airport. The weather is fine with 26 degrees". We planned to take the train to Tel Aviv center but the sabbath kicked in. No trains till saturday 8 pm. The back-up plan was a taxi like a lot of other travelers. Arriving at the hostel, we freshed up and took a walk to grab some food. First impression: Tel Aviv is very modern with skyscrapers at the beach.

28/04/2012


We hit the beach for a early walk and weren't alone. The Israeli's were jogging, cycling and excercising. A long walk took us to Old Jaffa. We were witness of a big Israelian wedding at the park. Lot's of pictures were taken and they sang songs. We crossed the wishing bridge to the central square and made a visit to the Saint-Petrus church and met with an old friend Napoleon. We took a strawl through the narrow alleys of Jaffa. On the way back we decided to take a swim after a quick meal. Tonight at 8 o'clock (When the trains starts riding again) we're off to Haifa: the final destination!

Jens