The Zoo was terrific. The only Biblical things about it are a Noah's ark center with a snack bar and video, and any of the animals which are mentioned in the Bible have a quote on their information sign. Overall, we were impressed with the zoo layout, the way the animals seemed to be very happy and well cared for, etc. The zoo is in a lovely setting on the outskirts of Jerusalem with lots of shade, fantastic landscaping, and beautiful views.
In the afternoon, we took a cab to the Inbal and went swimming in the Gold's pool with Eli and Noa. It was a great way to spend a little extra cousin time and cool off too.
Finally, in the evening, we all got together (Musher-Eizenmans, Golds, Grandpa and Jussara) for one last group dinner (and to celebrate my birthday) at Focaccia. Unfortunately, Jake wasn't feeling well, so he didn't come (we missed you, Jake!). But the rest of us had a great time -- except when Charles almost broke the restaurant trying to turn off the speaker by our table ;) Good food, good wine, and a great time being together. At the end of the meal, they brought a chocolate cake and ice cream with sparklers in it - very nice!
After dinner, we went for a walk on Ben Yehuda Street as it came to life at the end of Shabbat. We ate more ice cream and poked around in the shops. There was a Japanese Christian singing group that was pretty good, so we stayed to listen for a while. After a couple of songs, 2 Swiss women approached us and started talking. I immediately saw where it was going, but didn't mind having a conversation, so we stayed and let them tell us all about how they believe that the Jews were created by God to be a light unto the nations, but that Jesus is God and died for their sins, and they encourage us to consider that in our own lives. I wonder how successful they are trying to convert American Jewish tourists to Christianity. Not very, I would guess. We talked for a few minutes, with me emphasizing how important it is for people to respect one another's differing opinions, and them agreeing and still trying to convert us. What a country!
I polled our family this morning on some summary thoughts as we wind down our trip. Here are the results --
What is your favorite thing about Israel:
Abe: It's truly inspiring the way people came here from all over the world and turned nothing into everything that it is now.
Dara: I love that it's a place where you can be Jewish without standing out and being different, or even making much effort most of the time.
Ella: I think it's amazing that in 2 hours you can go from an ocean to a desert.
Jonah: Being able to wake up and not wonder what to wear. It's always hot and it never rains, so you always know you can wear shorts
Sylvia: Camels. Me saw camels.
What is your favorite food in Israel:
Abe: Israeli breakfast (falafel as a close second)
Dara: rugelach
Ella: shwarma
Jonah: hummus and pita
Sylvia: pink popsicles
What is your favorite city in Israel:
Abe: Historically, Jerusalem, but to live, definitely Tel Aviv
Dara: Haifa
Ella: It's a little bit hot in Tel Aviv for me, but I like all the shopping there. I also like Jerusalem a lot (I would live in Jerusalem).
Jonah: Eilat
Sylvia: Akko (and "where are we going?")
What are you looking forward to the most about home:
Abe: My house, my car, and bringing some of the energy that we've experienced here to work and living back home.
Dara: Cooking with foods I understand in my own kitchen
Jonah: Being with my friends
Ella: Seeing my friends, listening to the sound of rain, going back to school, and Pandora
Sylvia: Deer. Me miss deer.
Allen and I wish you the happiest of birthdays, and look forward to celebrating with you in a few weeks. And - Sylvia, Nana miss Sylvia (and all of you)!
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