It's weird to sit in Ben Gurion Airport in Israel when I've already been in Israel for 10 days now but we were part of the group from beginning to end which meant a return bus ride to the airport. So now I'm sitting with my trip leader and friend Amanda in the airport enjoying some unscheduled down time. This is actually quite a privilege The trip was such a whirlwind. One minute we were all bawling and then next laughing and the next exhausted and complaining about one more amazing hike. It was just so tiring in the best possible way. Everyone has left and I've been sitting here sorting out my life and talking to my parents on skype!! I finally got my phone to work and I have a charged phone/ computer. So I can get back on the road!
I never cease to be amazed by the CS community. I couldn't get reliable internet to arrange anything or to get a hold of my friend Jonathan in Jerusalem or people who know people in Jerusalem so I've been kind of stressing about where I might sleep tonight. I posted on the last minute couch request group and within 10 minutes I had three host responses. I am overwhelmed by that kind of response and can't wait to renew my travels. It reminds me of that anxious nervous I felt two years ago.
Finishing out our trip was Tel Aviv, Independence Hall, going out in Jerusalem, Markets, group activities, bedouin tents, nature hikes, and Mini Israel (actually a miniature -- think mini-golf-- version of Israel. Crazy!). I'm sure I'm forgetting loads but I will have to recount those adventures to you later when I'm less frazzled and reflective.
I've never been so grateful for a trip or opportunity than the one that brought me here and this appreciation is compounded by this moment I'm getting now. It's a moment of reflection. See, one program is ending right at the beginning of my real adventures so I have a moment to think about how I've been able to take everything in so far and how I might be able to better appreciate my travels from here on out. I can make a list of places I want to go, people I want to visit. It's the end of my Taglit trip but not goodbye to Israel by any means. I can only imagine if I'd gotten that same opportunity to take a victory lap after my trip to Europe or East Africa!!
So for now I just have to finish this bag of falafel flavored crisps, slowly make my way to Jerusalem, relax, get my life together, and maybe meet up with Bryce Chiodo (from Mira Loma) for falafel. Today has been a beautiful day for recognizing how truly privileged I am. I am so ready for the rest of this trip!
Update: I'm in Jerusalem through Shabbat and then might visit a friend in Tel Aviv Saturday night. Either way, I leave on Sunday for Be'er Sheva to take the 19:00 44 bus to Ezuz where I will be met by Avi my first WWOOF host. I will be there until the morning of the 29th when I set out for Eilat to meet my second host at Kayema Farms. I will be there until my birthday when I will travel back North to Tel Aviv to celebrate with our Israeli soldier peers from Taglit. I can't wait! After that.... well, I'll decide that later. My return flight is set for August 7 back to JFK.
No comments:
Post a Comment