I believe that I left off with the kids all headed to Israeli scout (tzofim) camp. Which led to the hubby and I spending four nights eating out in various locations. Israeli food tour! I won't bore you with the details, but suffice it to say, they know how to make some good food here. And beer. And I usually don't like beer, but perhaps I am finally coming around.
Fast forward to the end of scout camp. The kids came home on different days, but the last one to arrive home arrived home around 3pm on a Friday afternoon. Said child was leaving for America approximately 36 hours later! In case you were wondering, this was not my genius plan. In the end though, it all worked out. That is right. The boys flew to NY by themselves (under the watchful eye of Claudio Epstein ( I heart his name), El Al flight attendant in charge of them). I was so worried that someone would be sick, or something weird would happen. But then I had to remind myself that my kids are not babies. I was sending a teen (who is close to 6' tall) and a tween on the plane. They have flown before, and they are on an El Al flight. A plane load of Jews will not let them starve!
The boys arrived in NY in good condition, and were met by my inlaws and driven for some food and then to friends in NJ who would then take them to American Boy Scout Camp. Apparently they arrived safely at camp, since I heard nothing until a few days later when elder child called from someone's phone (no phones allowed at camp) to ask where we packed something. Ha! I said, oh good, you are alive!
The week of camp ended, and younger child went back to spend the week with his NY grandparents. Elder child continued on to the Boy Scout Jamboree in West Virginia. By the end of this summer, he had spent five weeks in a row sleeping outdoors. Both boys had a great time at their various activities, grandparents, etc... Everyone returned in one piece, despite the insane adventure activities that hubby approved for elder child. This is why he called my husband for permission and did not call me. I would have freaked out.
While the boys were at camp in the USA, the adults and the girls had a London adventure. Well, the hubby was working in London, but the girls tagged along because we had never been there before. We did a bit of a whirlwind tour. Tower of London, London Bridge, British Museum, St James Park (that was accidental while searching for a bathroom), Buckingham Palace x2 because the first time there weren't any guys with the fur hats, Hop on Hop off bus where we ran into friends, and lots of rides on the tube. Ps London, why is your public transportation so expensive??? We had a lot of fun.
After London, we headed to NYC to begin our American adventure. We landed in NYC, saw hubby's family, picked up our youngest child and headed down to Pennsylvania. Here is a summary of our American adventure.
Rented a minivan
Saw lots of family
Ate too much food
Returned minivan
Went to NYC for an adult getaway
Rented another minivan
Had fun vacationing with and without family
Did some shopping
Ate some more food
Bought 12 pairs of sneakers in an hour
Visited our landsmen in NJ
Ate too much food in NJ
Returned a minivan
Saw more family and friends
Did some shopping
Rented another minivan from the shadiest rental place
Family road trip to Niagara Falls
Almost every bathroom along the way was out of service
Used a port-a-potty at a house under construction
Stopped at my favorite Starbucks in Pennsylvania (their bathroom worked)
Drove all the way from PA to Niagara without paying one toll
Only 7 cars in the border lineup
Discovered our phones don't work in Canada
Ate expensive kosher pizza at Niagara
Had to drive without waze (no cell service)
Did the fun tourist stuff in Niagara
Saw a baseball game
Ate some more food
Back to the airport
Our luggage made weight!
Got delayed, were in Heathrow for way too long
Two weeks later, finally recovered from jetlag
So happy to be home! Literally and Figuratively
Too many great pics to share! Here are a few:
So I guess that is not much of an aliyah update. My next blog will do just that. We are here for just over a year now and haven't looked back. Yes, it was fun shopping in Target. And yes, I felt like an accomplish and intelligent human in America because I was able to communicate properly in English. I am back now to trying to sort my brain into Hebrew and English. Hopefully it starts to come back soon. You guys know that I am already searching for a new Hebrew Ulpan. I just cannot stay away! PS-I bought a new latte machine in Duty Free in Israel. Prepare yourself for coffee pics while I play with my new toy.
