After figuring out all almost all of the public transportation available in Tel Aviv, we made our way back from Petra to Michael and Juan’s apartment. We could not believe that we were at Petra in Jordan earlier that day, swam in the Red Sea while passing through Eilat, and then made it to Tel Aviv! When we got back, we met Juan’s older brother, Ale (Alejandro), who immediately nicknamed me Lulu and JJ, Joe Joe. Awesome!
The next day we woke up early and got back on a bus, but this time to Jerusalem. After only one hour, we were at the Old City Gates. We were taken by a nice American guy who rode the bus with us and offered to walk us all the way to the Western Wall (the Kotel). I had been waiting since I was in Israel (my first time) 6 years ago to be at this place with JJ. The best part was being there together. The most difficult part was when we had to go on our separate sides (for men and women). After writing my long note of prayers, squirming my way into the front of the wall, and jamming it into a crack it had already been a half hour and it was time to go meet JJ’s cousin Gavi at the Jewish square. Gavi, JJ, and I began to wander around the Jewish Quarter and then made it out towards Ben Yehuda Street and the Shouk (market in Jerusalem). We wanted to get some Israeli beer so after wandering around, JJ and Gavi made the executive decision to get beers at a mini market and black plastic bags to go over them while we wandered the street (Istrin style!) HA! After a really nice visit, we said our goodbyes. JJ and I walked all the way back through the streets to the Kotel in order to see it lit up at night. What a scene! Since it was so close to Yom Kippur (the holiest day of the year), a ton of people were there! It was like a big party. On the men’s side, many Yeshiva groups in the whole black hat outfits were out and began to form circles to dance and sing. I wish that this would have happened on the women’s side too. The wall looked really beautiful at night and I am very happy we were there together. After a quick dinner we made our way back to Tel Aviv.
The next day we woke up and went on an hour long run along the water. The beaches were gorgeous and the pathway was nice and wide open. We had a great lunch prepared by Michael and then went out as fast as possible to get groceries for dinner before everything shut down for Erev Yom Kippur. We zoomed down the streets of old Yafo, just to find out everything was still open! Yes!!! So, we bought all that we could and began to cook a huge feast. We had a challah we bought in Jerusalem and we made Israeli couscous, roasted veggies, Greek salad, shrimp (the best traife in the world). For dessert, cut up watermelon and cookies! MMMMM!
The day of Yom Kippur, we took it very easy and spent our time reading and reflecting. We went to the beach in the afternoon and took a very long nap. For dinner the 6 of us (me – Lulu, JJ – Joe Joe, Juan, Michael, Ale, and GAGA) went out for a lovely break the fast dinner and got delicious ice cream after! For dinner I had incredible parmesan and garlic gnocchi and for dessert, lemon and mint ice cream! Tomorrow we are heading to Egypt and keeping our fingers crossed that crossing the border is a smooth process. We are so thankful for our gracious hosts and we hope we can return their amazing hospitality! Everyone should come visit their 10 star resort! Until they start to charge hahah!
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