Hello!! I made it to Israel!! But it was a long journey to get here from Los Angeles. Let’s back track a bit so I can share my travel day…
I drove myself (and my cat) to my parents’ house and my mom gave me a ride to the airport. I was definitely very excited.
Getting through security at LAX was easy breezy. I waved good bye to my home state and got on a plane headed for New York for a quick layover.
My plan was to work as much as possible on the first flight and sleep on the second flight from NYC to Tel Aviv.
I was super productive. Bonus: Jet Blue has FREE wifi called ‘Fly Fi’. That totally made my day!!
But which one of you wrote to Women’s Running about me??!
My feet stink.
Anyway.
Part one of the trip was over quickly because I worked the whole time and was able to catch up on some TV. Jet Blue FTW.
In New York I had to go through security again, which took a long time.
I made it to the gate and handed my ticket to the gate agent when they directed me to talk to another security agent. I was informed this might happen because El Al security services is very thorough. Something like ‘They might ask you a lot of questions, questions that seem irrelevant or odd but just answer and it’s no big deal.’ Got it.
Yep.
The agent took me aside, asked me questions and then they took my bags to a backroom to inspect them. It was very thorough! The agents talking to me thought it was interesting I was running a marathon and asked me how many kilometers it is – um, I don’t know. Damn metric system. Ha! I was just worried they weren’t going to let me bring my gels (as in marathon fuel, not hair gel).
Finally I was cleared to take off, literally. This was a new experience to me but not really a big deal.
I got on the plane and was one of the last ones to get onboard. When I walked up to my seat I saw a man sitting in it. I had an aisle seat so I figured he just wanted my good seat. I said, “Hi, I think I’m right here.” He moved over to the middle seat and I put my bag down on it and then went to find a place for my carry-on suitcase.
When I got back the two men in my row were standing up uncomfortably in the aisle. I guess one of them really wanted my seat.
Two teenage boys in front of me said the men were uncomfortable sitting by a girl. The guy in the seat in front of me said he would switch with me and sit by the men and the problem was solved. No big. I just didn’t understand why they were so uncomfortable (I’m glad it wasn’t because of my stinky feet).
One of the boys came up to me later in the flight and asked if I was offended. I wasn’t at all. But it’s super sweet that he wanted to make sure it wasn’t a big deal. He just explained that they are very religious and try to avoid unnecessary contact with the opposite sex. It was totally not a big deal to me. I told him it takes a lot more than that to offend me!
Plus, traveling to new places means new experiences. Here are sites visitors can explore to learn more about traveling. Just because it’s not how you do things doesn’t mean it’s wrong. It’s part of the fun and adventure!!
Also part of the adventure, trying new food. Here is the meal they served on the plane. I chose the chicken option. I love that it came with hummus. I’m going to eat all the hummus I can while I’m there!!
Then, the lights went out and I tried to sleep. I actually did fall asleep okay for a little bit. It wasn’t super comfortable but that’s to be expected.
Breakfast time! Is it weird that I love airplane food? I went to a school where there wasn’t a cafeteria so this is special.
The options were blitzes or eggs. I always go eggs.
Finally after a flight to NYC and then across the ocean and over the hills and through the woods… I made it!
Welcome to Tel Aviv!!!
Now I am ready for a shower and dinner. Hopefully I can ease into the time difference okay. We have a big schedule packed full of sightseeing. Plus I have to run 26 miles in a few days…
I worked at a clinic in the Hasidic section of Brooklyn last summer. I am Jewish but not religious at all, and it was a total culture shock for me! We weren’t allowed to talk to the men unless they talked to us first (and they rarely did-usually only to ask us a question about the schedule). We weren’t allowed to use their sink or their area in the kitchen (because I am not “clean” since I don’t go to a mikveh after menstration each month). Granted, Hasidism is different than Orthodoxy. I have also had experiences on the subway in NYC where men have gotten up because they did not want to sit by me (and I have seen this happen with other women as well – but come to think of it maybe my feet smell too?). 🙂
I secretly love getting meals on a plane too. I don’t usually like the taste but it is still really fun- just like grade school. Have so much fun!
I’m so excited to hear about the rest of your trip! Can’t wait to check the blog for updated posts!
To all viewers: please check out my new blog!
https://inthelifeofgaby.wordpress.com/2016/03/15/blog-19-my-exciting-grandma-purchase/
I’m from Israel, so excited that you came here!! Hope your overall experience staying here will be positive. I’ll see if I can make it to Jerusalem on Friday so you’ll have a RER sign waiting for you somewhere along the course!
Yay Monica! Cray adventures! I love how you are taking RER to infinity and beyond! Enjoy and can’t wait to hear about the fun things you experience 🙂
That is amazing you’re in Israel, have the best time! Israel is the most gorgeous place. Haha yes, El Al is super thorough with the security checks, they ask you so many questions. When I went on birthright they almost didn’t let me take my water shoes. However, they have really good airplane food and unlimited wine. Definitely get yourself some falafel and hummus in Tel Aviv!
Blintzes – but only because we have chickens, so eggs all the time at home. I’ll bet SR wrote that question. 🙂
So glad you had a good trip over!
I am such a woos. Right now I keep thinking how unreal and scary this would be. 😉
I feel the same way about airline food, esp. when traveling overseas. On our first trip to Europe, I woke up every time they brought something. Didn’t want to miss anything, I guess. I love eggs, but probably would have tried the blintzes.
Glad you made it there safely. What an exciting adventure you will have!! Hope the jet lag isn’t too bad for you. That would be the biggest thing for me. Look forward to hearing about your marathon and trip!!
Love your attitude about what happened with your seat! So awesome! 🙂
After Googling blitzes, I’d choose them for sure!
So excited for you!!
I’m curious as to the locals (men) take to our western clothing customs (tight fitted clothes/work out clothes, etc.). I hope you’ll elaborate on that at some point. 🙂
I would have ordered the eggs for sure. Have fun!
i have heard security for Isreal is pretty strict that seems intense but better extra thorough i guess. i know some cultures have a thing about women but have never personally experienced it myself, must have been a little strange but great attitude, why get offended over something so little…now the stinky feet thing that’s another story 😀
The eggs! I love the Omlettes on the El Al flights. I remember flying from South Africa to Tel Aviv. Dinner was served at 9pm and breakfast at 4am but hey i still ate it! I also love Airplane food 🙂
Your comment about switching seats reminded me of this article I read a few days ago. I believe it is the same airline.
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/27/world/middleeast/woman-81-to-sue-israeli-airline-over-seat-switch.html?_r=0
I was going to post the same thing. I am on her side for sure in the lawsuit. It’s a big offense to me the passenger. If it would not be pertinent to me to move if I was a man, I am not moving.
I’m enjoying watching your trip unfold Monica! Enjoy every moment and I know you will do Awesome during the marathon! So thrilled for you!
so exciting! I never liked blintzes but so many people do! I wouldn’t mind the potato blintzes but the cheese blintzes are not for me.
42.2km in a marathon, in case you need to know for future! Glad you arrived safely & hopefully enjoy your sight seeing and race!
I love that hummus brand – it’s local and has so many great flavors! Enjoy your time over there!
Glad you made it safely! What an adventure already. I was in Israel last year for vacation and it was the best trip ever. I ate my fair share of hummus for sure. A marathon is a such a cool way to see the city. Looking forward to hearing all about it. I’m a vegan so no to both options. The food in Israel was super delicious and it was very easy to eat healthy!
Those men must be orthodox Jewish. I don’t know if I could choose between hummus and blintzes.
Blintzes!!! I love blintzes =) They’re like crepes.
Have a great time. I already prepared myself for you posting less and already a post. LOL!
always eggs. always eggs. good choice Monica.
I think of NCIS when I think of Tel Aviv and Israel – It is so cool that you are there and able to experience it. Please enjoy it for all of us who may never get to go there – I hope I will, but the world is so big.
definitely will be following all updates here and on insta. Good luck on the marathon. You are such a rock star girl!
Blintzes are amazing!!! Yummy, buttery rolled up crepes filled with either sweet cheese, potatoes, or even fruit! We used to go to the Russian Tea Room in NYC to get them.
Not really sure how they would have been on a plane, tho.
Enjoy your time! The produce and dairy there is amazing. Never tasted anything so amazingly fresh!
And good luck!
YOU’RE GONNA LOVE ISRAEL!!! I can’t believe Jet Blue has free WIFI. New fav airline?
what are blitzes?
I think she means blintzes… oops.
Oh ha, I’m not familiar with those either! Definitely turning to google….
I’m guessing they were blintzes – essentially crepes, often filled with a sweet farmers cheese for breakfast.
What an eventful day of travel. I would definitely order the eggs. I am hoping for some good food on our flight to London next week… if not, I always pack a lot of snacks!