The PC is getting shut off.  It is about time I get to the airport now.

I will have my blackberry here with me, but otherwise I am signing out.  See you soon!

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 04:49 PM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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I am up..and I am about to leave.   Take it easy everyone.  Damn I will miss this place! and I will miss Lital, Yair and Adi!

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 04:29 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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My last evening in Israel has begun.  As with my first night here, tonite's sunset is just so beautiful.  I am here in my hotel room - and I recorded it on my camcorder - for posterity.

Over a year and a half ago I began this endeavor this life journey.  To experience the amazing country of Israel, to see good friends and to make new ones and to see about meeting family here.  Now, the journey is over. 

I have made my mind up, I want to live here.  There really is no place on earth like Israel.  This place is just so beautiful and peaceful.  Yes, I know I have tourist stamped on my forehead. LOL I know we have totally gotten ripped off with Taxi's LOL....I know that I have limitations and am a foreigner, and barely know probably 10 words in Hebrew, but I don't care.  I can't describe how depressed I feel leaving here.  I certainly had no feelings like this when I moved from California to AZ - and that was a permanent move.  I had no feelings like this when I left Arizona to take this trip.  But, here I am knowing this is just a vacation and all vacations end and I feel torn up.  And, I really do not like feeling like this. 

Anyway, now is the time for me to take an ativan and get more composed and try to rest before my flight out in the morning.

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 09:34 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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From the conversations with Lital and Yair...and I think Adi mentioned it too...Paul McCartney is coming to Israel on Sept 25.  Practically everyone is going to be here for that concert.  Hell, I think most of Israel is shutting down just to be able to see Paul in concernt.  The concert is not that far from the hotel...on Hyarakon st, near the beaches here in beautiful Tel Aviv.

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The continual looping of the following movies:

300, No Reservations, Blind Dating, this one Richard Gere flick where he is a reporter LOL! 

VH1 Europe ROCKS
MTV Europe - eh....the same as MTV in the states

Kid Rock's new video the one that is a tribute to Lynard Skynard
Alot of classic Rock! hehe! 
GREAT Beer! 

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 05:34 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Yeah, This fucking sucks.

I am all packed, ready to take my last suitcase to Fed Ex.

I have already paid my hotel bill up to this point - I have a wake up call set for 2:30 am.  A Taxi on hold for 3:30 am.  The plane does not leave until about 7 am. 

I have done my preboarding for the flight.  Got that all printed out.

School work is almost done!  And, I can state that I was able to successfully manage my teaching while on vacation - with minimal impact. 

This really was the time of my life.  I will never forget this two week period...being here...enjoying the company of Chris and Shawn....and especially enjoying the company of Lital, Yair and Adi!  Damn, such good times.  I am very much looking forward to the next time around.  And, this time (Lital and Yair) drinks are on me.

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 02:54 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Granted, its primarily limited to Tel Aviv and to Jerusalem, but life in the city does NOT begin like the US.  In the US, you wake up early the morning, yearn for that cup or 5 of coffee and get to work generally around 8 am.  In the US, we are essentially on our own.  We drive alone, we work alone our focus is entirely on ourselves.  From my observations, this is not really the case in Israel.  Israel comes ALIVE around sundown.  The temperatures drop a bit and the city life begins!  I mean it totally fucking begins.  Beginning around  4 pm you will notice more people on the streets just walking, going to the market and heading towards the beaches or more importantly to the bars.  I cannot stress how much the bar scene is a factor here, there are pubs EVERYWHERE, probably as many pubs as there are restaurants.  But the pubs are more packed.

Yesterday, the bar was so fucking packed - I am sure in the US it would have been declared a potential fire hazard!  It really was standing room only!  Now, if you know me, you know I don't really do well with crowds....and really this was not much different, except I really did not care!   Even when I was holding two packages of gifts for Adi!  Though I am glad that Lital found a place for us outside to sit, it was far cooler and the breeze from the Sea was excellent.

If you ever come to Israel, and want a glimpse of life here, you must MUST hang out at the bars.  It really is the only way, besides they play excellent tunes for the most part.  Though some of the live music is hit and miss.  You wont regret it.  This coming from someone who really has not been to a bar in almost a decade!  In Israel, they are excellent and lively joints.

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 02:43 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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These are approximate figures:

luggage - 1100
camera - 350
camcorder - 400
tickets - 2800
car rental  - 700
hotel - 2000
souvineers - 4500
meals - 1000
alochol - 300
taxis and tickets - 700
Tours:  400
Fed Ex - ???

Total cost: 14250 US  In Shekels 50,000

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When we were having drinks, I was asked what did I enjoy most about Israel.  I gave a fairly stock response.  Spiritually Jerusalem was amazing...but in the course of the evening, I never elaborated.  This morning, as I was packing I was sort of dwelling on that subject.  What did I enjoy most about Israel.  And, the response is actually fairly obvious though at the time I did not realize it, did not even dwell upon it.  Maybe it was because I was tired?  Maybe because I did not want to face it, knowing it was about to end?  Maybe, after a couple of Goldstars it never had the chance to ferment in my head.  LOL  But now it has.  I wrote this to Lital this morning just a few moments ago:

_____

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It was a very great night.  I got to have drinks with Yair and Lital!   It was absolutely fun!   We all had a great time and we took some funny pics! LOL which I will post once I wake up....right now I am pretty beat and my voice is GONE.

OK Pics are posted! LOL go to the the website I posted previously.

Oh man it was so much fun seeing them again.  Lital tried my cigar but didn't like it (we both warned her not to inhale LOL) - so she went back to her cigs.   We talked about everything...even my fuck up post long ago. LOL  Man it was so cool and that is what I am going to miss the most..the conversations with Lital, Yair and Adi!  They were all excellent and memorable and something I will cherish.

Yair was tired so about 1:30 am, we decided to head out.  We walked to Trumpledor (the street where my hotel is at) and we hugged and shook hands and Lital said good bye something to the affect that she hoped to see me again, and Yair corrected her that she will.   Yes, I will be back.  This place is paradise and what's interesting is that I keep getting asked what is it about Israel that draws me here...and it is something that I have a hard time explaining but it makes perfect sense inside me. 

Yair told me something interesting too....we all knew that Mike's place was a victime of a suicide bomber back in 2005. Yair said that was not the only time!  We started talking a bit about politics until Lital came back and said no no dont talk about that stuff! LOL...so we changed the topic to Led Zepplin's upcoming tour!  Lital said she has to come to the states to see them in concert!   I told her I will keep her informed!

Overall, it was a very fun and bittersweet time together.  Enjoy the pics and enjoy Yair throwing up gang signs ROFL!!! LOL  Funny...Good times..are the best times!

Well, tomorrow is it!  It has been an absolute blast and so much fun!  Got to met our friends in person....Honestly, part of me is surprised it happened....but here I am 2 weeks later...WOW...2 weeks has come so fast.  In that time I went all over Israel (Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Herzelria, Galilee, Nazereth, Caesaria - briefly, Dead Sea, Masada, En Gedi, a number of Kibbutzum)  I went on three tours, saw most of the country that I wanted to see (only missed the northern coast - I just got burned out) but next time I will do that. I also got to see Lital three times, Yair twice, and Adi once! 

Usually in trips something goes wrong, but overall nothing has *knock on wood* the only concern I have is about the fed exing of my luggage. 

In the end, if you EVER have the chance to travel, come to Israel.  This place is truly blessed by G-d.  Just look at my pictures - a mixture of past, present and future!    Amazing!  If I am lucky I will be back here in 6 months!

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 04:11 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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The Secret

Ok, it's now time I think I can safely let the secret out.   Tonite, I get to see Lital and Adi together!  If you have noticed none of the pics had the girls together.  Between scheduling issues and other conflicts it had proven almost impossible.  But, tonight for at least a couple of hours, I will get to enjoy the company and conversation of both Lital and Adi!

Since this is just about my last day, I do plan on taking photos and going to try to camcorder parts of it - especially when Adi gets her gifts!    Since this is a MAJOR highlight of the trip! 

Yes, Shawn, whatever I get is going to come to you and Chris as well.   Since, you guys are here in spirit!

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 10:09 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Yesterday I shipped off 1 luggage and two boxes from Tel Aviv to go to my sister's place...and as of this moment, Fed Ex is not showing the delivery.  I am pissed off as it is because I fucking lost the tracking number (I think I left it in the cab).  But damn!  At least Fed Ex should have this tracked in their system. 

I have tons of stuff in there..my clothes...souvenirs and a thousand dollar Persian Rug! 

I want to get to the bottom of this but I can only deal with it tomorrow when I go back to ship the last luggage!  Damn it they better not of have lost my stuff or I will be pissed off.

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 07:10 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Back in the hotel to rest up for a couple of hours and there is a documentary on.  Of all topics it is about the American Civil War.  Interesting perspective and interesting show.

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 05:47 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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And, today was just a relaxing day!  A day at the beach, a day with more pictures a day just to lounge and people watch.  Very very nice.  I wanted to go to the Eretz Israel museum, but it was closed for Shabbas and they are getting ready for Rosh Hoshana.  So tomorrow, around 8:30 am, I will be there.

As for this evening, I might (and I am really unsure about blogging this right now) but I might have an outstanding surprise!  My fingers are crossed! 

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 05:37 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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I only have 2 more days left.   This sucks!  Man, if there was a way it could be stretched into another couple of weeks that would have been so freaking cool!  Oh well...

What sucks - what really sucks is that I have to be at David Ben Gurion Airport by 4 am to make my 7 am flight to London.  Damn it!!!!

The upside, I should have all my stuff (except for one suitcase) at my sister's place and I get to see my kitties

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 10:40 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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I am sure Chris and Shawn might add their comments to this as well:

Coming to Israel instantly reminded me of Southern California.  I felt an immediate comfort with the surroundings given that impression. 

I am so glad we did not come here in between June and any earlier than early September.  The heat and our itineraries would have been murder not just on me, but on the rest of the guys as well.   Actually I think we should have been here like a week later than Sept 9th then we would have enjoyed the stunning weather as well we would have seen Israel celebrate Rosh Hoshana (the new year).

Driving in Israel sucks.  Driving in Jerusalem is suicidal.  Driving on a moped and cutting off cars and busses - well that just means its Tuesday!  Parking is also an interesting situation here in Israel.  We got 3 parking tickets in a week.  Probably spent about 150.00 US on tickets LOL.

None of the locals (ok I am speaking about Lital, Adi and Yair) like to come to Tel Aviv.  Each of them stressed it. 

Next time I come here...time to get a hotel off of the touristy areas.  And it goes without saying private tours are FAR better than the bus tours.

Everywhere you step you are essentially stepping in history.  And, the vast majority probably don't care.  It's funny as much as we enjoyed being here....the average Israeli would work just as hard to visit places outside of Israel.

Also, in Tel Aviv, no one really wakes up before 10 am LOL.  At least that is when traffic starts to get bad (according to various cabbies).

ANOTHER OBSERVATION:  They play the best American Music.  For example, at the restaurant with Lital our first night they were playing Depeche Mode quite a bit - Everything Counts is one that I instantly remember.  At the bars and the rave site - they were playing Damn good House Music....and even at the beach side places lots of 80s alternative.  The barkeeps were willing to allow the patrons to decide what songs to play (we had a good time with that in Jerusalem's local bar scene).  That is something else I will remember from the trip.

Now earlier I posted my impressions of meeting Lital...here are some of my impressions that I got from Adi.  She is the cool hippe chick.  While she thoroughly enjoyed Chris's Iphone she is probably happiest backpacking and being utterly disconnected with civilization and most of its gadgets.  And being a cool hippe chick she is attracted to those musican types - even she noted that all of ex's should get together and they would be a good band. LOL  If there was someone you would want to go out and have a drink with...and shoot the shit...that person is Adi!  A total blast at the bar and the life of the party!   That is Adi.  And at the same time, I totally get the impression that one knows exactly where one stands with her...that she cannot really hide her feelings to save her life.   And, she said that she is a terrible actress and doesnt know how to act so she just is.  What you see in the clips is HER.  Not an actress.  She said Lital is the actress - whereas Adi is just Adi.   After meeting both of them, I think I can see that.

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 09:52 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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1 i had a great time with adi also  our personalities were kinda similar... very easy to hang out with.... fun, fun , fun  ) 

Posted by: Chris07 at September 19, 2008 01:47 PM (I2JBw)

2

Nice observations Robert, although have never been to southern California, the closest I can equate Israel to is Texas,Florida and where you live.but it is still so different.I would have loved to have met Adi and May. I really enjoyed the bus tours.and not surprisingly, most of the cab drivers are somewhat of tourguides themselves.the nightlife is really fun also.

 

Posted by: Shawn at September 19, 2008 08:49 PM (C5Dzc)

3 Well when you pay them 400 Shekels to get  you to Masada, I hope they turn into tour guides! LOL heheeh

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at September 19, 2008 09:25 PM (GzEKp)

4 Chris - EVERYONE from Lital, to Yair to Adi were EXCELLENT to hang out with.  They were all just perfect!  Each time I saw them, it exceeded any expectations that I had for a wonderful evening!  Each time we were there - time just flew!   Totally amazing how that happens and so unexpected.  

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at September 21, 2008 02:04 AM (GzEKp)

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You know the website!

I spent about 3-4 hours at the beach in Tel Aviv...a nice and relaxing day!  Was about 90 degrees!   Beautiful sunny day!  Just perfect!  Enjoy the pics!

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 07:14 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Well the majority of it, anyway!

1 suitcase and 2 boxes.  Sent via fed ex.  It should get to my sister's place (I would have sent it to the office but they could not guarantee a 3 pm delivery) and since my sister stays home.  Got it solid.  It should get to Gilbert, AZ on Monday (probably before I land).

Sunday, I will ship the last luggage, then I will only have my carry-on.

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 11:47 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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You all know how I feel about soccer.  Now I was watching CNN <cough cough> since I don't have fox news here and they were talking about the AIG bailout and they made the connection that Manchester United was owned by AIG.  Well the US Government just acquired over 80% of AIG. This means that we the tax payers now own Manchester United.  As a US Citizen, I demand that my government give up any and all stakes of that Euro wannabe sport! Immediately and at all haste!!

By the way Adi told me at the bar that I would have gotten killed if I voiced my opinion about that wimpy ass sport at Mike's Place! LOL

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 09:45 AM | Comments (8) | Add Comment
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1 Your such a dork. You're a 'football fan' so you should re-evaluate what is and is not a wanna be sport. Maybe if US manned up, took off the padding and helmets and played some real ball, it would be more interesting

Posted by: The Girl Across the Hall at September 19, 2008 08:38 AM (V+ylD)

2 Why don't you tell that to the Dallas Cowboys....LOL I dare you, tell them to man up!  

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at September 19, 2008 08:52 AM (GzEKp)

3 Considering their joke of a track record in past years ( I remember when they were way cool and then turned to crap play wise) ....'nuff said

Posted by: The Girl Across the Hall at September 19, 2008 01:38 PM (V+ylD)

4 LOL but now they are cool again!  No no they are better than cool, they are clear contenders this year!

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at September 19, 2008 01:42 PM (GzEKp)

5 GO Pats!

Posted by: Shawn at September 19, 2008 08:51 PM (C5Dzc)

6 "There's only one kind of football. What you call American "football" is not a very good game. The 2.1% of you aware there is a world outside your borders may have noticed no one else plays "American" football. You should instead play proper football. Initially, it would be best if you played with the girls. Those of you brave enough will, in time, be allowed to play rugby (which is similar to American "football", but does not involve stopping for a rest every twenty seconds or wearing full kevlar body armour like nancies). You should stop playing baseball. It's not reasonable to host an event called the 'World Series' for a game which is not played outside of the U.S.A.. Instead of baseball, you will be allowed to play a girls' game called "rounders," which is baseball without fancy team stripe, oversized gloves, collector cards or hotdogs."

Sums up American 'Football' perfectly. 'Nuff Said

Posted by: The Girl Across the hall at September 25, 2008 09:46 PM (2IMyQ)

7 American football is the BEST!!!! and it kicks ass...Euro pansy football only gets interesting once the fans riot!  What the hell kinda sport is that?  That it takes the fans to riot to get interesting?  BORING...Soccer is like baseball...boring until brief flashes of interest.

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at September 25, 2008 10:58 PM (oJmZE)

8 Hey girl across the hall....umm...Americans are the world...LOL  We are the worlds policeman in case you haven't noticed.  Hell Canada and Mexico are almost states! (Mexico should have been a state after the trouncing we gave her in the Mexican American War).  And, if we let Benedict Arnold have the support of the Continental Congress back before he went over to the Brit side Canada would have been conquered as well.  The entire North American mainland would have been US soil (Manifest Destiny baby!!!!)

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at September 26, 2008 05:03 AM (oJmZE)

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Man, it certainly is different now that everyone is either gone or busy.

Woke up and went to the Post office to get boxes.  I have two boxes FILLED with items I am sending back to the states.  I will also probably take one of my luggage bags with me.  The Fed Ex place is an a suburb of Tel Aviv called Petach Tikva (90 Jabotinsky St.)  So, that will start lightening the load.  Sunday I will take my last major piece of luggage as well as other items.

At times I fucking hate planning things so much because, as I told Lital earlier today, I feel like I already back in the states and it fucking sucks.

I hope, but I dont know if I will see Yair or Lital again.  Lital is trying to get me ways to contact Adi to see about seeing her again....but who knows.   I hope so.  It would be great to see all of them again.  At this point, I am not very optimistic.

I went to the Jewish Agency, again this is a reason I want to talk to Yair, because they were like referring me to Nefesh B'Nefesh.  The website over there is much more developed but, well, let me just say I am confused.  It's like they didn't seem to want to help. Oh well.  Who knows at this point.

Well I rested a bit, now on my agenda is to hunt for a Hookah and some cuban cigars LOL.  Then I might hit up Mikes bar or go to the port or something, who knows.

UPDATE:  Ok I got two hookahs, flavored tobacco (Apple, Pastachio and Molasses) LOL, and enough charcoal and a couple more shirts, a pack of cuban cigarrettes (mini cigars) and soil from Jerusalem for Marco.)

Posted by: Robert Woolwine at 06:26 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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