Just Arrived

It's a whole new world. I'm excited and scared at the same time.

The ~11 hr flight on Delta from JFK to Tel Aviv was interesting/educational. You immediately know what flight you're on while waiting at the gate. I've seen Jewish people before but it was still somewhat of a culture shock to see so many. I started playing Matisyahu on my iPhone and it was actually cool! Like I was at the concert again.

As the time drew near for the boarding to begin things got crazy and chaotic. First of all my ticket did not have a seat assignment as did a few other people. Apparently the flight was overbooked and we were on the standby list to get on. Now I just spent 8 hrs already at JFK and I was ready to get out of there. Eventually they called my name after Zones 1-7 were called. This is were it got crazy.

There were maybe a dozen transportation security personnel scattered across the gate entrance. They set up a screening table on the side and some people had to get screen again by random (right! whatever!). This is where I got the 3rd degree the 1st time. I was selectively chosen, passport looked over, detailed questions asked about my future business in Israel, frisked, and bagged checked.

After the frisking we went through the first doors and the next room was another security x-ray room. No one knew where to line up. Bottles and trash were just being laid anywhere as there were no bins to but them in. I had to down my water as I already crossed the outside security checkpoint in Portland so usually that's it and you can bring on airport bought drinks. Nope. People were putting their belongings on the conveyor belt to be scanned but the scanners were slow and it took some time after you crossed the metal detector for your things to be zapped and reviewed. I was waiting for this lady in front of me to go through the metal detector and saw that she was pregnant but thought nothing of it. I guess it's either bad for the baby or she just didn't want to go through.

On the plane I had an aisle seat and this fairly bulky guy who sat at the window next to me. He slept most of the way but kinda crowded me but at least he didn't smell like he looked. Hey I guess that's economy class for ya. I stood up a few times during the flight and looked towards the back galley. I noticed prayers or a gathering going on with people wearing Jewish robes and a strange headband with I think 4 square stones on their forehead. I wanted to ask what it symbolized but it's probably improper to disturb someone rocking back and forth speaking a language you don't understand.

The plane finally touched down. After I exited the aircraft I was again given the 3rd degree (by chance) at the 1st security checkpoint here. I'm starting to think I should have shaved. I then proceed further to the immigration room. What's interesting is that there is only 1 Israeli passport line and more then 3 others for visitors. This sounds like it makes sense but the Israeli line was really long and there was absolutely no line for foreigners. I gave the agent my passport and she freaked that I said I was staying 2 months. I got my passport back with a stamp I think (I hear it's hard to see and I haven't checked yet) and a red piece of paper. At the next check point I give the guard the red paper and proceed further. In a few moments I'm stopped by a security woman and given another 3rd degree (how many 3rd degrees can you have?) She asks me lots of detailed questions and to provide another ID showing my company's name. Luckily I packed my ID in my backpack and quickly show her. I really should have shaved.

Renting a car and driving to my hotel is saved for another blog entry.