Mel's Trip, Day 1

After a very long day of traveling (but fortunately a very empty flight from ATL to TLV), I finally made it to Israel. Let me begin by saying that contrary to what Nick experienced going through customs, I made it through without a hitch. I was never stopped once. Heck, I was even complimented by the customs agent at the airport - she told me that I looked like I was 19! What a way to begin my adventure here. So what they say about racial profiling in Israel must be true - if you look like a terrorist (unshaven, male, scruffy-looking as does a certain Mr. Tenorio) you just might be frisked. Remember that if you're planning a trip over here.

I found Nick, who was waiting for me just outside customs. It was so nice to see him again. We then drove back to the hotel, and let me just say that I am quite impressed with Nick's driving skills in Israel! He has learned to be a defensive (read: CRAZY!) driver just like everyone else. After dropping my luggage off and freshening up a bit we set out for my first dinner here. The hotel where Nick is staying is adjacent to a neighborhood containing boutique shops and restaurants. We settled on a wine bar in the neighborhood and got a bite to eat and a few glasses of wine. We spent the evening catching up and planning my vacation here.

A few things I have noticed so far:

• Some of the side streets are very narrow here, similar to what you would probably see if you went to Europe (I can't say for sure, as I've never been to Europe). I don't know what happens when two cars need to share the road. The drivers are crazy here but Nick said that there are very few accidents. So apparently they know what they're doing!
  
• People eat dinner later here. 8:30 pm is probably the earliest that you would go out for dinner.
• I don't think there is one set group of physical characteristics that can group all Israeli people together. Everyone looks very different from one another, so it is hard to say who is a local, who is a foreigner, who speaks English and who speaks Hebrew.
  
• Nick was right, boots are quite the fashion for Israeli women! Good thing I brought mine.
• Not an observation, but a statement: I feel very safe here. It truly is business as usual around here. You would hardly know that a war is going on.

Day 2 will be our trip to Jerusalem and Bethlehem...my first time, and Nick's second time.