Bruchim Habim

We made it! After a short 9.5 hour direct flight, we landed in Tel Aviv! Most of us got a few hours of sleep on the flight and were amazed how fast it went. The kids were both excited and nervous about what was in store for us. As we worked our way through border patrol/immigration, both kids were amazed at how technologically advanced Israel was already. We went through a few different machines that took our photo, scanned our passports, gave us our entry card and so on. Israel stopped stamping passports for most visitors mainly to avoid causing them trouble when traveling to certain countries that restrict or ban entry to people with evidence of visiting Israel.

We made our way to the baggage claim where we called Nira to see about our ride. Shmuelik was supposed to pick us up, but we unfortunately packed too much and couldn't fit our 3 bags in his car. Our driver, Yisrael, met us and Yalla Boi, we were on our way. Yisrael entertained the kids with Israeli candies and the kids spent the ride taste testing each flavor. In my opinion, pineapple was the best. He also made sure to point out Kalkullah (Ramallah) in the West Bank as we drove by.

We were welcomed with open arms by my mom's cousin Nira and Shmuelik. My cousin Neta, her husband Coby and their two kids Mika and Eiytan joined us for Shabbat dinner. Mika and Eiytan did not speak any English but the kids learned a way to communicate and play games together. Mika even taught the kids Taki! (A game we have at home but I could never remember how to play.) Eventually Sophie and Mika figured out they could use their phones to translate for eachother and a beautiful evening was had by all. 

For me, I was excited to see Neta and meet her husband and the kids. Neta and I have not seen eachother since 2009 when Evan and I came to Israel for 3 weeks pre kids. It was a wonderful reunion. We caught up like it was yesterday.

We gave the kids a quick briefing on what to do if they heard a siren and were done for the night. Early to bed for us all, until 3 am, when the Einsteins (minus Theo) were all awake for the day. Luckily, I got back to sleep but Sophie and Evan were not so lucky. On to tomorrow!