TravelStream™ news feed for member karinakr on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/karinakr en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Wed, 06 May 2009 18:20:00 -0400 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/6/1240954740/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/6/1240954740/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/6/1240954740/tpod.html Wed, 06 May 2009 18:20:00 -0400 10 Year Family Reunion and Deda's 80th Birthday! (and a weekend in London)

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Nazareth, Galilee, Israel

I convinced Benny to come to the Mall with me to buy Shon a wii game system after which I really had to get home. So Benny took the bus with me through the dodgy parts of Haifa to the central bus station (from what he told me it was). We got off at this random stop and walked through not the most impressive streets and then for 15NIS some Arab with a minivan (not a taxi) took me, along with 3 others, to Nazareth Illit. The ride was odd. I didnt' feel unsafe in any way, just felt like a really while female foreigner.
In nearly 50 minutes we got to the only mall in Nazareth Illit (which is near my place) and Borik being Borik, refused to pick me up. So I walked home and turned it into a bit of an adventure like i noramlly would.
I knew that I first had to go straight up a hill then at some big intersection turn left. Names of streets, or major landmarks I did not know, so I just winged it and looked forward to where I'd end up.
I walked up this hill, observing all my surroundings, how Israelis drove, how the streets are built, how the same old shops are still running by the same people after 15 years and basically how nothing has changed. ( this is all according to borik, b/c he remembers it, so im going by what he says)
I came across an intersection. Around me was a petrol station, a round-about, and a downward hill to the right of me. I looked that way and thought that it could be the right one so i thought, hey why not, i'll just see whats at the end of this road. With my heavy bags (of presents and clothes) I walked down, and recognized the familiar patch of dying grass and realized that I was right by Gramp's house.
I got home, changed, and waited for Shon and everyoe else to arrive.

Shon came home and we all gathered together to give him his gift. Of course along came a disciplinary act which I quickly went over then jumped straight to the fun part. He was so thrilled, it made me feel like an absolute star! I love that feeling, when i put a genuine smile on someone's face!! (maybe thats why i go off track so easily when it comes to a relationship)
Anyway, today was the second full day out of the 9 days that I sepnt at home with my family. That evening was the Independance Day fireworks, so all of Israel was out on the streets celebrating. we mean tto go to Haifa the whole time but we didn't know where. I called Eli, got his mum's number and convinced my family to pick her up and watch the fireworks with her and Miri. She was full of life!!! The pure love that her smile radiated, and the warm caring look in her eyes made me fall in love with her instantly. (I love meeting people like that) I could tell in a moment how positive she was and felt the good and honest vibes that came from her. Much like Eli's. Unfortunately our meet with her only lasted an hour or so, then we headed to Gan Ha'aashem to watch the free concerts in the streets of Haifa.
i was in a sour mood at this oint b/c I wanted to go out and by reading Borik's expression I knew that the chances of that happening were rapidly decreasing unless I did something about it. I rung up Shimon, who was with Benny, convinced them to come meet up with me and to head to party the night away with Eli and his mates. To add to all this, Borik was to meet with Pushkin after family time and as the phone calls continuted we found Pushkin around the corner from where we were ringing him, sitting at a Bistro with others.
As we were getting comfortable, Shimon and Benny found us, and together as a group of 14 we socialized, ate food and laughed the early hours of the night. I took charge of ordering dessert for Mum knowning that she loves truffles and asked gramps if he wanted to share a brownie with me.
Our dessert came on one small plate with 3 forks. For the table joining ours, Borik ordered a big pita platter of some sort. Shimon, Benny, my mum, Deda and myself were laughing so hard at our 2 penny-sized desserts that we almost fell off our chairs. It was the biggest joke Deda has ever seen. Funny part too, was that he took it out on the waitress thinking tat she brought it out deliberately. We laughed and took photos of our meal for nearly 15 minutes, then divided it between all of us. Each got a sliver of it, and laughed for another 10 min just about that. We savoured the taste for a full 17 seconds before moving on to the next event of the table.

We sat a bit longer then Shimon, myself and Benny ran away to meet with Eli. We got to the car, sparked up a joint and listened to old school classics. we drove to some meeting hall where a parade of students were apparently partying and waited for Eli for nearly an hour. During this time, we were as high as kites on a breezy day. Shimon wanted to go pick up, so he found a religous woman giving out her miracle book, that he then attempted to use to pick up these 2 girls. He used the mutual innability to refuse a book as a common ground, but couldn't get passed the book, so that quickly ended. We carried on looking for the next entertainment. He then began to convince me to pick up some guys. I didn't see anyone worthy, but Shimon did find someone 'nice.' I didnt do it sadly to say. But moments later, the man int he red shirt with thick hair and pretty blue eyes turned up. He introduced us to Linda, who was from Switzerland and his best mate Gonig. Together we stood around some more then migrated across the street to where the cars were parked -- at a petrol station.
Gonig was goign to roll up yet another one, so as he got to it we all socialized. To be honest I cannot remember much of the conversations but I do remember wanting to hug Linda a lot!
Out of nowhere, at 4am Olia and Borik show up!!! I wasn't freaking out too much, but we did hide the bottle of Vodka and my job was to say as little as possible and hang out with Linda. They stayed for a bit, ate some ice cream, then left with the words "c'mon finish up here, get some sleep cuz it's getting late!"
They left, we ignored what we were toldinstantly and continuted with the fun. I remember that as I was sitting down with the car doro ajar, I asked everyone if we could just stay put and just sit. They all looked at me, laughed, then I realized that I was saying that as we were sitting down.
We parted at the gas station at around 430AM and migrated to Eli's pub where Eli took me our first night out. There we saw Kosta and others who I didnt know.
Shimon and I had an average heart to heart, then Benny and I said our good byes and Shimon drove him home. I hung out with Eli, Linda and Kosta and when Shimon returned we left soon after.
AFter hanging with Eli that evening I felt like I'veknown hiim for years! We had this wicked connection taht I just wanted to hang out together all the time. He too agreed that it felt like we've known eachother for ages. We parted with a kiss and hte works I'll see you in Nyew York and at that oint Shimon and I took off and drove... well.. somewhere.

It was 530 in the morning, I knew I should sleep for a couple hours, but instead we found some coffee and drove to a spot in Nazareth Illit to watch the sunrise. weirdly enough I spotted Donald Duck's head in the bottom fo the cliff which brought back laughter and memories from the '34second' evening.
We made our way back to Shimon's parents place only to find some random people in his bed. We gave each other a look and into one of the other rooms. At one point, his mom came into the room to give more blankets and when she sa me she said "dont worry, I dont see anything" It made me laugh cuz I guess she didn't realize I was Borik's sister. Anywya, I slept for about 2 hours then woke up to what turned otu to be a cancelled breakfast.
I got to the house, hung out with the fam as we all waited for Borik to get to back home.
Finally he got to eh house, along came Olia then Shimon, then Anuta and Phima.
We all said our good byes in the presense of Vita and sleepy Shon then drove off.
We made our way to Tel Aviv in 3 cars and all met at Max Brenner, the place where Shimon promised we'd go to. It wa absolute chocolate galore!
We had fruit to dip into milk and white chocolate, a crepe, a waffle, and real italian think hot chocolate. After 5 bites of everything I was chocoalte drunk but still continued until the plates were just about clean. It was the best and the sweetst way to end what turned out to be a fantabulous trip!!!

On my way to the gate I actually let out a tear cuz I had such a lovely time with every single person I met and knew two things:
1) I was going to miss them no doubt
2) I just lost THE $1000 bet

Next came the weekend in London ...
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/6/1240720200/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/6/1240720200/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/6/1240720200/tpod.html Tue, 05 May 2009 01:01:00 -0400 10 Year Family Reunion and Deda's 80th Birthday! (and a weekend in London)

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Jerusalem, Israel

The next day I woke up in the afternoon, got myself ready and hung out for a bit with Shimon and Borik doing pretty much nothing. They had arranged a lunch meet with Misa but before then they would drop me off at the train station to head to Jerusalem. Not to anyone's surprise, especially not mine, we were either always late or on time with seconds to spare, however this time was one to laugh about. Not only were we running to buy the ticket, but we had to run to platform 4 to catch the train. We rang with all my bags (2) through crowds, on stairs, saw that the train was put and were relieved. As we rushed down the stairs weaving in and out between people, we got to the closed doors! 1.52 seconds went by as we got a breathe of air and the train left without me. We pressed the button the door, and it just stayed shut.. so there I stayed on the platform.
Then all dissapointed we went down to the street to the bus terminal. We first had to figure out how the system worked; so while I stood looking pretty attempting to help, Shimon tried to understand what he was reading and Borik, trying to find some one to ask wwhich bus tot ake. Withtin two minutes both spoke at the same time and said "we need the 408 bus." We made our way to that bay whre I got on the bus to enjoy teh hour long journey to Jerusalem.
Nimrod told me to meet him at the main entrance on Jaffo Street, but I didnt realize that this was a HUGE terminal. The bus dropped us off at some underground bay. We passed through security on foot, then entered what felt like metrotown. I though to myself, I should've taken my brother's mobile, but then just read the signs and got onto Jaffo Street. I had the choice ofleaving the building and waiting outside of waiting inside where I might not see him, so I chose the exit. There I waited for nearly 15 minutes trying to find a way of perhaps phoning him. LUckily through the glass he saw me from teh insdie; I was right when I thought I'd miss him on the inside cuz I walked right by him.

We drove right away to his home to smoke and then I wanted to go to the Old City to see the 'big dome' and so off we went. Wee went to Mamilla first which is waht we'd call an open mall. But the unique thing about this one is that it's made of Jerusalem stone and is the first town that was built outside the wall and lastly it had an amazing view of both the Old City and the New. When Nimrod was telling me about the Old City and protecting and the life in the old city I couldn't fully comprehend what he meant by it. As we drove through teh gates and through teh city itself I was in absolute awe! There were roads, cobble stone roads, and shops, and people walking the "old streets!" It literally was an old city !!! The wall that stood was the last wall that the Romans did not destroy and it protected the temple and the city . As we approached The Wall of Tears (Stena Plachi)I felt that it was without a doubt holy. men were on one side, women on the opposite. Whats known about his wall is that people, civilians, anyone can write down they're pray and put in in the cracks of the stone wall. It is believed that God answers these prayers and wishes and so everything in relation to the wall is sacred. For me personally, I found that b/c I do not fully believe, that I shouldn't write anything. We took the stairs where the view was unreal. Since the age of 12 I've wanted a red lucky string around my wrist but I never knew where to get one. Finally in Jerusalem the holiest place int he world, an Orthodox man approaches me and offers me one. I was very pleased.
We explored the views for maybe an hour then headed back to teh Nimrod's house. At that point i wished that I hadn't come for the night but just for the dayb/c all he and his friends did was smoke and watchin the tele. In a palce liek Jerusalem I would've rather done nothing yet still wandered the streets but I felt I couldn't say that so instead I chatted to Shimon on gmail while the time came to go out. Later that evening, when the time came, we met up with a coupelfo hsi boys, smoked and went to the pub. I personally go so high that I didnt even enjoy it - all I wanted to do was sleep, so at 1am we left and headed to bed.

In the morning we woke up and went to Yad Vashem. it is the 2nd biggest Holocaust memorial Museum built with the most information and the bigget exhibit of the Holocaust in chronological order. It was interesting, it was sad, it was something part of the Jewish population hisotry however it didnt wow mw this time. I've been to places like this before and I've seen these sorts of displays and so I kenw what to expect. Although i did find the children's memorial to be extra saddening b/c no other memorial place commemorate the innocent kids.
AFte rYad Vashem we again went back to the house, smoked, met up with the boys for lunch and sat aroudn wastng the arvo. At this point mum and the fam were at the Old city so nearning 6pm, Nimrod dropped me off and there him and I parted.

In the eve of that night, Benny got in touch with me and invited me over to his place for the night. We hun gout, had tea, and simply passed out I promised my mum that I would be home by noon the next day with a present for Shon.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/6/1240633020/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/6/1240633020/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/6/1240633020/tpod.html Tue, 05 May 2009 00:29:50 -0400 10 Year Family Reunion and Deda's 80th Birthday! (and a weekend in London)

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Nazareth, Galilee, Israel

It was quite difficult to wake up in teh morning but we had to. Most of us showered then we all headed out on the road heading to Nazareth Illit. We arrived shortly after 11am only to make some thrilling plans to entertain me. Shimon rung up his bud Max who owns a motorcycle and agreed to take me for a ride. The guy, a total sweetheart, who looked completely hard core. i love guys like that.
We were out on the bike for about 20 minutes and going the fastest I've ever gone before: 160km/hour! I was in shock. First of, the eye protector part of the helmet was broken so i was a tad bit concerned about it breaking but in the end it was a BLAST!@!@!
I got back to he house to change within 12 minues and then all 6 of us headed to the restaurant Troika.
I have never been this excited about family. It was absolutely fantastic!!! Every single member of the family I saw coming through the doorway, I ran to. No one has seen me in 10 years, so not only were we celebrating gramp's 80th, but my 10th too! My most favourite people that I was extactic about seeing were Dina and Boria from Kibutz, Anuta and Phima, and Ella and Alex with their two gorgeous kids, Shelley and 2 year-old Deni. We danced, ae, were in fatabulous spirits that lasted 4 hours. After all the family shananigans we came back to the house to spend some time together. I went shopping in Vita's closet, came out with a bunch of anew stuff, afterwhich Shimon came over along with Tany Shelkevich and hung out with all of us.

Nimrod and I agreed that I would come see him that night but after spending time with Tanya and just he various activities of the day I was too knackered to take the bus to Jerusalem. Instead we caught up a bit with everyone, then us 3 youngsters left. (Borik, Shimon and myself)
We made a stop over at "The Musician's" house first. This Musician was more talented that Colin I'd say. He took a hand saw and made remarkable music from it. Then he grabbed an accordion, and played a little gingle, then on the piano, on the saxcrinet, an instrument with the body of a clarinet but a mouthpiece of a sax. it sounded rad!!
At one point they all began conversting about opra which turned into listening to it. For me 10 mintues of it was over the top but unfortunately it lasted for about an hour. Borik tried to humour the room a bit by showing them Curb Your Enthusiasm but thejokes were not accepted. In any case, it was nearing 2am so he 3 of us headed to Shimon's in Tel Aviv to sleep.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/6/1240605420/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/6/1240605420/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/6/1240605420/tpod.html Mon, 04 May 2009 17:16:32 -0400 10 Year Family Reunion and Deda's 80th Birthday! (and a weekend in London)

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Tel Aviv, Israel

Benny woke me up at 830am only to rush out the door for the flight. Borik's surprise flight over Israel that Shimon organized.
Of course Shimon forgot his stuff/clotehs in the car so he first ran out to get them. Next thing I know he's calling Benny to let me know where to meet him outside b/c now we are running very late. Just our luck, on the day that we needed to be not only on time, but there in advance, there was a marathon on the street we needed to get to and now couldn't take the quickest route to the airport either.
In the meantime, I'm holding onto towels (which we ended up forgetting in the plane) Borik is in the back seat sweating and worrying that his life and health is in extreme danger and Shimon is stressed b/c the pilot is ringing us telling him to hurry up but we can't answe the phone cuz then the surprise would be ruined. We put the blindfold on Borik, but then realizing that Borik being Borik won't even understand anything even if he sees where he is so we told him to take it off, plus this way it would eliminate any difficulties while passing through security. As we parked the car, Borik notices that there is water (since we were right by the port) and now begins to ask us where we were swimming to. Then, ignoring his question we pass security, and now he sees planes and is questioniong everything thinking that we're flying somewhere. We got sat in the cessna plane, with the headphones on our heads and watched as Yeuni completed the proper procedures before take off. Borik asks what happens next and in reply Shimon says "this is it, we wanted you to see where planes are parked, the controls and procedures and now we're going home." (it was a good laugh, cuz Borik would've actually believed him)
After 20 or so mintues we taxied over to the runway and took off. Borik was in absolute awe! Shimon and I loved it although we've both already been on a scenic flight such as this and were not as shocked. The view of Tel Aviv was something new. It was so dense that is relaly defined the meaning of the word. Tall skyscrapers, buildings, home, all white/brightly coloured (unlike vancouver), couldnt see streets or cars. Jerusalem was not as dense but rather interesting. I found it particuarly pleasing b/c I've only seen and somewhat imagined the famour temple and the wall, and now im seeing it with my own two eyes. We then flew over the Dead Sea and along the coast line. That itself was a new kind of fascinating view. Aus was breathetaking, an unimaginable blue, has a uniquely shaped edge, but Israel had it's own characterstics that you couldn't take your eyes off of. The sea was blue, flat, something liek out of a painting however it was unique for its sal patterns. We could distinct where the concentration fot eh salt was high and where it parted/mixed in with the rest of the sea. (Although I think the concentration is equal throughout, it may just be solidified closer to the shoreline) right by the shore it was musky, chalky kind of white, then a more cloudy and the further it got into the sea the ligther the colour got. As it got clearer, it turned into this greeish blue and white mixturer, then a bit of a grey, and finally solid blue. Amazing how one shoreline doesnt come close to comparing to another.
The extreme fun started when Borik sitting to the right of Yeuni asks him what something was ont he right side. obviously Eyuni would've see just like like that and had to tild theh plate laterally. We all screamed, Shimon and I even grabbed each other hand; then Yeuni tilted the plane complately to the other side. He brought it back to normal then dipped it. Boy it made my stomach churn. LOVED IT! He was by far more extreme thatn Dave! After flying over the Dead Sea we flew over this very peculiar part of the desert. They were like small hills/valleys that were brown coloursed bu also had these various patterns that the left over sal made as the Dead Sea was drying up. The patters and coloures made the view exquisite. Nothing like I've ever seen before, or Borik for that matter.
We then flew over to The Masada and decided to go to theh top and take a tour of it. The Masada itself was an entire city at the top of a mountain that the Jews bilt to protect themselves from teh Romans. Today a lot of it has been restored but some original stone still stands. The place was interesting, but not for long. We all got bored after about 30 minutes and so we turned around and took the hour long hike along the deserted highway to where the plane awaited us.
We got there farely early and had time to lie on the "arabic style" lounging mattresses where Borik and myself had a brotherly-sisterly moment. In the meantime Shimon was playing around with the camera and flimed our conversation with the surroundings too. The surroundigns was made of absolute nothing! It was a desert but more of a civilized one with the substitute of scorching sun instead of hot wind. After laying in the shaded tent area we got back into the plane and flew back to Tel Aviv. On our way back we flwe over the hotel strip which was different. There were about 4 or 5 hotels in teh middle of nowhere built into resorts I image; now there a great idea for a get-away place!
We made it back to the parking lot after thanking Yeuni and drove back to Shimon's. At that point I was knacked and all I cared about was taking a nap. Shimon joined in on the nap as well, but when i woke up, the first thing I saw when I opened my eyes was a different man next to me!!! (Benny and Shimon switched midway through my nap) It was the first time I've ever gone to bed wiht one guy and woken up next to another. Quite the shocked feeling. It put a smile on my face =) lol
That evening we all go tdressed for a sushi dinner then for a night out on the town. dinner was crap though! The restaurant we went to used to be owned by Japanese people but was taken over by some Russians. That totally ruined the anticipated sushi experience. This night was particularly funny b/c all I had with me was my pink top (one from New years in OZ) and out with me I had 4 gents: Borik, Benny, Lenchik, and Shimon. Shimon told me that he felt sorry for anything who sat across from me, which is why he sat only beside me the entire night.
We got to The boulevard and while walking through, we took alternating turns to smoke the J we picked up the night before; which did us all wonders btw! We made our way to LIma LIma which was an alright club. I didn't think anything special of it. The night endedat about 3am when we began to make our way back to the house only to be stopped by Lenchik and Shimon's theatrical performance on the street. We brushed on the Donald Duck Family, Scrouge Mcduck (or something or rather) and then even considered heading to a Gay club. Luckily, we made it back to the house and passed right out.
That night we could have about 4 hours of sleep b/c we had to be in Nazareth Illit for 11am for Deda's birthday celebration!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/6/1240406820/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/6/1240406820/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/6/1240406820/tpod.html Mon, 04 May 2009 16:37:21 -0400 10 Year Family Reunion and Deda's 80th Birthday! (and a weekend in London)

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Haifa, Israel

The morning began with an excruciating headache. Nausea, dehydration, exhaustion, the works. I woke up, showered in hope that it would eliminate teh headahce, plus to be clean of course, and yet, breakfast I could not eat, smile I was not able to, and all I did was lie on the couch for a couple more hours. dedushka returned from 'work' at 10am nearly and what we planned for that day was to go visit Babushka's grave and dina in the Kibutz. Borik and I decided to take a stroll up to the Rent-a-car Place after I took some headache pills, and spent some quality time together. That day was ridiculously hot. Not only was I feeling sick to my stomach, but walking at a slow pace made me sweat behind my knees!
We took the curved road that I remember well, and passed by our old house, Anuta's house, the big stage/park, place where Borik played with a few of the boys and finally after 40 minutes or so, we reached the rent-a-car place.
What I definitely need not forget to mention is that Nazaret Illit is so absolutely dirty that as I write and remember, it's hard for me to believe my own memories. The buildings are covered in black, rain washed stains, the sidewalks are half-built, almost no grass, just light coloured dirt. The grass that did survive the heat wasn't cut and had the look of begging someone to just pull it out of the ground to put it out of its misery. Buildings had the impression they were about to collapse, people hung their clothes outside their windows and the streets did not put a smile on my face for sure!
Anyway, on we went - got the car, puck up mama, and deda and drove to visit Babushka.
The last time I was at a grave site was at the burial ceemony in LA and felt sick, weak and disturbed at the thought of the feeling of death beside me. This time, IM 'm standing in front of MY grandmother, my deceased loving grandmother who I remember making pilmeni with. At first I didn't cry, but then the thoguths of standing right next to her body, head to toe, began to creep up from the pit of my stomach. Mum of course was crying, Borik just silent, but Dedushka really made me think . He was annoyed at the fact that we didn't bring a cloth to wipe the stone. He walked around to find a bottle of water so the stone would blea; he talked to my grandma, saying "how is it you left us all, my dearest Ida" i saw the love that this 80 year old man carries with him. To see hiim "taking care" of a SONTE, wiping it, visitn it, standing in front of it, it broke my heart to pieces.
I stood to the side ofn my own feeling sick. Remembering the last time I saw my grandma and how much love she gave me. Then I looked around; death all around me, names of love ones, portraits, knowing that Im'm standing next to a deoxygenated body, all those thought sent me into a whirlwing of sick. The heat, looking for Babushka Ania's gravesite, Dedushka Naum's, our other relatives that have passed; being there in the presence of 'emptiness.' I could not bear it. I left and wated for mum, Borik and Deda in the car.

We drove through Tiberias (Tveria) towards Kibutz Naveur. Turned out Tiberias is known as the Holy place where Christenings tok place, but we were unabe to find the exact location, so we drove around, yelled a lot, and never stepped ouf othe car. It was fun seeing a busy touristie site but I didn't think it was too special. The buldings were all old, half built like, garbage ont eh old gray sidewalk, Arabs and Israelie talking to loud it sounded like they were yelling at each other and drivers drove like they owned the road. We drove along teh sshoreline of Kinerat and finally made it to Dina's "cottage house." There was nothing but farms, barns, cows, and more farms and fig trees there. Each house had a massive amount of land (massive in comparison toVancouver homes or even city life)
Inside I/we were greeted by Uncle Boria and Ariel. I remember him when he was 2 years old rnning around following us kids everywhere we played. On the walls inside the hosue were photos of Dima just a mere 2 weeks before he died. It was hearty breaking, devastating to see and still after 4 years hard to take in the way it all happened.
Uncle Boria and us went to Dima's gravesite to visit him. He had his portrait on the stone, had flowers, was clean and washed, and had a bench in front for his family. He was 19 years old when he died. He hasnt even lived anything yet. If I thin of how much I've done since I've turned 19, it's an entire lifetime it seemed. It was hard to be there to hear Boria tell us how it all happened and then to have him show us the spot the accidnet happened. We were there for perhaps 30 minutes and returned back to the home for dinner.
As Ariel was preparing it, Dina ointed out their fig tree in front of their house and brough out a large big of figs. mum and I sat close to it and ate about 3 handfulls of them. Dinner looked absolutely amazing, but unfortunately I was unable to eat due to my upset somtach. Instead I drank water and left it empty for the time being.
We had a womdeful time. I had a wonderful time expecially. and soon we left to borik to meet with Olia and I with Eli.
First off I was excited to meet Oliea. I heard good things about her from Shimon and when I finally met her I sad to Borik "she is so pretty!" Together they dropped me off at Pharmsave to meet with Eli. I remember the photos that his mom send me of him and it was nice to put a real face to the print finaly. As soon as we met, we dropve up the university to get an amazing view of the city of Haifa. We mde tea, looked at the start --> he told me about how to find the North Star; as well as other thing I cannot remember at this time, but I found it absolutely fascinating that he knew all of it.
We sat at this beautiful view for a bit longer, then headed down to the Alterman Pub. The coolest attractions there were the glass walls and the bathroom. So first off, the glass: there was no wall, but rather glass with a view of Haifa from a different angle -- absolutely gorgeous! Then the bathroom: Since I've began travelling, specifically to Europe, I'm able to make a list of various toilets and "styles" of elimination that belong to each country. Now, I'm able to add Israel to the list. Here, males and females wee in the same bowl!
As I entered the toilets I went to the left, however I didnt notice an signs, so I immediately turned around to look for a sign. out front was a photo of a woman with babies so I assumed that the right was femals and left side was males. After finishing, I was washing my hands and noticed a man walk by in front of me. I wasn't sure if this was a mirrored reflecction of in actual fact; so carefully, without anyone noticing i extended my arm through to find NO MIRROR! Therefore boys and girls pee together!!! (it amazed me) Meanwhile my amazing discoveries, Eli arranged to meet with his friend down at their local pub, Eli's pub. We had a rad time. Boys, drinks, flirtations, a lot of what I enjoy. Eli himself is absolutely a legend. (I think its tiem I started incoportating my legendariness in other trips) At first I thought he was a proper good boy, but then even after 15 minutes of chit chat my guesstimates were way off. He's a shit load of fun. He gets girls, he's adventurous, he's done some cool shit in the army and best of all he makes me laugh and is sociable. I loved spending time with him and his friends We came back to his place, wached Love Guru and eventually I simply passed out missing everying (its a shame really, coulda chatted more)

In the morning (april 23rd 2009) we planned to go to the beach, The Bahai Gardens and then it wouuld be time for me to head back to Nazaret Illit. However, the weather wasn't what we had hope for and so instead of the beach, we headed over to his mom's house. There we made breakfast, or lunch, whichever. We made a wicked salad with some refrigerated Olive Oil, raisins, and pnie nuts; had a bulachka and a chicken fillet, all with some home made kompot and finished off with a glass of Gruzinski Vino. It went perfect with what we were having. Afterwads we made tea and added some dried fruit to have add that little bit of extra taste. Was perrrrrfect!
Shortly after Miri came home from school, so instead of rushing to the Garden, we stayed at home to keep her company while she ate lunch. It was such a treat seein ghow Eli took care of her, made her lunch, convinced her ot eat meat and not canned corn, and everything more. I saw a bit of Borik in him and yet at the same time I had to save her at times. I should mention that just before Miri came home Eli and I had taran'ka. An extremely overly salty, smelly and yet wonderuflly tasty fish. Eli did a pro job of peeling it and as we munched, the convo reached a new inticingly high level.
We left eh house and headed to the Bahai Gardens, after finally finding the correct entrance. The view was breathtaking! There was so much care put into keeping the Garden at top shape. The grass waseven, the colours matched, the marble stairs polished, everything put together was just too good to look at.

That evening Olia, Shimon, Borik and I were driving to Tel Aviv, so I had to be home to get ready for the next 2 days. Eli picked up his boys and we arranged for Olia to meet with us party way to drive me to Nazaret Illit. Our drive home was great. It was pure girl talk. I foudn that I couuld really open up to her (in a girly way) and yet still keep a distance. I found her to be really sweet, gentle, caring and so pretty.
We made it home fiarly quickly, only to be there for 30 minutes to get changed and leave again for dinner and a night out in Tel Aviv. We got to the port and found a very nice place to eat right y the water. My stomach was feeling very quizzie. I wasn't able to eat the grilled shrimp I ordered, but I did manage to try 2 or 3 whihc made my stomach feel even worse. Me never being able to let down a social gathering, still pushed through the pain and went out to meet with Benny and his friends. We got to this sketchy pub that lookked like it was the last place you'd go to unless you're with close friends. We stayed quite late and on our back to Shimon's we also took Benny and his friend (insert name here...) who had her bike with her. Not only was she carrying the bike seat in her had which looked funny as it is, but we now had to figure out how/what to do with the bike itself. The trunk was stuffed with Shimon's junk, oops I mean very valuable articles, and it simply wouldnt have fit inside. So what we did was empty it out, put the bike in, then put all the stuff on top of it to hold it down. To keep the trunk shut, Shimon made use of his pants (not the ones he was wearing, he's not Kramer who goes to return the very same pants he wears) and tied the bike to some latch on the inside of the trunk -- we were all very impressed!
We stopped by Eli's to get a joing for the following night out and headed to the house. We sat around for a bit, I had a green tea then at about 4am I climbed into bed with Benny's friend. Shimon was on the couch, and Benny on the floor.

The next morning was to be a fantabulous day...
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/6/1238817660/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/6/1238817660/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/6/1238817660/tpod.html Mon, 04 May 2009 09:23:54 -0400 10 Year Family Reunion and Deda's 80th Birthday! (and a weekend in London)

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Nazareth Illit, Israel

My flight was not to shabby considering the fact that I compeltley exhausted myself the day before with Max. I was so knakced that I even missed the meal service! (and thats the best part of the flight)
when I woke up I started to calm myself down about the whole passport/army situation and then like a bird flying into a clear wall I thought o myself "why am I worrying? by worrying I dont accomplish anything, so stop!" I came to the passport control line, wide awake, confident, the works. I said good morning in my happy, smily voice and the reaply I got was not only half awake, but rather half alive.
Prior to my arrival we planned whas I was to say in term sof who I was visiting and such and for no real reason I remembred that Shimon had an address tin Nazaret Illit, so I said thatts wher I'd be staying. When in fact, we planned out that I would stay in Kibutz. Anyway, when the officer asked me who i was staying with, I said my aunt in the Nazareth Illit and couldn't even answer the question of what her last nam eis cuz I didn even know it. She finally asked me when my fathers name was and let me through at that.
I was so extatic about going thorugh with such ease that I almost burst into tears. The next most exciting this I wated for was seeing Borik and Shimon and doing my traditional run and jump hello. I came out of the arrivals but no one wa there. I looked left, I looked right, no one! I walked around, not one familiar face! I didnt wnat to call them b/c I sitll wanted it to be a surprise, so I assumed they were stuck in traffic and would arrive shortly.
An hour passed by, by 7am, still no one. I rang my mom and she told me that both of them would be picking them up, and that they should be there so sit and wait. 6 phone calls, long distance I might add, 1 text message, and countless number of circles aroudn the arrivals terminal, Shimon finally arises. No hello, no nothing, straight up "what ta fuck" came frmo my end and thre was a dumb reply "I'm so sorry, where are yu I"ll be there really soon."
Finally after 2 hours of sitting around, this tall, long-haired, drunken man by the name of Shimon Shlevich approaches me. I was super comfy while waiting for him, with my feet up in the air, doing my sudoku puzles and still with a smile on my face! I laughed at him when he told me that the reason he was late is cuz he got drunk the night before and slept through the alarm. We got some juice, made our way to the car and started catching up instantly.
Still partially drunk Shimon, it took us 20 minutes of wiating in traffic on the wrong highway to finally be going in the direction we needed to.
Catching up was instant fun, considering that the last time we saw eachother was 6 years ago when we hot boxed Shimon's rental car.
The catch up consisted of my nursing program, the way the Israeli army works, how the fam lives, what he does along with more general chit chat. The most exciting part was when we were at the rest stop, Aroma Coffee, and I was just a regualar guy carrying an M16 on his back. I was shocked! So Shimon told me about how that whole shbang works, and then the next exciting this was approaching Gramp's home!
I remember the actual astreets and the small neighbourhood itself but none of the surrounding area. my plan was to barge into the door and just scream hello, but instead my mom greeted me at the front door. We tip toed inside, and in the kitchen, out of hte corner of the fridge I poked my head out and said "hello deda" in a sweet, sweet voice. He had the perfect expression - surprised, happy, excited, joyful etc. We gave eachother a terrific hug and began telling teh story of how many times they almost all blew my cover. Dedushka was convinced that he knew I was coming, just didn't know when. The surprise was pricelss. To see him smile and laugh while trying to finish his breakfast, I absolutely loved it!!!
The house was just as I remembered it. Stairs to the house was he same, cacti were blooming everywhere, same awning, same Italian tiles, same brown door, and the new part of the house (now Vita's) fainlly standing in its long time completed look.
The side gramps lived in was in a very similar layout although new furniture and cabinets. I checked out Vita's place and the lounge room was absolutely gorgeous. Buddha's, fountains, birds, elephants, paintings, plants and funky chairs that you're scared to even look at, let alone allowed to sit in them. The place definitely had a stylish decor.
The upstairs wasn't the greatest. She had coloured walls, but it looked more painted than artistic I thought. A bit too much for my eyes.
we sat down for breakfast soon after all the laughter and enjoyment of my surprise arrival and while eating Borik arrived. I still did my whole 'jump up' hello and love it!
I told everyone the story of going through passport control and saying completely the wrong things after which we all went to the mall and to return the rental car. I wasn't jetlagged, but by 5pm I was knackered. We saw our old "mumtakay karin" and it was not even recognizable. It had hardly any candy, or ice-cream, or helium balloons and now was an espresso bar. The Mall itself was shit. Small, empty, cold and boring. However, the most absolutely repulsing thing was that everyone is allowed to smoke inside!! In the hall ways, in the stores, everywhere! Another thing -- security guards, like at the aiport, at every entrance/exit screened every single person.
I wanted to go see Abed at the shawarma place but he wasn't there, so instead we began to stumble on home. As we walked, a van pulled up next to us; it was him. Abed recognized mum on the street! He invited us back in to the mall to eat, and after the tremendous amount of energy it took to keep my eyes open, he drove us home to end the arvo.
Later that evening ANuta and Phima came over for dinner which was such a pleasure. She still has kept her general look except for the while/gray hair. Phima, also has kept his look exxactly the same. Dinner went well, espeically when I showed them all my surprise thrill videos. Gramps couldn't believe it, neighter could Borik, Phima, or Anuta. Shimon loved it, and Vita was just scared to believe I jumped. Shortly after tea anuta and Phima left and the making fo the sleeping arrangments began. I slept with Vita in her bedroom, Mama on the couch and Borikon the fold out. The sleep was average. I woke up in the middle of the night in dyer need of water, then b/c of heat, then just woke up at 10am with a smashing head ache to start the day.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/6/1240284540/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/6/1240284540/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/6/1240284540/tpod.html Sun, 03 May 2009 23:59:27 -0400 10 Year Family Reunion and Deda's 80th Birthday! (and a weekend in London)

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London, England, United Kingdom

So, its the end of Term 1 exams, I'm on my first two week break and I can't help but think that it's only two weeks and that I dont even feel like I'm going away. Not only taht but I can't help not being excited to see my family in Israel. I just wanted so badly to go back to Aus that any place just doesn't match up.
Sunday morning, the 10th of April, I got on a plane b/c I had to, b/c a ticket was already purchased, and b/c taht wht the family decided.
The flights were long, tedious, uncomfortable and anything else you can think of, anything but the feeling I wanted and were used to feeling.
I got to London and Max picked me up . He's the guy that Julia (Revzine) met at her hostel and we all befiriended quite well. I had thought that it coule be awkward somehow, but we had great conversatoin and didn't feel any oddness in any way. I met his faltmate Mirano and sister-in-law (insert name here... ) who both were really pleasant.
The main mission for the day was to not fall asleep! So on our way to his hosue in Paddington, we stopeed by the supermarket to make breakfast. We bought eggs, bacon, cream cheese, bread, juice ana salad mixture.
After I got he tour of the house, Max started to cook us bacon and eggs. It was the longest I've ever waited for an omelt to be made -- which was worth the wait. Afterwards I took a shower in their really akwward tub. There was no door, there was no curtain, there was this REALLY high tub along with a strange half-assed glass door that di dnothing to keep the water in. All in all howerver, it added to the experience.
After all that, we left the house to go walk around Hyde Park. As we walked under the bright, refreshing sun, we found lounging chairs that we decided to take advantage of. We sat there for abougt 15 minutes until a dude asked us to pay the 3 pounds.
That lounging lasted about 3 hours. We chatted about Max's so-called girl-friend, about his schooling, where he's from, what I do, Aus, my travels and then just chatted simply about the time we met in London originally. To add to the excitement; I didn't think the sung was so hot so I rolled up my pants and managed to burn my legs to an extreme.
After some time, we bought Magnum White and Stella to enjoy n this gorgeous weather. We lounged, watched the beautiful white swans an dreally took in the ray that brought my mind to a state of simple pleasures.
My mind was amused by the simple fact that just a mere 12 hours prior I was cotching with Alina and Brad and now I was sinttin gin front of a peaceful boyd of water with Max, a frienf I met for a brief two hours at a Hostel. Travelling has brought my life to a complete new level!!!
Nearing 3 o'clock in the arvo, we wandered down the street so Max could buy some underwear for cheap . Following that we decided to walk through Hyde Park to Piccadily Circus, back to his place and then I'd go back to the airport to catch my finaly flight to Tel Aviv.
Our walk through Hyde Park was filled with attempts to take photos. We offered each other certain spots but either one of us didn't like like it for odd reasons. Then we were entertained and concerend at the same time, by a squirrel eating a flower. We then found some purple tulips that the squirrel didnt like to nibble on, but we enjoyed them as a scenic background for a photo.
We kept walking and both got to the point whre he extent of our conversatin was simple yes or no questions and answers. We were each watiting fo the other to compalin about our feet hurting first and to begin whining about it. Finally when we saw the steps of Piccadily, we both sat down wit h a sigh of relief and for some reason began to critique a couple that was standing in front of us. There's not much to write about this couple now, but at the time there was something to point out. Howerver, this one guy walked by wearing colourful skate shoes that we began to discuss. I attempted to make a joke that for the next hour we should paint my white shoes too, but our minds were in such a state of exhaustion that neither a laugh nor an insult about how terrible the joke was possible. We agreed ot take the bus back to his house and began the journey.
It doesn't seem like much to have to take a bus back, but it truely was a joruney. We found the stop, but now we had to get the tickets.. So one drive says he can't give us change for a 5 pound note (bus tkt is 3pounds). The next driver says he doesn't sell tickets and sends us to buy thme some place else. The ticket machine that's at this stop sells the wrong kinds of tickets and so we had to walk back to some other stop to buy tickets. Finally after running around like ants looking we found them; waited for the double decker and fianlly we were on our way home!
We made it to the house, got my things and left to catch the tube to the aiport.
I was absolutely knackered from the entire day that all I wanted to do was get on the plane and pass out. As i waited at the gate, all these orthodox jews started to pray, which to me wasnt a surprise, but I wasn't really expecting it. Te lights went out for me right away and all the through flight that I even missed my meal.
So that was my afternoon tea in London with Max. I couldn't ask for a better day! And now for my arrival to Israel... the best arrival story I've had in all my arrival hirstory...
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/5/1220449980/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/5/1220449980/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/5/1220449980/tpod.html Sat, 13 Sep 2008 10:04:19 -0400 A 6 month journey to discover a new way of living!

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Hopfgarten, Austrian Alps, Austria

Staying in the Tyrol Mountains in Hopfgarten was fun. We had site reps again and lucky me, I got to be a dishy. Unfortunately for me though I was a dishy (amongst others) with a group that did jack shit. So as payback we just didnt serve them. Excitement for Tyrol included a white and bright party, battle of the sexes and a 25km mountain bike ride, followed by a ridiculous wrong direction adventure that in the end brought us to an awesome kids water park!
In battle of the sexes, Brad had to make as many sex positions as he could with another guy! He got raped!! from 69, to doggy, to wheel-barrel, to against the wall, missionary....you name it, he did it! Candace was not in the least bit impressed. Then Amy had a pole dancing competition which I believe she won. The next day we went on a 25km bike ride up the Tyrol Mountain. It brought so much joy to me b/c we had some physical activity. To my surprise it only lasted till about noon. The ride was difficult at some pars, but all in all, my butt did hurt. (from the seat) That same day a group of us wanted to go to a water park and we took the wrong turn. FOR ABOUT 45 MINUTES! we walked up a hill for waht seemed lke hours. To make things worse, we spoke no German, couldn't hail a car to ask for directins and we werelking along a creek that made me need the toiletts!
Finally we found our way and ocne we got to the park it was like all of us were 8 yers old again. There was a GIGANTIC trampline thing built into the ground, huge swings, tobagons (that i didnt go on) and best of all a BALL BIN!!!! I dove straight in there and drowned in them. BEST FEELING EVER!hahah
Then in the actual water park ther ewas another huge trampoline but even better there was an inflatable ice-berg that you could climb then dive from. Too cool! on one side were the handle to get up, but the other side was smooth so you could also slide down if you didnt want to jump. I did a back flip from on the heights that worked out really well on camera. Then we sat aroudn the campsite and played some board games and chatted until Eurotrip came on. Too bad for me, I began falling asleep and went straight to bed. The next morning we were headin got Munich, but first passing through White Water Rafting.
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/5/1220276700/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/5/1220276700/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/5/1220276700/tpod.html Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:53:21 -0400 A 6 month journey to discover a new way of living!

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Vienna, Vienna, Austria

Arrived in Vienna and since we got dropped off, we had a short walk to our Hostel, The Wombats. It was similar to the x-base that Harve and I stayed in, but a tad bit smaller. There was of course a bar and internet, luandry, breakfast room and such. That evening we were going to a Mozart and Strauss Concert which I absolutely couldn't wait for. The setting was unreal, made me wish Dave was there b/c he would be one person who I know would appreciate it greatly! There were massive chandeliers and marble stone everywhere! It was a small ensemble made of 5 females, and 3 males. there was a flute, clarinet, oboe, 3 violins, 1 chello, stand up base and grand piano. throughout some of the pieces, there were ballet dancers, one couple, as well as singers. I enjoyed it a lot especially when I closed my eye and let my body and mind envision whatever it came to. Later that evening we hung out at the pub in our hostel. We danced the macarana on the bar, got free jager shooters as well as Jager poured straight from the bottle. The evenign ended with a potential street party taht fell through then a rape party in the boys' room. Uta and T decided to rape Chitty while I documented with photos. It was great fun . Then after leaving their room we went down tot he bar for some more free Jager. I got sick of sitting so I went to bed. The next morning, Jules and I sepnt the day together. We first had the wlaking tour, then on our own we went to see the Synagogue. We spent the rest of the afternnon with Mozart and chatting on the grass. Afterwards we all went to the Schnapps museum, got tipsy and headed for Schrumbrug Palace. there Jules and I visited the labrynth. We tried to create a map of how we walked to see if we could find a way back. but unfortunately it did not work and we foudna shortcut instead, although we did start and end at the same spot. The palace was followed by dinner in a forest/farm land. Dinner was below avg but entertaining. Condom blowing competitions (that i was involved in) weddings and divorces, and arm lifts were all apart of the evening. That night however was an early evening as it had been lately b/c the next morning we were to head to the mountains of Tyrol for 2 days of awesome fun!
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/5/1220103300/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/5/1220103300/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/karinakr/5/1220103300/tpod.html Sat, 13 Sep 2008 09:44:57 -0400 A 6 month journey to discover a new way of living!

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Budapest, Hungary

again in this country/city we felt like high-rollers thanks to its currency -- fin. we arrived and learnt that Buda and Pest were two different cities/areas taht have joined to become one. I really enjoyed the views of the city, found it to be very European. We saw the incredible views of the kings and queens home, the ruins as well and some other memorial spots. That area was Buda and Pest pronounced Pesht, was more of the markets and all. In pest a few of us went to the House of Terror. Here we saw Stalin's and the HUngarian way of life and how they tortured ones that didn't follow their ways. We saw the chambers taht prisoners were kept in and where they got hung. Disturbing place, but very glad I went to see it.
That evenig we went on a River Dinner Cruise. We arrived to the hotel an hour before having to drive to the boat for dinner. The food at this dinner was absolutely amazing! tere was black caviar, picked muscles and clams, smoked slamon, and different kidns of salad, soup, stuffed peppers and best of all cabbage rolls! There was a lot of dessert and fruit and to add to it all, it was a buffet!!!
also on each table there were two bottles of wine. Once dinner was finished we all went to the 2nd floor of the boat to take photos of the view and enjoy our time together. Afterwards we went back to the hotel. The boys played some card games while I decided to make it an early night. in the midst of their card game (kings and assholes) Brad decided to move the table closer to brendon and instead of dong so, he began to move it only to find that only the top marble piece moved. the table itself did not. He ended up moving it right onto Louise's legs nearly taking them off. The next day he got the Dick of the Day Hat as we were making our way to Vienna, Austria.
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