Family and friends

Well I barely had time to do my laundry and I was out and running again with family and friends.

Jerusalme hosted it's first ever food festival in the old city. I went to 2 friends from the hospital and we had such a nice time. The weather was perfect and there is nothing as beautiful as the old city at night. There were food vendors outside the Jaffa Gate as well as in all the quarters within the old city walls. We walked around and tasted different cheeses and breads, lemonade and granolas. We also tried some fresh almonds from the trees. The almond (as we are used to seeing them) were encased in a crunchy green covering. It was served with sprinkled salt on it. We quickly decided that it tasted like eating a tree but I am always up for a food adventure so I am glad we tried it. We ended the evening at a cafe hearing about Cipi's bad date. We had a great time together and I am thankful for my young friends!

Two days later I got to meet some of my cousins who were visiting Jerusalem. They had taken a trip with their synagogue to Budapest then Israel. Brinda and Ami picked me up and took me to meet them in the old city where we shopped in the Arab shuk. From there we went out to dinner near the German Colony. I had a great evening and appreciate having them all in my life.

The very next day Donna's parents (my daughter-in-law) came to Jerusalem. They came to my home and I was able to show them where I work and live. As I have mentioned, it is important to me that others bear witness to what I am doing and to meet the children that I have come to love. We went to lunch near the hospital and then on to the Menachem Begin musuem which was very interesting. From there we took a ride north of Tel Aviv to see their homes, one in Ramat HaSharon and the other at the sea in Hertzilleya (spelled entirely wrong). We had a fun ride up there and I really enjoy their company. We went out to dinner at the marina and then they dropped me at Brinda's home to sleep for the night. It was a great day spent with great people.

I am now back in Jerusalem and working for a couple of days until my friend Robin arrives in Israel. I will post again after my adventures with her. All is well here and I am having the time of my life!

Pictures from top: Me with Donna's family: Ruth, Avi, Romy and Shelly. Next me with the cousins Rance, Sheryl, Josh and Gary and lastly me with the girlfriends Amalia and Cipi!