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Published: April 20th 2006
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Hookah Chuggah
Old Market in Acco with wares for sale. I guess after 5 yrs away it would seem awkward at first to return to a former place of residence. But, thankfully, it has not. Things do change, though, and some stay the same for millenia. Thus it is in all places and, especially, Israel. The first thing we noticed was the newer and bigger airport. No more cattle car buses to take you from the plane to the passport lines. No more quaint yet awesomely complete duty-free. Now a proper gang-way followed by a lengthy walk through miles of moving sidewalks and escalators ending at a glass-enclosed duty-free mall to rival the best Europe has to offer. Then on to the usual mediocre service at the car rental desk. Some things do stay the same.
This trip was billed, in what we originally planned, as a trip down memory lane. It has more resembled a meet and greet for some 2 dozen as yet unknown relatives. To me at least. The experience very much resembled sitting through a foreign film which has only intermittent subtitles. As my Hebrew has deteriorated to a point where even the two year olds look at me with blank stares and full
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When driving, always pick a point of reference. fledged speakers gape in disbelief, and my Russian is limited to yes, no, and apple (thanks Luba - that one came in handy), I spent most of the time drinking coffee and smiling as Aneta caught up with people she hasn't seen in half a decade. It has been pointed out to me in the past (you know who you are) that there is an unstated blessing in not being capable of all communications - being fully aware of this, I did manage to take the opportunity to dine on the limitless fare and relax while Aneta did all the 'work'. It also worked out so that we had a chance to spend the holidays with some family. Needless to say, I had absolutely no idea how large my wife's family actually was and it was great to be able to meet them. All in all I did eat my way down memory lane.
Some things only change a little. For instance, Jon's favorite sandwich shop is still in existence. In fact, renovated and with additional seating. Even the Coffee Bean across the street couldn't dampen my spirits. However, when we arrived (at lunch time) and the owner
MMM MMM Good
Amit loves the banana yogurt. (same guy) said he wasn't open (apparently he was busy doing email), I was a little miffed. When pressed about his expected time of opening he replied, "I don't have hours, that's the problem". . C'est La Vie or Ain Ma La'asoat. We went for Aneta's favorite sandwich which, while a little short on the toasting time, was just as remembered. Reassurance is good.
Visits to family and friends had a few marked similarities. The first, as mentioned, was the food. Old world charm and new world heart-burn fast became friends. The second, and markedly more profound, was the multitude of new or enlarged (older) children. Funny how the pharma industry has spent millions to improve and advance contraception around the globe, when the simple act of holding a crying and otherwise unconsolable baby will erase any romanticised visions of parenthood. Of course, waddling, toddling, yogurt eating one year olds did make a significant dent in our digital camera memory space.
After visiting all family and friends we felt that it wouldn't feel right to miss a visit to some of Kenzo's family so we managed to get in some quality time with some
Chillin by the Med
After lunch stroll in Acco took us by the waterfront and pier. more old friends and their puppies- who immediately recognized Aneta in a happy reunion. We even managed to meet up with Josh and Talia (our Crazies), who were visiting for Pesach, for some old fashioned smoky Tel Aviv nightlife (and to unload some NY bound stuff on to them). Thanks guys, see you in a week.
All in all, some places will probably alwyas feel like home. Life goes on. Roads get built. Stores change names. Falafel is one shekel more expensive. But, this isn't what sells ad space on CNN. So while cable news had us on high alert for four months in Asia prior to our arrival, reality is far from publicity. Governments continue breeding lies and hate to line their borders and their pockets, but regular people wake up, go to work, and welcome visitors with open hearts and frighteningly full refridgerators. After only 12 days here it was tough to leave as we vowed to try to return much earlier next time around...
PS While we do love these two photos, technology has not allowed us to add any more. Check back to this entry in a few days for more picts in our usual scenic, cultural, and up-close artsy fare.
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Stephanie
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Ole USA
Good to have you both back on USA soil.