It’s The Final Countdown…

My sister in-law, Kes, asked how we are feeling about this adventure coming to a close. Here is a long way to answer that question.

Yesterday both Millie and Aviva were off from school and gan, so we decided to go to Tel Aviv for the day. We took the train from the Hof HaCarmel station here in Haifa.

We arrived at the HaShalom station in Tel Aviv, exited through the Azrieli mall, and made our way to the Sarona Market for some lunch. There is a pedestrian mall lined with high end stores and restaurants, including the Draydel Shop, which had all sorts of ceramic spinning toys. Millie particularly liked the one that you spin to get a blessing.

We decided to eat at Max Brenner, a restaurant known for its chocolate (and there are a few of them in the U.S.). Millie had the most decadent meal and Bev had his best shakshuka to date.

After lunch we wandered over towards HaBima (literally “the stage”) which is a performing arts center. It is an impressive space with a wide open plaza, a sunken garden, and a raised tree.

From there we walked along Rothschild Boulevard, which has plenty of places to stop and hang out along the way.

Our destination was Meir Park where the girls played for a bit. We then headed to the Carmel Market and walked past the many stalls of trinkets, clothes, and food. If you are looking for boxer shorts with the Israeli flag, we know where to get them!

It was time to head back, so we caught a bus to the train station. We boarded a mostly full train but there was a nice guy who gave up his seat so we could all sit together. He was getting off at the next stop, so it wasn’t too much of a hardship…

As we took a bus back to our neighborhood, Millie looked a bit sad. She explained that she doesn’t want to leave Israel.  A few minutes later, she also expressed her excitement for being in our Champaign house again. And I think that is how we all feel. No one wants to leave, but there is also the anticipation of getting back to our life in central Illinois.