Today I leave on a 10 day adventure to visit my girl, Principessa. She’s been in Israel since early September, but she’s spent nearly two years there in the past three years. It’s where she wants to live. Live. While I’ve hoped she would decide to come back, not settle in Israel, a foreign place half way around the world, I’ve finally agreed to go over and see the place she loves so much.
I made the decision two weeks ago. That may be considered last minute to some, but it took me a while to really opt in. Then, over-thinker, procrastinator, cautious person that I am not, I just waited until I had to buy the tickets. I knew I’d go eventually, and she has an entire week off right now. I admit to a moment’s hesitation when the military situation became rather unstable in November. Principessa assured me that things were fine, but I didn’t really want to go to a place where missiles were being lobbed. I didn’t want my girl to stay in a place where missiles were being lobbed. But that wasn’t going to turn her thinking around. I wasn’t sure I wanted to travel 24 hours each way either. And an apartment with limited heating? Well, not really my 50 year old cup of tea.
This bags too small…
However, I am inherently a free spirit and always have been. I love adventure and I love to travel. I love to be on a plane by myself, and I’ll have Seattle to Frankfurt and then Frankfurt to Tel Aviv to just read, listen to books on tape and work on my manuscript. I have writing I’m dying to do, and a book I’d like to finish. I love that no one will be asking me what they should eat for lunch; I’m thrilled that I won’t need to pick up Newman’s Limeade at the store, again, and no one will ask me “what’s for dinner,” for the next 10 days. Call me giddy, but yeehaw!
You can’t have too many shoes… unless they don’t fit in your bag.
When I arrive, after 24 hours of no sleep (I don’t sleep on planes, and I’ve been told to try not to) my daughter will be finishing Shabbat and will have dinner for me. And then, if I can stand, I’m invited to a 30 year old’s birthday party. That could be fun. I imagine I will be a party game: pin the yarmulke (Jewish beenie) on the passed out middle aged lady. I may be passed out, but I’ll be smiling.
I’m going on this trip with no expectations. That is a big thing for me. I big step forward. I am going to see my girl without any plans for how it will look or feel to be there. I am excited to see her world, the place she loves. I am open to whatever happens, excited to see what she shows me.
There was a time when going to Israel was something that I wanted very much. For four years of college, I was sure that one day (before I married) I would travel to Israel and live on a kibbutz. It’s something that lots of my peers did back then, and it sounded so exotic and exciting.
What I’ll carry in my back pack.. And Twizzlers. Lots of Twizzlers.
Then the Middle East shifted, Jewish tourists were being selected on planes and shot. Leon Klinghoffer, an elderly Jewish man in a wheelchair, was shoved off of cruise ship. Suddenly a kibbutz in Israel did not seem as appealing. Israel lost it’s appeal for me; lots of years went by, and ironically, my eldest child fell in love with the very place I had dismissed. Interestingly, on the itinerary she sent me, was one night at a kibbutz. Talk about crazy-ass circle of life.
And this bags just right! I’m ready to go…
So, I’ve been crossing T’s and dotting I’s; running on scavenger hunts to get things that Principessa needs (Hello, if they don’t have sewing kits in a country, don’t move there. Just sayin’), and trying to figure out exactly what clothes and shoes I’ll need to visit ancient lands, float in the Dead Sea, and see the Western Wall… not to mention experiencing the homeland— the epicenter, of so many world religions. I’ve packed and repacked, to make it all fit. I’ve downloaded music and an audio book on meditation. I am minutely nervous, a teeny, tiny bit—But mostly, I am very excited. And I am packed.
Do you like to travel? Are you ok traveling alone? What about long distances… do you do it? What’s the coolest place you’ve been and why? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
TALES FROM THE MOTHERLAND 
Wow Dawn, how exciting! The Orthodox thing is always a challenge for me though. My daughter converted to Orthodox Judiasm and then married a Rabbi. Thankfully they remain in the U.S. and I do not have the same fears about their wellbeing. Israel is a beautiful country and you have quite an adventure ahead, enjoy! (and don’t forget to cover your elbows, knees, and collarbone.on shabbat)!
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Thanks Serablue! I have several scarves, a long skirt and some long sleeved tops. I think I’m ready for anything they can dish at me for Shabbat! 😉 Mostly, I’m just excited to take it all in. I appreciate you taking the time to read and respond to this post, and for the good advice. Shalom!
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How exciting! I hope it all goes well for you. Can’t wait to hear about it. I love to travel but likely won’t make it to Israel. But I’ll enjoy reading about it. 🙂
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Thanks Carrie! Excited to share it!
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Oh how exciting! Can’t wait to hear about your trip! I have a list about a mile long of places I’d love to travel, but little ones make it slow going for now. Most exciting travel so far: Haiti, three times. Absolutely the most transforming and intense weeks of my life so far. Most exciting travel hope for this year: Denver to visit friends and family and Florida to visit family if we can swing it at the end of the year:) Hope you have a wonderful trip and enjoy the time with your daughter!
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I would LOVE to Go to Haiti and volunteer. So much suffering and yet such an amazing people and culture.
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Wishing you safe travels and a wonderful time with your daughter. Now, more than ever, I realize the time to do something with anyone you love is NOW. It is exactly the right time for you to go and see her world. Look forward to hearing about your adventures. 🙂
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Thanks- yes,so important to be in the moment! Working on it.
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Thanks S – yes , it’s so important to be in the moment and love those we can. Thanks.
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Have the most amazing trip Dawn. I’ll look forward to hearing your tales when you return…with perhaps a few tidbits sent from Israel to whet my vicarious travel appetite! Give Emily a big hug, and yourself one too! Safe travels…
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Thanks Daryl! Xox
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Have a fantastic time! Be sure to bring home zatar– spice from the market, ahava products, and in Jerusalem– go to Ethnics — an artist/jewelry cooperative– 34 Jaffa Road. Tell them I sent you! The owners are David & Lillian Yom Tov. Love their jewelry. Oh.. I’m a bit envious– it’s such a great place. Enjoy! And I sure know what it’s like to see your kid after months and months apart when they’re in a foreign country you don’t quite understand– you’ll be very impatient to get off that plane and through customs. Can’t wait for your posts!
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Lisa, I’m noting the address and name, and will make an effort to go by Ethnics. I arrived exhausted and smelling like Bailey’s (see comment for Meagan). LONG trip from Seattle! Lost luggage and typing on much for brains. Glad to be here though!
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Forgot to say: LOVE Zatar. We always have it in our home! I particularly love to toss it with olive oil and salt on potatoes, and roast them. Yum!
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I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to read all about it!!! Have the best time ever. How fabulous you are.
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Thank you Anonymous! Fabulous and smelling like Bailey’s… read comment w/Meagan. I’m really excited too! Thanks for the support.
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I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to read all about your trip!! Have the best time EVER.
How fabulous you are. And what a great post. Love the full-circle-ness. I especially love how sweet you are, and how open and accepting of your daughter’s experience. I liked this line: “I am excited to see her world, the place she loves.”
Wishing you all the best. Safe travels, friend! XOXO, Meagan
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Thanks Meagan! Amazing flights and trip here and so far I’m in a world of garlic, spices and call to prayer. En route, I sat next to a large woman from Africa (A place I’d never heard of. I interpreted for her the whole way), who spoke no English. Half way, she spilled a large glass of Bailey’s Irish Cream (seriously) all over me and my stuff. When I got to Tel Aviv, my luggage was still in Frankfurt. So I will smell like this for a while! All of that aside, I am excited to experience my daughter’s Israel. I’ll keep you all posted! 🙂
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Argh! Bummer about the Baileys and I hope your luggage arrives, I guess you really are on an adventure 🙂 Please post pics soon!!
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I will post when I can. VERY spotty wifi here, so much will depend on that. I’ll feel a lot better when my luggage arrives. A pair of fresh clothes will make a difference!
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What a wonderful adventure! I hope you really enjoy your time with your daughter in Israel – suck everything up and learn as much as you can! Oh yeah, and enjoy yourself too 🙂
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I am really open to the experience Sara and excited to take it all in. While my feelings about a place that my daughter wants to live—so far away from us—have been torn, I’m enthusiastic about experiencing her world. The fact that it’s The Holy Land to so many makes it a powerful draw as well. 😉
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As I write this, you are already there. I hope your travels went smoothly. Back when I was on ships, I would be flown to places around the world to meet my ship. And when it was time for me to go on vacation, I would be flown back to the US. Traveling 24 hrs., halfway around the world, is something I have done a number of times: east coast US to Tel Aviv, west coast US to Guam, flew home from Dubai 3 times, and from Rota Spain.
These days, when I fly, it’s usually with my family on vacation. I have had to fly across country alone a few times to deal with my parents when they were sick, and when each of them died. The next time I’ll fly will be in a month, across country, to memorialize my mother; and my guys will be with me. I prefer to fly with my family these days.
Have a grand adventure!
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Thanks Mariner. It was indeed a LONG trip, but I’m having a blast! It’s awesome that you go to travel so much and have your adventures while you were younger, and you now get to have your guys along for support and fun. All the best with your next trip. xo
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Sounds like a lot of flying. My nerves are shot now just thinking about it…
And by the way, I posted that last article you read by accident. You have a fast trigger finger. Hope you enjoyed nonetheless haha.
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Why by accident? I thought it was funny and clever. I happened to be on right now, catching up while in Israel… so post right away. Sometimes it’s like that.
Yes, the flights are VERY long… but exciting to be here. I love to travel, so it’s not as bad as for some people.
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I love traveling…
…by car. Flying I can handle in small doses, but it’s stressful otherwise. More power to ya!
And thank you. I pulled that post. I hit the wrong button from my iPad, and whoops. It was supposed to go up tomorrow.
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Well… I will not comment again tomorrow, as I’l be on the road. Dang, I was finally the first on a post 😉 It’s the thought that counts: and I liked it, and commented first. Yowza.
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Well thanks! I didn’t get to read it. Have a great trip!
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