We're currently 2hrs into our flight (at time of writing) between Israel and Paris. It's mostly a fairly smooth flight with the occassional rough patch - every now and again you can hear the engines rev up a little and the airplane banking left&right, i think in order to avoid some turbulence around us.
We're all very excited to be arriving in Paris soon. We'll be staying close by the Eiffel Tower in the 7th Arr. I reckon as soon as we settle into the apartment we'll go for a quick look-see - its mostly all the girls have been talking about now. The only un-envious part of going to Paris you might find is that the current temp is '0'degrees (yes, zero) and snow is forecast... although the girls are excited about that too.
The last week in Israel has pretty much felt like coming down off the 'high' of the last 3 months. After 7 nights at the Dizengoff Suites in Tel Aviv, we've spent the last 2 nights at the Kasman house (Ruty&Zvika, daughter of Eli&Elisheva Galili - my Dad's cousin) in Shoham, which is only a few minutes drive to the airport. Ruty&Zvika and their family (especially Gil - their recently bat-mitvah'd daughter - mazaltov!) have looked after us and have rounded off our Israel experience in the best way - with a true Israeli loving and caring family. Our deep gratitude to them.
3 nights ago on motzei shabbat we spent 2nd night Hannukah with the Frumkes family at Shlomo and Ofra's daughter's house in Ness Tziona, just nearby Rishon LeTzion. Shlomo Frumkes is the 2nd cousin of Rochelle's Zaida Dave Neistat OBM (if i'm wrong about that Shlomo will definitely correct me). It is the 2nd time we have been with the Frumkes family and we all got along really well, including all the kids. Their daughter Michal has a beautiful house and Ofra's buffet was first class. It will always be a pleasure to return to Israel and spend time with all of them.
It is really fantastic ending our time here with family. Sunday night we had another big family bbq at the Kasmans. We got to see Eli&Elisheva again, as well as Ruty's brother Shlomi&Ronit with their boys and Zvika's brother's family too. All the chefs did a superb job.
Just to go back a step, I don't remember if i've mentioned Nana Esther's cousin Gitle in Tel Aviv yet... Because she lived around the corner from our dira, Gitle had coffee every morning with us at breakfast (at Ducks on the corner of Dizengoff&Gordon), and she was so good to us. Gitle organised for Rochelle&I to go out to see a show in Yafo(Mayumana) and she also babysat that evening - a welcome respite. We had Shabbes dinner at her apt with her son Udi & g'children. Gitle was terrific.
Yesterday [Monday] morning i drove with Eli at 6.30am all the way from Shoham to Amirim in the north (2hrs). It fulfilled a dual purpose of a. attending Uncle Bert's 1 year memorial service, & b. to say goodbye to all of Joy's family (Bert's daughter). They are like my brothers & sisters in Israel and i will miss them. Unexpectedly i was asked to say something at the memorial service. I hadn't prepared but it was a great honour to have spoken.Of course this trip may not have occurred without the original impetus of wanting to come for Uncle Bert's 100th birthday - which also was yesterday.
It's now 3hrs into our flight, and Rochelle is sitting behind me with Hannah who has just fallen asleep(yay). She just asked me what i was doing - i showed her my mobile, and she asked ''Are you writing the final Israel blog?''. I could not answer, as my throat choked up and even as i write now the thought of answering 'yes' makes my eyes well up with tears. Steinbergs are pretty tough but we can't help being sentimental.
It has been a wonderful 3 months. Elisa is sitting next to me and she has grown up so much - all the girls have. Hannah is talking beautifully and saying some words in hebrew. (Gaby just pointed out that we're now flying over the Swiss Alps - the view out the window is awesome and has made me perk up - check the pics soon!) We have experienced the best of Israel: spirituality, religion, history, sightseeing, family, friendship. Most of all, the 6 of us spending the entire time together, and experiencing Israel as a family unit has been... what can i say except very very special. It has been a joy.
Thank you to all our family and friends in Israel who have helped to look after us. Every moment we shared with you is cherished and unforgettable - you all have our deepest gratitude.
Hey, we've just started descending!
Now for Paris... Woo hoo! Here we come!
Love
Paul
Latest update from the Steinbergs In Paris...
Web photo album: http://picasaweb.google.com/steinbergpicasa
Blog online: http://steinbergsinisrael.blogspot.com
GoogleMaps Steinberg Israel Tour: http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=101845790702321945414.00046ae3bb9b8c8d66f12
Skype Paul username: 'paulsteinberg'
Skype Steinberg Family username: 'prsteinberg'
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