Ari's Here!
What a nice day. Today my tiyul buddy Deborah and I had plans to walk the ramparts of the Old City. We learned a few things today. First of all, when driving where I usually turn left into the Old City there was a sign that said not to turn left there and find another way of getting in. I decided that there were others who were turning left, why shouldn't I. Big mistake. If it says not to there probably is a reason. We got stuck in traffic just inside the walls for about 45 minutes to an hour, and there was no way out. There seemed to be two bar mitzvahs at the Kotel which probably contributed to the traffic.
Anyway, we ended up parking outside the walls, I davened Shachris and we went off to climb and walk the ramparts. It was quite the walk. We had some water on us, but didn't get more before walking since we thought that it wouldn't be that long of a walk. We ran out of water. We walked, we climbed, saw the shuk behind Damascus Gate, took pictures. It was very cool. We totally underestimated the length of our tiyul. The ramparts just kept going and going. Maybe we'll finish them sometime a tad more prepared than we were. [I'm going to have to post all my photos onto the web when I get back... hint hint to those who are going to have to help me. I appreciate your help in advance.]
Deborah and I got a falafel lunch in the Old City before we left. I dropped her and home and set off to the airport to find Ari. It is a new airport so I didn't know what to expect as far as parking and ease of getting in and out. I really didn't need to worry. No problems. As I was looking at the people trying to spot him, I hear someone say, "Looking for someone?" and there he was. I'm so excited to see him.
I got him a couple bottles of something to drink on the way home and we got on our way. We stopped by the apartment so I could show him where I live and went to get dinner. He decided that he wanted something light to eat so I took him to The Village Green. It's a milk and vegatarian restaurant, he got lasagna and a whole mess of other stuff. Afterwards we walked up and down Ben Yehuda Street. I wanted to show him this artist store, which was down the street (with excellent art but on the expensive side - what's new?). He started to recognize the area we were in since I think he must've stayed there when he was with Birthright. It sounds like he had a really good time when he was here before.
It was time to get to Deborah's place. She and her husband are nice enough to let Ari sleep there tonight and over Shabbos. I'll be joining him there over Shabbos. I am really happy that we're going to be able to hang out over Shabbos.
Shabbos plans are still being assembled, ugh. But it should be okay.
Tomorrow should be exciting. I'm picking up Ari and Deborah and we'll be visiting the Rockafeller Museum in the morning. After that Ari and I will be going to pick up a phone for him as well as buying Shabbos gifts. I also need to buy a book for class. And of course the Kotel after all that.
All is well here. I'm thrilled to see Ari, it's been a couple months already.
I wanted to make mention of the bombings today in London, just horrible. I wish everyone there my best.