Touch down

After going all the way down the runway in our propeller plane then listening to the nines power down (with many groans sounding from the passengers), then asking you to pray, I felt discouraged.

Nearly two hours after we should have lifted off we finally got the 'all clear' from the FAA. Everyone cheered, but I wondered what would happen to us once we arrived in Dulles. We had lost our two hours to make our connecting flight. Sure enough, 6 p.m. came and went.

But the same storm which delayed our flight had also delayed the flight to Frankfurt! Dave and I ran across Dulles-- a shuttle ride, several elevators, and escalators later, we were panting and perspiring, but we were also in line to board Lufthansa.

But Lufthansa was delayed a couple more times as well. My heart utterly sank. We were scheduled to arrive a scant thirty minutes before our connection to Tel Aviv was to lift off. All israel flights require an extra level of security. There was just no way we were going to make it...

God's tender mercy was to place a well-traveled you Israeli right next to me. 'Hey, are you going to Israel?" He asked me, clear out of the blue. Whut?! An angel?

We had a lovely conversation, all about israel, how to get around, some cool insider Intel on stuff to see and do, AND he knew the drill backwards and forwards.

We touched down after a smooth flight (and good eats--these Germans know how to do it up round), and had to take a bus to the other side of the terminal then run PELL MELL all the way back across the terminal--a dozen escalators, stair cases, and people movers later (and just shy of a heart attack) we were wheezing and dripping BUT in line to board the flight to Tel Aviv.

(Note to self: I need more exercise)

It's a beautiful airport, and a beautiful country. We rented a car because the trains and buses were all shutting down for Shabbat. Dave and I agreed we actually like it better? Having the freedom and comfort of a car.

Got to Akko no problem, our hotel is actually built right into the Crusader-era wall (and is just beautiful), and we walked around this lovely old town.

It is distinctly Arab. Since they've just begun Ramadan the restaurants were not ready for business until after sundown, when they became loaded with people who had been fasting all day. Spirits were high, and everyone was rubbing their hands in preparation for a feast. So we feasted, too!