Thursday, August 8, 2013

My Israel Trip

My recent trip to Israel was full of family and special sights, sounds and memories.


This was my fourth trip to Israel, but my last trip was 24 years ago.  So much has changed, but so much has stayed the same.  One thing that hasn't changed is the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea.  I swam in it every day, and loved its gentle waves.  Another thing that hasn't changed is the presence of ancient history everywhere -- even on the walk to the beach, ancient ruins were discovered and preserved.

The Carmel Market in Tel Aviv is as hectic and chock full of sights, sounds and textures as it was in 1989.



One new thing was our friend Mixie's coffee stall.  It was so fun to visit him there and have him mix special blends for us to take home. This was my parents', aunt's and uncle's and my first few day in Israel.  We were all a little punchy!


Tel Aviv is extremely conservation minded.  Every few blocks, there are big cages like this, where people toss their water bottles.  What a great idea.


Of course, our main reason for going was because my dad was honored by the Sports Hall of Fame in Tel Aviv.  He received a Lifetime Award of Excellence for all of his medals won in the Maccabiah Games.  Here's a picture of the whole "mischpachah" -- the 28 of us who traveled to Israel for this honor. 


Another huge highlight was visiting the Israel Sports Center for the Disabled, where my dad helped dedicate a large, wheelchair accessible, elevator for which he had helped raised the funds.


My daughter Mariel and I spent a lot of time sightseeing together.  She is so interested in other cultures, and a tireless traveler -- she makes me so proud to be her mom.


I made so many sketches of the shapes and marks I saw around me.  Several of these designs are in the works as new stencils for Stencil Girl.  Stay tuned!


I leave you with a few pictures I took in the old city of Jaffa, where there were many colors, textures, artisan shops and galleries to stimulate the senses. 


This last one is my silhouette, as I looked in the window at a sculpture made of carved leather.  AMAZING detail.

Linking to Paint Party Friday and Art Journal Everyday, where you can see lots and lots of inspiring work!

Your comments make me so happy and let me know you were here. I read and treasure every comment and will happily answer any questions as soon as I can.

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30 comments:

  1. Thank you, toda, for taking me back to Israel. I was last there for my daughters 10th birthday. She'll be 45 in December. I loved seeing it through your eyes.
    Your family all looks like!
    All variations of your mom I think!

    I just accidentally clicked on Sammy's book! Amazing and wonderful!
    You are a fantastic family!

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    1. Thanks Lynn. Her book is really cool - that trip was so inspiring.

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  2. Wow looks like you had an amazing time. Can't wait for part 2. Thank you for sharing your adventures with us. I am happy for you dad that he is recognized for his achievements.

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  3. Such lovely photographs up top and wonderful family moments in the second half.
    Thanks for sharing your trip,
    Rinda

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  4. Wow Jessica, so many things to see here. Love those new sketches of yours, and that last picture of your silhouette is amazing! Looks like an unforgettable experience!

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  5. I love this post...all the beautiful scenery, family togetherness and the art. You have to be SO proud of your dad...how extraordinary! You and your daughter are gorgeous. We went to Israel with our son for his senior trip in 2009. The Mediterranean was a favorite site. Such a different part of the world. We also went to Egypt and sadly, the school can't take the seniors there anymore...it's too unstable.

    Happy stencil making Jessica. :)

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  6. Just breathtaking. What a trip.. so much richness in so many ways.

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  7. What an amazing trip! Beautiful photos- love how the trip inspired you!

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  8. Thanks for taking us along your trip, what a blessing to visit old family!
    I love the sketches ♥

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  9. Looky looky at those sketches, oh what will there be of these, can't wait? Love the photos of the sea and of you and Mariel......xox

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  10. What beautiful BEAUTIFUL photos and experiences you had! Inspiration abound!

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  11. Your trip with family to Israel was certainly one of the highlights of your life, I'm sure. Your dad's award is impressive. What a joy for him to have everyone around him to help him celebrate. I enjoyed seeing all the photos. Have a great weekend.

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  12. What an amazing trip for you and your family, and I guess especially for your father!! How very special for him to be awarded and being there to recieve and take part.
    Your photoes brought me right back to both Tel Aviv ,the Cramel market and Yaffa- bringing pictures and memories to me again!! for me it is 42 years ago, I was living there for one and a half year in a little city near Tel Aviv!! Thankyou for bringing those dayes back to me ,I will surely follow you on your beautiful trip Jessica !!
    xo, Dorthe

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  13. The photos of your trip are absolutely spectacular, Jessica! I know I would like your father. He is a star among men in so many ways! And, you have not fallen far from the tree, my friend!

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  14. Jessica thank you so much for sharing your trip with us. How proud you must be of your dad and how proud he must have felt to have so many family members there to see him receive his award. I truly enjoyed reading this post.

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  15. This is so impressive Jessica and such a treat to see! Wonderful collection of family, fabulous honour for your dad, wow I love it all...breathtaking photo of the beach, thanks for sharing all these great photos!! You and your daughter look like sisters!! Just beautiful!!

    Hugs Giggles

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  16. Just amazing photos - love your sketches - I look forward to seeing the stencils made. Wonderful time for family to travel together - congratulations to your dad.

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  17. just amazing photos,i love your sketches,wonderful you have selfmade the stencils.
    wonderful time to travel for your family,congratulations to your dad.


    greetings jeannette

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  18. what great impressions Jessica!Thank you for sharing!
    You can really be proud of your dad and in any case of your girl!

    xxx
    Susi

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  19. Lovely photos, sketches and images, thank you ! :)

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  20. Jessica, I am blown away... I was in Israel in '91.. My trip also included Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Old Jaffa amongst many other cities. I took pictures of the exact same things (except the bottle cages which didn't exist then).. we even have a sports hall of fame connection... What a wonderful trip and lucky mischpachah. I so can't wait to go back...

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  21. WOW oh WOW! FIrst of all, I am so impressed by your family! The fact that 28 of you traveled in support of your father is just amazing. What a wonderful memory! And those pictures - the chairs, spices, candy and silhouette of you are my favorite - as well as that first shot of the sea - it looks gorgeous. Thanks for sharing your trip with us, xoxo

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  22. So happy to find your lovely blog! Thanks for sharing pics of your wonderful trip! Will be back to visit again soon!

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  23. What a fabulous trip!! Israel looks beautiful and very inspirational. Seems like you will have lots of new ideas for your stencils:) Congratulations to your dad, what a marvelous achievement!

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  24. What wonderful pictures.... I didn't realize so many of your extended family went to honor your dad. Fabulous is right! He must have been thrilled!

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  25. I loved the mini-vacation (for me). Your photographs are good. Blessings, Janet PPF

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  26. So wunderschöne Fotos, ich mag sie Alle, aber das letzte ganz Unten ist mein Favorit,einfach genial.
    Liebe Grüße
    Sabine

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