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!

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