Way before I knew about the MASA sponsored media mission to Israel, I decided to celebrate my 30th birthday (last week) by visiting the holy land for the first time. For me, that meant a trip to Memphis, Tenn. Without going into too much detail about my love for Elvis, I will say that it dates back to the winter of 1976 when my parents went to see him perform one of his last concerts. My mom was pregnant at the time, so I was there too.A few days after booking the tickets to Memphis, I was invited to visit another--and most would argue holier--holy land, Israel.
I grew up in what would have been an interfaith household if not for the lack of faith being actively practiced on either my mom's Jewish side or my father's Catholic side. Over time, I ordained my own holy places: A bench in Chicago's Art Institute in front of the Chagall windows, my parents' dining room table and Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport, Maine. These are my places.But so many people have a gut-level, spiritual connection to Israel and a lifelong dream of coming here. On the flight to Tel Aviv from Newark, I sat next to a journalist from Orlando who was also making her first trip to Israel. As we landed, she said she felt like she was finally coming home. I assume many others on the plane were realizing similar dreams. Weeks ago, bogged down in my fear of flying and difficulty planning logistics, I had my first dream about Israel: I awoke, hot and startled by the smell of cumin and coriander in my nose. I was dreaming that I was being rolled in spices and deep-friend like a falafel.
I was more stressed out than serene when I got on the plane--and then something happened. The song being piped into the planewas, "Stuck On You" by none other than Elvis Presley. I really don't know what to make of it but I assume it's a good sign.
More to come on my eary days in Israel....for now, check out our hotel (this is one of many awesome views), a visit to a market (these little clocks appealed to me) and continuing jet lag (for everyone's benefit I didn't photograph that).
