Here we go again! Trip around the world, Part 3--Hong Kong and Israel

Hello again all,

After a tiring and very polluted week in China, it was time for a bit of fresh air and modernity.

Hong Kong was a lovely experience. I had been there before, but I was able to appreciate it again through new eyes as both my mom and dad joined me for this part of our adventure.

On Friday, we walked around Tsim Sha Tsui. Saturday was spent with Chabad in Kowloon. Sunday was spent going up Victoria Peak by tram, and Monday was spent relaxing--my parents had a day together, and I met up with friends from my MBA program who were on a Global Learning Opportunity in Hong Kong, just as I had been in Dubai the year before. The weather was excellent, and we enjoyed our time there very much. It was nice to have my mom enjoy a bit of our father-son trip as well.

My mom meeting us at HKIA 

Overlooking Hong Kong City (Victoria) at Tsim Sha Tsui 

Mangosteen!!! 

HKIA--so vast!

The trip onward with my dad was all too quick. Everyone flew Korean Air (our first) to Seoul-Incheon, then my mom continued on to Chicago. We had a layover and took advantage of ICN's free Korea tour, giving us a five hour tour of Seoul. Most of it was spent driving to and from the city, but we were able to see some very colorful temples (much more similar to the Japanese style, but with so many colors) and try a little Bibimbap!

Sunrise from the bus 

Look at the greens, and reds, and blues!

Small alleys filled with restaurants, like Japan

Strange vegetables for the bibimbap 

View from the wing: KE957

Upon arrival in Tel Aviv, my dad (finally) had an easy time going through immigration, and off we went to see the city. Our first day was spent going down memory lane, as my father showed me the school in which he had studied some sixty years ago. We also went to the military base in which they used to live and my grandfather used to serve, soon to be closed down and moved south.

Old bell tower at Great Synagogue of Rishon LeZion

My dad couldn't get over this road existing all the way to the base

All in the family

Delicious breakfast at the hotel

The next day, we made our way to Jerusalem. We began by hiking through Hezekiah's water tunnels, an amazing discovery showing how the great king built an underground water system some 2,700 years ago that is still filled with clear water today. From there, we made our way to the kotel, offering some prayers at the base of the holiest site of the Jewish people, as well as enjoying a tasty burger at Burgers Bar.

Al Aqsa mosque, from the Gate of Mercy

If I forget you, O Jerusalem...

 

On Friday morning, I accompanied my father to the airport for his return to Chicago on KLM. I, meanwhile, bar mitzvah tutored by phone, then made my way south by bus to Beersheva for a lovely Shabbat.

The next week was spent with good friends in the south and north, sharing some wonderful meals and times with old friends.

My friend kept her word, saving this bottle until I returned. 

Wonderful meal at Arabica in the Old City of Beersheva. How did I miss this before?

Overlooking a full moon in Haifa

Sunset in Haifa 

Finally, on Wednesday night, if was off to Amman>>Doha>>Johannesburg>>Sydney. All of my flights were surprisingly on time, and despite a bump at Doha when they almost wouldn't let me board my flight (since I was on two separate tickets and didn't have a full page in my visa section of my passport for a visa to enter Johannesburg, which I didn't need, since I was just connecting), I was able to show my onward boarding pass and my bags that were checked through, and I was permitted to board. Onward and southward!