Back from the Holy Land

I have always wanted to go to Israel, but, was hesitant because of safety issues, not to mention that it's a pricey trip to take.
But, I finally went with a group of very energetic fun bunch of people 45 to be exact.
I have to admit I had my reservations about taking this trip, I went alone, meaning I didn’t know anyone, with the exception of my cousin with whom I never really hung out before. But I quickly made friends and I couldn't imagine doing anything there without them.
Upon arrival to Israel it quickly turned to party central for the most part, and the party pretty much continued for the next 16 days NON stop. We had some great lectures and trips along the way and our schedules were jammed packed for the whole 16 days with the exception of one span of 24 hours when we could go to Lebanon for all they cared as long as we came back in time for the next lecture.
I mostly fed myself on shwarmas and was hoping to not overdose on them. I also re-learned how to drink the nigh before and still get up the next morning at the butt crack of dawn ready for the new torturous walk/hike/climb/roll down/up the hills of Jerusalem that they had planned for us.
I also pretty much learned the whole plot line to Bruno and Zohan without ever seeing either movie - courtesy of some of the guys on the trip who made it their personal mission to turn everything into an episode of one or the other with a little Borat thrown in. U Vil Nevaar Gets Zeees!
It was comical at times to stand aside and watch what very often turned into a full blown circus complete with clowns and what could only be described as a hot mess.
One can only imagine letting 40+ drunk Russian 20 somethings roam around. It was a blast to watch and also part take at times.
It was sad at times as well for me. We got to spend Shabbat at a family's home in the Old City and while sitting at the table the fireworks went of somewhere in the distance. There were 2 children at the table who must have been around my son's age - 6 or so - who started to cry because they became scared thinking that it were guns going off. What kind of life is that for a child? If my son had heard this, he would probably run out to see what it was, not be scared that he'd get shot. Amazing.
Hevron - is another story. Barefoot children running around amid ruined buildings and snipers on the roofs.
The Holocaust museum took about 5 years of my life.
Over all I met great people, saw an amazing country made friends, and learned once and for all that I am a sympathizer and am very grateful to those who stay and fight for their land and I support them, from here.
G-d Bless Israel.

* I will write more later * and post some pictures here and on my fotki page *