Landing in Tel Aviv last night was surreal. First of all, can a country the size of a postage stamp have any more beautiful people? And when I arrived at my hotel, I smacked into Dawson from Dawson's Creek. He and I look like we should be related. It was a little weird. Sorry, no photo - I was too busy trying not to barf on him. My stomach has been in a giant knot since arriving.
Contrary to want my family thinks, it has nothing to do with the elevated security levels or feeling unsafe. I feel incredibly safe here, despite seeing bullet holes on the building next door. It has to do with the driving.
The taxi drivers here put New York City drivers to shame. The fast turns, the quick stops, the constant cigarette smoking is a little more than this motion-sickness mama can handle. In about 20 minutes, my colleagues are taking me to lunch and all I really care to know is how far away is the restaurant and if we can walk there. I don't think that hurling in your co-workers car made it into the Team Building 101 manual.
I plan on taking lots of photos tonight and will post a photo journal tomorrow. My hotel is right on the beach. Tel Aviv is such a complex city and I can't wait to get acquainted. -- As long as I don't have to get into another cab.
