(NOTE: I will have one more Israel post after this one.)
I have always been an introvert who loves solitude. That doesn’t mean that I don’t like being around people because I really do. However, I have to follow people time with alone time so that I can regroup and rejuvenate.
It may sound crazy, but one of my biggest concerns as I was preparing for the trip to Israel was how I would get through eight days with little to no quiet time. I looked at the jam-packed schedule and thought, “Will I go stark raving bonkers with people all around me . . . everywhere . . . all the time?
Although it definitely was a stretch for me, I needn’t have worried. I did a lot better than I thought I would, much of it due to the fact that the folks on the trip with us were great company. They were fun and funny, passionate about what they were seeing and learning, and overall fabulous traveling companions.
We met the majority of the aforementioned fabulous group when we got to the Raleigh airport on the afternoon of January 30. As our flight from Raleigh to NYC was landing, I had to take the prerequisite picture out the window. I am fascinated by enormous cities because as I look down at the lights, I remember that each light represents a person, a story, a heartache, a joy.
We landed at about 5 p.m. which meant we had seven hours to fill before our midnight flight took off for Tel Aviv
And that was yet another challenge for me. Not only do I thrive on alone time, I am also very much an early to bed, early to rise kind of gal. My entire family will confirm that once it gets close to 9 p.m., my brain shuts down, my eyes glaze over and I start speaking in slow, monosyllabic sentences.
So the thought of spending seven hours in an airport peopled entirely by strangers and not even beginning a 10-hour flight until midnight? My mind had to work a little harder to wrap itself around this fact.
(Funny side note: When Steve called his dad to fill him in on the details of the trip, Ken said, “I flew a total of twenty-four flights over the ocean, nine of them in a single-seat jet. I have NEVER had a layover that long!”)
However, there was one enjoyable thing to distract me during our layover and that was that the airport was people-watching heaven. You talk about a melting pot of the world. Everywhere I looked there were diverse nationalities, cultures and languages, not to mention, varying styles of dress and hair. I could hardly concentrate on my walking for all the people there were to observe and appreciate.
I have always been especially fascinated by people who have cars and drivers waiting for them when they get off a plane. The guy with the beard was standing with a group of a dozen other drivers, all holding signs with names on them. I always wonder where the people are going when they get into those cars, and what tasks and responsibilities they have to shoulder. It’s all part of the people-watching, people-pondering experience.
I had been looking forward to happily wandering through the airport unencumbered by luggage but unfortunately there was some sort of mix up. Instead of having our bags smoothly swooshed though the inner workings and tunnels of the NYC airport and efficiently placed on the plane to Tel Aviv, we had to go collect our stuff and drag it around with us for several hours until the Tel Aviv gate opened.
Steve heroically wrangled more than his fair share of our belongings since we were going up and down escalators (which freaks me out a little because I am always sure my luggage and I are going to topple forward) and navigating all manner of crowded walkways and hallways with our large group of folks.
At about 7 p.m. it occurred to all of us weary luggage-wrestlers that it had been a while since we’d had lunch and that finding some dinner would be the thing to do. We managed to locate an airport restaurant that allowed us create a Leaning Tower of Luggage near our table and we sat down with some of our new friends to enjoy a great New York City meal.
And then it was time to drag the luggage . . .
to the airport train . . .
and over to the EL AL airlines gate to be introduced to the rigors of EL AL Airlines security.
It is said that Israel the best security in the world and I believe it! We must have shown our passports half a dozen times and we were interviewed by various people, asked all kinds of questions, and shuffled through long security lines of all kinds. I felt quit safe knowing what goes into their security procedures.
We finally boarded the plane at about 11:30 p.m. As I dropped down into my window seat, my tired, overwhelmed brain reminded me that I had to sit in that crowded, claustrophobic space for the next ten hours and I promptly burst into tears.
Too much input. Too many people. Too many sprints through airport walkways. Too much standing in line on tired feet. Not enough quiet time. A long, crowded flight ahead with no bedtime in sight. I was suddenly quite sure I just couldn’t do it.
Fortunately, I had my stalwart traveling compatriot beside me. Steve hugged me, told me to take deep breaths and prayed with me. He got my bag stowed under my seat and then (most importantly) reminded me to take the sleeping/relaxing med I had packed.
Before it had a chance to kick in completely though, I had a chance to engage in a tad more people watching . . .
and also enjoy a lovely meal of blintzes and accompaniments. It’s been a long time since I have had anything other than a bag of peanuts on a flight so it was fascinating to see the selections laid out on the tray.
Steve took this photo after the meal and right before he tucked me in for my transatlantic snooze. We had been up 20 hours by this point with another 13 hours to go before our heads would hit the pillow in Jerusalem.
After a restorative 5-hour nap, I woke up feeling so much better and entertained myself for a while looking at the map on the seat back screen and discovering just where in the world we were.
We landed in Tel Aviv (which was 7 hours ahead of New York) late afternoon Wednesday. I loved that when the plane touched down, there was a wave of applause accompanied by passengers shouting, “Shalom! Shalom!”
We wended our way through yet more layers of security . . .
and then Steve got a picture of me taking my first photo as I took my first lungful of Israel’s air.
I mentioned earlier what a great group of people we had to travel with. It was such a treat to get to spend time with other pastors . . .
and pastor’s wives.
Here is the whole crew in front of the Dome of the Rock . . .
and again on some steps where Jesus had taught.
I just have to take a moment to brag on the people in this group who just days earlier, had been total strangers. They proved themselves to be caring, compassionate folks, in particular on one of the days that Steve stayed back at the hotel. It just happened to be our most physically challenging day as we spent nine hours on our feet, touring the old city of Jerusalem. I was starting to feel the first signs that my lungs were not happy, and I was running a little slower than my usual slow-ish pace.
I tried to be all strong and brave and pretend like everything was fine and dandy but I think the first thing that gave me away (which I mentioned in another post) was my rather audible gasping for oxygen when I finally caught up with the group after one of my numerous photographic detours. The second thing was probably that I had to pull out my rescue inhaler for a few restorative puffs.
Over the course of that particular day, I had one young pastor check in with me half a dozen times asking, “Are you doing okay, Miss Becky?” (In the South, all women are Miss, whether married or not.)
One of my fellow travelers offered his arm when we had to climb a steep set of stone stairs and another pastor grabbed a chair for me when we were standing around outside a shop for a few minutes. Yet another pastor noticed I was juggling my camera and cross body bag in addition to a bag I had bought from a street vendor and told me he would be glad to carry the bag in his backpack for me. There were several others who did or said kind things throughout the day and I felt well taken care of.
However, while part of me was touched by all the solicitude, another part of me was a bit taken aback that I had somehow become the person in the group that needed extra care. I remember thinking at one point, “Just when did that happen?”
Oh well. In my rather feeble defense, if I wasn’t constantly trying to catch up because of my picture-taking and if I hadn’t been dealing with the beginnings of bronchitis, I would have gotten along quite a bit better than I did. But since I did struggle, I was grateful for the gracious people who took the time to keep an eye on me. I know Steve appreciated it even more since he wasn’t there to do it.
Here I am. The quasi-intrepid traveler!
The week passed in a wonderful blur and before we knew it, we were back on a plane staring at this screen. The third line down means the trip would be 11 hours and 41 minutes–a couple of hours longer than the first trip because of the wind direction. Since the trip was longer and since we were not feeling well, Steve and I splurged a bit and got exit row seating. What a wonderful luxury!
As we were getting settled into our seats, Steve (who was in the center seat) accidentally bumped the man on his left who immediately said, “Please don’t touch me.”
Steve was a little taken aback but apologized and made a mental note to be extra careful for the next 12 hours. A few minutes later, he was adjusting his neck pillow and made inadvertent contact with the man’s elbow. The guy had been sleeping but his eyes flew open and he said in rather measured tones, “I have been awake for the past 24 hours. I am asking you again to not touch me.”
I thought, “Well, this is going to be an interesting trip!”
There was another man behind us who had two small children. An hour into the trip, the kids started kicking the seat back of our No Touch Friend. It didn’t take long for him to leap to his feet and turn and address the children. Although he spoke in Hebrew, it didn’t take a language degree to comprehend the import of his words.
A little later when he got up to go to the bathroom, Steve turned around and said to the father behind us, “You have such a lovely family and very cute children. If they need to kick a seat, they are welcome to kick the back of mine.”
His little speech was rewarded with a grateful smile.
When there were just a couple of hours left in the trip, our seatmate got up again to go to the bathroom. The father behind us approached us with a bottle of water and some glasses and asked, “May I offer you both some water?”
It was such a gracious, courteous gesture and was obviously a way of saying thank you to Steve for his kind words. We all drank some water and were chatting about where we were going (he and his wife and several children were traveling to a wedding) when our seat mate returned. After an initial few moments of awkwardness, Steve drew him into the conversation and before we knew it, the Jewish father and the Jewish crabby guy were conversing like old friends.
Right before the father went back to his seat, Steve asked if they minded being in a picture. (I obscured the face of the crabby guy since this story doesn’t feature him in the most positive light.)
As I took the picture, it occurred to me that peacemaking is not something that should only be left to world leaders. Sometimes the making of peace can be accomplished by something as simple as a kind word, a shared drink of water, and a willingness to make friends with people who we wouldn’t normally see ourselves getting along with.
There are so many things to ponder from that incredible trip. There are so many lessons I learned. But one of my favorite moments was getting to see those three men sitting side by side on that long flight from Israel to the United States.
While none of the men was able to do a thing to bring about world peace, they were able to do something about bringing a bit of piece to their own world.
And that is exactly where world peace begins.
What about you? Are you an introvert or extrovert?
Do you love alone time or do you get antsy when you get too much of it?
Do you have any interesting people/travel stories to share?
It was a great trip.
Steve,
More memories to add to our marital memory bank!
Good Morning Becky: After reading this entry, I am finding that I am a lot like you. I just returned from Daytona and I have never realized before that I too have to have quiet time. We were down for the races and arrived Wed. Once we were settled in our Airbnb, it was off to the grocery store for food, back to the house to get something to eat, little bit of Olympics watching and it was then about midnight so off to sleep. We were at the track Thurs and Fri and by Sat. I just wanted to have some quiet time in the house by myself so while everyone else went to the beach, I stayed back and cleaned and swept the house. It was perfect. 🙂 No noise, nobody talking, etc. Sun was back to the track day with 110,000 other people so I totally understand needing that little corner of peace.
Mel,
Ahhh. Isn’t it the best thing to be totally alone and totally silent? Such joy to be found there in the corners of quiet.
Good blog, glad you made it through all that (hazardous!) travel and are recovering your wits again! I like how you observe the things around you and relay them to your readers, to ponder how each day we live is a blessing from the Lord, so we can bless others. Ruth
Thanks, Ruth!
There are so many things around us to observe. I learned that lesson from Mom and you.
Definitely an introvert here! I NEED my quiet time. Can’t even stand having a television on. I have a girlfriend who leaves her tv on 24/7 because she can’t stand the quiet! I give you credit, that flight, delay and time change had to be challenging and exhausting, made me tired just reading about it. I am happy you were able to go on the trip as it was a once in a lifetime experience and from the photo’s it looked very interesting, just too far for me to go! Hoping you are both recovered and feeling much better.
Kari,
I can’t even imagine having a TV on all the time. Quiet is such a beautiful sound!
Becky, this introvert sympathizes! Also, please tell Steve that his words to the man and his children were extremely kind and thoughtful. I am always impressed when people notice and affirm kids.
Angela,
Glad for a sympathetic introvert! 🙂
And yes, I was very proud of Steve for his kindness to those sweet kids behind us–and to their dad.
I am definitely an introvert and need my alone time. I would have so been out of my comfort zone going out with the group for that long without my husband. I also don’t know if I could have been such a peacemaker on the plane; It was certainly a “God-wink” to put him next to Mr. Crabby Pants. I’m so happy you both got to experience such an amazing trip and look forward to your next blog about Israel.
Sue Ellen,
Yes, it’s definitely a good idea when a peace maker is placed next to a Crabby Pants. We wouldn’t want two Crabby Pants next to each other, would we? 🙂
What is that they say? An introvert needs peace and quiet after being with a lot of people. An extrovert needs the hustle and bustle of people after spending time alone. I think I am in between if that is possible lol. Your trip sounds wonderful! To be on the steps where Jesus taught – it just gives me chills – How awesome!!!
Jbaj5,
Actually, there IS such a thing as an ambivert so maybe that’s what you are are!
And I love that quote. So very true.
Bless Steve for his peacemaking skills! Mr. Crabby Pants should have been aware of the unwritten rule that whoever is in the middle seat gets the armrests! Sounds like quite a trip. Hope you can do it again in better health for both of you.
Liz,
I like that “middle seat rule!”
I usually put my purse in a large tote with my camera and a few other items as one carry one and then a small piece of luggage as the other. On the trip to Canada for Pilot International Convention one strap on the tote broke. I happened to have a safety pin and pin it. I bought a large Canada bag to use as tote to bring back. Not trusting light weight straps again!! Great pictures.
Ann,
I always try to travel with a couple of safety pins and a rubber band. You just never know when you are going to need a little extra reinforcements. (I use the rubber band as a way to close bags of nuts or snacks that don’t have a built in zip-loc feature.)
Oh yeah. I also keep two bandaids in my wallet. I don’t know how many times those have come in handy for me or someone else.
I’m not really an introvert but do dislike being in the midst of very large groups of people. You know, the shoulder to shoulder kind of crowds? Yeah. Not good. Your travel companions were so thoughtful and caring in Steve’s absence. There are so many good people in the world. 🙂 I admire your bravery, for lack of a better word, for going on the tour without him. 🙂 I have never flown to another country that far away, so have never had to deal with being in an airplane seat for such a long time. I do believe that I would have to take something to make me sleep too because otherwise I would not be able to do it. Or I would be *that* person who is always getting up out of their seat. Lol
LeeAnne,
It was definitely an adventure and all adventures have to have some challenging points in order to make them official adventures! 🙂
And you’re right. There ARE so many good people in the world. I always feel so blessed when I get to meet another one of them.
I completely understand your need for solitude. I am another such soul. I enjoy the company of friends and family and even strangers – to a point – and then I just want my private, quiet, solitary existence back for whatever time it takes to rejuvenate. You mastered your worries and it seems God sent a very wonderful group your way to help you enjoy and thrive in a situation that is not comfortable. Traveling is always tiring and mind boggling at times. A trip like you took is the ultimate in travel.
As to peace, it truly only takes one kind word that is heartfelt. We are so missing that in our world and especially our country now. I wish Steve and his gentle peace-persuasive manner and conduct could sit at some of the “tables” of leaders of all levels and just show them how to make the first step. I love the photo of the three new “friends.” You never know what is really in someone’s heart or mind which makes them act in a certain way. Bridging that gap is the most difficult task but a task well taken even if it is only between three men who never thought they would find the bridge to the gap and it all started with a kind word and a drink of water.
Oh, and I love to people watch also and wonder their story. I so loved your comment on the photo of New York City with all the lights. I never had thought of the lights in that way before.
Mary,
You need to write a blog of your own. You have such a great way with words.
It’s so true that we don’t know what causes people to act the way they do; we never know what burden or hurt they may be carrying. Simple courtesy and kindness are so powerful in paving the road toward peace.
Loved reading about your trip. I would have also been stressed out too, because I have to get solitude time or I get really crabby! Maybe that was Mr. Crabby-pants problem: He needed some down time!
Donna,
Yeah, I think our seat mate could have used some time alone with no seat mates or children behind him. But I am so happy that he eventually came around and let us all see his cheerier side.
Yep yep. I know your feelings of intrepidness on trips like that – how am I going to get my much needed solitude? Even in the midst of good company, I still need it. I need the pressure not being on gone. I get grumpy without it. I’m glad you were able to find it. I’m glad you had a good time and I’m glad you were able to see the most beautiful city in all the world. Jerusalem is just amazing. I cherish the cross I bought there. I wear it every day. It’s a little piece of peace from the Holiest of all lands for me. 🙂
Brooke,
We also bought a cross Jerusalem; it’s made of olive wood and Steve is going to display it in his office. Every time we look at it we will remember that great city.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who craves solitude. Sometimes even a few minutes of aloneness can make all the difference.
And I loved your “little piece of peace” line.
Sounds like you were well taken care of on your trip – by Steve and your fellow travelers. I remember one flight I had from Atlanta to Tampa. I had been in Atlanta working for 3 or 4 days, maybe longer as I had taken both my personal and work laptops. When I got to security in Atlanta and unzipped my laptop bag, I discovered I had left my work laptop on my desk in the office in Roswell, a northern suburb. Atlanta airport is in the southern part of the city. Fortunately, the market president was able to bring to me and I made my flight on time. As soon as I sat down in my seat though, I started seeing swirling lights which was an indication of an ocular migraine that I get from time to time. I know the stress of getting the laptop and not having time to relax a bit before boarding had brought it on. So I empathize with your tears. Glad Mr. Crabby Pants was peaceful at the end.
Phyllis,
Travel can certainly be a joy but it is not without its stresses. I can only imagine how tense you got when you realized you had forgotten the laptop and that had to sit and fret about whether or not it was going to make it to you in time. A little relaxing time for you before the flight would have made all the difference!
Wow, Becky, bless your heart. You poured your heart out to us and I’m sure we are all sympathizing with you and the struggles you had on your flight. I’m sure we would be a little out of sorts after not sleeping for 20 hours. I think I would have been babbling – nothing would have made sense. Fortunately I do like to fly (my arms get a little tired thoug), but so far have not been on an extremely long flight. So glad you were able to take some pictures of this trip and share them with us. In your quiet time now, know you will be able to sit back and enjoy remembering most of the greatness of the trip and put in the back of your mind the struggles. Bless Steve’s heart and his wisdom in handling the kicking of the seat. Shalom!
Sharyn,
You’re so right. Looking back at a trip’s memories is one of the best experiences of a trip.
Pictures and stories and recollections–they are all wonderful to contemplate during my treasured quiet times.