Back when I began this journey of a lifetime I had a rough idea of where I wanted to go, but didn’t plan much more than that. In one of my initial posts I mentioned that I would be taking a travel break mid way around the world, to visit family in Israel. As I write this, that is where I currently am. Being surrounded by so many family members asking lots of questions about my travels made me think back to all I have done.

 

So what have I been up to? I’ve always been a facts and figures person, so I suppose it’s natural for me to want to express what I can in hard data: 17 airplanes, 11 countries, 10 boats, 3 nights sleeping in airports, 1 overnight train. I’ve taken numerous busses and stayed in all kinds of hostels. I’ve hiked in four countries and snorkeled in five. I could go on.

 

 

But most of what I have experienced is intangible and therefore unmeasurable. I’ll never be able to measure the friendships I’ve made. You can get to know someone better in one week of travel than a year as friends at home. And I’ve fallen in love with more countries than I care to admit. Travel hasn’t cured my wanderlust, it has amplified it.

 

I stopped starting sentences with “in my real life” about two months ago, so I suppose I’m becoming more comfortable with who I am. This is me. This is Liz. This is my life.

 

 

Liz Meets Israel (for the 17th time)

My time in Israel has been great! I spent it relaxing and catching up with family. My dad was able to fly out for the same weeks I did, so it really felt like being home. He was even kind enough to bring along my laptop so I could refresh my music and movie options, as well as swap a few clothing and other items.  

Now the thing about my dad is, he does some interesting things. After spending time with my dad I realize I should cash in on the stuff he does, the same way that Justin Halpern cashes in on shit his dad says. Here’s a bit of one day we spent together, aka, Shit My Dad Does:

• Running out of the cemetery to pee in the lawn across the street. “When you have to go, you have to go.”
• Taking the lemon ice-pop from a younger cousin and eating half. Sticking the other half in a cup of water. “Now I have lemonade. I wanted lemonade.”
• Little cousins were playing in the park and bigger kids threatened them. My dad showed up to the park to confront them. “I only wanted to talk but when I showed up they ran away. Must have been my big belly.”

 

Luckily, when I needed a break from all that, I had plenty of other family to see and spend time with. The week I arrived my cousin had a baby. It was the perfect excuse to get everyone together. I loved celebrating our new addition to the family!

 

The following week was independence day so I joined the family for a BBQ. Again, it was great to get to see family members away from their everyday lives. Pairing that with hitting up the beach, with my trusty kindle, and this was a perfect backpacking break. I even got to spend some ‘me’ time catching up on some tv shows and watching football (soccer). 

 

 

Onward

Now the thing is, there is only so much rest I can handle. I’m too excited about continuing onward. I’m going to spend the next three months traveling around Europe! I’ve planned a few stop along the way, but mostly I’m just going to wing it. I’m aiming to visit Hungary, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Portugal, Spain, France, Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. This list has changed several times and probably will change again.

 

 

Aside from seeing more amazing sites and meeting new people, I’m excited to catch up with familiar faces. In Europe I’ll be able to see friends on vacation from home, visit friends from when I lived abroad, and catch up with ones from this journey. I’m really looking forward to it!

Shalom Israel

Next up: Budapest, Hungary