Sunny Side of the Street

Spending our first Shabbat in Israel. We got up late again and felt well rested. I got to meet Shulamit's mother who had been working outside planting flowers in from of the house. After a great, hot shower we set off for Tel Aviv. We had lunch reservations at a small restaurant in the old central area. All around us were beautiful apartment buildings many of which have been refurbished. Most have balconies with flower pots and it was delightful to walk around here.

The restaurant is known for good food and service and we were very pleased. Shulamit and Hannoch recommended the yam pancakes for an appetizer and we shared a plate. They were tiny, lightly fried, potato latkes made from yams (duh) and served with a white sauce and fresh cucumbers. Really yummy!

They brought us English menus and I decided on a vegetable plate that was couscous with chick peas and others veggies with a vegetable soup poured over. Jeff had a pasta dish and we both declared our dishes delicious. Afterwards we all shared a heavenly piece of cheesecake and a chocolate torte. It is fun to experience the city as the locals do.

On the way home we stopped to meet Hannoch's son Shaul. He is in the army and working this weekend so we just had time to say hello. He is a wonderful and talented young man. I have seen videos of him on Facebook playing the piano, harmonica, guitar and singing, but much better in person. We had a lovely chat and hope to see him again next weekend.

Now we are testing and will soon put on our costumes for the Purim celebration. Hannoch has arranged for the four of us to be dressed alike. We will be Iranian nuclear scientists.