In our final time in the USA, we packed up, thanked our hosts and said goodbye to the West Orange community. After a well air-conditioned bus ride, it was time for the eagerly awaited Dave and Busters. After a delicious lunch (pizza, pasta and salad) and a high-intensity session of gaming, we headed back onto the buses for the airport.

JFK did not know what was about to hit them. There’s a famous saying: “When in Rome do as the Romans” – therefore for the sake of Yad B’Yad,”When flying ELAL do as the Israelis”. With some loud noise of fun hanging out and walking around on the plane (even when the seatbelt sign was on) we landed in Israel on time, but most importantly in one piece. We greeted our Israeli staff – Yad B’Yad style, however we didn’t play ‘bloop’ this time.

Following the long stretch of passport control and baggage claim – which when travelling alone is an unofficial race against the rest of the passengers on the plane, slow and steady ended up winning the race. By the time we arrived at passport control there was little waiting around and our bags and lunch was patiently waiting for us.

We freshened up before heading onto the buses for the 3-hour trek up north, much needed sleep was caught up on. Once arriving in Hispin, we were welcomed with a scrumptious Israeli style dinner (schnitzel). Tomorrow we will be experiencing Israeli’s nature at its finest and can’t wait for our first full day in Israel!

 

Nathan Benizri and Lior Saada