To catch you up from the last blog post, the pre-trip to-do list worked. Once I wrote everything down, I realized I didn't have as much to do as I'd thought (WARNING: Things in head appear bigger than they are). The usual pre-trip feelings of overwhelm vanished and I simply did what I knew needed to be done. (Note to self: repeat this process often.)
Focusing on balance prior to my trip helped me to maintain balance during my trip as well. I put in some very long days, but after accomplishing what I came to do, I took advantage of the opportunity my day job presented and spent some time seeing a bit of Israel beyond the walls of my hotel room and borrowed office.
Here's a run down of the highlights:
Flight to Tel Aviv: Was pulled from my "cozy" middle seat in coach prior to take-off and moved to business class. Those who travel can appreciate what a gift from God this was. I made use of the comfort and space by doing a bit of art while sipping wine and listening to some great music (forgot how much I loved Crosby, Stills and Nash).
Saturday: Hotel was located right on the Mediterranean sea. Took a long walk (almost to Jaffa) and got some great shots of the sun setting over the water in addition to Israeli versions of my cats.
Sunday: First day of work was a long one. Left hotel at 7:30 a.m. and returned at around 11:30 p.m. The highlight was meeting David, Orly and Ofir, the people at Tzur who will be handling my day job project.
Monday: Another long, but very productive day. Discovered that the person who will likely be my new boss is an art lover (yay!). He took us out for some great Italian and I had the pleasure of also meeting his wife. Getting to see people beyond who they are at work is something that, as you know, is very near and dear to me. I was glad to see the other side of my "pending" boss and it makes me feel more comfortable about the change ahead.
Tuesday: Another very long work day, but back to the hotel in time to do a bit of walking and grab dinner at a side-walk cafe (of which there are many in Tel Aviv). I must say that I felt extremely safe in this city and loved the ability to walk to everything I needed. Kind of reminded me a bit of the days back in Amsterdam.
Wednesday: Worked from the hotel and got in some serious "touring" of Tel Aviv on foot. Discovered that my hotel was only one block from some fantastic art galleries. I met an artist named "
Jo-Jo" and spent about 45 minutes talking to him and his son. His work is amazing and I encourage you to check it out. Since this was my last night in Tel Aviv, I took a few last shots of the sunset from my room and finished the day with a great sea-side meal.
Thursday: Heading home today, but not before a day trip to Jerusalem. This trip was too much to convey in this post, but the experience was one I will never forget. The memory of how uncomfortable I was in my middle coach seat on the way home is also something I will not soon forget. My butt is still feeling the pain.
Friday: Back on U.S. soil but not yet home. 7 hour layover in Newark softened by getting to spend it in the President's club lounge. By this time, I must admit that I really looked like Hell, but was so tired that I didn't really care. That is until I realized through Facebook postings that an old boss that I had not seen for years was in the same lounge waiting for the flight back to Jacksonville. It was great to see him and he assured me that not all of my cuteness had faded away, but I think...no... I know that he was just being kind (aka lying through his teeth).
The Art of Balance
I found a lot of personal, professional and artistic inspiration on this trip. The entire experience also reminded me how very thankful I am for my day job and the opportunities it has provided over the years to meet new people and travel to places I never dreamed I would be able to see.
Posted in Thoughts on BALANCE.
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