The trip from Gehenim. (Back in the USA)

Last you heard, we were in London and our time had been completely wasted there. Our flight to America ended up taking us to Washington DC. We traveled British Airways and had actually a very pleasant flight in and of itself.
However, we had no Kosher meal because El Al forgot to book it. By the time we got there, we were told it was too late to get them. That was strike two. Luckily, a lovely frum couple who was flying in the same terminal but to Israel from London gave us their sandwiches that they had purchased in the Jewish area for themselves, before we boarded our flight to DC. I was so thankful to them and it was such a beautiful thing they did. They actually saved us because as I'll explain, we didn't end up eating again for 3 days. But I digress.

As I said, the flight was good coming to DC. Unfortunately, when we arrived, we found that one of our bags, again, was missing. We also found that another bag was severely damaged and will need to be replaced. We did clear customs ok and headed to the domestic terminal to re-check our luggage for our flight to LAX. When we got to the kiosk, we found out that yes our bags had been ok weight for international travel, but they were overweight for domestic. Thus, we were charged an additional $50 per bag. Thank you again, El Al. Also, we once again did not get and would not be able to get kosher meals on our flight. Strike 3 and 4? Needless to say, a formal complaint with demand for reimbersment will be made to El Al.

Then we had to go through security again. And because you know how Jews fly airplanes into buildings, we were flagged for extra super duper security inspection -- with physical pat down. Meanwhile the hundreds of Muslims at the airport went through security with a wave of the white-guilted hand. I had to demand a female guard to search me. We were made to stand in a plexiglass box in front of everyone. It was rediculous and demeaning.

Once through the Nazi checkpoint, we headed to a terminal in which we were told by an airline employee had a kosher restaurant. It turned out when we got to said restaurant that their specialty was bacon cheesburgers with popcorn shrimp. I have no idea what the employee was thinking. Either he was incredibly ignorant or a jerk.

No matter, when we reached our gate, we found out that our flight had been over booked (thanks again, El Al). So we voluntarily gave up our seat in exchange for two free airline tickets. So that was awesome. We now have a free flight anywhere within 48 states to use within a year's time. We also got comped to go to a hotel for the night. Also, we got free meal vouchers (which we were not able to do a thing with).

After we were given passes, we had to go to customer service to get it squared away. We camped out in line for 4 hours at customer service, surviving on candy bars and potato chips. Finally, we got everything squared away and went to the hotel, which was actually very lovely. However, we were incredibly tired and very much not wanting to be traveling.
The next day, we woke up early for our LAX flight. We went through security again. Unfortunately, I had forgotten to put a jar of honey in my checked luggage. I had purchased it also in Tel Aviv at the airport's duty free shop. It was sealed and had the tag still on it! It had made it through security in London and extra SUPER DUPER security in DC. But this particular morning at the DC airport, there was a particularly sadistic Nazi officer on duty. They took my jar and chucked it. At this point, I'd had enough. This was my last straw. I just started bawling. Michael pleaded with him to reconsider, to no avail. I shouldn't have done this, but I just started yelling as we walked away that if I were wearing a hijab, I'd still have my jar. Honestly. When was the last time a Jew hijaked a plane? This stupidity that they now do at the airports in America make us no safer. If anything, it's even more dangerous! They only aggrevate good people into wanting to leave the country (and go to, say, Israel!).
At any rate, we got on our flight. No food for us. We'd spent three days in airports. When we landed in Los Angeles, my mother picked us up and we picked up our luggage (that arrived the day before because we gave up our seat) and then talked to British Air about our lost bag. We found out it arrived back at our apartment in San Diego that day so it was safe. After that, my mother took us to get food. Thank G-d! Then, We stopped off to pick up Michael's car and headed home.

All in all, this was an amazing time we spent in Israel. At this time, we're already trying to plan our next trip. I know that next time (and also never again) we will not be flying El Al nor Virgin Atlantic. I refuse. We will take British Air and we hope to perhaps on purpose have a day in London to tour. But it's all in the talking stages at this point.

We really hope everyone has enjoyed sharing our trip with us and we also hope that everyone who hasn't yet, will consider heading over to Israel some time soon. It is a great vacation place, very rich with history and splendor. If anyone needs travel advice, we're willing to help!

This blog may be used again in the future. At this time I am not sure what to do with it. For now, let it stand as a journal, documenting our honeymoon. It can be read over and over again, if desired. I will be putting together a photo album with more pictures than what was posted here. I hope to share this with friends and family as well.

Thanks for reading!!