Day 1 - Israel Trip

This has been a long day.  Left the house a little after 11am in dense fog. I wasn't sure if when I got to the airport I would be able to get out of GSO.  But there were no delays and I got to Philly on time.  Spent the $50 for a day pass to the US Airways Club and it was worth it.  It was an island of quiet.  The 6 hour wait passed very quickly and I was able to get a few things done.  I was curious about security for the flight to Israel.  I had passed through security in Greensboro and with the Israeli reputation of being very security conscience I did not know what to expect.  But it was easy and smooth.  There was another security area that one had to pass through to get to the boarding area.  Flight was not full and I was lucky enough not to have a seat mate so I could spread out.

The surprise came when I left the airplane and as I started to walk up the ramp to the terminal I saw a man holding a card with my name on it.  Turns out he was sent from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (from now on MFA) to help expedite my way through customs.   We went out the door, down the steps to the tarmac where we walked around the corner and got into a car.  He then drove around the airport to immigrations where he took my passport and we went to the head of the line.  Got my luggage and  put me in a car to the hotel.  I have never traveled like this and I rather liked it!!!! 

Hotel is right on the beach and is very nice.  Rooms are small and there are not nearly enough outlets, but then again in most hotels there aren't.  Arrived at the hotel about 4:30 and laid down to take a short nap.  My plans were to take a short nap and then walk around for a while.  I woke up at midnight!!!  There goes the plans to walk around tonight.  But plan on getting up early and walking and perhaps even make it to the fitness center. 

I am to meet up with the group at 2pm and I am excited to meet the other members and to find out what all we will be doing. 

Off to bed again.  More tomorrow.