The first time I went to Israel 10 years ago, when we flew in, there were certain traditions. When the plane landed, the passengers applauded (either applauding the pilot for a smooth landing, applauding because they were so happy to be there, or sarcastically applauding as if to say "it's about time!" after such a long flight). Traditional music would play over the public address system (Heveinu Shalom Aleichem) - There was no jet-way, so people would get off the plane and first thing they would do is kiss the ground - literally, right under the plane. And people would sing and dance and rejoice, just so happy to be there.
Then a few years later I came back, and there were jet-ways. They still clapped and the music played, but there was no dancing, and I saw nobody kiss the ground (outside after customs and passport control, who's happy to be there anymore? lol)
This time it was strange. Only a handful of people applauded, and there was no music. Maybe because it was a short flight - I don't know, but it just felt off. That sense of pride and joy I got from my first time in Israel, people coming for the first time don't get that experience anymore. Hopefully it was a fluke...
Also, here are pictures from France
The airplane that took us across the sea, in France - there was a cool viewing area to watch all the planes taxiing
French fruit nectar
No comments:
Post a Comment