first steps in israel

So after months of waiting I was making my way to Israel but I still had a few things left to do.

Now I don't know about the rest of you but I felt leaving the UK was a very good excuse for a big Lachayim (toast). so after a quick stop in the duty free where I picked up a bottle of vodka I then threw my Israeli flag over my shoulders and made my way to the departure gate to meet with the just over 100 other new Olim (immigrants) off to Israel. It was Here where the excitement really started to build up!!!

Once on the plane a special announcement was made welcoming all the Olim as we embarked on what was to be one of the biggest journeys of my life!!!

Immediately after touchdown we were led to passport control where I was personally intercepted by not one but 3 reporters and a photographer all out to catch a glimpse of my story anyway once I got free of them I made my way to the Immigration office.

While we all waited in the office for our names to be called and to receive our new immigrant certificates. I decided now was a more perfect time then ever so I cracked open the vodka with some of my fellow Olim and in front of the press cameras we toasted a successful journey seeing that we most defiantly deserved a stiff drink after leaving our homes to start over new!!!

Finally once we left the airport and got to our hotel it was 3AM!!!!!! So no guesses what I wanted to do then!!!

On the next morning the agency organized a fair where we could get ourselves started and talk to some businesses we required. It was here I organized my bank account, health insurance and a mobile phone.

Now the evening was another exciting event firstly we headed off to the western wall for a ceremony to receive our ID cards and of course once again the press was there so giving the people what they want I threw my flag into the air as my name was called out and of course once again I made another series of press photos.

(I was hoping to become a bit of a celebrity out here!!)

after that we settled down to a lovely dinner with a pro Israeli christian group called Ebenezer who had helped organize and fund this huge event and they personally went round to congratulate all of us.. one of the executive members even hugged me and congratulated me whilst jokingly saying " you must be really excited you havent taken off that flag"!!

Then Exhausted after along two long days we made our way back to the hotel for our teary goodbyes before I was to head off to Haifa on the next morning...

Anyway i will fill you in about Haifa when i have the time

Its allready 1am here and i have to be up at 7!!!

Wishing you were all here with me

Jordan