Thanks for joining me and Kim for the weekly run down. This week we finished up our trip to Israel and dropped into Dubai for a few days. It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for sure. Here’s a peek into my week.
dipping into Dubai Weekly Run Down
Sunday-Peloton core + full body strength and tread hike
It was nice to have access to a proper gym again and have the time to use it! I got in a great Peloton strength workout. It was rather confusing (as it always is) to convert KGs to LBs with the weights. It is more confusing on the treadmill with the pacing. I did my best on treadmill hike and just went by feel. We spent the afternoon taking advantage of the beautiful views poolside in Eilat.
Later, it was finally time for the wedding. It was a stunning venue in the desert. The pics do not do it justice at all.
Monday-early flight to Dubai
We figured we might as well get one more fun stop added to our passports. Why not!? Dropping into Dubai for a few days was an easy flight from Israel. Our resort has some gorgeous Fire and Water themed decor with evening water and light shows.
Tuesday-full body strength + tread hike + core + stretch
After the best night’s sleep I’ve had so far on this trip, I sure did appreciate and take advantage of the pillow menu-see below. I headed to the very well stocked gym for a tough strength workout. Just what I needed to feel like myself again. Dubai has 2 seasons-summer and super summer lol. It is a “cool” 102 degrees today. We dipped into the pool to enjoy. We took a stroll through the Dubai mall and also caught another light and fire show at the hotel.
Wednesday-Pilates reformer class + tread hike + core class
I took advantage of the Technogym Pilates reformer and took an AI led class. It was challenging and fun to try. Adding in another tread hike and core class to get my Peloton credits in. Later, we hung out by the pool and hit up the spa. I enjoyed a fabulous deep tissue massage with theragun as well.
Thursday-full body strength + core + Dolphin Encounter
We had a super fun day going over to the Atlantis side and hitting up the longest water slide in the world. Afterwards, we did a dolphin encounter where we had the chance to swim with our own dolphin and a trainer. It was fantastic and probably one of the coolest adventures we have done. They are just adorable and friendly. Later, I returned to the gym for some Peloton maintenance strength. And finally, we headed to the airport for a 2 am flight home!
Friday-Fly home + outdoor walk
After a 14 hour flight we landed home at Washington Dulles. Thankfully, I slept for about 7 hours of it. I must say there was something a little surreal about landing at 9 am on September 11th. An outdoor walk at home is always a great help for jet lag and gave me time to contemplate on the somber anniversary and the start of Rosh Hashanah this evening and tomorrow.
Saturday-rest day + Rosh Hashanah
Today we celebrated Rosh Hashanah by attending services and later dinner with my son and his girlfriend. Glad to be home after a fabulous few weeks and looking forward to getting back to my schedule. Happy new year to my Jewish friends.
A few of you asked me if I was afraid of traveling to Israel. Before we left, I definitely had some anxiety about it mostly flying there. Being there, in Jerusalem, I felt very safe. I also felt a deep spiritual connection as the city has a vibe like no other. It’s a special place that holds so many holy sites of so many religions. I’m sad to say that this year, I am more uneasy about walking down the street into our synagogue here in the United States. We have to have armed guards on the street, in front of and inside our temple. If you are someone who attends church services, please think about that next time you visit your place of worship.
Dubai is such an amazing but also slightly surreal place. That heat really makes you appreciate just how much infrastructure keeps the whole place going!
The dolphin encounter sounds absolutely amazing, and that deep tissue massage must have felt wonderful. And that pillow menu! So cute, and definitely right up your street, Deborah! 😄
Dubai is definitely a magical and surreal place to visit
What an amazing trip you’ve been on! I have many patients who are from the Middle East, and they all vacation in Dubai. It sounds like Vegas on steroids! I’m so glad you had a great trip! Happy New Year!
Thanks and yes we did
What a fabulous trip for you and your husband! It’s good to hear that you felt so safe while in Israel, but so incredibly sad that you have to be concerned with your safety when attending services here at home. It’s unbelievable where we are here in the United States today.
On a lighter note, those views and how fun to swim with the dolphins!
Glad you’re home safely and have a great week!
Thanks Debbie it is incredibly sad that all of this antisemitism is happening at home. Yes, the dolphin encounter was so fun and a great way to end the trip
I’m glad you had such a great trip and felt safe overseas. It is very sad and angering that you feel less safe at home.
Yes it really is sad what is happening here with all of the antisemitism. We had a great trip and Dubai was the perfect ending
Looks like a great trip! Glad you felt safe in your travels. The pillow menu looks so amazing! and the massage sounds great! The synagogues around here all have a large police presence too, it is a shame that it has to be that way. La Shana Tova!
Thanks and yes it is a shame that we have to have so much security here just to practice our faith
I’ve obviously been living in a very sheltered reality- there are armed guards outside your synagogue here in the US??? And I see Melissa’s comment above as well. What in the world is happening- this is crazy, and so sad!
On a happier note, I’m glad your trip was so awesome. Everything about it sounds incredible. Just because I’m nosy, I wish I could have seen some photos from the wedding (obviously I know those weren’t yours to share). These people really went all out to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
I love the pillow menu! I want that at my house.
They did ask us not to share photos from the actual wedding but it was gorgeous and I’m so glad we were able to attend. Synagogues in the US have had to have security for years yes but the past few years the threats to American Jews have increased exponentially. Chicago, Philly and especially NYC are pretty bad right now. And yes it sure is crazy and very sad
Wait, what, a pillow menu??!!! That’s amazing! What a lovely idea. How nice to have access to such a good gym and fitness options in Dubai too.
I’m glad that you’ve felt safe coming to Israel and had a good time in both Israel and Dubai, but that is so sad about your temple at home. Happy new year btw!
Thank you Susanne 🙂 Yes, it was a great trip and I always appreciate a well stocked gym