Shalom! Thanks for joining Kim and Me for the weekly run down today. It has been another whirlwind week over here in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Let me share all the details. Here is a peek into my week of fitness, fun, and sightseeing.
Shalom from Jerusalem
Highlight photos from Sunday night’s Desert Safari:
Monday- travel to Tel Aviv + 5 miles of walking around
I got in a quick Peloton stretch class before heading to the airport for our flight to Tel Aviv. Up until 2 years ago, this was not something you could do! Things have really opened up between Israel and some of the Arab countries.
We spent a little time walking around the beach area in Tel Aviv. I am really missing all of my strength workouts but can’t seem to get time to the gym. We have had tours and activities all day!
Tuesday- Running tour of Tel Aviv (6 miles) + Graffiti tour + market tour ( 5 miles)
It was a busy day! I got up early to do a sunrise running tour of Tel Aviv and Jaffa. I will share more about that in a future post. I love to do running tours when I travel and see new cities that way.
Next, we did a graffiti walking tour. There is a cool neighborhood in Tel Aviv known for its graffiti art. It was fun and different and we all really enjoyed it.
Next, we walked all around the food and art markets. I am officially exhausted!
Wednesday- Drive to Jerusalem & tour the old city + Knesset ( 5.5 miles walking)
We drove from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and had a full day. First, we hit the old city and toured the Church of Holy Sepulcher (where Jesus was brought after dying on the cross and was resurrected). It was pretty incredible to be in a place with so much history! next, we went to The Kotel (known as the wall) where you see people putting messages into the crevices.
After lunch, we hit the Knesset (Israeli parliament) for a quick behind-the-scenes tour. Finally, we spent 2 hours at Yad Vashem (the holocaust museum). The whole day was an emotional and eye-opening experience, to say the least. We all fell into bed exhausted again!
Thursday- tour the city of David + visit winery ( 3 miles of walking) + Peloton core & barre class
It was another really busy day of sightseeing. We started off touring the archeological site of the City of David which was really just incredible. They are currently excavating parts of the road to Jerusalem from over 2000 years ago. I learned so much and was just so amazed.
After lunch, we visited an Israeli winery for a wine tasting and some gorgeous views. We were all exhausted again after a full day of touring and lots of eating.
Friday- market tour + fly back to DC + Peloton strength workouts
We were up early to tour the big food market in Jerusalem. Fridays are the busiest day there and everyone was out and about. We tasted so many delicious things, especially the fruits. I picked up some unique spices and teas to take home to a few friends.
You can get more of an idea of our food tour by watching this IG reel.
View this post on Instagram
Our flight was not until 11 pm Jerusalem time so I finally had time to hit up the gym. Boy have I missed my strength training!
Saturday- Arrive back home + Peloton cycle
We landed back in the good old USA in Newark at 4 am and then caught a quick flight back to DC. Home at last! It was an amazing 16 days of adventures. From Jordan to Abu Dhabi to Dubai to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Thanks for following along with my family and me.
I figured the best way to combat jet lag was to sweat it out. Do you think my bike missed me as much as I missed it?
Sunday- Adjusting back to home + some sort of run
I am itching to get back to my workouts! Hoping my jet lag is not too bad and I can get a run in of some sort. Time to return to reality and get back on my schedule.
Looks like an amazing trip and thanks for taking me along! :p I’m sure you’ll be catching up on sleep this week and pinching yourself that you were able to take this amazing adventure with your family!
I am feeling very lucky indeed!
Such great photos! Welcome back.
I cant wait to hear more about this running tour- was it organized? Something you signed up for? How did it work? So many questions- it sounds great!
yes, I figured I would do a whole post on it for Wednesday stay tuned
Your trip has looked like nothing short of amazing! It’s been seeing (via all your pics and videos) most of what you’ve been able to tour in person while there….definitely a place I’d LOVE to visit someday!
It really was everything we hoped for and more!
What an amazing trip.
I’ve been all over Israel many years ago. Such memories.
Good luck with that jet lag.
It was a fantastic trip indeed! I am a little tired today but will power through
Shalom! You should packed in a lot in your visits. What a wonderful way to spend time with your family!
I hope the jet lag doesn’t hit to hard but I know you’ll be back in your routine soon. 🙂
Yes, we sure did have a fantastic time together. I am doing a lot better today hopefully back to normal tomorrow
Wow, you really did have an amazing trip. I can’t wait to hear more about it — hopefully in-person soon?
It is so great that your kids got to go too. You know you have to take advantage of those opportunities while you still can.
LOL on getting on your Peloton as soon as you got home.
Yes, we are so lucky and very grateful that our kids were able to come along. Yes, hope to see you soon!
Oh boy, that trip looks INCREDIBLE. I can’t wait to hear more about the Tel Aviv run. I can see how it was hard to fit in strength workouts, but it was worth it. This looks like the trip of a lifetime.
Yes, I think the jet lag is going to be challenging! They say it takes one day for every time zone, so… it might be a while before you feel normal. Hope you can get in a run today.
It really was an incredible trip! I feel very lucky indeed. I did run today but it felt very hard. Hoping to be back to normal after another good night’s sleep
Hello. I just stumbled upon your site today and really enjoyed your post. What a fun adventure! I am new to blogging and this is my first link back. I added my post above and included a link to both of your blog posts this week in my post. Feel free to send me a message and let me know if this is how you normally do it each week.
I love reading others blog posts and look forward to following along and being a part of this group.
Welcome Michele! Glad you found our link up. Yes, you did do it correctly. We have this every Sunday so feel free to join in. The best way to participate is just to visit each blog in the link up and everyone should reciprocate as well. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions
Fabulous trip and what great family memories! It’s been fun to see your photos. Hope your jetlag isn’t too bad.
It was a fantastic family adventure! I am hanging in there today still a little tired
Welcome back! Although I’m sure it was hard to come back from all the great exploring you’ve done the past 2 weeks 🙂
I would also love the town with graffiti art. Although I’m not artistic at all, I always appreciate seeing art in varying formats. You should definitely frame the family photo in front of the hearts – I absolutely love that picture!
You’re awesome for getting right back into the swing of things with Peloton once you were back – that takes a lot of dedication.
We really did have the best time! It was a fabulous way to explore w our kids. I am itching to get back on track!
What an amazing adventure – I loved traveling along through your photos and videos! You must be exhausted. Welcome home!
thanks yes still a little tired! Hoping to be back to myself by tomorrow
Your trip looks so amazing! How did you guys decide to take this trip? Was it something you’d always talked about or did you just recently start planning it? It sounds like you had a complete blast and what a bucket list destination!
thanks we did have an amazing time! We like t d big trips to celebrate our kids’ graduations from high school and college. This was a graduation gift present for our son.
Amazing, amazing, amazing.
I got to run by a little lighthouse too this week! I mean, so close and yet so far, right?
And that graffitti walking tour sounds incredible!
yes exactly! 🙂