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24 Oct 2022


Today, of course, anyone can surf on the net and find numerous attractive tourist points to visit anywhere.

But will it ever be the same as hearing good tips from people who have been many times?

Paris is one of my favorite cities when traveling. 

So today, let me give you a few recommendations on special sites
that you might be unknown to you.

To make it easier for you, I am adding the links to the sites. 

1. La Coulee Verte -  The Green promenade 

A walking area built on an upper level that used to be a railway, especially
nice on a sunny day and most even more in spring or summer.

https://www.paris.fr/lieux/coulee-verte-rene-dumont-1772


2. Park Citroen

A big, beautiful park, built on the site of once a Citroën vehicles manufacturing.

Inside of the park, among other curiosities, there is an hot air balloon.

You get up for 15 minutes (the balloon remains attached to the ground), and have a great view of Paris.

Again, it is specially recommended on a nice day (not activated anyway on windy or rainy days). 

https://www.paris.fr/lieux/parc-andre-citroen-1791

https://www.ballondeparis.com



3. Louis Vuitton Foundation.


A great and unique architecture work, both from outside and inside.

It is also a museum presenting various exhibitions and it is worth checking what will be during the time of your stay and book as much as possible in advance.

https://www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr/en/visit

4. L’ Atelier Des Lumières

A huge warehouse like, where are presented art exhibitions of famous painters using visual technics, presented on walls, sealing and floor.

This is a highly recommended place that will take your breath away!
Book in advance…..

https://www.atelier-lumieres.com/en/home

5. Albert Kahn Museum and gardens

A billionner, who lived at this place from 1900, had a worldwide photos project, sending 12 photographers to 52 countries.

The exhibition contain 72000 photos on the walls but you display them from the modern and attractive computerized equipments which let you decide the themes (human, politics, geographic, etc.).

You cannot watch them all, of course, but is a mostly interesting indexed collection!

https://albert-kahn.hauts-de-seine.fr/en/visit/useful-information

Not less amazing, is the enormous garden (4 hectares) surrounding the house and presenting 5 typical worldwide gardens of the world.

Though, this incredible place is located on the city of Boulogne-Billancourt, joined to Paris over the Seine with the 15th quarter and part of the 16th quarter as well.

You can get there by « Métro », station « Boulogne - Pont-de-Saint-Cloud », turn around the round-about and you are almost there. With a car, it is 30 minutes drive from the Place de la Concorde.

https://www.french-gardens.com/gardens/jardin-albert-kahn.php

6.La Seine Musicale on the “Île Seguin”

A musical centre and concert hall located on one of the “island” on the Seine river.
The building itself is unique, same are the close-by surroundings.

If possible, I recommend to combine a concert, a show or a film which music is played with a live orchestra.

For the fans of jazz, note that Avishai Cohen is invited to perform at the Seine Musicale at least once a year….

It is also located in the Boulogne-billancourt area, same distance by car (there is a huge parking).

By métro, the closest station is Pont-de-Sèvres then you walk a bit along the Seine until you get to the bridge to the Île Seguin.

https://www.laseinemusicale.com

https://www.ileseguin-rivesdeseine.fr/fr/lile-seguin

Is the corona still around ?

28 Aug 2022

It depends who you ask and which country you live in…

In Israel, the covid has not been in the news for the last 6 months.

No restrictions, no masks are required, except in hospitals and medical centres.

The numbers dropped significantly and around 1000 new cases a day are declared.

In most European countries all restrictions were removed, allowing free arrivals from abroad to all passengers ,  the same applied in the USA and Canada.

The global tourism and travel is back as it was in 2019.

This sudden return to normal travel created bottlenecks at most airports in the world, and restrictions of the number of flights had to be implemented.

The Far East experiences a different situation with Covid.
Japan sees a significant increase of contaminated persons; 200,000 new cases a day; same in South Korea.

China numbers are not clear. The last figures were showing a weekly average of 2000.

And what is the forecast regarding corona?
As mentioned a year ago , it is here to remain, probably for the next coming years.
Hopefully, it will not include too severe cases.

Should we take any measures to avoid it become severe?
Is it in our hands?
Will we have annual vaccination?
Should we wear masks indoors?

I do and I have seen others doing the same.

One important point must be emphasized here:

it is now up to the individuals -and not to the governments- to keep healthy from corona.
Let's hope that we won't face anymore a situation which requires worldwide governments interferences… 

Travelling In Iceland

July 20


Iceland is unique for its nature beauty, but we discovered that there is more to it.

We had scheduled 8 full days to visit Iceland , but we soon understood that it was just a tiny taste of it and I am sure that we will return.

Various visits options are available, from organized tours to individual traveling.

We chose the second one and contacted The Icelandic Experience, an Israeli couple living there, who planned each of our 8 days with a very professional schedule.

Here are some of the topics we recommend in South-East Iceland:

1. Westman Island

You only reach the area by ferry ( 45 minutes ) with your car on board and spend a full day in the main island and around.

Do not miss the rib fast boats, one hour tour of the various islands and caves.

You are provided special clothing to keep you warm and dry and enjoy an amazing view of the area, without missing the speed experience of the rib boat, accompanied by the sound of an adventurous music….

2. Thorsmork reserve 

7 hour tour with super jeeps; a fascinating area with canyons, rivers, water falls. Quite challenging for those who do not practice sport: a lot of walking and climbing….But worthwhile the effort, if you can!

3. Ice Caves 

 visit of the Katla caves located on the Kotlujokull glacier.
It is a tour of 4 hours. There also, you will reach the top area with super jeeps and walk for 45 minutes on the ice, with spikes attached to your shoes.

Helmets are also provided to avoid banging your heads within the caves. This is a unique experience, which is technically feasible by everyone, as long as you have solid waterproof shoes.

4. Snow motorbike

This is an unforgettable 4 hour tour on the top of the mountains where snow remains, even during the summer….

You reach the parking area of the motorbike by super jeep and are transferred to a 800 meters height glacier.

Here as well, you receive special clothing to keep you warm. A short training gets you prepared to drive the motorbike and you are on board for an hour and half.

Amazing! You reach 1300 meters heights and you feel on a different planet. “WAAOO” was our reaction….. Challenging again, but worth the thrill…

5. Various waterfalls , The Glacier Lagoon, the Black Beach and Hella caves

each one deserves a seperate story!

To summarise my blog this time:

a. Iceland is quite expensive , but worth traveling there tomorrow…. No doubt that you will enjoy!

b. Make sure you take the appropriate clothing and shoes…
This is important for making your trip a success!

C. If you drive, watch the road carefully as most roads are narrow.
You will enjoy the surroundings once you have arrived to your next destination….

Infected with Corona

12 June 2022 


After over 2 years keeping all the regulations using the mask anytime , being more conservative than most, I became corona positive.

How and when? this is unclear….

One assumption is that it happened during an event which I was hosting.
No masks were used, as allowed per the Health Department authorities now-a-days. However, to my knowledge , none of the attendees got it.

Another assumption is that I got the virus at an event which I had to be,
but same, I didn't hear that any of the others got sick.

It came as a real surprise, one day I was biking for 6 kilometers and the other day my temperture was over 37.5 which was unusual.

I did a Covid home test and I was shocked to see that it was positive.
I immediately drove to have an official PCR which proved I was positive.

I did’t feel specific symptoms:  a light coughing and one day over 38° temperature. The other days did’t go over 37°.

The 4th and 5th days home tests were negative, so I was free to go out of insulation , 9 June .

The conclusion for this unexpected and theatrical sickness of mine:

USE MASKS - PARTICULARLY IN DOORS!

Even that my covid illness was very light, it was an unpleasant experience, even a scary one, being unaware of how the virus would develop and do to my health.

My recommendation, now more than ever and as watching with concern at the increase of the sick people:

be aware, take care, use mask, Avoid the Covid virus!

4 Hours without A mobile

5 May 2022

Last week, 3 years after having my mobile, I decided that it was time to change it due to various issues.

I opted for the latest version of Samsong ,S22 ( I am still upset that Blackberry is not in market any more…with physical keyboard, 
see above my old BB  ).

I left my old mobile at the phone shop lab for them to transfer the data , contacts and pictures from my old phone ro the new one.

The outcome was that, for 4 hours, I didn't have a mobile.
No one could call me, I couldn't call anyone….

Some would consider this as « the end of the world", but somehow,
I managed…

Never-the-less I had to ask permission from the technician to let me make a call advising that I would be delayed at a meeting and also I couldn't stop the parking timer, of course, as it had to be done through my mobile.

What a strange situation to be without a mobile now-a-days!
How did we managed 25 years ago? I remember how hard it had been to convince Worldspan’s management that a mobile would be a great tool to keep contact with customers.

Today, for good and for bad, every one expects you to answer a call ,
or at least to response through a message application.

I was happy to get my mobile back…. The new one, of course….

Conclusion:
it is not a disaster to be without such a tool……if you know that you will have one back within as less hours as possible….

A known recommended exercise for getting calm, besides breathing,
is to shut your mobile aside and ignore it for two hours….

Visiting bits of the Loire Valley

17 Mar 

 Many of you have been in the Loire Valley area and visited the very well known castels.

Let me recommend you on 2 places, a bit less known, which good friends  planned for us to visit together.

1. The Abbaye of Fontevraud was founded in 1101 by a travelling monk who didn’t wait long to take the very unusual decision at the time to choose a woman , abbess Pétronille de Chemillé, to rule in the abbaye over men and women!

That was a first in history, incredibly, the order was kept over  the centuries and 36 abbesses, one after the other and all of them from royal blood, ruled in the abbaye until 1792. It was then that the last nuns left the Abbaye.

Numerous kings and princesses came to the abbaye. Some of them from the Plantagenêt branch, have been buried there:
Eléanor of Aquitaine, her husband, Henry II Plantagenêt and her famous son, Richard The Lion Heart are buried there and their “gisants” can be seen in the abbatial church.

After the nuns left, the place was organized as a prison from 1814-1963 (yes! 1963!!!) and was regarded as one of the toughest prisons of France.

Parts of the abbaye were restored during the years. It became a culture centre and lately it includes a museum of Modern Art.

It might be that history is not your favorite subject…. I still believe that you will find this place mostly fascinating.

2. The Château du Clos Lucé and Leonardo Da Vinci
This Château belongs to the kings of France and was used as a summer house . It is close to the château d’Amboise.

It was there that, invited by King François I, Leonardo Da Vinci stayed during the last 3 years of his life.
During this period, he worked as a painter, engineer ,architect and sculptor.

The well known Mona Lisa painting was created at the château and a special floor is showing all his models. What an amazing tour!
Of course I warmly recommend it to you all!

It is easy to get around and you can even have brochures in Hebrew among the 11 languages offered to the visitors of the world.

How not to mention the huge and beautiful park named Leonardo Da Vinci !

Seven acres…. 70,000 square meters! An amazing park, where part of his architecture works has been built in order to expose his genius ideas.

Specially on a nice day,plan to spend a few hours there. It deserves your attention.

Then if you want to have even more of a good time, pop-in to eat at the auberge du Prieuré, in the park itself, an ancient monastery from the 15th century, serving meals in the style of the Renaissance period as well as wearing costumes of that time, speaking the language from then.

We enjoyed our meals, the drinks, including a most tasty “vin chaud” prepared as it used to be drunk in the past, the great atmosphere as well as the good value for money! 

Corona period in Israel - Episode 2 of 2022

11 Feb 2022

 For the last 2 years my main topic in this blog has been and still is writing about Corona.

When again it will cover food , restaurants and travelling without any mention of corona, it will be the sign that it is over!… 

During the last 2 years we saw ups and downs of the pandemic.

For example , if we go back to the end of May, the government cancelled the demand to keep 2 meters from other people while at the airport.

On the other hand , from mid-Dec21 until the beginning of Jan 22, our government restricted travel to most countries due to the Omicron variant.

The current situation in Israel -  We have around 37000 daily new cases, and 1000 hospitalised people in serious conditions.

However, we have no restrictions, except for the mask requirement -which is wise-in close areas.

Many people around me were sick with minimal symptoms as all were vaccinated.

Luckily, I managed meanwhile to avoid the virus, using a mask in closed areas and keeping « les gestes barrières » as it is called in France: scrupulous hand wash, no hugs and no kissing! Even my grand-daughters are aware of those facts…

Unfortunately, the tourism and travel business is still much behind its normal operation.

IATA, the airlines organisation, already announced that the obligation of using masks on board will continue during 2022.

Many European countries decided to remove all the restrictions, including wearing masks.

In my humble opinion, the removal of this demand is a mistake, as presently it is the best existing protection, in addition to being vaccinated as required by the Health Department.

Anyway, the end of the first quarter of 2022 is approaching.
Let our hope of seeing a decrease in the pandemic come true!
Stay well everybody! Good health!

Corona period in Israel 2022 - Episode 1

Jan 09 2022 


Almost 2 years since the corona entered our life .I didn't think ( was too optimist ) that in 2022 ,I will continue to write about.

Going back to my posts in 2021, It seems in June ,that the corona is over. Only 50 new cases per day ,all restrictions were removed including wearing a mask indoors ,which I think was a mistake.

For few months all seems that life is back to normal , including a pilot of tourists entering Israel.

The change happened when the new virus ,Omicron appeared in the World.
Number of new cases continue to increase ,therefore the government decided mid of Dec to restrict travel to most countries.
No foreign residents were allowed to enter Israel.

For 2 weeks the airport was almost closed, not a logic situation for a democratic country.

Every day number of new cases continue to increase and during first week of 2022 it was over 10000 and even reached 17000.

Despite this high number ,no restrictions were imposed by the government ,except the airport closure.
The green pass is being implement when going into restaurants, coffee shops , museums and culture events.


The airport closure was removed 6 Jan ,allowing the residents to travel to any country. Tourists fully vaccinated were allowed to enter Israel as of Jan 9.

Another way to fight the Omicron was to implement a 4th vaccination for anyone over 60, In order to minimise the spread of the virus ( I myself received it).

Still, over 1 million of Israelis are not vaccinated either not at all or only 2 shots which is a risk to normal operation.

 Again, having the right vaccinations and wearing a mask indoors and also outdoors in some cases,can stop or minimise the epidemic.

Visit to Paris at the Approach of the holidays

01 Dec 2021

Less than a month before the Christmas and New year festivities it  is a great time to visit Paris.

We just completed a full month visit and if you plan a trip , it is the right time to visit this beautiful city.

It is nicely decorated with various lights which, as always, contribute to the holiday atmosphere.

A point to highlight during the corona period, as the virus is still around and even increasing in Europe, that strict regulations are kept.

Everyone is with masks indoors, covering both nose and mouth.
You will be entering restaurants, cafés(even outside), museums and events only if you have the sanitary pass, showing that you are vaccinated.

The usual highlights of Paris are known , but this time I have to mention 4 recommendations, if you plan to travel soon.

1. La Fondation Louis Vuitton -
The museum with a unique architect hosting through Feb 22nd , 2022 ,the Morozov collection of art , with over 200 paintings!
It is a real marvel to whom likes paintings! I do recommend it with warmth!

2. la Seine musicale -
This is a quite new and unique music centre based on the Île Seguin, a tiny island in the suburbs, 30 minutes from Paris centre).

Recommended to visit on a sunny day, both to follow the green and lovely path along the Seine and attend a musical event among an astonishingly variated choice. And of course, restaurants and bars are available.

3.”Lights on the Seine”
It is an event which will remain through Jan 9th, 2022 and is located in the Saint Cloud National Park: 2 hours of a delightful show of sounds and lights within lighted trees and plants.

4.L'Atelier Des Lumiers
Another one, also related to lights, but indoor and totally different.
Nowadays, Dali and Gaudi are the two artists whom works gave life to magnificent shows .

Those are my top recommendations. If you come , also enjoy the Christmas stands which offer endless varieties of food and hot wines.

Most important: Wear your mask indoors to protect yourself and the others… 

Touring Israel with Corona

21 Oct 2021 

 No, this doesn't mean that I caught the covid virus after my third vaccination.

As many experts keep saying “we need to continue living next to the corona ".

31 months have passed since the start of the corona in Israel, and it will probably remain for another year, in the best case.
The 4th wave of corona is over, luckily without any insulation and we see a significant decrease in the daily new corona cases.

Therefore, it is time to go back to our normal daily behavior…. - almost - as travelling abroad didn’t fully get there.

In order to compensate, last weekend, we took a tour to the north of Israel with friends, a total of 8 people. As we all drove in one van, each one of us took a self test of Covid-19 despite everyone having done the 3rd vaccination “booster”.
It is always great to travel with friends you get along with; great atmosphere!...

Our base for the 2 nights was a small hotel in Metula, the Lishansky hotel, established in 1936, owned by a lovely lady, offering tasty food as well.
Metula is the most northern town in Israel, with 2000 inhabitants.
It was founded 1896 and, in the streets, you still feel the atmosphere of the past.

We visited other old places in the area: Zefat and Rosh Pina, including a jeep ride .
A 20 kilometres walk was also part of the planning. We visited the Banias falls and other nature attractions.

Back to the corona, Everywhere, the corona rules were kept. We ensured that we had our green pass, and we knew that, like us, each one entering closed surroundings had their 3rd vaccinations and could enter wearing their mask.
Even though, I like to travel abroad, I do recommend in-country trips, particularly if you do so with the right people..... 

Traveling During Corona Period

Aug 27 2021 

 It started in March 2020.

Next month it will be a year and a half that we live with the corona virus.
Travel and Tourism stopped immediately and a minimal number of flights were operating.

In 2021, with the vaccination of a high number of people in Israel and in European countries, we see an increase of the travel but It is still on low level and definitely far from 2019.
I can share with you, from personal experience and others’, what is required to travel to a country which is considered « green » or « yellow », as well as the feeling and behaviour when you are abroad.

At the end of July, we traveled to Paris. We are vaccinated , so it is less complicated. France does not requiers a corona test before boarding if you come from Israel with a vaccination certificate.
Upon arrival at the Charles de Gaulle airport, passport control only asks to see the vaccination certificate, scan it and you are free to start your stay, without confinement.

You pick up your luggage, get your car and immediately notice that every one without exception is using a mask. Last June, the French government has removed some of the corona restrictions, including sitting indoors restaurants and opening of museums.

Masks are required but only indoors. You can feel a lighter atmosphere in the streets, in comparison with the time when most places were closed. Nevertheless, the town is not crowded as it used to be at that period of the year.

Mostly tourists from Europe can be seen around, hardly from other places besides the green countries. During our visit, we requested to sit outdoors in restaurants, where possible. Most of them were allocated space on the pavements and even on the roads, protected with wood constructions.

We enjoyed Paris within the limits of the masks obligations and avoided to gather in crowded areas. As of Aug 9th, the French government implemented the green certificate , or as they call it "passe sanitaire". You cannot enter restaurants, hotels, museums unless you have a vaccination certificate that are scanned for strict verification before you can go in.
The Israeli certificate is accepted eventhough the bar code cannot be read by the European application that they use. We explained upon arrival to such places, what was the reason why our code bar couldn’t be read and were welcomed everywhere when showing the Israeli certificate.

In most countries, it is an individual decision whether to fly this year or not.
Israelis, for example, must come back holding a less than 72 hours negative corona test from abroad, go through testing again upon arrival and be at least a week in insulation before they can do an additional test which, hopefully, will come back negative and set them free from quarantine. Sounds like a long process but 
it is reasonable. 

I belong to those that believe, like some Israeli professors said, that "the corona will remain with us for at least another year and we need to live with it". If you decide to travel, just be cautious! Wear a mask, wash your hands with care and avoid crowded places….

Corona Test in Paris - The Nightmare !

Jun 20 

 We arrived to Paris on Jun 9th, the first day vaccinated Israelis were allowed to enter France without a corona test and without quarantine.

It was also the first day many restrictions in France  were removed, including dinning indoor at restaurants and opening of new museums.
The city seems quite vivid though not exactly the Paris I know.
Though full of acceptance of tourism, it is not yet there.

Two weeks passed and we felt how great it was to be here again, in this wonderful city!

Until.... arriving to the only place in the surroundings performing corona tests on a Saturday, Neuilly-sur-Seine.
Israel require that any resident coming back will have a negative corona test result before boarding.

We had to decide between Saturday and Sunday to be within the permitted 72 hours, as Sunday the lab would be open only half a day.
So here we are, arriving in Neuilly at 1630 and walking towards the lab, when we saw a huge amount of people assembled somewhere further away.
Was it a fight or some distribution of goods for free?….

It happened that it was only a huge queue with approximately 80 people waiting for the test in front of us, and soon after another 100 were behind us.
We were in the line for two hours until we got inside the laboratory and this includes one full hour standing under heavy rain with light summer clothing.
But why such a long wait when we know that it is a 2 minutes process?

The staff were very devoted and helpful , but it seems they cannot manage with so many people, so many requirements every day, 7/7.

One positive point in addition to the staff dedication, is that the test is free of charge both for residents and foreigners.

If the French government wants tourists, it urgently needs to make dramatic changes encouraging more centres to be opened during the weekends. That was unbearable and a very unpleasant experience for a foreigner.

Latest  update - results received after 8 hours - and we are negative 😀

End Of Corona in Israel

18 June 

l As of Jun 1st, 2021, all corona restrictions were remove , and Israel is back to a normal life.

No limit of events nor of number of attendees. Football games have 30000 and more audience . The significant change is that one does not need anymore to present the green certificate showing that you are vaccinated .

The  restriction  for wearing masks in doors  was removed on Jun 15th except for boarding and during flights, as well as inside hospitals.

Travel abroad became more easy without the request to present an approval from the Ministry of Health before flying. You need a negative corona test, only for those countries requiring such.

Netherlands for exemple, doesn’t require it and on June 09th, France opened its doors freely for « green countries », like Israel, as long as people have a valid corona vaccination to present.

There are 8 red countries which Israeli residents are restricted to fly to, among them India and Turkey.

Flying back to Israel, you still need to present a 72 hours corona test before boarding and to carry out another one upon arrival.
A little bit more complicated and quite costly if you are a family, as all tests expenses are paid by the travellers, but at least, vaccinated people are not required to go into isolation.

Still and unfortunately, incoming tourism in Israel is not yet allowed, even to vaccinated people. A plan for a pilot test is expected this  month with a few groups and my hope is that, like in some other countries, it will lead to the renewal of our tourism industry.

Post Corona in Israel - Almost

 8 May

-----------

 As of March 7th, only 47 new daily cases and over 5 million of vaccinations were reported. Thanks to that, most corona restrictions were removed and Israel returned to an almost normal life, including the removal of the masks outdoor.

Welcome back musical events, theaters, sport events, restaurants and weddings!
There is only one requirement: all participants must present their green certificate proving that they had 2 vaccinations.
If you don't have it , a negative corona test within 48 hours is mandatory.

Still , people are required to be careful while indoors and wear their mask and scrupulously controlled everywhere.
Travelling abroad was still in low volumes until now. Israelis refrained from flying due to the numerous demands and restrictions, like quarantine after their return.
In addition, few European countries were open for entry.

May 7th was a turnaround date! The European Union announced that, living in a green country and holders of vaccinations, Israeli residents can enter the EU countries.
If we decide to travel - many Israelis are travelling now to the Emirates, a new attractive destination, four hours flight away-  and if vaccinated , there is no need anymore to be in insulation, except for 7 red countries, upon returning to Israel.

Only the incoming tourism is on hold. The government restrict arrival of foreigners into Israel due to the corona variants.
Compared to 2019 when Israel had 4.5 million tourists, 2020 & 2021 till now had 0 tourists. This is a significant loss of income for Israel (6 billion euros yearly).

Let's hope that in the the near future Israel will open its borders to tourists while maintaining the corona tests before and after landing.

Corona Period In Israel Episode 8

29 Mar 

 Today, I can finally start with good news!

*After the airport it being closed for the second time during corona, the Ben Gurion airport was reopened, still under some limits.

*The plan is to create a green airport. What is meant is that all airport employees , all passengers travelling outbound and inbound will be or vaccinated or presenting negative corona tests.

* The means will include quick tests (15 minutes) for each passenger going through the airport.

* Restaurants and coffee shops were reopen in the country after a 6 months closure, which is a significant change and step forward coming back to normal.

* Musical events and theatres are now allowed with a limit to the number of attendees and on presentation of a green card.

* Most important , Passover celebration dinner ( Evening 27 March )
was allowed to do among the extended family  while last  year it was 
via zoom .


All reliefs are due to the significant decrease of daily new cases -under 3000 - and low number of severe patients. ( under 250  on 6 April )
In addition, over 5 million people were vaccinated, allowing the return to almost a normal life.

Each citizen who got the 2 vaccinations will have a green certificate, allowing them to freely attend any culture event or sit indoors of restaurants.

Personally, March 9 was a very special day ! Going into a restaurant after 6 months of closure (in this case, the Jaffa-Tel Aviv restaurant of Chef Haim Cohen).
it felt as the fight against corona had been won!

Unless an unexpected virus spread develops, Israel should return to almost a normal life very soon, re-boosting its economy.

Let's give space to optimism! .

Corona Period in Israel - Closure of Airport

19 Feb 


 On January 24th, the government announced that the only Israeli international Airport ,Ben - Gurion, would close two days later.
No flights -not incoming, not outgoing- even not for Israeli residents.
Foreigners had already been banned since March 2020.

I have been working in the travel and tourism industry for many years.
Never such measures were imposed on the citizens, not even during war times.

As an immediate consequence, thousands of Israelis were stuck abroad. They couldn't manage to fly back within the 2 days deadline given by the government decisions makers as a negative corona test was required from them to board the flights and more time was required to get the results.
The statement said that this action was taken due the spread of the British and South African corona virus mutation that already penetrated Israel borders.

How can you close an airport and avoid your own citizens to come back home?!
In my opinion -and not only mine- this decision was a mistake.
Other measures should have been taken, much earlier, to prevent the mutations to spread into the country.

- Requests for a negative corona test before boarding a flight;

- Another Corona test immediately after landing at the airport;

- Isolation at home, until a negative result is delivered;

- Electronic handcuffs for each one going into isolation, to ensure enforcement.
We had almost a year to get ready, but it didn’t happen anyway.

- Four million Israelis received the first round of the corona vaccination, three million of them received the second one as well , a fact that needed to be 
considered. 

Another fact that should have been considered. No other country in the world decided on such an extreme action.
Furthermore, it probably would have been challenged by a Supreme Court.

As previously said, thousands of Israelis were stuck abroad, some without sufficient funds. After on going protests, the government authorised rescue flights from various destinations, but only people with pre-approvals and negative corona tests could board. Many Israelis are still out, with no option to come home.

The government would act wisely to revert its decision and reopen the airport to its normal operation, while adding the requisite measures of corona tests outbound and inbound.
It disregards the impact of such a closure on the soon-to-be reborn tourism, one of the highest sources of revenues for Israel. 
Meanwhile , it was announced that the airport will continue to  be closed for inbound and outbound until 6 of March! . 
Only Israelis with pre-approvals can board the few rescue flights. 

Let's keep hoping...

Corona Period in Israel - Episode 7

31 Jan 
   
Already 2021....

 I was probably too presumptuous to believe that this year I would not write again about the pandemic...

I started writing to you about the first "corona period in Israel " on Apr 17th, 2020, and here I am, still unable to move on and getting forward with any other subject!

So... What are the main updates for January 2021?

* Back from Paris that month, I had to remain home on a 10 days lockdown, except for driving to perform 2 corona tests which luckily happened to be negative.

* I received my 2 vaccin, which is great news!

* More than 3 million Israelis already received vaccinations and the target per day is 200,000 people.

* Unfortunately, the number of new patients is still rising, around 8000 people, due to the British virus mutation that affects close to 90% of the younger people diagnosed with corona, including children. Lately, young babies have died from the virus. So terribly awful!

* The general lockdown that was scheduled for 2 weeks has been extended for another week and it isn’t clear yet when it will end. Government officials have opposite opinions on the matter, which doesn’t really help us understand the broad picture of the pandemic and what is best for us.

* The airport has been shut down for a 2 weeks period in an attempt to avoid more leaks of the virus different mutations into the country. I believe that Those measures came a bit too late as many Israelis already came back without any obligation to perform corona tests before boarding or after landing, demands that are already required by other countries.

* The previous announcements by the government to open culture events at mid-Feb was too optimistic, as disappointing as it is.

I believe that it will be a while before the lockdown is over and that we can re-start living a normal life again. Five million residents need to be immune with the double vaccination in order to enable such! And will it enable such?.... Let's hope that my next episode will contain more joyful news...

Flying during the corona period

11 Jan 2021


When it was clear, at the end of November, that a stay in Paris was mandatory to finalize some matters, significant préparations were needed.
The easiest one , purchasing a ticket, takes a few minutes. Then you need to search for the best possible insurance (lucky that we have a good travel agent! ) which will cover corona from all aspects. Seems straight forward? Well no, it isn’t... Currently, the insurance companies limit the duration of your trip between 15 to 30 days, depending on your age.

In addition , if you are not a French citizen, some documents need to be translated for the French frontier police to check thoroughly if you fit the regulations before allowing you to enter their country. The most important is the Corona test which is to be done within 72 hours before you departure. The answer arrived within 12 hours and was happy to see that it was negative... I prepared a folder with all documents, including an approval for departure from the Health Department.

The day of departure arrived. I admit that I had mixed feelings, happy to travel after 13 months of being grounded, but also concerned about the Corona in France.
We arrived to the airport 3 hours before departure.The process was reasonable, not long queues, just checks of all the documents and Corona results.
Only some shops were open at the duty free including coffee shops, take away as well as public seating places. We boarded the flight. It was probably less than half full. People kept distance and everyone wore their mask properly.

In the Business class, only 7 passengers were seating, including us.
The cabin attendants were dressed with protecting overalls, but this was the only difference from any other flight in the past, besides having your mask on all the way through.
The service on board LY flight was good , same about food which we appreciated.
The feeling of taking off and being in the air again was good after such a long time.

Landing in Paris went well. Immediately after deplaning, you present the Corona test to the authorities. Tougher questions were asked at the passport control, since I am not French resident, but we prepared well and I had answers and documents ready, so clearance went well . Our luggage arrived quickly.

The CDG airport looked less crowded as in normal time. We picked up the rented car where we found a note that all cars are going through disinfection between rentals. That’s it! We were on our way to Paris after 13 months of not visiting here.
The traffic was heavy in spite of various restrictions for moving around.


During the first few days and through December 15th, before leaving your living place, you had to complete a digital form and have it handy on your mobile in case that the police controls would check on you. You had to certify that your trip was linked to reasons mentioned on the form and click next to it. You were not allowed to be away for more than 20 km from home and be restricted to 3 hours out, from the moment that you left...

What to say about Paris? The city was decorated nicely for the holiday season, but you could feel the different atmosphere as you kept seeing closed coffee shops and restaurants. There was no vividness in the air. The markets were full as people continued to buy, but people were careful to wait at each entrance shop, according to the restrictions in place. Many shops hanged a notice at the entrance where it was written “only 3 people at a time”. Parisians, I must say, follow the regulations by the book, as far as we could see during our stay.

We hardly saw anyone not wearing a mask properly! At the Champs Élysée, the avenue wasn’t itself: no crowded pavements as it usually is, no tourists of course, nothing of the excitement felt each year before Christmas and New Year.
Groups of people from the Far East queue, in normal time, on the side of the Louis Vuitton shop creating interminable rows of men and women waiting for their turn to buy, but not this year...

Our stay of 2 weeks went well. The weather, around 10, was good, with little rain and even sunny days. We didn't travel out of Paris, even though it was permitted as of Dec. 15th. The only restriction for moving around was a lockdown every night from 2030 till 0600. Once, while buying food in a big supermarket, at 7pm, suddenly, the lights started flickering to remind the time to the evening customers that the time of the lock down was getting close.
We didn't stay for Christmas , but we nevertheless enjoyed the decoration lights everywhere. It seemed to be there to cheer everyones up, a bright comfort to gloomy times.

Departure day arrived and again new préparations were required for the flight:
Health form for Israel, stating your health condition and details of where you had been. A confirmation that your statement has been received is returned to you. Without it, you cannot board the flight. Our inbound flight went as well as the outbound one. Cabin attendants ensured that all passengers would properly wear their mask. After landing , the approach of the aircraft to the gate was delayed by the Airport Authorities monitoring the number of passengers of all the planes arriving at that same time.

The Health office officials, took the forms that we completed and they let us in. We were instructed to be on a personal lockdown for 10 days, as we did a corona test immediately after landing (else it is 2 weeks).
Then we had the second one 9 days later. The results of the one taken at the airport were negative. We got them after 12 hours. The second tests done at a drive and test centre were negative as well( definitely great news during the corona period...) You receive an SMS from the Health authorities: "you were found to test negative.
As of today midnight your lockdown is over."  The day after, I went to have my vaccination, booked in advance.
The second shot will be 21 to 28 days later... I can’t wait! Hopefully in March 2021, traveling with a "green passport" will allow an easier process for Israeli globetrotters... And soon for the rest of the world too...

Corona Period In Israel - Episode 6 - Great News

19 Dec


 This is an historical day. For the first time after 9 months we have good news related to the Corona pandemic.
Today Israel has just started the Pfeizer vaccination on people.
Yesterday evening the prime minister and the health minister were symbolically the firsts and this morning all the teams of Israel hospitals will be vaccinated.

During the weeks to come, the population aged over 65 will receive the vaccine and later on, due the large amount of vaccins received in Israel, any one from 16 years old and up will be vaccinated.
Vaccinations centres are already in place to make it easier for the public to come. It is really an historical day , and Israel is among the few countries that started a full vaccination.
It does not mean that we can be careless and walk around without masks . It will need a few months before most of the population ( 65% already willing to receive it) will be vaccines.

We still have an average of 2300 new Corona patient per week which is still high, but hopefully, in April 2021, we can hope celebrating Passover together with family and friends!

Corona Period In Israel - Episode 5

Nov 5 

Corona continues to be the main topic of discussion in the country, not the political situation, not the disagreement among the main coalition parties, not the U.S. elections and even not the new Middle East changes with the signed agreements between Israel and the United Arab Emirates , Bahrain and Sudan.

By mid September, the number of identified sick people reached 10000 and over. Therefore a full lockdown was imposed, excluding necessary shopping, individual sports and with no permission to move from one city to another. Those restrictions were imposed during the Jewish holidays season which made it even harder for every one here. 

No huge family dinners were allowed, no gathering , no visits, no friends meetings... Eventhough , the general opinion of most experts is that lockdowns create enormous damages to the economy and doesn't solve the issue, by mid-October, Israel started to see a significant reduction of new Corona patients.

From over 12000 a day , the numbers dropped under 2000 and even under 1000. At this point, the government decided to release the lockdown partially starting Oct 18th, leaving fitness clubs and restaurants closed, only allowing coffee shops to offer take aways. An additional release was granted on Nov 1st for barbers.

As for the small shops, they are due to open on Nov 8th, still with some contraints. Our economic situation definitely needs improvement!
The airport is fully operative, however, the entry to Israel is only allowed to residents with some exceptions for official travellers. Still, corona tests upon arrival are not required unlike other countries.

Israelis coming back from « red » countries , have to be in lockdown for two weeks. Greece and Belgrade became the most popular destinations from Israel as being « green » countries and lockdown is not required upon return.
( both will change to red 8 Nov ) 
While we see a significant decrease in the number of our new patients, Europe started facing high figures -20000-40000- daily, quite scaring!
Therefore this time, the lockdown release isn’t hopefully done too fast to avoid getting to the same results as Europe.

With the winter coming and with it the arrival of the flu, we will need to watch out even more carefully... In Israel , the yearly vaccination against The flu already started.
It is said -but who knows- that people being vaccinated are less likely to be infected by the corona virus. One point is mostly probable, there will be more « Corona episodes » before the world manages to get rid of this plague.

To finish with some optimistic view of the situation, the Israel Institute of Biological Research, in cooperation with the Health Ministry, announced they have started human vaccination trial for Covid-19 on November 01st. Let’s hope for some good news at last!

Corona Period in Israel - Episode 4

Sep 6  ( see at bottom new update from 18 Sep ) 

Unfortunately, after 6 months, Corona continues to be the main talked topic (together with the warming relations between Israel and the Emirates!) as it impacts the life in Israel and dictates their behavior to people.
The daily number of new identified Corona patients jumped to around 2000-2300.
Eventhough ,difficult patients continue to remain steady, around 400.
One of the reasons that more sick people are identified , is due the fact that Corona detection tests can now reach 30,000 per day.


Finally , after months, a new head of project was assigned for corona -Pr. Gamzo- in order to have only one manager in charge, with unlimited authority and who reports directly to the government. Professor Gamzo, ex-general manager of the Health Ministry and general manager of a leading hospital in Tel Aviv, is the right person. Everyone wants to believe that he will be the right person to cause a significant decrease of the Corona patients *IF* he really is free to handle the situation which continues to degrade more and more.

It has been weeks now that Pr. Ganzo established a control plan of « traffic lights »; red for the cities and villages the most Impacted by the virus, then orange, yellow and green for the least touched areas. All groups are still bound to wear masks outside homes. If caught without, you are subject to a 150 USD fine.

Lately, the dark red color was added for the towns which concerns mostly the health authorities. But it took a precious lost time to the government to grant Pr. Gamzo the approval to go ahead with his plan. It is just about starting this week, each town getting its own restrictions according to the color it is attributed, the dark red ones getting almost totally quarantined, preventing any gathering of numerous people at weddings, cultural events and religious holiday meals (the Jewish New Year is in another 12 days, Day of Attornment and Succoth coming just after).

But here we are again, when our Prime Minister, according to today’s news, “might re-think and reject the already authorized dark red restrictions”. And why? Because the religious people,(according to statistics) one of the two most contaminated groups in Israel,( the other one ,the Arab section ) threaten the Prime Minister not to vote for him during the next elections. Incredible but unfortunately true!
Last minute update  - the quarantine will be only 1900- 0500 

Unemployment continue to be high, around 20%. The government launched an economic support plan which should only very partially compensate the population .
This plan doesn’t avoid people to go and demonstrate every Saturday evening for the last weeks against the government in view of the dramatic situation.

Travel and tourism are on hold and the airport in Israel used mostly by some other countries airlines. ElAl operation is still frozen ,same for Arkia.
IsraAir is the only carrier who operates. Foreigners in general are not allowed to enter Israel , and Israelis arriving from any red country are obliged to be on a 14 days lockdown. There was a plan to open the skies at mid Aug, but of course most of it didn’t happen due to the Corona situation .(only few countrirs accept Israeli residents,and only after Corona test.)

All this messy condition in the country creates a depressive mood among the Israelis as Israel economy depends much on tourism and too many people are currently unemployed due to that. What should we wish for the future? Hopefully the finding of a new and effective vaccin? Sure! A significant decrease in the Corona proliferation in Israel ? Definitely! But this can only be reached if the Israeli population starts being more disciplined and cooperative to the restrictions imposed. Let’ hope for the best...

New update - 18 Sep - 

Due increaing number of corona cases , a full lockdown was annonced for 3 weeks  as of 18 Sep , which includes the holidays season.
A limit of 1KM  away from home except sport activities as walikng , running and biking . 

Corona Period In Israel - Part 3 - Personal feelings

28 June

When the lockdown started last March 18th, I didn't think that this "Corona Period” would last during so many months. Various news, it might be better to call them rumors, mentioned that the virus would disappear by the summer, thanks to the heath.

What is happening now is exactly the opposite. During this last week of June , we see the corona virus figures increase in Israel and worldwide.
How does this impacts me personally ?
Despite the removal of the lockdown , Corona is still around, wearing masks in public places is a must and you get a 125€ fine if you are caught without it

With the return of my grand-children to the education frame and as belonging to the senior group, I cannot come and pick them up, hold them and enjoy them as I used to.

I ended my role in Travelport last year, so I am economically secured and I have nothing to complain for myself.
However, I think about all my friends in the Travel, Tourism and Aviation Industry. Most of them haven’t been working for months and there isn’t any scope when they will return to work.

For now, the government plans to open the airport to specific green countries in August. However as Corona cases are increasing now in Israel this might probably not happen. I personally miss traveling a lot and am waiting for the day that Europe will open for Israelis to enter with no need for quarantine.

It is not only the outgoing tourism being impacted, of course.
The incoming tourism to Israel is currently restricted, so foreign citizens hardly can enter our country. This causes a significant economic damage to Israel and it is not clear when it will start recovering.

My opinion is that 2020 is lost for most of the tourism. This situation hurts and very badly impacts the country economics. Unemployment will continue. The government needs to support all those unemployed people till the end of 2020.
But will this be enough to secure everyone for at least a minimum decent living?

To summarize, this situation is quite depressing for everyone especially for those who found themselves without a job. You can feel it in the air:
the period that we live in now, this corona period, has turned our lives up-side-down!
Let’s hope that from those many institutes in the world racing to find “the” solution against Covid-19, at least one will come with a breakthrough, the vaccine which will give the world to find its sanity again.

Corona Period in Israel - Part 2

 24 May 2020


A month ago, my first Corona update for Israel ended with the second Passover holiday during when we were kept in full blockade. When it was released afterwards, most of the restrictions remained: walking within 100 meters from home, sport 500 meters from home and using a car only for essential purposes.

A second full blockade was imposed at the end of April due to Israel Independence Day and it was maintained for 30 hours.

At the beginning of May, due to the low number of new Corona cases (around 40 daily) discussions started about when easing the blockade. At that time, the total number of Corona patients were 16000, 240 deaths and 10400 had recovered.

When May started, it became compulsory to use masks from the moment that you were out. Then the second week of that month, most restrictions were removed, including the 100 and 500 meters walking limits and all business were opened progressively, including malls and markets.
Still, restaurants and coffee shops were excluded, but will reopen on Wednesday 27th.

 Low grade pupils went back to school, followed after a week by higher grades, allowing the parents to go to work, even though part of them felt more secure not to send their kids back.

The expectation is to see a return to normal life at mid-June, but this doesn’t include yet the return of El Al, our national airline, which hopefully should have a chance to go back to normal with the opening of the “green countries”, among them Greece, Cyprus, Albania and others, Israel included, of course. Let's hope altogether that forecasts will become reality!

Corona Period In Israel

17  Apr


Mar 8th was the last time I ate in a restaurant -Greek-in Tel Aviv.
I was there with my granddaughter Tamar for lunch.
At that time only few Israelis who returned from abroad were considered as they might have been infected by the Corona virus.
The restaurant was full , almost as usual, however, to be on the safe side we had
alco-gel with us and we thoroughly massaged our hands with it before we started eating.

A week later, all restaurants were closed and in no time, all shops were ordered to be closed. Only supermarkets and pharmacies kept a regular operation. It meant no cinemas , no theatres , no fitness , even marriage had to be celebrated with only with minimal participants. Same for funerals...

Since the end of Mar, you are not allowed to walk besides 100 meters from home without a reason , as reaching for medicines and goods like at groceries or pharmacies. For e sport purpose, you had to walk a lot of 100 meters ..... :)
The economy impact is tremendous. Before the Corona in Israel we had 4 % of unemployment while now we have 25%. The government started paying unemployment, but for sure many people will have difficulties to return to work as many commerces went or will go bankrupt.... Such a huge disaster....

For Israelis, the issue of Passover and the Seder, starting usually with a traditional family dinner, created a lot of desolation among people at the approach of the evening of April 8th...
A full lockdown ( see above pictures)  was imposed at noon time and families were allowed to celebrate only with the basic family who permanently live in the same house, leaving by themselves many parents and grand-parents.
The Zoom technology ( for non religious people) played a significant role during the holiday. Many found compensation by “getting together” through the application.
Not the same as sitting at the same table , but a kind of solution anyway which helped some of us feeling less lonely...

After the holiday, the lockdown was removed as it was before and now, some discussions started to allow partial release as of April 19th.
In Israel, Currently, there are around 12000 people with Corona and 140 deaths.
All efforts are done to control this number וn order to enable the return to a partial normal life.

Apr 15th is the second holiday of Passover and full lockdown was implemented again for 2 days. All Israelis are waiting for relief after the lockdown was imposed because of the holidays.
I have been out of Travelport since already a year. Nevertheless, my thoughts and concerns are with all my friends in the Travel & Tourism Industry, airlines, agencies, hotels... It will take a while before they start returning even to a partial operation....

Do you say >good morning < ?

18 Mar 


 ‎בוקר טוב, Good morning , bonjour ,Bonjourno ,Kalimera.

No matter which language you speak, how many times do you say those words when you see people around?

I do not refer to greeting someone that you know. Let’s say that you walk or bike in the morning.  The streets are not yet crowded.
Are you saying good morning to the people you cross by?
Or whenever you enter the elevator, do you say good morning? Hi? Hello?

In my opinion , it is a nice habit to greet people whenever possible, eventhough you are not acquainted with them.
In each country, according to the education codes, the population reacts differently.
In France for example, it is common to greet people you meet in your neighborhood or in a building you live in or visit, even if you do not know them personally. They respond to you the same.

Even more important, I believe, is to greet those people whom nobody usually pay attention to: cleaners in the streets, door keepers at the entrance of malls, parkings, shops and more. Say “Hi”! Be nice to them...
Most people treat them as if they were invisible... I encourage you to try it! You will feel good with yourselves and for sure the ones that you address to will feel even better!

Sea of Galilee

18 February 2020 

Last week, I drove to the Sea of Galilee, also commonly called the lake of Tiberias, or “Kinnereth”, as we, Israelis, call it.
Kinnereth is a fresh water lake, the lowest fresh water lake on earth, 209 meters under sea level and approximately 170 square kilometers big.

For many many years now, at the end of each winter, all the medias have been commenting on the poor level of water, each year bringing more vegetation where the water had been. But this year the winter has brought such an amount of rain that it probably will reach its top level!

The daily news from the medias do not miss to tell us how many centimeters the water of Kinnereth rose that day. And it keeps rising! Soon the lake will receive the snow from the Hermon mountains!
In one year, the lake has returned to what it was a decade ago...
How more delightful a discussion this is than talking of the coming elections, the third time during last 12 months!

The lake is a lovely place to tour and go around. If you come around, you shouldn’t miss Beit Gabriel, a wonderful place which has seen important meetings, like the ones between Israel and Jordan governments in November 1994 ,when the peace treaty between the two countries was reconfirmed by the late King Hussein and the late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. 
The view on Kinnereth from there is just amazing!

Many churches around the lake are worth being visited. Many are important for Christians pilgrims who are touring in the area . A promise to my abroad friends: whenever you come for a visit in our country, I will take you to Sea of Galilee! You won’t regret it!

Piloting an Aircraft

25 Dec 2019

According to the title, you might think that I refer to a Boeing 777 or Airbus 340.
But no, it is not the case 😀  ; I am talking about piloting a single- engine, Cessna 172.

When I left Travelport for other horizons, my staff was generous enough to organize a special gift to me which they knew I would love: a voucher to pilot a plane, accompanied by a trainer and preceded by learning on a plane simulator.
That was back in May, but it was only last week that I managed to make use of it.

I flew before as a passenger on various types of aircrafts, Boeings, Airbus and others. Working once for TWA, I was next to them on the tarmac, loving to watch how the Boeing 747, this giant aircraft, was reaching its final position after landing.
I even sat in the cockpit once! While boarding a totally packed BA flight from Paris to London, the captain agreed to take me in the cockpit. I guess that this wouldn’t happen nowadays...
During my time in the army I was on board of various freights aircrafts and also flew on helicopters while volunteering in the police. But this time, flying as a pilot, was a totally different story...
The day came and I felt excited. Luckily, it was a sunny December day with blue skies and moderate winds. Learning the basics in front of the simulator before the flight was also an interesting experience. Surprisingly , my trainer was a 14 years old high-school junior who was free from school on that day and had two years of experience teaching people on the simulator. He was very knowledgeable and you couldn’t miss his enthusiasm. I perfectly managed to take off, fly and land...... Seamlessly....

Afterwards, I met my pilot trainer and we walked to the one engine Cessna 172 .
We got prepared for the flight , I received the last guidelines and here we were, waiting for the approval from tower control to take off...
This Hertzelia airport is 30 minutes north of Tel Aviv and serves mostly small aircrafts. After 10 minutes, we got the approval and started to move on the tarmac. The take off and landing, of course, was held by the pilot. Nevertheless, I got the permission to hold the control stick , as long as I wouldn’t interfere with the pilot control of it. Take off went well (there always is this tiny bit of apprehension, no matter which taking off plane you have board...) and then, after a few minutes, I was navigating the aircraft , up and down , left and right according to the pilot instructions.

The view was amazing, my excitement was at top, I felt great and in power!
It was “being in the skies”, in all meanings of the sentence! The view from above was fascinating, and I enjoyed every minute. The flight lasted only 20 minutes that went like 5 and I was surprised and a bit disappointed that we already had to land.

During whole day , I couldn’t help talking non-stop about this wonderful experience.
I invaded my friends’ phone with pictures, not forgetting to include the posts on facebook...
To those who like special activities, go for it! If you don’t but have such people around you, do not hesitate to spoil them with a nice present, as long as his or her spouse agree to it...
Let them rejoice getting a gift voucher to fly! Be sure that they will appreciate it. 

Global Warming

17 Nov 

 We keep hearing all the time about global warming and there are on-going conferences about climate changes. Most reactions are that it is not an immediate issue, only sometime in the future. However, we need to think about our children, grandchildren and great grand children.

In an article I read lately, it was pointed out how each of us can contribute a little bit to the common effort of reducing the warming worldwide. Most recommendations are simple and can be implemented easily. And here are some:

1. Changing one light in your home
Replacing one regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb will save 150 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

2. Driving less
This is quite ambitious, as each of us ( as myself) are keen about our cars and like to drive even to close-by places. It is recommended to bike or walk more, instead of driving. Better for your health and better for the world.... You'll save one pound of carbon dioxide for every mile you won't drive!
I bike during the weekend and I use an hybrid car, even-though there are different point of views if it does or doesn’t save carbon dioxide.

3. Check your tires
Keeping your tires inflated properly can improve your gas kilometers by more than 3 percent! This is very simple and should be done on weekly basis. It is also recommended for fuel consuming.

4. Adjust your air condition
Moving your thermostat down just 2 degrees in winter and up 2 degrees in summer could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

5. Turn off electronic devices
Completely turning off your television, stereo, computer when they are not in use, will save thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide a year. Many of us keep on our laptop 24 hours on, very easy to switch off.

6.Plant a tree
A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. It is not practical if you are in a flat , but you could have a bonsai tree on your balcony!

Above are some of the suggestions advised. It is also recommended to use less hot water, reduce garbage and fly less.
This last one is without any doubt a more difficult goal to achieve as most of us are flying for business and leisure.
Many Israelis, as an example, whom for years have been restrained from flying both because airlines high fares and lower income revenue, have seen their life standard increase at a time when low cost airlines started offering attractive fares.
Many families can now afford buying family special deals a few times during the year.
Technical improvements related to airlines -some of them started to use biofuel 
can reduce carbon.

So, if each of us starts today with some of the easy points mentioned above, it can already make a big difference... And when you go next time to the gaz station, remember to check your car tires... 😉

La Normandie Normandy

07 October 

 For the last 20 years, the Calvados Normandy area has been my summer destination. My friends keep asking me how come I am not tired of it, but I really am not. Deauville, separated from Trouville-sur-Mer by the La Touques affluent, is my preferred point of stay.
This lovely city, with its wood promenade along the seashore called “les planches” and its colorful and special parasols under which it feels great lying and reading a book, became a very popular place at the beginning of the last century where the French and foreigners elites loved to see and be seen.....

Deauville beach is considered to be among the nicest. I like it best when the temperature is 22-24 , compared to hot countries like Israël, during the summer when the temperature can reach 35... But this is not the only place full of charm in Normandy.
Honfleur, for example, a 30 minutes car drive from Deauville, is a lovely place full of romantic charm, with its beautiful marina, all surrounded by coffee shops and restaurants, its church from the 11th century and its small and busy pedestrian streets with craft and art shops attracting the tourists of all nationalities.

The memorial of the Western allies of WW2 is one more place, awakening emotions and history bursting from everyone’s mind. Let’s go back to Deauville-Trouville! There are always activities going on, all year-around, from the well known cinema festival to the horse races, from the very special “yearling” trade -the auction selling of the one-year-old horses, some of them the future races champions- and also a punky tatoo festival!
You can rent bicycles and tour around, not only in the city but also on the 3,5 km biking lanes, part of it turning around the huge hippodrome. This year, the lane was expanded to reach the city of Pont-l’Évèque, 17.5 km away, also part of the Calvados region and sharing its name with the cheese Pont-l’Évèque, the oldest Normandy cheese being produced!

As mentioned before, there are important and well known hippodromes in Deauville. During the year, they host several International tournaments. There is the polo tournement called Coupe d'Or in August, closing the world championship. No need to be a dedicated fan of the polo game to watch it with excitement. Another known tournament is the international competition of jumping horses over obstacles. A wonder! Twenty countries are competing , the audience is from all over the world and enjoying the beauty of the show.
Early in the morning, you can wake up from hearing the horseshoes in the streets and see one rider leading 20 horses or so to their daily training. It looks unreal!
At sunset, you can see them going back to the stables or when ending tours organized along the beach for amateurs or experienced drivers.

Deauville and the whole Normandy are known for its tides (sea levels). To the pleasure of visitors but also for the convenience of the locals, you cross the Touque river between Deauville and Trouville with small engine boat when the sea is high, but then, when sea level is low and there isn’t enough water for the boat to cross over, the way is available through an access footbridge which is removed when the sea starts rising again.
The most famous place of the tide phenomenon is at the Mont Saint-Michel abbey , which is 2 hours drive from Deauville. It requires a full day if not two to visit the magnificent place known worldwide. I would recommend touring with a car, in order to visit all around, but be prepared for queuing.

Other activities , if you like games gambling and are over 18 years’ old, are the casinos. There are some in the department but the most famous one is in Deauville. Trouville-sur-Mer has its own one as well. They opened in 1912 , when both cities became famous and attractive to the Parisians. Other sport activities includes a huge golf club outside Deauville. Accommodation is very good with a variety of 2 to 5 star hotels. Wandering around on the roads, you can also find many farmers or locals renting rooms. Cultural events, like the famous American Movie Festival in September is a big happening in Deauville, where you can find yourself walking next to well known Hollywood stars.... On the Planches promenade, at the beach, all the cabins for rent are named with the most famous American movie stars.

Last but not least: food!!! Both Deauville and Trouville have numerous restaurants offering menus or « à la carte » meals, at all the ranges of prices, but in the department, on your way, you can find many nice places to eat at reasonable prices. Average evening menus offers meals from 23 euros to 34 euros, a 3 course meal without wine, sometimes including cheeses sometimes with an additional sum of money. Do not forget to end your meal with a « Calvados », the well know alcoholic beverage based on apples and made from distilling cider in Normandy.
Touring by car, you can follow the « Cider Route » and visit various distilleries. The older the drink, the more you will pay for the bottle. The best ones are the 100 years’ old bottles. Another famous option to go through is the « Cheese Route » where you can visit dairies , view the manufactory process and of course taste and buy at the end of the tour. Among the most well known cheeses are the Livarot, Pont L’Evêque, Neufchâtel and Camembert of Normandy. Try them but do not get an addict.... Those are fat cheeses.... And remember, enjoy eating them with a glass of red wine.
A savoring wonder!
To summarise, I adore the Normandy area and Deauville or Honfleur are my best recommendations to be based based and visit the region. Normandy has has really a lot to offer and if you need more details or some other advice, send me an email or contact via Facebook.

The Kashmir situation

22 August 

I never write about politics or any global matters, but I am on a long vacation which allows me to read the daily newspapers in depth.

This is how I started reading about the situation in Kashmir. I am not trying to give my own interpretation on thצe situation there.I do not intend to take position on who is wrong and who is right regarding this long going dispute, which started in1947 at the time that India and Pakistan were established. ‏The shocking point is that since August 5th 2019, 7 million people are dettached from any kind of connection :  mobiles, Internet, TVs. All basic functions are unable to operate: pharmacies, for e×ample ,cannot renew any missing supply! Think of hospitals, businesses, people being attacked and unable to ask for help! ‏Impossible to imagine how it is possible to manage without mobiles, Internet, phones at home. Surprisingly, super power countries, or any other international organizations like the UN, are not saying a word or raising any concern! May be only some… What an hypocrite world we are living in! Interest, is the leading word everywhere! So the entire world do not care, or just a few countries. ‏Thinking of those helpless 7 millions, each of us should think well how lucky we are to get up in the morning and be able to say “hi” to our close friends and families, even if with an old unstylish phone….

Flying on Hot Air balloon

22 July 

Another one of my favourites is to fly on hot air balloon. I don't own one, (I don ‘t have the means😃), but I did fly with such balloons in various points of the World.

My first experience took place some 20 years ago in Switzerland, at a place called Château d' Oex. This is where the annual hot air balloon kicks off every year with 70 pilots from 15 different countries. We were in automn, close to winter. The weather conditions are not always perfect to enable the take off of the balloons. My flight was confirmed the evening before and pick up scheduled at 5 o'clock. When we reached the area, it was still half dark and the preparation started. We were a group of 12, also assisting in the preparation. Among us, an 80 years old couple enjoyed this exiting moment not less than us. We took off one hour later. It was our first time in the air and we felt “high” in all the meanings of the word! I can still remember how incredible I felt while we reached the highest flying point, with the quietness all around, only disturbed by the pilot providing more fire to the balloon. The flight took around 2 hours. The landing took place at a different point, of course. We were greeted there by the ground crew with champagne and strawberries. No need to say that it added an additional bright color to this experience!

The second time was in Sedona, Arizona in the Red Rocks area. Worldspan, the company that I worked for organized an award event and you could choose various activities during the 3 days it lasted. One of my choices,of course, was hot air balloon. This time it was with my daughter, 23 at the time, which happily accepted to join me. Again, pick up at 05:00, drive to take off point. This time it was a bigger basket with 20 people in it, all Worldspan employees. The view over the red rocks was fascinating! Landing was a little bit tough that time. We were sort of “smashed” by a huge couple who didn’t manage to keep the right balance... However, we survived... 😃. Here as well, the champagne, appetisers and strawberries were part of the festivities. What a great fun we had!

The last one ( hope more to come) was in Israel in 2008. The balloon waited for us in the North of the country. Same procedures for reconfirming, same pick up time. This time, I felt more experienced, well aware of all that was going to be, ready to take over the pilot’s place. This didn’t happen of course.... To summarize, some of you might consider this as a risk, but is the risk smaller with cars, trains, planes? The pilots are professionals and certified by the civil aviation authorities. Each take off is being coordinated with the Israeli control tower.

Lately, I had lunch with a friend of mine who told me that the next morning he had to get up at 2:00, as he had organized a surprise birthday for his daughter: Flying on Hot Air balloon. It was his first flying experience and wasn't sure how it was going to be. But after seeing my smile and excitement while talking about balloons, he understood that it might be a great experience for him as well. My recommendation: just go for it and enjoy!!!

The value of History

23 Jun

Are you interested in History? It has been my passion since school time! In my opinion history is important as well as interesting. 

I would even say fascinating! 

Each one should have a good knowledge of the past of his own country. Incredibly, if you ask young people questions related to the history of their country, most will answer incorrectly, even bizarre.

In Israel, if you ask the newest generations about the first prime minister of Israel, Ben Gurion ( Israel Airport), you will get many wrong reponses. Globally, how many young people will know who were Gandhi, Churchill, Roosevelt, Stalin, Nelson Mandela and others? Just a test for yourself: Who was Boutros Boutros-Ghali ? Try to remember before turning to Google 😉 About Israel, if you think that Theodore Herzl, the founder of the Zionist organization, wrote a book in 1902 saying that "in 5 years, maximum 50, Israel will be a state", I find it amazing vision. This is History!! I have many friends globally whom might or might not be familiar with the history of their own country. Just let me know guys! Whenever I intend travelling to a place that I am not familiar abroad, The first thing that I will do is to read about the history of the country so to understand and get familiar with its roots. No need to be "fanatic", but have a general knowledge of what happened what was the impact on the population.

Eurovision - Israeli Style

29 May

Eurovision contest in Israel That’s it! The Eurovision contest is over and we can proudly say that it has been a great success! According to the global press, (1,500 journalists arrived to Israel), it was the best Eurovision show ever conducted, for at least the last 10 years. Even if you are not a great admirer of the contest, you have to admit that the performances at the semi-finals, and especially on D-day were astonishing. As an ex-TWA employee, I was happy to see on the scene background a visual of our last year winner, Neta, at the opening, as if she was the captain of a 747, that carried all the delegations into the expo Hall! Fabulous idea! She sang her new song, a combination of digital and reality performance. It was the longest Eurovision ever, over 4 years. Madona who came especially for the final, performed 2 songs with amazing backgrounds! In addition, during the week of the event, Tel Aviv City Hall created the « Eurovision village » located on the beach, offering food and drinks at low reasonable prices, while being accompanied by various free musical events. This as well has been A FIRST » over the contests years. Huge outside screens broadcasted the event, gathering over 60000 people every evening. ‏

To summarize my proud blog, we, the Israelis, always like to add a comment to balance all the praise... ‏Let's use all the talent performed in preparing such a great event, to other internal and external projects for the benefit of all involved!

Driving in Paris

28Apr

When you tell Parisian and others that you drive in Paris, they stare at you and think that you lost your mind. But I do like driving in Paris and if you are not in terrible rush, I consider it is a fun and easy way to reach various destination in town. Public parking are everywhere around if you are willing to pay a reasonable price.

I admit, it can sometimes be challenging. For exemple, bus lanes starting from right can continue left after a crossroads.... Or bicycles come towards you in the opposite lane and pedestrians jump when they should stand. It is even easy to find your way - GPS in the car or Waze will direct you to your various destinations. Waze is the most accurate as it detects roads cloaked for renovations. And there are many of the kind! Foreigners coming to Israel consider the Israeli drivers not very polite and driving crazy, but when driving in Paris (especially in junctions), I sincerely started to appreciate the Israeli drivers.......

Being on your own, for the worse and best .

13 April -

Starting a new business of your own is quite a challenge.

Having worked for big organizations for so many years was like being in an incubator. You have responsibilities, but you are protected by the umbrella of the company, whatever your results are. Being your own boss is at the same time similar and very different. You still need to look for new customers, you still need to provide the best solutions and support, you still aim to achieve your goals. The huge difference is that you are the only one responsible for your outcomes, failures and successes.

.After so many years.... Leaving a company...

1 April 2019

Yes, it is April 1st today! But NO!!! This is not a joke! This is my first « free » day after I started working for TWA -a great airline unfortunayely closed in 2001- 47 years ago, then at Worldspan who was later acquired by Travelport in 2007 and last but not least, Travelport itself.

Eventhough you try to prepare yourself -and think that you are- for such a day, it is incredibly difficult to go through the move! You are leaving back the people you have known and worked with for so many years; some you have known from 1992, others from the mid 90th; you have and still do consider them as family, and then, from one day to another you turn around, you say « goodbye! » and let them continue without you and you without them... Luckily we entered already the 21st century and it is so much easier than once to keep in touch, regardless where people live or where they are! One quite known and true piece of advise says that if you intend to continue your active working life elsewhere, after so many years, prepare yourself for it (mentally and practically) and start immediately after closing the door of your ended job!

This is practical, but will also lessens the emotional feelings that you won’t be avoiding after so many years. To finish on an humorous tune, it is like what has to be done after falling from a bicycle... Go back on it right away an move on biking or you will never do it again....

my first day of writing. Welcome to my blog .

23 Feb 2019

My blog will cover various happenings and stories that might be interest for the others, many about recommended restaurants which I will share. (I love to eat 😁) It will not cover politics and it will be in English and  later also in Hebrew .

It is a sunny day here in the Tel Aviv area , and in fact  all over Israel.

Have a great weekend !

23 Feb 

Recommended food place in Athens -

I just read an article in an Israeli newspaper  about a small food place  with few tables outside with excellent food. It is called Cocona (closed on Sun)located at 10 Milioni st. 

Athens 10673. Prices are low and Sagie Cohen who wrote it (I trust his judgement ) said it is the best stand food in city. If you visit - tell me how it was .

Today 2 Mar I received a what's app from friends who visited the place - food was very tasty as mentioned by sagie cohen

I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. I'm a great place for you to tell your story and let your visitors know a little more about you.

23 Feb

Israeli pride and History 

Israel launched on Fri its space ship to the moon from Cape Canavrele to land on the moon 11 April.Only 3 other countries US ,Russia and China did it before.

Some might ask why a small country invest in such  instead of supporting poor people   ? But all the 100 million USD invested are private initiative, many sponsors , and the idea behind it is to promote technology among high school students . 

Many participate in this project called "BERESHIT " which means Genesis 

I

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25 Feb

Israel movie won the Oscar for the best short movie - Skin .

It is Israeli pride as over 50 years no Israeli director won the Oscar.

Guy Nativ is the director and his wife Jaimie Ray who is the producer

27 Feb 

This week I attended a birthday party at Toto, one of many nice restaurants in Tel Aviv, with a 96 years old lady and her family, a daughter, 2 grandchildren and spouses. Eventhough the memory of the lady is not what it used to be, how nice it has been to see how she managed, laughing and enjoying food, wine and everybody around her! Think of it, more and more grandchildren in this country have the opportunity to know their great-grand-parents! A wonderful “present” that my generation couldn’t have benefited of it. WWII made that impossible. No doubt that their adult life will be fuller than ours regarding their family tree, so many less unanswered questions...

3 Mar

Travel agent: “Passé”? “Why do I need a travel agent when I can book by myself through the web without paying service fees?!” will you hear, mostly from the young generation of travelers, but not only... In fact, there are great values using a TA services. I am not one of them, if you were asking yourself 😉, but I am part of the travel industry and I use a TA myself... Of course travel agents are imperative for business customers, but also people willing to fly for leisure can benefit from their experience. As an exemple among so many, this is the story that happened to a friend of mine last week. He booked a flight on Wizz UK to London by himself. The basic fare was over USD 300 and after adding the cost for the suitcase, seating and else, it came to over USD 500. Would had he consulted A TA, he would have paid less on a regular flight. It was checked. Plus, not to mention the support you receive from your TA when you have to change your itinerary due to anything unexpected or when you find yourself stuck abroad due to a cancellation, a strike or else. Enjoy travelling (I do!) and remember: nothing can replace your Travel Agent... Have a good month!

10 Mar

Being in Paris for the funeral of a dear elderly lady relative, whom you have known for years, is totally different from a regular visit. It is even more when you are involved in the whole process of the funeral. Paris, despite its glory, is grey. You ignore the wonderful sights, the charm of the streets, the activity around. While driving, you have one target in mind: ensure that the funeral will be conducted without delay, as close as possible to the deceased wishes. The beauty around has no impact on you.

We will remember you, Dear MC and from now on, Paris will never be the same.

14 Mar 

Rockets over Tel Aviv

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Still being abroad the day before yesterday evening and watching an Israeli channel, I was amazed to see and hear that the inhabitants of Tel Aviv were just being warned by alarm that 2 rockets had just being launched and directed toward the city! Tel Aviv suffered no damage though, quite fortunately. It isn’t clear where the weapons fell, maybe in the sea, but for sure not in any living area. Imagine how scary it can be to be abroad and hear such a piece of news, when you know that your children and grandchildren are under threat... Imagine what a relief It is to hear that no one was hurt... The «funny story» behind the so called «attack», according to the Israeli Intelligence itself and confirmed by the government, is that the rockets «were launched by error over Israel during a maintenance work in Gaza»!... What if a country with nuclear weapon would launch an atomic bomb by mistake during maintenance?...

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