Thursday - Rosh Chodesh

Woke up early on Thursday to daven Shacharit at the Kotel - looong Chanukah/Rosh Chodesh davening, but special because I was at the Kotel. (Bumped into Genendal K on the bus on the way there--was so nice to catch up with her!) Then my favorite thing to do - wander around the Old City. Made my purchases at the Ahava store (very essential!) and found some cute things for my nieces and nephews, and as always, stumbled upon some very cool and funky art and jewelry shops. Bumped into Alyssa S (Elana's roommate). Then headed back for lunch with Chanie at Nina's in Ramat Eshkol. Did a little shopping there and treated the kids to hot cocoa and mochachinos for us. Later that day went to visit Abish & Esti R and baby Shevi, then Julia S, and then off to Efrat for a lovely dinner with the very gracious David (Treppenwitz) & Zahava B and Ariella & Gilad. We had a really nice time, especially playing Jewish Geography. So sorry have missed Yonah but I really look forward to spending more time on my next visit to Israel. Special thanks for the ride to & from, Dave! Then helped Chanie cook for Shabbas and off to bed - finally.