Skippy Says: Israel Recap, Part III (Vacation Recap)

Our first few days in Israel were spent in the Negev, or the desert, which makes up about 70% of Israel's land. 70% of the land in a country the size of New Jersey. Good thing it's so freaking beautiful.

Towards the end of one of our desert hikes, we came across a pretty steep sandhill. Like, almost 90 degrees steep. And then our tour guide told anyone with a bit of extra energy they could run up it. Ryan, for your own good, I suggest you stop reading now.
Stop.
Now.
I ran my pregnant butt up that sandhill as fast as my little legs would carry me. Which was not very fast. Especially since it quickly got so steep that you couldn't run or walk--you literally had to bear crawl up with your hands digging into the hill as if you were rock climbing. Except, you know, with sand instead of rocks. And then I slid down on my butt. And ended up with pants full of sand. Because I'm sexy like that.

A few days later we got all dolled up for a night out on the town in Jerusalem. And by dolled up I mean I searched desperately through my suitcase for something I could fit into. What? That's not a good idea of your time? What about if I tell you that I got myself a nice hot cup of decaf tea while the rest of the group had themselves some delicious Israeli beer? Oh, that's not so fun either?

It's ok, a little bit later I got myself some delicious pitas to make myself feel better. One filled with goat cheese and honey, and another filled with a creamy chocolatey spread. I'd pick that over beer any day.

Skippy Says: Israel Recap, Part II (Vacation Recap)

One of the most talked up parts of our Birthright trip was getting to spend one night in a Bedouin tent. With the promise of a tasty homecooked Bedouin meal, a toasty campfire, and a night under the stars I couldn't be more excited. Until I got there. And put on 2 layers of pants, 5 layers of sweaters/jackets, 2 scarves, and 2 paris of socks and was still freezing my tushy off. In case you haven't heard, the desert is COLD at night. Good thing I had my BFF to spoon with for body warmth. Bad thing we didn't take advantage of each other until it was almost time to get up. 

Don't let our smiles fool you, we're kind of miserable. A happy kind of miserable, but miserable nonetheless. Behind us is the tent we slept in. Insulation was not its strength.

Bright and early the next morning we got to go on a camel ride. It was, um, bumpy. Our camel had a pink harness so I decided she was a girl and named her Camilla. Camilla the camel. Camilla the camel was quite the rebel-- we were last in our caravan but she didn't like that so much so she kept going ahead out of place. As you guys know, I'm quite the rebel myself, so Camilla and I bonded.

Skippy Says: Israel Recap, Part 1 (Vacation Recap)

Aaaaand just like that, I'm back. I know the guest posts were awesome, so I hope you aren't too disappointed.

As much as I love traveling, it's so nice to come home. My parents and Ryan always pick me up at the airport with a bag of food so big you'd think I hadn't eaten in the 3 weeks I was away. You know, because despite the extra few pounds I came back with, I must have been starved. I get the tightest of hugs all around, extra kisses from my puppy, and a bed that feels especially luxurious after a 12 hour plane ride. Some people have all the luck. Oh wait, that's me.

Israel was a complete whirlwind, and I didn't get more than 4-5 hours of sleep any of the nights I was there. I feel like I need a vacation from this vacation. Despite the lack of rest, or actually probably because of it, the trip was packed full of fun activities. I'm not going to go through every single thing we did, but I thought I'd spend the next few days recapping some of my favorite ones.

On our first day in Israel, we visited a farm in the dessert and learned about how they managed to irrigate and work the land despite the extremely unfavorable weather and soil conditions. While that was all well and good, you know my favorite part was the taste-testing. Honestly, how else am I to tell how good of a job their allegedly incredible system is doing?

We were given a perfectly sweet orange to start, but never satisfied I insatiably stared at the kumkwat tree. Thankfully, it wasn't long before we met and I was able to taste the delicious fruits. I know I look civilized, but it was all an act for the camera. As soon as this photo was snapped, I stuffed as many as I could into my mouth. Bonus points for anyone who can guess how many I managed to get in at once.

With the tomatoes I wasn't quite as lucky. My BFF managed to snap this photo while I wasn't on guard. Don't you look at me like that. There were at least a dozen different types of tomatoes to try, so I had to act quickly.

We also had a chance to dig up our own carrots from the earth. I managed to find white, orange, and purple ones. So pretty!

And that's not even half of it. We also ate cucumbers, peppers, lots of different herbs, strawberries, and some other stuff I'm sure I'm forgetting. I would have taken photos but, you know, I was too busy eating.

Skippy Says: Austin, Texas (Vacation Recap)

Honeys, I'm home! While my Austin vacation was wonderful, I've really missed you guys! My heart did a little pitter-patter went I hit "compose" just now. Before I launch into a recap, I once again want to thank Lisa, Audrey, Chic 'n Cheap Living, Jewish Girl, and Kileen for guest posting while I was away. Weren't they awesome?

I was kind of a bad blogger in Austin. I didn't take too many photos, though I do have a few to share. While Austin ended up being a really cool city (and I'm happy to finally understand now what my friend means when she says it's both a big city and a little village all at once), the primary purpose of the trip was not to see Austin. It was to visit my friend, and to spend hours girl talking and cuddling in bed with her. Mission accomplished. No worries, we took turns being "big spoon" and "little spoon" so no feelings were hurt on either end. It's all about compromise folks.

Since it'd be too overwhelming to share everything we did, I've picked three of my favorites to share with you:

1. Whole Foods

Did you know that the flagship Whole Foods store is in Austin? I.was.in.heaven. They have everything. Everything. You want something? Don't worry, they have it. Bulk bins as far as the eye can see, clothes, make-up, and prepared foods galore. Among the goodies I brought back with me were farro, nutritional yeast, and an unbelievably delicious vegan cheese dip. What, those aren't normal souvenirs?

Don't you think I walked out of the dessert section without some goodies. Some of the best toffee I've ever had + a lavender truffle. Nummers.


2. Tango: shoes + milonga

My friend dances tango, and on my last day in Austin she took me to go look at some tango shoes being sold by a tango instructor in Austin named Laura. Ladies, you need to start looking at tango shoes. And buying some. Whether you decide to tango in them or not is your call, but they are just too beautiful not to own and wear as regular shoes. Plus, they make them in a size 4! Yes, I have midget feet. Never have I ever tried on a pair of shoes that fits me that well, that is so beautiful, and that is so freaking comfortable. You can bet I'll be investing in some real soon. If you're interested, here's where you can buy the ones I looked at below.

Later that night, I got to watch my friend dance for a few hours at a milonga. I promptly texted Ryan to inform him we'd be starting tango lessons upon my return.

3. Lick Ice Cream 


Sweet corn ice cream. Goat cheese, thyme, and honey ice cream. Butternut squash ice cream. And so many more. I literally asked for at least 15 samples before finally making a decision. I have no shame.

This right here is what it's all about.