Ushered Into The Promised Land

"Daddy, this guy knows everything!" Sennen whispered about our VIP arrival liaison, Yoni as we left the baggage area of the David Ben Gurion Airport.

Last time Emily and I arrived in Israel, we stumbled through the airport, a bus, a train and a mall with giant backpacks and ultimately too much stuff. This time, the experience was far more dignified. Thanks to Emily's parents' generosity, the family's Israel package includes VIP welcomes and send-offs, which includes being greeted at our arrival gates, driven across the tarmac, being escorted through an expedited passport queue, assistance with our bags and a Mercedes shuttle van to take us to our hotel – all under the supervision of our personal concierge, Yoni. Knowing how to walk through unmarked doors, through little-known corridors and having a badge that can get us tarmac access, Sennen was in awe of Yoni.

Fortunately for us, Yoni's dazzling mastery of the airport was just the cherry on the sundae of smooth travels. We used Austrian Airlines for the first time and were amazed at how quick and painless the check-in process was followed by a highly efficient boarding. While three years of Singapore Airlines have spoiled us, Austrian provided a clean plane, adequate service and a decent meal. Where it fell short of Singapore hospitality, service and good quality it more than made up for in Germanic efficiency. 

Most impressive was the connection in Vienna. With only 1:10 between flights, and really only 40 minutes until the next boarding, my only real concern about the trip was whether we would be running like mad across an airport with two tired kids. It turns out Vienna is the Burbank of Europe. We walked out of our jetway, made a quick right, walked through security (they didn't even check bags, just metal detector) and came out three gates away from ours. We not only didn't break a sweat, but ended up waiting around the boarding gate. 

In short, the travel was notable for being uneventful.

Two things that were eventful:

1. Sennen turned six somewhere over Greenland.
2. Arriving at our beachside hotel in Tel Aviv and the kids jumping out of the shuttle van and running with excitement toward their Grammy and Zaide. In that moment, the trip really began for them.

So far, we haven't left the hotel. We had the most incredible Havdallah and Shavuot buffet dinner downstairs, got settled in our rooms and most importantly got two very tired children showered and off to bed at a decent hour.

Sure, there were some whiney moments, some overtired behaviors and struggles with the airline earbuds (Singapore gives child-sized headphones). But really, Sennen and Ailyn did great. And many people in Vienna, Tel Aviv and in-between heard that it was Sennen's birthday. In fact, he immediately informed the front desk staff of the hotel upon arrival. But for all of that, he's saving his birthday cake for tomorrow to share with his cousins who don't arrive until very late tonight.

Our hotel rooms overlook the beach and outstretching Mediterranean, calling to us. But they must wait for tomorrow, for all must sleep tonight.