Takeoff

I just boarded the plane to Israel. Let me start out by saying El Al has the most stringent security policies I've ever experienced. You start by getting interrogated before you even check your bag. They ask you if you are Jewish, Hebrew name, how you celebrated your Bar Mitzvah, etc. If they don't like your answers you get pulled out of line (this happened to 2 of my trip mates). You then escort your bag over to what I can only guess is a bomb detector before going through normal security. While at the gate, one of our group got pulled out (no idea why). These people are seriously not fucking around. Anyway, I'm on and definitely safe. The plane is huge (777-200) and I'm in the next to last row in a middle seat. Apparently, Delta Gold status doesn't transfer over to El Al. No first class for this guy!

There are 35 of us on the trip plus the trip leaders. Most of the people I've met are really cool and I'm excited to spend the next 10 days with them. Most of them seem to be Reform Jews or pretty lax about the religion (like me). Wide mix of ages but there are a decent amount of 25-26 year olds. Also some cute Jewish girls - what up! The alcohol policy seems to be really strict but I'm hoping they loosen up once we get to Israel. Should be interesting.

Other than that, I'm really excited to get going and get the trip started. We'll land in about 11-12 hours from now, but I'll post when I can to let you all know I'm safe. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!

- Kaps

Song of the Day: Steve Aoki feat. Lil Jon - Turbulence