Just So I Don't Forget Why I Despise The TSA
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family,
livejournal,
new jersey,
vacation
On August 1, Ian will be leaving for a year of study abroad in Israel. I haven't seen him since April and I currently don't have any flights to New Jersey booked, which is an abnormal state in and of itself. So, do I visit him in New Jersey sometime in the next 6 weeks, or do I visit him in Israel, most likely in January?
New Jersey is infinitely cheaper. By a lot. Assume $300 round trip for the plane ticket, and approximately $0 for food and board and Momndad Bed & Breakfast. Israel can be done for $1000 round-trip, assuming I want to fly steerage and change planes at Heathrow. I don't mind coach/economy/proletarian for transcontinental, mainly due the existence of exit rows and the increased legroom that they provide, but for 113 hours, well, let's just say it's not ideal. Then comes hotel, food, random stuff that I buy. And last, but not least, Matt. I am NOT going to Israel for the first time by myself. And I certainly am not spending that much time in a plane to only stay a week. Ergo, $NewJersey <<<<<<<<<<< $Israel. However, Israel is Israel, where I've never been, while New Jersey is, well, New Jersey.
Where do I go?
New Jersey is infinitely cheaper. By a lot. Assume $300 round trip for the plane ticket, and approximately $0 for food and board and Momndad Bed & Breakfast. Israel can be done for $1000 round-trip, assuming I want to fly steerage and change planes at Heathrow. I don't mind coach/economy/proletarian for transcontinental, mainly due the existence of exit rows and the increased legroom that they provide, but for 113 hours, well, let's just say it's not ideal. Then comes hotel, food, random stuff that I buy. And last, but not least, Matt. I am NOT going to Israel for the first time by myself. And I certainly am not spending that much time in a plane to only stay a week. Ergo, $NewJersey <<<<<<<<<<< $Israel. However, Israel is Israel, where I've never been, while New Jersey is, well, New Jersey.
Where do I go?
8 comments:
you might still qualify for a birthright scholarship
Do both, you have a year to get yourself to Israel! Make it a vacation. Israel's awesome!
Do you have any relatives in Israel? If not, there are legions of people who'll put up guests. I can put you in touch with some of my relatives or family friends, if you'd like.
Also, a lot of people do apartment trading, where an Israeli visiting the US at the same time stays in your place, while you stay in their place. I'm not sure what organization arranges it, but I could find out if you're interested.
Wow, with all the USY brainwashing you never went to Israel? That's quite impressive, actually. You should go. And yes, as Scott mentioned, you do still qualify for birthright (you have until your 27th birthday) -- and if you wanted to, you could extend your trip free of charge (provided you found your own lodging accomodations). My sister could talk it up if you need more convincing -- she's been a recruiter/group leader twice.
Okay, I'm convinced. Actually, farniks already convinced me. I've decided to apply for winter 2010. Is your sister leading a trip then?
Oh, and the USY brainwashing worked - I begged EVERY year to go, but my parents said no.
Aww, shame your parents said no every year... But yes, do both. Come.Visit.NOW! <3
I have some distant relatives, but they are distant in every sense of the word. I've been thinking about the trading thing for a few days, and I have to admit that I'm not comfortable with the idea of strangers staying at my place. :-/
I don't think she's recruiting again (she works too much these days, I'd think), but I could definitely pass along her phone number/e-mail if you have any questions or need any advice.
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