We spent two special nights with wonderful friends we've known since we lived in Germany, 1988-1989. Tova and Yosef invited us into their lovely home in a very large high-rise condominium complex, near Tel Aviv. 
Their son, Zivan, was a very good friend of our son, Jon, when they both attended the International School of Stuttgart as 2nd graders. Yosef would not allow us to spend money on anything, indeed he spoiled us rotten with wonderful cafés and restaurants. They planned our stay with them very carefully, and our first trip was to Yaffa (modern name is Joppa). We had been to Yaffa 14 years ago on our first trip to Israel, and I’m glad to say the city remained antiquated without too much change, but Tel Aviv, it’s neighbor, exploded in size and commerce. Yosef is short in stature but makes up for it in chutzpah, as he barely clears the height of the steering wheel and drives with a foot each on a pedal. All this, talking at the same time - hands going every which way to make a point – ignoring the honking horns of cars in back of him, or passing him giving him the evil eye.
Tova is a bit taller, and is a historian at heart, fascinated with each nook and cranny of sights, and is often on a trail of her own accord, while Yosef is yelling at her in Hebrew with what we imagine, saying, "Tova! Where in the heck are you going!" They just celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary, and are very forgiving to each other. 
After walking through Yaffa, Yosef drove us to "Old Tel Aviv". What an amazing place, as many of the ancient homes are currently being renovated - stone for stone - to re-make the old place into something new, yet ancient looking. The streets are narrow, studded with art shops, gift shops and cafés. We stopped for a late-afternoon meal, and the food was quite memorable. Their son, Zivan, recommended two places he was sure we’d enjoy. Bravo, Zivan! This photo was my favorite: a very old house still remaining in the old city, butted up to New Tel Aviv. The old house reminded me of the movie, "Up"!
Our final stop with our friends on Friday afternoon was to Caesarea, a bit north of Tel Aviv. Built by King Herod, this fortress now in ruins was a booming city about 37 – 4 BCE. We spent a few hours learning all we could, and two films provided for tourists gave full record of the history of Caesarea.
When we returned to Yosef and Tova’s home, we were all exhausted and Yosef exclaimed, "A siesta was required". These two dear people toddled off to a 2-hour nap, awaking at 7:00 pm, and then proceeded to lay out a magnificent Erev Shabbat dinner. Tova and Yosef had not celebrated this type of a Friday evening event for many, many years, although every-other Friday they have their children and grandchildren over for dinner. Tova brought out the candle-stick holders putting in new candles, Yosef found the spot for reading in his Sedur (book of prayers), and they presented a very wonderful celebration of the Shabbat meal. It was tradition to Tova’s family that we started off with Gefilte fish (uh, not to be a tradition in our home!), yet a tradition in many religious Jewish homes. Tova and Yosef will tell you outright they are not religious! On to a chicken broth with noodles, then beef and chicken with boiled potatoes and veggies and a beautiful Challah that Yosef bought that morning. When we knew there was not another inch of room in our tummies, Tova brought out a fruit compote and chocolate cake.
In the morning we hugged and hugged, and they sent us on our way back to Alfe Menashe. Now it’s evening, I’m putting this all down on the computer, with a glass of red wine by my side (thanks, sweetie Jerry), and very thankful for all that the LORD has blessed us with in sight, sound, and friendships. Toda rabah, Abba! (Thank you, Father!)
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