Embarking on an Adventure: Our Journey from LAX to Tel Aviv, March 26/27

The Excitement Begins at LAX

Today, March 26, 2025, marks the start of an incredible journey as we set out from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to the vibrant city of Tel Aviv, Israel. There are 53 of us in the tour group, including 3 group leaders. As we gather at the airport, the energy is contagious. I'm sure after we meet together, we'll soon be forging new friendships. We do have 14 hours of flight time ahead of us, arriving in Tel Aviv on March 27!

Photo Gallery

Pictures from left to right, top to bottom: Waiting to check in, At first glance I thought this was Tom Brady Airlines, LAX counters, LAX check-in, LAX concourse, Check in Kiosks, Big hangy thing, our ladies, El Al counters, Jerry and Lu, checking in, the group, ridiculous selfie with my new neck pillow, the ubiquitous Harrison Ford e-poster in a kilt, three foot high Lego man, our gate, not our seats (making our way back to the steerage section all the while singing "If I were a rich man" from Fiddler on the roof), our transport to the Holy Land (787 Dreamliner)

The Flight

The 14 hours spent on the plane was an interesting one to say the least. Having never experienced the Middle East culture before, we were immediately immersed in it on the ride over. We were expecting people to sleep during the night. Rather than sleeping, passengers walked the aisles literally all night, collecting in groups they conversed all night long. Passengers would go back to the galley and help themselves to coffee, water, snacks. What a contrast to domestic flying.

Our Arrival

Thursday afternoon, March 27: Pictures of Ben Gurion airport, posters with hostage names, flight data, Jerry and Lu. Our private coach bus took us to Vert Lagoon Resort for our first night of lodging.