Shalom from Israel!

I arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday, January 17th and have since traveled to Jerusalem, the Dead Sea, Masada, Rosh Pinah, and Tzfat. While I am enjoying my time in Israel, this blog post is about last week.

Last week, I traveled to Prague and Vienna with my friend Quentin. It was wonderful! I spent two nights in Vienna, three in Prague, and then two more in Vienna. A few of the highlights from Vienna include going to the Schönbrunn Palace, where people like Maria Theresa, the Habsburgs, and Marie Antoinette lived (see the first photo), Museum Hundertwasser, and the Naschmarkt. In addition, we saw an English-speaking comedy performance by a group named “The English Lovers.” In general, I had an amazing time walking around the city and spending time with my friend.


In Prague, I was very lucky to visit the grave of my Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Great Grandmother. This is not a joke! Hendel Bassevi is my great grandmother ten generations back, lived in the early 1600s, and is now buried in the famous Old Jewish Cemetery (see the second photo). She was known as the “Queen of the Jews” in Prague because of her philanthropic work. Her grave was among the biggest and most decorative in the cemetery, so she must have been very appreciated. Hendel was married to a Jacob Bassevi von Treuenberg, who was a member of the Bohemian Court, and was actually knighted for helping Emperor Ferdinand II finance the Thirty Years War.

I also explored Prague’s past from its medieval to modern history by visiting the Astronomical Clock (see the third photo), Charles Bridge, the Communist Museum, Jewish Quarter and Museums, etc... Architecturally, Prague is a very beautiful city!


Overall, I had an awesome time getting to know both Vienna and Prague. I definitely recommend visiting them both. However, I had a small luggage issue flying to Israel from Vienna on Air Baltic… Let’s just say one piece of luggage is still in Vienna and will be heading home to Seattle soon with some of my belongings because of exorbitant fees. Due to the fact that my contact lenses are on their way back to Seattle, I will be wearing my glasses for the next five months! It’s probably healthier that way anyway…

I have a week left in Israel to spend with my parents and get ready for Nepal! I am so excited, but nervous to leave the comfort of my computer and warm shower.

B’Shalom (In Peace)