The last Fulbright-sponsored event of the year was two weeks ago. We received our formal invitation for dinner at the U.S. Ambassador's house several weeks ago. It was a great chance to see the other American Fulbrighters (some of whom are leaving in a month or two) and meet the newly minted Israeli Fulbright Scholars who are going to the United States.
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| Our fancy invitation |
We got all dressed up (you'll have to take my word for it, somehow we don't have any pictures).
Unfortunately, because John Kerry was in town, the Ambassador, Mr. Daniel Shapiro, was absent from his own dinner and instead was in Jerusalem! He missed a good time. The food was nice, the atmosphere nicer -- a lush hilly green backyard lawn (almost never see this here) gave way to a beautiful scenic overview of the Mediterranean Sea at sunset. And, yes, there was a large in-ground pool and jacuzzi too! Our dinner tables were clustered around the yard and though it would have been nice to sit with my U.S. Fulbright colleagues, it was also interesting to have sat with Israeli Fulbrighters and those in the community and get their perspective on things.
From my point of view it was nice to be recognized so formally by Fulbright, the U.S. Department of State, and the country of Israel. I felt for at least a few moments the pride in representing my country, my family, and my academic discipline.
Almost forgot about dessert --- something of a variety of colors, tastes, and flavors and, interestingly enough, was the same dessert that was served during President Obama's recent visit to Israel.
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| Dessert - this was in addition to the towering plates of chocolates at each table |
We decided to stay with another U.S. Fulbrighter (from Vermont) at her place in nearby Herzliya. A mere 20-30 min. walk from a beautiful beach, so we took advantage of our time there. Beaches in Israel range from idyllic large stretches of soft white sand and great beach combing, to centers of sunbathing, eating, drinking, and shopping. But I might add that in the latter case, Israelis do it well. Most of the really large beaches that folks flock to are bounded by a 'promenade' (you might call this a boardwalk) along which are found some really nice restaurants, chairs, umbrellas, etc.. You can lounge in the shade and have a beer while your kids play in the sand close by - not a bad deal!!
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| One of Israel's idyllic beaches - in Mikhmoret |
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