Happy Birthday Luca!

My nephew Luca has his third birthday today, but the family celebrated it in style yesterday with birthday cake, delicious food and, of course, many exciting presents. The best present was the one from his dad: a big red tractor!!

Proud dad

Martijn the proud father and his adorable sons, my nephews Luca and Matthies, in Bristol during our Easter holiday.

Visiting Nana

My grandmother did not know I was coming to Bristol with the rest of the family, so she was quite surprised to see me. Luca being there was an even more pleasant surprise as she had not seem him for an even longer time. Luca was a bit standoffish at first, but soon warmed to his great-nana!

Lehitraot

My visit to Tel Aviv was short and sweet. Too short, really! It was great to just walk around and go to places I used to hang out at when I studied in the city as well as see new places, meet friends and enjoy the beach. I'll definitely go back soon!

As usual the security at the airport did not quite know what to make of me. "What did you do during your stay? Do you have any family here? Where did you learn Hebrew and did anyone in your family also learn Hebrew?". At least no questions about why I was traveling to Amsterdam on a British passport! Bags checked twice and both times swiped for, I assume, explosives residue. All in all not a bad airport experience.

Dizengoff

 

My last moments in Tel Aviv are spent on Dizengoff Street with Daisy at one of the many cafes along this shopping street. The weather is perfect, the Indian chai delicious and both Daisy and I wouldn't mind staying on instead of returning to Amsterdam.