The highlight of the week was attending the Embassy’s 4th of July party at the Ambassador’s residence. Although we were there primarily to work, it was still a lot of fun. The weather was perfect and we had a gorgeous view of the fireworks over the ocean. It was also pretty impressive to see the Ambassador on stage with the Israeli president Shimon Peres and PM Binyamin Netanyahu (whatever your politics).
The party is a huge deal here – the hottest ticket in town. There were literally thousands of people there.
When we got home a little after 11PM from the party, we sat on the balcony and watched Tel Aviv celebrate “White Night,” an annual all-night party to celebrate the city’s designation as the White City by UNESCO (because of all the Bauhaus buildings here that are primarily white). The streets were jammed, music was playing and everyone seemed to be celebrating – it was fun to watch!
We started the week last Sunday with a nice brunch at Rafael’s, overlooking the ocean with our friends Bill, Diane, Ray and Anna. Afterward, Jen and Rebecca came for some pool time at our apartment. When the pool closed, we moved to our balcony to watch the sun set. In the winter, we couldn’t see the sunset because we’re on the north side of the building, but the last month or so, we’ve been able to see it and it’s always beautiful.
I started a six-month rotation in American Citizen Services on Monday. It’s good to get back into passport mode, although I have also enjoyed my time in visas here. The ACS staff, like the NIV staff, are really friendly and helpful.
Last night we went to dinner with Jen and Mary at a very good tapas restaurant – good conversation and food.