We made it to Tel Aviv!

We thought we might not make it this morning at 10:30 but we've beat the odds :-) We got to the airport with more than two hours before our departure time. Probably a first for me... and now I see the value of having time on your hands. Upon check in the agent had some difficulties with our travel plans. She indicated Ken only had a 30 day VISA that expires in mid June. We said that's what the consulate provide and that the formal 7 month VISA would be processed once we reach Tel Aviv. Not satified with that answer the agent began calling the Consulate. She also wasn't happy about me having a ticket longer than the 90 day tourist window. So it looked like maybe they wouldn't let me on the flight at all. After an hour and half she decided we could check our bags. Next problem. One of our bags was a bit over the limit. Since all the other bags were under the limit she agreed to let us re-shuffle our stuff. How embarressing! We were happy when all our bags were through security. We said goodbye to my parents (and my Aunt) and were on our way. We had exit seats on the leg to Atlanta which gave us lots of leg room. Not that I need it :-) We were really disappointed however to see that our individual TV screens weren't working. It was a long flight. Not sure how we are going to make a 12 hour flight... We had a perfect amount of time to switch planes in Atlanta and boarded the next plane on schedule. We were happy to see that the TV screens worked on this flight. Or so we thought. I could play a video game but couldn't watch TV or movies. Oh well. We tried to sleep for 20 minutes here an there throughout the 12 hour flight. We arrived safely in Tel Aviv and on time. Everyone clapped when the plane landed (not because it was a bumpy fligh- it's just tradition). Getting through customs was a bit of a challenge but we met this nice couple there. While Ken and this other guy were working with the immigration guards I started talking to the other guys wife. Aparently they are from the Folsom, California site and will be living in the same city we will be. So she and I agreed to be friends. We are in a beautiful hotel tonight (24th floor!) right on the Mediterranean and are looking forward to a good nights rest.