Joy went on a two week trip to the Holy Land to visit Roee's hometown, family, and friends in 2008. Upon landing in Tel Aviv, Joy, Roee, and family headed to a park to see the sunset. As Joy was strolling along, taking in the serene vistas, she spied a stray cat in the bushes out of the corner of her eye. A few seconds later, she noticed another cat and, yet again, another. Joy was perplexed as to why no one else seemed to take notice. Roee then explained the cats were brought in decades ago to control a rodent problem and that the population has since grown out of control. Joy had a wonderful time in Israel, despite never being able to get accustomed to the number of cats walking around like squirrels.
Joy has many happy memories spending time with Roee's family and friends. She ate her first kohlrabi at Roee's parents' home in Haifa and has been hooked ever since. Her favorite area of Israel was by Lake Kinneret, the biblical Sea of Galilee. She had the best ice cream she has ever tried in her life there at a small shop in the mall, of all places, but that's not the only reason that area was her favorite. She perceived a more relaxed pace in that area of the country.
Joy found Tel Aviv to be exciting and chic. She loved shopping with Michal and walking around the trendy shops at night. She also dug the atmosphere and food at Georgian restaurant and pub, Nanuchka.
Joy also visited Caesarea, the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, Masada, the Dead Sea, and even managed to make a special field trip to Intel in Kiryat Gat.
Few trips have been as well-balanced and enjoyable as this one!