We are here. We arrived 10 days ago, just barely making the plane from Newark to Tel Aviv, and our bags followed us three days later. Not a problem; they have stores here! It was so good just to be here. At first the weather was quite cold and we sat around bundled up in sweaters and scarves, but since two days ago it has gotten warm and today it was hot. Shorts and t-shirts everywhere. It is the day before Pesach so there are lots of people out and about, lots of traffic. The grocery stores were jammed today -- no surprise.

The place where I was going to rent a car required a current license, of course, so I spent three days this week trying to get my drivers' license renewed. I did not succeed. My license had lapsed because I have not been here for nearly three years now. So I got the form that I knew needed to be completed, first with an eye exam at the local optometrist, then to a place to get passport photos taken, and then I had to go to a physician to get an ok that I am fit to drive. My physician, however, was not where she usually is and first I had to find her and then I had to get there, for now she is in an office that takes three buses to get to. Fortunately my friend Hedy took me. I got there and gave the receptionist the form and paid the required amount and promised to return the next day to pick up the form. But the receptionist called to say that the doctor wanted to see me (of course, she hasn't seen me for 2 1/2 years) and before I could do that I had to go to yet another clinic to register because I'd been out of the country for nearly 3 years. So I went to the clinic on the way to the appointment with the doctor, but it was closed. Oy!!! Another taxi to the place where the doctor is and they did allow me to see him (different doctor) and I got the form. Then I went back to the clinic that had been closed and there they told me I can't register properly until I have registered with the Department of the Interior. So I went home, form in hand. The rest could be taken care of later.

That was Tuesday. On Wednesday I very cheerfully took my signed and completed form to the Department of Motor Vehicles, fully expecting to get my license. But no, since I have been out of the country for nearly 3 years I have to take a "theory" test. And I have to do that at yet another office. So I went to the Department of the Interior to try to take care of that, but they were closed. I waited around for two hours, had lunch, and went back, stood in line for another half hour and finally got to see the right guy. But I had not brought my American passport with me so I was sent away empty handed.

So today is Thursday and I decided to just let all of that go. Now the government offices will be closed until after the week of Passover. Meanwhile I took a practice theory test and after 50 questions I had gotten less than half of them right! Looks like I need to study before I take the test...my friend Eti, though, helped me to rent a car with my US passport and so we have wheels. I'm very relieved!

Tonight we ate pizza in preparation for the Passover week when we will be restricted to matzah. Tomorrow night is the Seder. I think that the week ahead will be a much better one -- we will visit several friends around the country. I wish each and every one reading this a happy Passover or a happy Easter or in any event a happy weekend...

Pat