Showing Mom Israel, Part 1

My mom is coming to Israel next week.

Y’all, this is a really big deal. It’s her first international trip, which means not only that it’s her first visit to Israel, but it’s also the first time she’ll meet her grandson. And baby ש is the first grandchild on my side of the family to boot.

I’ve been looking forward to this trip for months. Not just because I can’t wait to see her, but because I get to do something I’ve never done before: show someone I love the place that became home.

For years, I was the person that friends and family called when they were planning a trip. I was the one comparing neighborhoods, building the list of must see sights on Google Maps, finding the restaurants worth planning a day around, and making sure the itinerary had enough space to actually enjoy the trip without needing a vacation from your vacation. Eventually, I realized I loved planning travel almost as much as I loved going on my own trips, so I became a certified travel advisor.1

When most people plan a trip, they start with a list of attractions. They ask, What should we see?

I try to start from a different place: How do you want to feel?

That’s the question I ask before I build an itinerary. Do you want to come home feeling rested? Inspired? Like you really got to know a place instead of spending the week racing between Instagram landmarks?

For my mom, I don’t want her to leave Israel saying, “I saw all the famous places.” Sure, the famous landmarks are important, but I want her to see the real Israel, to understand why we moved, and more importantly, why we’ve stayed.

That means mornings at cafés in our neighborhood instead of trying to squeeze in another museum. Or wandering the stone alleyways of Old Akko to find a nice cool spot away from the midday heat. Or watching the sunset from our rooftop because while there are probably better views in the city, there’s no where we’d rather be. Those are the moments I try to build into every trip.

This time our itinerary has a few extra considerations since our newest travel buddy is only a couple of months old. Travel plans now include feeding and pumping breaks, diaper changes, shaded walks, and enough flexibility that we don’t feel rushed if the baby decides it’s time for a nap. As it turns out, babies are excellent reminders that travel isn’t always about how much you can fit into a day but rather about enjoying the day you have.

Also, planning this trip feels like a major milestone. When I moved to Israel just under two years ago, I was the one trying to figure everything out. Every time I navigated the grocery store, mastered a new bus route, or successfully ordered a coffee, it felt like a new discovery…or at least a good story.

Now I’m the one making recommendations.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing parts of our itinerary, alongside what it’s like traveling throughout Israel with a newborn in tow.

Mostly, though, I’m excited to see Israel through my mom’s eyes.

I have a feeling she’ll help me see my home, and motherhood, a little bit differently, too.