Eden House TLV, Tel Aviv

Maybe it was not the smartest idea money wise, but I am at the point where I have just done what is easiest for Israel. I was in touch with the farmer and since I would miss the last train into the train station by him, he recommended me get a hotel.

This was fine by me as not waking up at the butt crack of dawn after just arriving sounded like a good idea. Problem: no trains where would I stay? I looked at many many many places to figure out a hostel that was within walking distance from the center of Tel Aviv, where the train would go that late at night. Two problems: 1) do I really want to walk at night, in a new place, new language, with my bags, alone? 2) none of the hostels were within walking distance. I tried to get information from people who have traveled and lived in Israel but nothing really helped. I did not ask to stay with family as it would be 2am on a workday.

I found a guesthouse that was close to the center of Tel Aviv. My plan: Catch a train into the center of town, get a cab to the hotel. After I booked my hotel I saw that check in was only until 22:30. Really?! I emailed them asking for any sort of help as it is within 7 days of my trip and I would not be reimbursed any money for cancelling.

I was emailed back within a few hours from the lovely owner. She told me about the train times from the airport not running after a certain time. She said that she could arrange her taxi driver to pick me up from the airport and he has the key to the hotel or if I get to the hotel, the taxi driver could let me in. I am going to be honest, the taxi will cost as much as the room but I am going with what is easiest and what I feel will be safest. At 1:30am I am not going to want to get into some sketchy taxi and hope that they know where they are going.

I emailed her with my "THANK YOU THANK YOU please arrange a pick up at the airport" and am so glad it is all planned out. I sure hope that Israel is good and I sure hope that Thanksgiving will be worth it as this has been the most difficult part of my trip...by far!!