I had written a week ago about my plans to visit Israel, in spite of the current situation over there. Well, I guess there’s a line all I won’t cross. I still refuse to travel into active war zones. Plus, the airline canceled my itinerary on me, since I guess they don’t want to do that either, making my non refundable ticket refundable.
So instead I am visiting my homeland of Illinois again. I had planned to do this in the May or June timeframe, but the time was already requested off, so I moved it up to March, even though March weather in Chicago is far less than that in Tel Aviv, I won’t have to worry about finding the nearest bomb shelter.
The plan now is to fly into Chicago, where I will arrive with a sense of excitement and anticipation, take a train down to see Mom, then on Wednesday, after spending some quality time catching up with her, I will head back to the city. Once there, I will spend the rest of the 9-day trip that I had originally allocated for Israel, but am now spending domestically, exploring the vibrant neighborhoods, indulging in the local cuisine (pizza), and perhaps revisiting a few of my usual tourist haunts, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Art Institute, Wrigley Field.
I will be staying in my former neighborhood, Wicker Park. I left the neighborhood nearly 20 years ago now, but I still somewhat miss it. The vibrant streets that once echoed with the sounds of laughter and music now tell a different story. The concert venue is now a Yeti store, showcasing outdoor gear instead of hosting live performances that brought people together. The bar I used to frequent, a cozy spot filled with the aroma of craft beer and the warmth of friendly conversations, is now a Warby Parker, selling fashionable eyewear. Gentrification takes its toll, transforming beloved landmarks into trendy establishments. Back then, it was just in the beginning, a gradual shift that hinted at what was to come, but now it’s all grown up, unrecognizable to those who hold memories of its past charm. As I walk through the familiar streets, I can’t help but reminisce about the vibrant community that once thrived here, filled with creatives, artists, and families, all now replaced by a more commercialized reality.
I still plan to visit Israel at some time. After I originally booked the flight, I realized that nine days may not necessarily be enough to explore all that the country has to offer. For instance, do I want to take the three-day tour from Jerusalem to Petra, a breathtaking journey that is a highlight for many travelers? That wasn’t an option with the original plan, but now it could be if I rebook the trip with enough time to properly arrange my itinerary. Additionally, I find myself wondering if I originally allocated too much time to Jerusalem, which is rich in history and culture, and not enough to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Tel Aviv, known for its stunning beaches and bustling nightlife. Now that the reservations have been canceled, I have the perfect opportunity to take a fresh look at my plans and maybe change the mix between the two cities, allowing for a more balanced experience that captures both the ancient and modern aspects of Israel. This flexibility could lead to a much more enriching trip, giving me the chance to delve into the local cuisine, art, and traditions of the regions I visit.
This is all however for when the situation calms down over there, hopefully I will be able to revisit these plans come early next year. I’m saying that already even though we’re only now entering March, which feels a bit premature but I want to stay optimistic. Given the uncertainties we are currently facing, it’s essential to remain flexible and open-minded about any potential changes that may arise. We’ll just have to see how that goes, and I truly hope by then, the circumstances will have improved significantly, allowing me to move forward with the initiatives I’ve been considering.
And here I go..... 
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