Netanya

The last time we went on vacation was pre Covid vaccines and when the course of the pandemic was still uncertain. A getaway that would not be too far from Beit Shemesh and with 4 kids has been necessary for some time.

Take note - Hannukah traffic in Israel is equivalent to Thanksgiving but instead of one day you're talking a total of eight. 

Deep breathing.

Many of the things we thought we'd do we also scaled way back. 

We stayed at a lovely 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath with a kosher kitchen on the 21st floor of 24 floors in Ir Yamim, Netanya. This was the first time, other than an airplane, that we have been and slept so high and up off of the ground. 

Netanya reminded us of Miami, Florida. The streets are clean, diversified people, kosher and non kosher establishments, palm trees and many pools. 

The population, though classified as Anglo is made up of mostly British and French retirees. Josh was the youngest at the shul he went to for Shacharit. The nearest community over is Poleg that has houses. From what we learned, it's very expensive to own in Netanya. Our oldest had fun scoping out BMWs and Audi vehicles. 

We had the opportunity to go into a du mishpachti house owned by Glass Fusion, Israel. If you are in Netanya, go for a workshop. She was very kid friendly and patient. We discussed her 20 years living in Ramat Beit Shemesh Alef and why they moved. The concept to help children establish themselves is a common theme that had held her back until she sold their b place and found Netanya as a place they'd like to retire. It was fascinating to compare the lifestyle and pace of living. 

We have good friends that moved from Sharon Massachusetts to Ir Yamim (and yes, they are young). They absolutely love it here and how they scaled back from living in a large house to a modern apartment. Our first night here (as it turns out our building lobbies connect) we took note of kids playing soccer inside and riding the elevators on their own. It's a whole different style of community. 

The country has so many different flavors and a place for everyone. And when the kids get a little older to not fight in the car, hope we will travel to more places. 

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