The One Where I Go To Israel
My company is sending my entire office to Israel–for a week.
When I found out my first reaction was this:
But then I let it fade to the background. I didn’t tell a soul except those immediately affected like my mom and hubby. Somewhere deep down I knew it was happening but I couldn’t quite wrap my brain around it. The farthest I had ever traveled was to Mexico and the Islands so this was stepping way out of my comfort zone.
Then flight confirmations started rolling in, hotels were being booked, the excited chatter around the office became very hard to ignore.
I’m going to Israel.
Then a few things really sunk in like:
A) If I hadn’t made the difficult decision to get a new job I would never have gotten this off the wall amazing opportunity.
B) I have never been so far away from my kids. Ever. I have also never been this far away without my husband right next to me. (Mommy guilt be gone!!)
C) I am going across the world to one of the most beautiful places all because of my awesome company and all on their dime. Which is pretty much like winning the trip on the price is right.
The trip will have me 3 days in Tel Aviv and 1.5 days in Eilat at a STUNNING hotel that I can’t stop cyber stalking. More importantly I am looking forward to meeting my coworkers who seem so cool virtually and I can’t wait to meet them in person.
Let us not get ahead of ourselves because this is work. I will be working from the moment I step off the plane. My schedule is booked solid with tons of team building and learning objectives, I won’t be able to really “tour” but I will be happy to stay in a hotel on a friggin beach while I do so. 
With just about 3 weeks left until the marathon I am excited to (maybe) get a run in while in Israel. I’m not putting any pressure on myself because heck, it’s a 12 hour time difference, it’s hot and finding time to run may not be an option. Don’t worry though. I’ve packed several workout outfits!!
Ever had a moment where someone gives you something and you didn’t realize how much you wanted it until you saw it? That is what this trip is for me. I’m so so grateful to my company for giving me this gift.
The Staten Island Half Marathon
Because I can’t do ANYTHING without dramatic flare, I will be running a half marathon exactly 6 hours before I take flight. I know. I know. I totally would have skipped it but my entry to the New York City Half in March all rests with me crossing the finish line of this race! I must run! Then I will sleep (on the plane).
And don’t worry the blog will be up and running next week because there is a ton I still have to share with you even though I am halfway across the world. I will check in when I can! I will also be periscoping! Believe it or not I’ve been periscoping everyday for the month of October and I hope to keep it that way!
I will carry you all with me on this amazing adventure. See you soon.
Where is the farthest you have ever travelled? Any long flight tips?! Snack suggestions?! How was your fitness and health week?
Update: Here is how it went!
Here are some more fun travel posts to check out while you are here:
Day Trip Travel Itinerary | Free Printable To Keep You Organized
20 Places to Travel in Your 30s | Best Cities To Visit In USA
Free Things To Do In All 50 States – Free Printable
Hi! I’m Nellie. I am an entrepreneur, a busy mama of 3 and a wife to my high school sweetheart. I have been sharing content for over 12 years about how to cook easy recipes, workout tips and free printables that make life a little bit easier. I have been featured in places like Yahoo, Buzzfeed, What To Expect, Mediavine, Niche Pursuits, HuffPost, BabyCenter, Mom 2.0, Mommy Nearest, Parade, Care.com, and more!
Get comfortable and be sure to come hang out with me on social. Don’t forget to grab your free fitness journal before you go!
When I saw this on FB I was stunned! I too have never been farther then Spain and Israel would totally freak me out – in the best way possible!
Rock that race and then REST up for the trip of a lifetime. Looking forward to Nellie – Live from Israel – posts filling my feed.
Also – be careful.
xoxoxo
This is so awesome and seriously now I am so excited for you. Cannot wait to hear all about Israel and your trip when you return, but enjoy every minute of it while you are there still!! 😉
How awesome!!
I can only imagine the mom/wife guilt.
Enjoy every moment and I can’t wait to here about it!
Have fun and be safe.
How exciting! I hope you enjoy your time in Israel. I understand the need to run a race for guarenteed entry, thats the only reason I ran the Fred Lebow Half Marathon in January because I knew I couldn’t run the Staten Island Half since I’m doing RnR Brooklyn tomorrow. We runners are a crazy breed lol
Wow! Elilat is stunning. Tel Aviv is busy and bustling. Should be an amazing trip. Not sure if you are going to get to tour anywhere, if you do, bring a long maxi skirt and a shawl to cover your shoulders. Try the frozen yogurt (they offer plain and you mix in flavors. I can still taste it and I went 22 years ago.
I would feel guilty for a second and then be out. I will bring y’all something back and face time ya. Yay for stepping out…you never know what adventures await you when you step out
Congrats girl! See what happens when you step out of your comfort zone? Opportunities!
Holy cow. Six hours before flight?? But you’re like me. Full of energy and drive. When people say, “How can you do all of that? Shoot weddings? Raise two kids? Blog nearly daily?”
And I say back, “How could I not?”
Anyway it’s amazing. I’ve never left North America so I’m no wisdom on anything. My longest flight was six hours.
My sister went to Israel on a birthright trip and it changed her life.
Cassidy has been there more than once.
That’s amazing!!!! I went to Israel twice this year, and both trips were absolutely life-changing. I only spent a short time in Tel Aviv, but it’s gorgeous there. Two things: wear compression socks on the flight & bring an electric outlet adaptor. I’m happy to help if you have any specific questions. Just email me! 🙂 Also, I don’t want to link drop (ha) but I wrote about my trips on my blog – you might find some useful info there. Have the BEST time!!!!
SUPER excited for you! seriously, what an amazing trip from your company! I really hope you get a lot out of it, even if it is for work 😉
The farthest I’ve ever been is a tough one… because I moved to the Netherlands from Portland, Oregon, that was already super far (and I’d never been anywhere besides Vancouver, BC and just over the border in Mexico!!). Since I’ve been here I’ve been lucky to be able to travel a lot but after checking Google Maps… the furthest I’ve traveled is to Kigali, Rwanda a couple of years ago, also for WORK. An amazing trip which included lots of team building and visiting coffee farms and helping build a health care center in a village about an hour outside of Kigali. It was pretty much the most amazing trip I ever made and I had the same type of reactions that you are having!
As far as training goes… because my trip was so short (4 full days and turned out my luggage was missing for two of those!! ) I did not train in Kigali but I do regret it a bit. I mean, how often can you say “I ran in Africa!” ? Usually though, I make a point to get some type of exercise in, no matter what, preferably running.
These trips really can be life-changing! Even though you’ll miss kids and hubby, it will be such a great experience for you. Soak it all in and yes, be careful, but don’t worry too much… though a lot is happening in Israel, hopefully you won’t even notice while you are there.
WOW, that is amazing… and so cool that your company is paying in full for EVERYTHING! Hope you are able to sneak away at least a little bit to check out the sights (though I know how difficult that can often be for a work-related trip). In any event, I’m super jelly/excited for you 🙂
So excited for you! I often travel overseas for work so I have let go of the mommy guilt. I actually look forward to the long flight as a way to catch up on reading, movies and sleep. I’ve also ran a long race right before a flight, so my advice is to wear compression sleeves or pants on the plane and drink tons of water. Have a great trip!!!
thank you so much! This is super reassuring. I will definitely wear some compression socks!! Still working on the mommy guilt!
That sounds exciting…..I never traveled outside the US but it’s a dream of mine.
You know, I thought you were a little crazy before, but this definitely confirms it. LOL! Six HOURS? Have an awesome trip! I’m looking forward to your scopes!
yes you know me. super loco. happy i did it tho. 🙂
yes!! I’m so grateful for the experience!
Is your company hiring? ? How incredibly amazing and I am so happy for you! I have been to Israel a few times and each visit ends and I don’t want to leave!
Oh man, I hope you had/are having a fantastic time. What an amazing opportunity!