DivaSkyChick 0 #1 May 21, 2003 Sooooo one of my very best friends is getting married in Israel in July. Her fiance's 300 family and friends will be there (he's from there) but not even her (mid-Western) parents are willing to go, let alone any of her friends. Everyone is too scared. My whuffo friends say "No way." I'm thinking skydivers will better understand that this is a huge opportunity - I've never been to Israel and I can't think of a cooler way of getting to know people and really seeing the real life there than being involved in a huge wedding. Plus, she needs me. Her Hebrew sucks and at least I would be one person to talk to! So would you go? --- www.facebook.com/mandyhamptonfitch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LouDiamond 1 #2 May 21, 2003 I would have to say no as well. Besides the obvious and very real threat there is the whole process of getting into Israel which is a whole thread in itself with the amount of questioning and screening they do both on entry and exit. It's a major hassle and if you plan on taking your rig I can only imagine what additional scrutiny that may bring. From my understanding the DZ there has a very tricky landing area (meaning few good outs and lots of potential injury/death areas) and it's small. All of that may seem trivial and I guess it boils down to how good a friend is she and do you want to do it?"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required" Some people dream about flying, I live my dream SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rgoper 0 #3 May 21, 2003 I'd say go ahead and go, if that's what YOU want to do! be sure and get your passport in order, contact the embassy and let them know of your whereabouts, and fly business class! less security hassle that way, plus "cattle car" ain't no fun at all. good luck.--Richard-- "We Will Not Be Shaken By Thugs, And Terroist" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gatorbait 1 #4 May 21, 2003 I would just keep an eye on the situation in Israel. It would defintily be an awesome thing to do. I was supposed to go to Jordan with my church a in 2001, the triip was canceled after 9/11. I was really excited about going. If you go, just keep your wits about you and stay where you know its safe. Personally, imho I wouldn't let fear restrain me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gress 0 #5 May 21, 2003 QuoteSo would you go? Yes, I would go. Keep an eye the situation and see through june, if it develops to the extreme (Looks like it is developing very bad know) then cancel. Hopefully she'll understand. You could also talk to her, and hear if she has any views of the obvious security risks of going there? Is she scared of going? Also, tell her that you will not go if, when it's time to go, you don't feel it would be right. -Mag Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Beerlight 0 #6 May 21, 2003 I'd have to say go......just stay away from the highly populated areas, clubs...etc.....However, if you just wanted to take a trip to Israel and sightsee.......then I'd say no.......but you have a special circumstance........have fun....... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrazyIvan 0 #7 May 21, 2003 If you 'must' go then go, but....don't ride any buses. __________________________________________ Blue Skies and May the Force be with you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DivaSkyChick 0 #8 May 21, 2003 Yeah, it's not just like, oh I can go anywhere for vacation, hmmm let's go to Israel! This is a really special thing to be a part of. Prolly woudn't get to jump - can't even imagine trying to get my rig thru security... I could rent if I needed to. She's not afraid but she totally understands her parents not going, much as it bums her out... There's no pressure at all. Who here is from Israel? --- www.facebook.com/mandyhamptonfitch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DivaSkyChick 0 #9 May 21, 2003 Can you imagine - the fiance's husband's father is a bus driver in the settlements! But their home is in Tel Aviv... No buses for me. --- www.facebook.com/mandyhamptonfitch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrazyIvan 0 #10 May 21, 2003 Quote Can you imagine - the fiance's husband's father is a bus driver in the settlements! But their home is in Tel Aviv... No buses for me. Just 2 things: 1- That guy has balls!!! (well...Matzo balls since he's Israeli ) 2- You are wise making that desicion__________________________________________ Blue Skies and May the Force be with you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LouDiamond 1 #11 May 21, 2003 What ever you decide to do is ultimately up to you and your awarness of the current situation. I recommend you take a look at these sites for some valuable information and contact numbers in the event you need them. http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html#i http://travel.state.gov/israel_warning.html http://www.state.gov/www/global/terrorism/travel_sy.html http://travel.state.gov/spring_break.html Surf around and read up on before hand and of course make a sound and educated decision. If you need anything or have questions please PM me."It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required" Some people dream about flying, I live my dream SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DivaSkyChick 0 #12 May 21, 2003 hahahaha I just got a pm reminding me to write a will and offering to take my gear if I don't make it back! Hmmmm I guess I'd better make arrangements for Layla (my dog.) Anyone want a cranky, 11 year old bitch who loves to hang out at dog unfriendly DZs? --- www.facebook.com/mandyhamptonfitch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Unstable 9 #13 May 21, 2003 My phyco ex used to always go and visit Israel each summer. I used to worry a lot, and in retrospect, she really shouldn't have gone. Now i'm like "Audios Babe, have fun!!!! Don't let the bed buggs bite (literally)" sds edited for: p.s. since i like you, i vote no =========Shaun ========== Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shark 0 #14 May 21, 2003 Hi Mandy, I've been thinking about this... How much would it mean to your friend? Well, in better times I would say yes. But with the situation the way it is now I recommend that you do not go. If you do go, please, please be careful. Mark Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DivaSkyChick 0 #15 May 21, 2003 Quote edited for: p.s. since i like you, i vote no Thank you! I was wondering where that was going! LOL --- www.facebook.com/mandyhamptonfitch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DivaSkyChick 0 #16 May 21, 2003 Sharky, Not to worry, careful will be at the top of my list. Okay, not the top. Somewhere after having a blast. LOL No pun intended. I swear! --- www.facebook.com/mandyhamptonfitch Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #17 May 21, 2003 Quote I'd say go ahead and go, if that's what YOU want to do! be sure and get your passport in order, contact the embassy and let them know of your whereabouts, and fly business class! less security hassle that way, plus "cattle car" ain't no fun at all. good luck. I would have to say that this is one of those rare times where Richard and I agree! If you really want to go, I say go. Just plan appropriately. You know, there is a couple at Elsinore that just moved here from Israel. They might have some info for you too. Go for it!So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenister 0 #18 May 21, 2003 I voted "are you crazy? do you know how hot its going to be??"been there, done that..and if thats the promised land god needs to get a clue still you should experience everything you can and i imagine a jewish wedding in israel is an event not to be missed no matter what the threat from small minded psychos... there is no point in being afraid of dying as death will come for everyone. be instead afraid of never living ____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jtval 0 #19 May 21, 2003 I remember how isreal was on you all the time at ELOY. are you trying to encourage him! LOL (sorry I'm whoring)My photos My Videos Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KawiZX900 0 #20 May 21, 2003 what he said. travel is good though. Israel? that'd be pretty cool. wear running shoes @ all times. Accelerate hard to get them looking, then slam on the fronts and rollright beside the car, hanging the back wheel at eye level for a few seconds. Guaranteed reaction- Dave Sonsky Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheAnvil 0 #21 May 21, 2003 I say go. If rgoper and I are agreeing on anything hell has frozen over anyway. You won't be riding any buses, your friends' family should have enough sense to have security at/around the wedding, and that is an extremely interesting part of the world to visit. Make them take you to Acre and Jerusalem. If your friend thought enough of you to invite you, it would probably mean a whole lot to her that you be there. Especially if not many others - including her own parents - are making the trip. There's not much I won't do for a friend in need and it sounds like she needs you now. If you can afford it, do it. Just be smart while you're there. Things could change in the interim, however, so I'd keep my eye on the news. Vinny the Anvil Post Traumatic Didn't Make The Lakers Syndrome is REAL JACKASS POWER!!!!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jessica 0 #22 May 21, 2003 I vote you go. World travel is a really wonderful thing. Just do what you can to mitigate the risk.Skydiving is for cool people only Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
falxori 0 #23 May 25, 2003 ok... sp many replies to write to so many people first of all, as you know (or not) i'm from israel so i can give you an insider's look. 1. its NOT as risky as you might think after watching CNN (keep in mind its only news when something blows up...) 2. i may not recommend it as a relaxation trip these days, but there is no problem being here, especially when you know where to be and have local friends here. 3. if you have any other questions, i'd be happy to help you O "Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
falxori 0 #24 May 25, 2003 yes and no. security checks ? yes, they can be a hassle for non-israelis. i'm not sure taking your rig is a good idea but if you have a planned visit, with places to stay, you wont have any problems (especially if you are a US citizen). just take with you addresses, names and phone numbers of your friends. Quote . From my understanding the DZ there has a very tricky landing area (meaning few good outs and lots of potential injury/death areas) and it's small. very wrong. we currently have 1 active DZ (another currently closed). it has lots of open fields, no woods and really no problem to land safely. the only serious incident in the past few years was the result of a tragic plane crash. i'm sure you'll enjoy jumping here and you can either rent/borrow a rig while you are here O "Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
falxori 0 #25 May 25, 2003 Quote and if thats the promised land god needs to get a clue while planning the Land of israel , god talked to some of his angels... "look at the lands i'm about to create, it would be beautiful with high mountains with dense forests, it will have green fields with heavenly fruits, it will flow with milk and honey in a central position with an ocean view..." " dont you think you are being to kind to these people?" - asked the angels... "no" said god, "wait and see what i'm going to put there as their neighbors..." O "Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
