Allyce_CP9

               Sunday night, as promised, I went over to Arad's to help pack up his fiancé's wedding dress. Honestly, I don't  think he was going to miss Tallahassee at all! He was so eager to return to Israel and couldn't stop talking about all the family he was going to see. He was also really eager to reunite with Leah and it was adorable to see the excitement in his eyes. I carefully packed up the dress in his carry on and placed the shoes delicately next to it so that the beading wouldn't be messed up. He was very stressed about the whole process but I assured him it would be alright.

                After I did my bit of the packing I sat down and talked to Arad while he finished gathering everything up. He offered me some delicious Israeli coffee which was far different from the Starbucks I'm used to on campus. First off the whole thing was very dark and very thick. I asked him how he made it because I didn't see a coffee pot anywhere. He said that he simply boiled the water with the coffee "...how else are you supposed to make it?" I mentioned the whole coffee pot issue but he didn't care. "Mine is much better than the stuff you students drink at the Starbucks." Well he was definitely right, besides tasting delicious (and the slight heart palpitations which accompanied the strong caffeine content) the taste was infinitely better.

                As I savored my coffee we talked about the differences between Israeli weddings and American weddings. He said that first off their weddings were typically much more elaborate and including a huge number of people. I remembered my parents saying they had 200 and that seemed like a lot, but Arad said his had 700 guests, I really don't think I could even manage to find 700 people I know! They also don't have bridesmaids or groomsmen. He said the main focus is the ceremony and the food. My mouth was watering as he described all the mouthwatering dishes which would be served at the giant buffet...definitely wishing I could afford a ticket overseas right about now! I'm sure there are those in the U.S. who have spectacular weddings, one only has to turn on TLC to witness one, but I'm still very curious. Something about the elaborate set-up mixed with Jewish tradition makes theirs unique.

                As far as I know, Arad made it safely to Israel  today and is happily reunited with his family and future wife! I wish him the best, Mazel Tov!