Gate E-1. That is pretty much all I have seen of Thailand. But I thought it deserved a post, because as it turns out, Israel is not the only place that have free Wi-Fi. Seriously, why the hell doesn't the US jump on that band wagon, its freaking great. I took El Al airlines here and I must say, Israel has a nice airline. Personal little TVs, food wasn't bad (still kosher though....I'm still waiting for that cheeseburger) and the bathrooms are surprisingly large. Unfortuantly the row of seats I was in was really small and there was EXTREMELY limted leg room, and the guy next to me wouldn't stop sneezing (not on me, on his wife...which I am SURE she enjoyed) but over all it was a pretty good flight. I got to watch the Spiderwick Chronicles....a stupid Disney movie that I know NO one would see with me because it is all fantesy and sci-fi like...

But I get ahead of myself. Before I even got on the plane I had a bit of an adventure. Silly me thought "Oh, well, it was so much easier to get IN to Israel than everyone said, it can't be that bad getting out." WRONG. Holy crap I have never been searched like at the Ben Gurion airport. Not only are you not even allowed to check in until 3 hours before your flight, but it takes about 2 hours to go through security, of which there are many stations. First you bring all of your luggage to 4 different lines, depending on citizenship and destination. Then your itinerary, passport and any other information about your trip are confiscated and you are GRILLED as to why they hell you would come to Israel. I have never been so nervous. What if I am turned away, what if they strip search me? They wanted to know EVERYTHING, why I was there, where I was specifically, was anyone from the dig in the airport to confirm my story, why am I going to New Zealand....No really, WHY am I going to New Zealand, do I live there, really? are you sure...are you REALLY SURE? Is that your FINAL answer. Makes you feel really tiny. Then, after getting a bunch of barcodes smacked on all of my bags (I thought she was going to put one on my forehead at one point) and lots of Hebrew exchanged between workers I was ushered to the first of three scanning areas. First all my bags went through, then my laptop was taken and I guess confiremd it was a laptop. THEN, after waiting about 10 minutes I was instructed to go over to the huge counter that has stations all around the edge (picture a giant square in a square) and more Hebrew is spoken, my bags are pointed at, the big 5 that is on my barcodes must not be good, I know what is coming. I knew what was coming the moment I saw the people ahead of me have their ENTIRE suitcases emptied and searched. Damnit....for those of you who do not know, I pack EVERY inch of my suitcases, I stuff everything in there and I MAKE it fit, it may take 10 minutes to close the zipper, but it closes. Well...I couldn't very well refuse search so I cringed as both of my huge bags were opened and literally poured out on the table by two women, who spoke rapidly in Hebrew the whole time references screens and scans I could not see and pointing at god only knows what. "We will help you pack" they assured me as I eyed all of my underwear across the counter and the long stick with a swab that they stuck in every pocket and across every zipper that later got read by a machine for residues.

Finally, I was allowed to pack up my life again, and I could see the end of this. I was brought over to ANOTHER security scanning station where my bags were scanned again. Then I went to check in...that's right, that is all BEFORE checking in. Again, adventure. I went up, gave them my passport and itinary and the woman helping me types some stuff into the computer, scans my passport, the usual. Then she does it again. And again. Then turns to the woman next to her in a confused voice to ask a question I do not understand. Then she picks up the phone to someone I really hope knows what is going on.

I tentativly ask..."what's wrong" afraid for the answer.

"Oh, nothing. I cannot find your reservation." RIGHT...that counts as nothing. "Is this all you have?" she says holding up my itinerary.

"Yes"

Then, after what seems like an hour, but is really only 15 min she finds my number and all is well...AND they didnt check the weight of my bags, which I was concerned about. I didn't really buy much, only a few souveniers for my family and friends, but still. Then, I went into the terminal to the next security station, and a passport checkpoint. More questions, more scanning, more prodding of my belongings (now only my backpack, but still) and then FINALLY I was at my gate. I had one last meal in Israel (a REALLY good bagel and an iced coffee) and bought a snack for the flight. I relished in the last few moments when I would hear the "toodah" for thank you and the rather beautiful languages of Hebrew and Arabic. And now, after my little adventure I am ready to have a bigger one.

The Bangkok airport is pretty cool looking, no elephants, but there are some little temples and everything looks shiny and futuristic. Too bad I won't get to see the city....I guess I will have to come back. Anyway, here is to the next 12 hours of traveling. Here I come Middle Earth! ;)