"Today’s obvious observation – Travel is a hassle. I don’t know why; it just is. I guess if you travel between bases where you have your own stuff, and don’t have to deal with baggage (of the luggage variety), fees, and shlepping, it’s probably not as bad, but it seems to me we pay an awful lot of money to be inconvenienced these days.

Through the wonders of jet lag its 0600 and I’ve been working since 0330. Third cup of coffee in my hands.

So here’s the plan – within about 13 hours of arrival I’ll be with my first group of USYers, to visit the residents of the Diplomat Hotel in Jerusalem. These are predominantly elderly Russian olim (immigrants) from the last two decades. Alice Jonah, their Mitzvah working angel, help with social programming, Hebrew classes, music classes and a choir, art therapy and helping the infirm get home health care. Alice, who herself is a volunteer does amazing work for these residents and has for about 20 years.

In the afternoon the teens will meet with Bradley Cohen; founder of all for the kids, and an all around great mitzvah guy. Bradley, who spent 8 years living and studying and teaching in Southeast Asia, returns there frequently to help kids there by building schools and teaching in them, and by enlisting Israelis travelling in those countries to assist him. His story is inspiring and his presentation is terrific.

Tonight I’ll be meeting with Robbie Sassoon, completing his rookie season as director of Crossroads, an outreach program to anglo youth in downtown Jerusalem.

Hopefully my luggage has enjoyed its London layover and will join me today. I’m in Israel without my favorite travel corkscrew, and I don’t know how long I can last."

Here is the facebook status I've posted:
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Steve Kerbel

Thank you British Airways for the free workout in Terminal 5 so I could make my connectling flight - (think 1970's OJ Simpson Hertz commercial with added 21st century twist of my pants falling down since I didn't stop after security to put my belt back on). Wish you had worked as hard to move my luggage as I had to move my tuches.

Anyone think BA will respond?