Love Story and my Metaphysical/Spiritual Experience".(Change color of Red to black ) V X

Hello everyone,

   A few of my of my blog's readers, expressed frustrations, when I wrote about 'Spirituality and Metaphysical Experiences'; calming: "It was kind of scary"...  At one point in my life, I realized              that many people fear certain wards; like 'Past Lives', 'Future Life' or 'Out of the Body Experience'           The ward 'Metaphysics would become clearer, after I share with you a part of my life's story; the         time I met my 'First Love': "Paul Liefer", who was on his way to Israel, where he would be serving            as the First Secretary of the Austrian Embassy... At one point I offered Paul to take him on him on             a trip which would help him become more familiar with Israel: The old city of Cesarea... The two           of us, were walking in one of the ancient streets of this newly discovered city, when I suddenly found myself going through a strange and scary experience, which left me confused and a bit scared...                              

             My First M.S.E (Metaphysical/ Spiritual Experience.  Change red to black

   I was excperiencing some kind of a powerful 'Knowing', almost a memory, of a time      when Paul and I, were "Walking Together in this same street "... It was during the Roman occupation of Judea (present time Israel) Paul was warped in a Roman Toga and I was dressed in a White Gown, with gold embroidery near the neck and the sides of the sleeves  The two of us were walking in a busy city, where stores with wide open doors, displayed   Meat, Fish , Vegetables, Bread and other kinds of food... Across the narrow street, were  other kind of stores... We were listening to the lively conversations, going on and could     hear sounds of 'good nature' bargaining, mixed with joyful and loud laughter....  

  When I was telling Paul about this strange experience, I was going through he said:" What you are   telling me now, makes me feel very Uncomfortable"... A sharp pain pierced my heart and a brief heart  braking thought was crossing my mind: 'He doesn't remember'... An unbearable wave of sadness, mixed with sharp and intense confusion, was feeling my heart and I had to 'choke down' my tears.. Later as we set in Paul's car on our way back to his place, the two of us were silent...I couldn't quite comprehend what was going on, or why I felt so Sad... The idea of having a "Past Life Experience", was unfamiliar to me      I could see from the corner of my eye, how Paul was sending me 'Inquisitive Glances', but I didn't say a ward; he was used to my bubbly, talkative personality and seemed to be confused, by my strange silence  he did not ask me what was going on and I was very grateful he didn't; because I could not understand it myself...

An entrance to Cesarea	Main street...	Foundations of  a house	Excavated homes

   "A coincidence, is God's way of remaining anonymous!"X I read somewhere... Was it destiny which brought us together? Is there such a thing as 'Past Life?' "I don't think so!" I heard my Inner  Cynic was saying. "It was just a coincident, which brought you and Paul together! Don't be silly, neither God nor Destiny, were behind the fact that the two of you Fell in Love!" Francine Du Plesix Grey says :Flaubert believed that all of us are victims of Romanticism: We have been victimized by the Propaganda Machine  of the Western Novel"... This saying, may have more than a grain of truth to it, since besides the books about Romantic Love I devoured in my youth, I must have been 'Hypnotized', by the Hollywood movies, where the camera captures the 'Hero and Heroine', saying a tearful goodbye, before one of them  is boarding an airplane, a ship or a moving train while the other stands on the pavement and waving "Good By", from the open window... 

   Since I worked as a Drama Teacher in several schools (Often writing and directing some of the plays) My 'Inner Cynic',was telling me, I must have also, written the script for this 'love affair' and selected Paul and myself to Star in this "Movie"... After all, what could be more dramatic or romantic then a story or      movie about a tragic young love... Was I trying to create a new version of "Romeo and Juliet"?  Could      it be that my 'Inner Optimist', was hoping, that by falling in love with the "Enemy"(Paul) I may bring 'a closure', to the deep hatred of my people in Israel, towards any German and Austrian; by falling in love with one of "the enemy"? Paul told me about the parting wards, he heard from his Mother and aunt, just before he came to Israel:X"Just don't bring us any 'Jewess' from the Holy land... Was my romantic Inner Author, trying to create a modern version, of 'Romeo and Juliet', by giving the story a happy ending? Was  I over- analyzing and our Love affair took place, simply because Paul and I, were two young people at the prime of their lives, who simply fell madly in love with one another...

"Glamor Girl"		Paul in the Austrian Army		"Reflective"

    The two of us were avid readers, enjoyed Theater, Art and Music, especially Classical and Jaz..X        We bouth liked intellectual discussions...(even heated arguments at times!) Sheared a similar sense of humor and were romantic, loving and passionate... On the other hand after two cocktail parties, given     by the Austrian Embassy, I told Paul that X 'This Kind of Socializing'  was not for me... I found the gathering group of people, talking and sipping their cocktails; 'Shallow and Phony' the Conversations 'Forced' and the' Hilarity Fake'... I had a feeling that many of the people, were Social Climbers...I have    to admit that in those years, I was 'A bit  'Intolerant and  Judgmental; though I was able to 'Camouflage'    it quite well... After meeting me the Ambassador told Paul, he found me to be"Beautiful and Charming Highly Intelligent and very Genuine!" Asking him, to bring me to other formal dinners and (the dreadful) Cocktail Parties... I politely refused to go, encouraging Paul to go by himself, delighted to stay in the small, rented house, busy writing plays for my students in the Drama Class... Paul had a large Record Collection and one of my favorites was Jacques Brell sad love song: "Ne me quite pas" (If you go away)  which broke my heart whenever I listened to it.Was it kind of a 'Premonition' of our future relationship?

    The group of friends, Tsipi and I created while serving in the army, learned to like and even 'love Paul' after criticizing me at the beginning, for getting involved with an Austrian..."(The Austrians were worse then the Germans during the Second World War!”)  My friends, repeated what their parents were saying However, after meeting and getting to know Paul better, they changed their minds... Paul had three single friends at the embassy, who joined our group... We used to gather at his place, talk, sip wine and watch slides from Paul's trips to Russia and other countries he visited...We went to the movies, danced in night-clubs and ate in popular restaurants... However, the two of us preferred to spend most of our weekends alone... Going to the beach and travel to well known Historic and Biblical places which Paul read about My Archeologist best friend 'Berkowitz', was delighted to take us....

   We went to the Movies and Concerts at the Israeli Philharmonic, visited art galleries, shopped and   cooked together and spent long and leisurely hours in bed; stroking each other's skin...We reviled a      few intimate details from our lives to each other, sharing the horrors of the wars we bouth experienced      as young kids... Paul who was six years older then me, told me about the 'Non Stop' bombing of Austria during the Second World War and the Hunger people suffered, before the allies invaded his country and   I  was describing my scary experiences in Jerusalem, during the War of Independence, when I was only  four years old... The two of us talked for hours, laughing and at times wiping a tear, as the topic of our separation would come up; the day Paul leaves Israel and moves on to another country, in order to serve  as an Ambassador in different countries, around the world... 

   Growing up is not easy, it is hard to create one own 'Unique Personality' and stop being our parents 'Beloved baby"... I was going through a period of painful, but amazing experience of 'giving birth' to emotions of Humility and Surrender; which would help me open a the doors to the Spirituality and Mistesism. X.. I believe, it gave me the strength and ability, to go through the process of getting over     the attachment to Parents, by transferring to Paul, the emotions of Unconditional Love, Loyalty and Dependency on my parents; I had was finally growing up and becoming a Woman...It was thrilling and scary at the same time... As the months passed by Paul and I were invited time and again to the weddings of my friends and the dreaded subject, of the 'future of our relationship', kept on raising its head...We were both terrified that if we get married, Paul's career may suffer. After all how could he serve as Ambassador  in a Pro -Arab country; when his wife, is a former soldier in the IDF? (Israel Defense Forces). Paul was also concerned, that if we get married, I may be suffering from Antisemitism, which he admitted still prevailed in Austria and was afraid he would be unable to protect me...

  Since Tel -Aviv University refused to give me credit, for some of the classes I took in the U.S, I told myself (and Paul) it must be a sighn, that I should go to the U.S and complete my collage education...  Once again faith intervened: My Hebrew school principal from Texas, wrote to tell me he was now heading the Hebrew School of a large Jewish Congregation, in Detroit Michigan and inviting me to      teach there and registered for the Fall Semester at the University of Detroit! Paul was overdue for           his 'Home Vacation'; so we decided to meet in Italy, on his way back to Israel and my trip to the U.S    Paul left first and two weeks later, after parting from my family and friends, I met him in Italy, where      we boarded a ship sailing to Genoa; the place where the two of us met... We traveled in a rented car throughout Italy, taking in the magnificent view... l enjoying the soft Italian Sunlight, Olive groves        and Cypresses...We were staying in small inns, visited Monasteries and listened to beautiful Gregorian Chant, Paul enjoyed and I fell in love with...

Paul and I

Outdoor café

    The two of us were 'Miserably Happy'... Knowing our time together  was coming to an end in Milan...We spent hours in beautiful old hotels with 'Plaster Angels' on the high ceilings above us and were making love... We talked very little; with our eyes closed, we were trying to memorize with our finger tips, each other's face and the way our skin felt... From time to time, we ventured out for a leisurely walk and set at one of the Sidewalk Cafes, sipping Cappuccino... People looked at us with tender smiles and turned around, to take a second look...At one point Paul broke down...He said he never experienced such Love as ours and was doubting he would ever be able to do so again...Suddenly, he hit the table with his fist, saying we should forget all our doubts and   get married in Italy right away! A primal fear flooded my heart. I loved Paul so much and so desperately  I wished nothing else, but spend the rest of my life with him! But I was Terrified my pain was almost  unbearable!" I will tell you what w Paul, I have a plain ticket to the U.S, a good job is waiting for me in Atlanta and I am registered at the University of Detroit... It would be wiser, if I go to the U.S, where I'll  get my B.A and study German, before we get married!". The look in his eyes broke my heart. I guess we bouth knew, this was the last time we are going to be together and will never see each other again... Our pain was almost unbearable... 

Milan train station

Paul gone...

    We parted at the Milan's Train Station. I was leaning out the window and Paul was holding my hand, running beside the train, when it began to move until our hands separated... I was watching him as he stood on  the platform with his his arm raised..."He looks Just like the Statue of Liberty"X My  Inner Cynic was joking, trying to cheer me up, but I did not laugh... I was watching Paul getting smaller and smaller:"Just Like Elise in Wounder Land"!" XMy 'Inner Cynic' said again, as I was trying to stop the flow of the tears, running down my checks... People were sending me curious looks, but I was unable to stop crying and didn't realy care... My heart was broken; crushed, smashed into thousands little pieces, as if it knew, that in spite of our 'Amazing love', the two of us will never see each other again... There was  'Deep dark grief', pulsating in my stomach; as if it was a premonition, that I am about to go through one of the most difficult and painful chapters of my life: "The Dark Moments of the Soul": My life without Paul...

With Love and Light,
Shira

Love Potion . V,

The Queen Anna Maria  

 
   From the moment I stepped on the deck of the the Queen Anna Maria, it seemed as if I sipped some  kind of  every man on the ship, was paying me attention...  Every morning, the sleazy Captain ' would phone me at my cabin and was whispering in my ear: "Good morning sleeping beauty"..."X which I did not particularly liked... He insisted I sit by his side, at the Captain's table, during formal dinners and asked me to act as the 'Hostess'... I have to admit that after resisting, I found it to be a lot of fun... After the fifth day of the voyage, the Ship's doctor asked me to marry him and the Photographer, was snapping my hie camera, every time I turned a corner... I was constantly being trailed by adoring crew members and their officers, the band leader, the musicians, the bartenders, the entertainers, young and old passengers, the waiters in the dining room and even the steward of my first class cabin; It was uncanny! Was I so relieved to escape the unwanted marriage, that I was radiating some kind of a 'Heavenly Joy?'

 

With the ship’s captain	Introducing the show	The Queen Anna Maria		Enjoying the wind	With hostess Rita

   I am sure that canceling my wedding with Ari, was a x Divine Intervention... (Escaping the Trap)       Not that there was anything wrong with the poor man, it is just that he did not fit in to the puzzle of       my destiny! It seemed as if Fate had different planes for me... I had to meet Paul; the man who would    be my first True Love, loose him and go through the process of ''Suffering from a Broken Heart", in order to develop my soul and grow up spiritually... "There is no spiritual growth without suffering!" Says Carl Jung, Rumi, wrote that "Our heart has to be broken again and again, until it stays Wide Open"..." I now believe that in order to become a good therapist, as well as a spiritual teacher, I had to go through a' Real 'Emotional Pain' and help others  to heal, during in my Spiritual Journey, which would eventually lead me to  understand the meaning of the the 5th Dimension... Since Fate and Destiny are parts of the Divine, a Higher Power had to intervene, in order to prevent me from making a terrible mistake by marrying Ari who was a very nice man, but the wrong one for me... 

  

  I believe that the attention I was receiving on the cruise, came to reassure me that I have done the      right thing, by ecsaping the "Marriage Trap", marry the wrong man which would changed the course of my life ...  I must have been radiating such Heavenly Joy, that the people around me wished to be a part   of it... Thinking back, men were not the only peopl, who were seeking my company, the single women gravitated towards me, wishing to be my friends...... They were not at all jealous at the attention I was receiving from their 'Potential Suitors' on the ship and wished to be in my company! Without realizing it   I must have been radiating some kind of Joyful Energy, which made people want to be a part of... I was 'dancing the nights away', along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea and kept on dancing, as we crossed the Atlantic Ocean, during several fierce storms... While most of the passengers were moaning with "Sea Sikness" in their cabins, I danced with the few who didn't, as well as a few crew members..... Once, in the middle of a 'small hurricane', we were sliding up and down the dance floor, shrieking with laughter, as the 'Queen Anna Maria', was rising and falling, through dangerous highs and laws of gigantic waves... The evening before arriving to the U.S, I put together a show, with some of talented passengers and a few crew members...  My Play Directing skills (my Minor at the University of Huston) in addition to my experience as a Drama Teacher, came handy and I was later told, by passengers a well as members of the crew, how professional the production was:"Almost like a Broadway Show! " 

 
  We finally reached the N.Y harbor and I was sadly saying goodbye to my new friends... Watching them disembark, made me realize how close people get, when they spend long time together, in close proximity|It was very strange to see the new people who boarded the ship in N,Y, sitting at the tables of the former passengers, whom I got to know so well... Shortly before arriving back to Haifa, we made a stop at the Italian port of Genoa in order to pick up more passengers. I was standing on the pier with Rita, my new German friend and  one of the crew member and was talking with her parents, who came to meet her at the port, using a mixer of 'broken German' and English... Little did I know, that the man of my destiny who was ready to board the ship, was standing nearby, watching me  and listening to my 'broken German' with amusement... I had no idea or any premonition, that the 'Love of my life', was standing looking at me just a few feet away... 

 

  We left Genoa, moving on back to Israel, our final destination... I was busy getting ready for the show      I directed, which was to take place the evening before we arrived to Haifa's harbor and was stressed, since some of the participants in the show, failed to show up for the final rehearsal... Since it was lunch time, I went to look for them at the two dining rooms of the ship. As I entered the Kosher dining room, where the religious Jewish passengers dined, I saw one of my 'Admirers',waving to me... I didn't particularly care for this person, so I pretended not to see him and turned to leave. "Shira!" he yelled across the dining room waving his arms, "Come here!" Heads were turning and in order to silence him, I harried to his table. He was seated across another man, who stood up and introduced himself as Paul... I declined the invitation  for coffee, telling them how busy I was, looking for the rest of the 'amateur' singers, dancers and actors  for the the final rehearsal, before the show on the next day...

   The show was a Smashing Success, even better than the one before arriving to N.Y! After several curtain calls, bouquets of flowers and a shower of complements, I received for the evening performance we all left the theater and moved to the Gala room, in order to celebrate the end of the voyage.. A group

of men, was waiting for the captain to end the first dance with me, so they could have their turn... I was dancing non stop, moving from one partner to another, floating like a cloud on the shiny dance floor. At one point I found myself in the arms of an excellent dancer, who swept me in a dizzying waltz, when suddenly something felt different... I Looked around me and was shocked to find myself with my dancing partner, outside on the Deck of the ship!!!  The strong wind was blowing my hair and my dress and the sound of the waves, was replacing the music inside...

   "How did we get here?" I asked this stranger, who was looking at me smiling with with amusement       "I thought we can use some fresh air, so I waltzed with you right through the first door I could find! I wanted to be alone with you and this was the only way, to get rid of the competition!" This stranger was smiling with amusement, when he was looking at my confused and astonished expression as I was looking at him speechless..."You don't remember me, do you Shira? I am Paul, we met yesterday at the Kosher dining room! Would you forgive me for kidnapping you like this? XIt it is our last night on the ship and this was  the only way I could get to be alone with you!" When I did not answer he said :"Please let me make amends by allowing me to buy you a drink!"  Without waiting for my answer, he held my elbow and navigated me through a door of an empty bar, where a pianist was playing Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue' He then puled a chair for me and set across the small table smiling...  I was very confused, something was happening, which I did not quiet understand..."What would you like to drink?" He asked. "I don't drink alcohol" I finally answered, feeling confused... It seemed as if things were moving way too fast and out   of my control... "Well, you are over twenty one right? Don't you think it is about time you try it?" Paul  said and turned to the waiter; "Campari on the rocks for the lady and Brandy for me!" He then looked      at me and said smiling: "Please try it Shira, it is a very mild drink, you would like it!"

  "Oh, no!" I heard myself moaning inwardly, "This is all I need right now; to be stuck in a corner of       an empty dark bar, on my last evening on the ship, with an arrogant, controlling Alcoholic, who is also   an Orthodox Jew!"... I was eying him suspiciously, thinking that this man was was way to commending and self assured; but in spite of my judgmen, I found myself listening with a growing curiosity, to this handsome stranger, who so far seemed to 'Outsmart me'... Paul turned out to be well mannered and an excellent conversationalist. "Not bad looking either" I admitted to myself... He told me that he is the new First Secretary at the Austrian Embassy in Tel Aviv and his reason for choosing a career as a diploma,was partially because he wanted to live in many countries as he could... Paul spoke about the time he was studying in NY, on a Fulbright Scholarship and his impression of "The city which doesn't sleep". I found myself talking about the last few years of my life, my Military Service and the various adventures I had with Tsipi in the U.S and Europe. I also spoke about The Six Days War and of my resent escape from the 'Marriage trap'...

  "You are a very unusual woman!" Paul said smiling."Do you really think so?" I asked with X genuine surprise... He smiled and was telling me how much he is looking forward to get to know Israel, for the first time, even though he had a glimpse of Jerusalem from the other side, when he visited Jordan, which shares a border with Israel. "How come a Jewish man is visiting an Arab country, before visiting Israel?"  I asked surprised... "But I am not Jewish", Paul said... I was confused, frantically searching my mind for the reason I made such a mistake:"But you were sitting in the 'Kosher' Jewish Dining Room, when I first met you!" I said ... "I was curios to know what kosher food tastes like", Paul smiled and then started to laugh, when he saw the confused expression on my face and I realized, that it was my confusion which  seemed to amuse him...

 Although Paul was unusually charming and very good looking (part of the observation single people make when they meet for the first time...) I realized there was not a chance for any romantic involvement with this man... Not so much because he wasn't Jewish, but mainly because he was Austrian... Israel was still populated with many victims, who survived the Nazis concentration camps...There was not much love for anything German or Austrian, in our little country, not even by the second generation, of  those who were just children (like Paul was) when the horrors of the Concentration Camps were discovered; like the phony 'Medical Experiments' and the 'Gas Chambers', which took place in these camps..."Austria was as    bad as Germany!" People in Israel were sa;"Even worse!" 

 

   The piano music was delightful, our conversation was stimulating, we laughed a lot and somehow Paul convinced me, to take a sip of his Campari, after I told him I do not drink Alcoholic Beverages."Just taste it!" He said and to my great surprise, I enjoyed the taste of the drink Paul ordered for me, this wine had a deep red color, almost the color of a perfect Ruby sparkling in the light... It tasted sweet and bitter at the same time, as if it was some kind of a premonition about our destiny... I became 'Tipsy' after a few sips and Paul was laughing, when I described to him, my one and only drinking experience with the Champain I had in Italy... (European Vacation). He said that he would like to learn Hebrew and asked if I knew anyone who could give him privet lessons."Actually, why don't You teach me, you are a teacher after all" " He asked. "I'll be happy to!" I said with typical Israeli hospitality, which is saved for visitors... We chatted for quiet a while and finally got up to leave. Paul walked me to my cabin and to my big surprise, instead of trying to kiss me (like others did) he picked up my hand and brought it to his lips wished me a good night and left... The following day we saw each other again on deck, just before the ship reached Haifa. Paul asked for my phone number and I welcomed him to Israel, wishing him a good luck with with his new career.

 

  I knew that Shipboard friendships and romances, usually fade away almost as soon as the people's feet touch the solid ground... It was Friday and my mother invited some of our family members and a few of my close friends for the Sabbath dinner. Not even one of the guests, including my parents had ever been away from Israel and they seemed to be living this trip vicariously, through my photographs and stories   of my trip... I was always a good 'Story Teller' and was entertaining my gusts, by describing some funny episodes, which took place between the ship's crew members and passengers, the stops we made in Europe and the Islands we visited on the way to the U.S and back...We were talking and laughing late in to the night and I seemed to forget the handsome, young Austrian diplomat I met on the ship, until three days later, when he phoned...

With Love and Light,

Shira

Escaping the Marriage Trap . V, XX. OO

Hello everyone!

Israel, 1965

   From the deck of the Ship, I came from Italy to Haifa, I could see my mom and Zipi, standing on        the pier, waving enthusiastically! After living the 'American Dream' for two years, I living in a Large  apartment, owning a car and have total freedom; I was afraid that coming back Israel, my tiny country  which was 82 square kilometers compared to Texas (696,241) I worried, that living  again with  my parents,  after having my own apartment, for two years may be a disaster, and was pleasantly surprised      by the smooth adjustment! Besides majoring in Psychology, my minor, at the University of Huston, was Theater Directing...I decided not to go back to work as a teacher, but direct plays in several schools and was planing, to eventually be able to work as a Drama teacher in schools, or in small theaters in Tel Aviv

   The first step I took, to accomplish this new dream was to make an appointment, with the director of   the Education Bureau in Tel Aviv and charm him... I was 'armed' with raving letters of recommendation    I made sure to collect, from the Hebrew school in Texas, as well as some of my students parents, who praised the plays I have written and staged; plays which dealt with Biblical and Jewish history. I had with me similar letters from the leader of the X Summer Camp in North Carolina... It all helped! I was now able to get a job as the Drama teacher and be a director, in two public schools next to my parents home,where I stayed at the beginning... In my new position I no longer had to check homework, grade tests, answer to parents, sit in long meetings, submit lesson plans, issue report cards and have to report to the principle! I was now my Own Boss! I even created for myself a two days Weekend (like in the U.S) instead of having only Saturdays off... The social group which Tsipi, Henia and I put together during our military service, welcomed me back as if I have never left... Several of our friends got married; Henia, Daniela and my best friend Zipi..." X "It is now your turn!" My mother said...X "Not yet Ima!" Came  my answer...

Tsipi, Daniella and me (on the right)		with Zippi  Zippi		Henia' wedding

   My friends weddings gave my mother more 'ammunition', to pressure me to find a husband!              After all (she was saying) I was already twenty three years old! My friends, family members and even   our neighbors joined in and the phone, did not stop ringing with 'Prospective candidates'. It was a Real Nightmare! Eventually, I greed to meet Ari ("A dentist"!) who was introduced to me by Stella, our dear Bulgarian neighbor, from the years we lived in the Arabic house (Moving Again).  My parents kept in touch with our former neighbors, even after "My beautiful Palace" was demolished by bulldozers, in  order to build a 'high rise' apartment building, for the growing population in Israel. My mom asked Stella (without my knowledge) if she knew a 'Good marriage candidate' for me and if she did not, maybe one of her friends did. (I would learn all this later on) Ari, Stella's nephew was a Dentist... He was six years older then me, a nice enough guy, but I wasn't attracted to him... I began to wounder if I would ever find the kind of a man, who would 'sweep me off my feet' and weather the real 'True Love", I have been looking for, existed only in romantic books and movies ... No one among my friends married the 'kind of man'    we all read about or seen in the movies "Maybe it is time to compromise!" I told myself. Ari and I were together for about a year and I had to tolerate the 'constant pressure' from my parents, his parents, the 'Mach maker' Stella, my friends and Ari himself... They were all pushing me to get married!  I was tormented by doubts and deep confusion, when the Hand of Fate intervened... On June 5th,1967, the     'Six Days War' broke out! Ari who was a 'Medic' in the army, was mobilized together with my brother  our cousins, neighbors and many of my close friends...

   For two long weeks, the streets of Israel were, Highs School kids were filling up Sandbags (to stop  bullets from entering windows) clearing shelters and helping create new ones...Women took the place      of  the men,  who were ready to fight and were driving buses, ambulances, delivering milk and mail and running grocery stores, pumping gas and doing other 'Men Jobs', in order to provide help for the needs of the civilian population... We were all busy in preparing food packages for the soldiers, who were spread across the borders... Israel was sharing four borders with four united Arab countries, which Declared War against us: Egypt, Syria, Lebanon  and Jordan, and were supported and encouraged by the rest of the Arab world "To wipe Israel completly from the map! of the world!" While our men, were in trenches, during the scorching sun, wearing "Full battle gear", the rest of us were holding our breath, waiting for the decisions of the U.N, the U.S and other major powers,and sending representatives who were flying back and forth between Israel and it's enemies, trying to find a Peaceful Solution for the crisis... We were not afraid, just frustrated! "Israel was not the one which started this war! Why doesn't the U.N let us defend ourselves?! We can do it!! Why should our destiny depend on decisions made by other countries?!"  There were frequent Air Raid sirens... I helped our neighbors, whose husbands were fighting, to carry their babies and small children to the shelter, whenever the sirens went off, during the day or the middle  of the night... My Mom and her sister Ruth, were calling each other several times a day, to see if there      was news from their sons, my cousins Noam and Uri and my brother Rami, who were fighting...They  comforted each other by saying: "No news is Good news!" Israel did not have Television yet and everyone was garbing the newspapers, looking with fear at the names printed under the black and white photos, of the solders who were killed... During the day, I helped my sister-in-law Dalia, take care of the two little boys; my nephews Eran and Eldar and then travel by two buses, to my parent's home... Israelis a small country and almost every one knew someone who was fighting: A son, a father, a husband, a brother, an uncle, a cousin, a friend or a neighbor... We were all dreading the sound of the phone and the frightening unexpected knock on the door, which may be telling us that we lost a family member...

   On the third night of the war, at 1:30 a.m, the bell rang at my parents home... I was the first to arrive    My Mom followed, her face white and Aba (dad) was standing right behind her, ready to catch her in   case she was going to collapse... The three of us feared the worst:"Are they coming to tell us that my brother Rami is gone?" We were relieved to see my 'boyfriend' Ari, standing at the door, wearing stained uniform...Ari served in the army as a Medic, bringing ambulances full of wounded solders to the crowded  hospitals. He was on his way back to the Front and stopped for a moment to see me... Ari asked  fior my parents permission, to talk to me alone and after they left he said:"I want you to promise me, that if I do not get killed, we are going to get married!" To be completely honest, I wasn't worried so much that Ari may be killed, as much as I feared he will be wounded or crippled... In such case (according to the Israeli 'cod of honer') it would be my duty and obligation to marry him , if I did not I would be 'Ex comunicted   by my friends, neighbors and maybe even by my family... What could I do? I promissed... 

Victory for Israel

  On June 10th, the Six Days War came to an end, with an amazing victory for our tiny country, which fought against the combined armies of four Arab nations! Ari came back with out a scratch... Our parents met, gifts were exchanged and the arrangements and preparation for the wedding, began to take place... A date was picked and my mom was calling everyone she knew, to announce the good tiding Her Shira is finally getting married! (To a Dentist!) My parents began to search for the right place for the wedding and Ima hired a Seamstress for my wedding gown as well as a special dress for herself and my sister-in-law Dalia! She was urging me to complete the list of gusts in order to print and send the invitations...XThred is so much to be don! "She was saying,"so much!"

  As the days passed by, I found myself sinking deeper and deeper into darkness        and depression, which was the exact opposite of my usual sunny personality. I even stopped talking to my friends and family members, claiming to be way too busy to talk... One day my mom came to my room and set by my side on the bed...The same mother who was always there for me when I was in trouble... She took my hand in hers and said:"Shira'le, I am  very concerned, you are not yourself; I have never seen you so unhappy! Tell me what's going on?" "I don't love him Ima," I burst into tears  "I just can't see myself, living with him for the rest of my life, waking up each morning and see him in bed next to me!" Ima hugged me. "Then break it off! I have never before seen you so depressed! You are still young, I know you will find someone else, someone you realy love!" X But I promised him and he loves me so much, I am afraid he will kill himself, if I call the wedding of!" I was weepingX un controllable..."The way he made you promise to marry him, was unfair!" Ima said "I now realize it! I am sorry that I pushed you so much, please forgive me!",X my mother said.X "You don't know him Ima, he is not very strong, I an afraid he may Xcomite suicide and everyone will blame me!" X I cried... "People don't kill themselves so fast! And if he does, blame it on me!" Came my mother's answer;"It would be My Fault! X for pushing you too much!"x She said, trying to wipe off my tears with her Xaprin . My fear lifted immediately! In  the 'typical selfishness' of the young, I was relieved to know, that if the worst happens, I will not be blamed! I also realized ,that my mother, whom I resented for pushing me to get married, is totally loyal and devoted to me after all!  How difficult it must have been for her to overcome her Fear (almost an obsession) that I will become an Old Maid, like my three aunts and how brave she was, to give up her dream of finally seeing me getting married to a Dentist and have to go through the embarrassment' of canceling the wedding'... How courageous was my 'Ima', to assume responsibility for Ari's "possible suicide", in case he would realy kill himself!  If I ever doubted my mother's love and loyalty to me            I realized it then...

  Ari was not killed, nor did he kill himself... I was free!!! I walked, practically floating, in the streets       of  Tel Aviv, like a bird who got back her lost wings... A week later, I took the train to Jerusalem and    met with Sam, one of the Reserve Officers ,I made friends with, during my military service. Sami was       A Public Relations Specialist, working for the Bureau of Tourism. One of his jobs was to train people how to encourage Tourism to Israel... I set in his specious office, drinking Turkish coffee. We were  talking about the two years I spent in the U.S, my 'Adventures' in Europe and the canceled wedding...     At one point I looked him in the eye and said: "Sami , I need a change! I want to  forget the war, this drama of the canceled wedding and the questions, everyone is asking me about it! How can you help     me? What can you do for me? I will be for ever greatfull!  Sami laughed, he knew about my 'Wonder  Lust' and told me with a fatherly smile: "How about arranging for you a four week Trip, on the Greek Cruise Ship The"Queen Anna Maria", from Israel to the US and back? Stoping in several European    ports and acrossing the Atlantic ocean on the way to N.Y, then come back with new passengers... Your   job would be to give a few lectures about the history, geography and the culture of Israel, using a small projector for slides and teach the History of Israel as well as a few spoken wards in Hebrew... You will    be the Hebrew Translator, on the 'Sight Seeing Tour Buses', when the ship stops in Cyprus, Greece, Italy Spain, Portugal and a few small islands, when you cross the Atlantic Ocean... Coming back, you will do the same with new travelers, who are coming to Israel... Your job includes organizing a Talent Show, from among the Israeli passengers, the night before arriving to N.Y and another one, the evening before you come back to Israel... You will not be paid, but you'll have a cabin of your own in First Class and the bus tours will be free of charge for you, since you will have to translate the English for the Hebrew speaking passengers... Do you think you can handle it Shira?" Could I d handle it? "I was born to do it! From this moment on I am no longer an Atheist!" I yelled" There is a God and his name is Sam!" I stood up, gave him a wink, a big hug and planted a kiss on top of his shiny bald head..."Don't tell your wife about the kiss!" I winked at him, as I danced out of the room... When summer vacation arrived and my work in the schools ended, my mom Tsipi and I, in addition of a very big suitcase, boarded the bus to Haifa's Harbor arriving to the same spot where the two of them picked me up, after I came back from the U.S and Europe not that long ago! These two loving and loyal women, were watching me going up the stairs of the Queen Anna Maria, to take one more trip, this time as a Member of the Crew! How could I realize that another page in the 'Book of My Life' was turning and a new, important chapter was about to begin...

With Love and Light,
Shira

Traveling Through the USA . X OO This is to Go down, bellow European Vacation!. FIX photos, and large print OO. X

Hello everyone
Summer 1964  

   The Greyhound bus were very luxurious; big and spacious with comfortable upholstered seats and a toilet at the back! Our destination was California, where Tsipi's uncle and his family lived. We started our journey by traveling from Houston to New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada... Since we didn't have enough money for hotels, Zipi and I slept on the bus, traveling through out the night and felt sad about missing some of the sights... ("Beggars can't be choosers") as the saying goes... Not that we felt like beggars,we were just two 'Poor Students' who have no extra money for hotels... Occasionally, we would get off the bus, stay in a small motel, take a bath and enjoy the luxury of a normal night's sleep in a real bed...

Rock formations
and cactus

 Indian Reservation

   What we saw was beyond our expectations! Amazing sunsets, like brush strokes of enormous paintings, which took our breath away...We passed near orange painted mountains and rocks, through 'forests' of tall cactus... were traveling for miles through huge deserts, without seeing any signs of life, besides an occasional animals   At times, we would see a cluster of brown wood adobe huts, baked by the hot scorching sun or stop at an Indian reservation, in order to stretch our legs, buy cold drinks , and took many photographs, to show our trip to our families and friends when we come back to Israel...      
                                                       Up?

Las Vegas'
colorful lights

Horseshoe Bend,
Grand Canyon

  After several days of traveling and sleeping on  the bus, we became disconnected from reality...  Our nights and days were beginning to merge together and we began to experience strange Hallucinations... Tsipi, insisted that she saw several Indians, riding on horses, following our bus and got angry with me when I told her it was not so... I on the other hand, thought that I heard my Mom's voice, calling my name at the middle  of the desert... Finally, a kind of "Mirage" materialized in front of our eyes: Shimmering city with Neon lights, tall buildings, restaurants, hotels and casinos, with blinking electric signs: "Welcome to Las Vegas!" Instead of trees we saw "Forests" of hotels, as well as many restaurants and shops, where one could find card tables and Gambling Machines... My greater shock came when I went to the bathroom in our Motel and found a Gambling "Money Machine" next to the Toilet...We played Black Jack and other card games tried our luck at the gambling machines, doubling, tripling and losing all the money we have budgeted for gambling... At the end, we agreed that in spite of the loses, we truly enjoyed every moment! X "Lets not feel so bad for the loses and remember the Great Fun we had, while we are playing!" I told Zipi  XI am realy trying!" she said sadly X"But it could have been so much fun if we won!" After another day and a sleepless night, we boarded the bus for Los Angeles, waving goodby to "Sin City" (as some people call Los Vegas.) The two of us were very  tired, actually X exhosted , after being up most of the night and  immediate fell into a deep sleep, missing the view and the moment we crossed the border, from Nevada   to California and woke up in the Central Bus Station of Los Angeles; waiting to shower and sleep...

Los Angeles

Walk of Fame imprints

Walk of Fame stars

   California is so large, it is impossible to get around without a car...Luckily, Tsipi's uncle and aunt,with whom we stayed, offered to take us to a few Tourist Attractions  Our first stop was at the "City's signature: "Hollywood  Walk of Fame" where the sidewalks are stamped with the feet and hand prints of Movie Stars... Next came Disney-land, Universal Studios, Beverly Hills and the beautiful fancy neighborhood of Bel Air, where tourists are taken by special tour buses, to look at the houses of the 'Luminaries', hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite movie stars and snap photos with them; to show the family and friends at home! We also visited the old cemetery, where famous movie stars names are engraved on marble tombstones... We were taken to the Los Angeles Pet Cemetery, where well known beloved dogs, cats and monkeys, that appeared in the movies were berried: like the famous Chitah, Tarzan's monkey as well as several other famous 'Animal Stars'... We went for lunch at the famous Polo Lounge, in to the Beverly Hills Hotel, which is supposed to be the gathering place for famous movie stars and were disappointed, since although we craned our necks and looked around,we didn't see one familiar face from the silver screen...The two of us wanted so much to impress our friends and families when we got back to Israel, by showing them these photos and say: "Guess who we saw in Hollywood?!" But we didn't see any of those luminaries and had to be satisfied  with their photos which covered the walls of the polo lounge.. .

Stewart Granger	Elizabeth Taylor	Rock Hudson	Hollywood and Me!	Ava Gardner	Robert Taylor	Doris Day

   Tsipi planned to stay at her Uncle's house for two more weeks and then fly back to Israel. I on the other hand, was not quite ready to go bacK  planing to take at least one more trip, before going home and settle down for the rest of my life... I had to see London, Belgium, Holland, Spain, Rome, Naples and Greece; places which I didn't have the time or means to visit, during my first trip in Europe... I said goodbye to Los Angeles, took a photo in front of the Hollywood Blvd sign, to prove that I was really there and boarded a Greyhound bus to North Carolina, where I was about to work as a Unit Leader at the summer camp of "Young Judea; an American Zionist youth movement, which was delighted to have a "Real Israeli born Sabra "like me, who served in the Israeli Army! I was selected to work as a Unit Leader, besides being being the Drama concealer, who would direct a show about Israel for the final day, when the patents come to 'collect their kids', before going back home... 

    It was very strange, to travel on the bus without Tsipi and being unable to share with her, the discovery of the new places on my way to North Carolina... I traveled through stats like Utah, Colorado and Kansas changing buses and getting to know a variety of people: all Americans... I met students on their summer vacation and solders on home leave, as well as young men, who were tired of their jobs and were looking for something more exciting in another state... I once met an old Indian medicine man, who was coming back home from a visit to another Tribe... He entertained me with stories about his tribe's history culture legends and myths... The meaning of his Indian name was: "The One who Heals"..."How did they know you are going to become a Medicine Man when they named you?" I asked.  He explained that he was coming from a long line of healers, where the gift of healing is hereditary... Before we parted he mumbled an Indian blessing, moving his hands around my head and wished me to find a good, strong husband and have many sons... As we said goodbye, 'The One who Heals', gave me a small "Magic Wand as a gift which I keep until this very day...  A student from the university of Berkley in California, who was traveling on the same bus, was telling me about a new Psychedelic drug called LSD and how it expands people's mind and consciousness, as well as enabling the user, to see different shades of Colors, Angels and Fairies dancing in the trees... He said that when you use it, 'plain food' becomes an amazing Culinary Experience and regular Soda, could taste like the Nectar of the Gods on Mount Olympus... I didn't judge him, nor those who experimented with drugs, but in spite of my great curiosity, there was no way I was  ever going to partake in such activities!

North Carolina

 As the unit leader
(second from left)

Young Judea Camp

   My work at the camp was a new and exciting experience... I enjoyed the beauty     of North Carolina, as well as the campers   who came from all over the U.S and were making fun of each others' accent'...The one thing they all had in common was Judaism  and their love for Israel... I was moved by their  strong ties to our Biblical homeland and  culture, which were intertwined in the camp's curriculum... The use of the  Hebrew language was everywhere: Signs in English and Hebrew were written on the doors where activities were taking place: Chadar-Ochel -- Dining room, Mirpeah -- Infirmary, Misrad -- office  Moadon -- club, Miklachot -- showers, Brecha -- swimming pool, and Batey -Shimush -- toilets...

   The fact I was a real "Sabra" (Israeli born) who served in the Israeli army, gave me a special brand of respect and popularity; especially after I showed the kids some photos from my military days, holding my Uzi ... During the two years at the University of Houston, my minor was Theater Directing and a major in Psychology I used my new skills to direct a play (which I have written) about the bitter War for Independence in 1947.  The play was ready for the day of graduation, when the parents arrive to pick up their kids from the summer camp... It was a great success! The fact that I lived through this war as a child, added to the drama and reality of the play... The parents as well as the kids, showered me with love and admiration... I was invited to come and stay in their homes before I go back to Israel and  they all promised to visit me there, when they would finally be able to come to our beautiful Biblical country... I gave them my parents phone number and asked them to please call!

 The Queen Mary

Queen Mary

Goodbye Statue
of Liberty

    At the end of the two months in the camp, I took my final long trip on a Greyhound bus to N.Y. and boarded the Queen Mary, for its trip to England; where I planed to visit first, before the rest of the other countries in Europe I didn't see during my first trip... I was standing on the deck of the ship, which began it's voyage from the harbor in Manhattan to the open sea, and was looking at the white wake it left behind, taking photos of Manhattan's sky line and of the Statue of Liberty, watching them getting smaller and smaller... "Goodbye Statue of liberty goodbye Manhattan, Goodbye America, I will never see you again!" I whispered and letting one or two sentimental tears. go down my chicks..... I had no clue, nor the slightest premonition, that in three years    I would be back in the US, which would eventually become my permanent home, where I will be happily married, have a child and get a PHD degree in Psychology... Bellow is a page from in my diar about the journey from N.Y to England...

 " My trip across the Ocean is incredible... What an amazing freedom it is, to have no responsibilities... Just be able to sit and listen to the waves, enjoy the sun on my face, the wind playing with my hair and feeling care free, young and beautiful... How easy it is to become addicted to cruising"...  I wrote in my diary as I was sitting on my deck chair, covered with a blanket and taking in the familiar salty air of the Atlantic ocean... As always, I made friends easily... We ate together, had long conversations and played ping pong, shuffle board and Trivia... We went to the shows, watched movies and the biggest problem    we seemed to have, was our inability to decide which of the bands we should choose, for our dancing   that evening... We were flirting and enjoyed the typical light shipboard romances, which changed daily like falling leaves in the X Autem. The cruise came to an end at the port of Southampton... It was earl y     in the morning, but the passengers were already lined up on the deck, leaning on the rails, watching the shores of England materializing through the fog... After exchanging addresses with my new friend, we hugged each other and went on our separate ways...I got on the train to London and found a seat by the window... As it began to move, my hart was beating with excitement, matching the rhythm of the wheels   I was looking forward, to finally see London, the city I have seen in the movies and got to know so well through some of my beloved books...

With Love and Light,
Shira

European Vacation II . V, XXX PTRINT

Hello everyone,

   I have been leafing through the pages of my old diary, in order to remember my second European trip After all many years past by since I was the young woman, who disembarked from the Queen Mary in England's South Independent and more sophisticated... I traveled through Europe, continued to the U.S      where I was studied at the university of Texas and  on the afternoon, was teaching Hebrew and Jewish Studies in a Hebrew School... During vacations', I was traveling on a Greyhound Bus, all over the USA Needless to say, that I gained full command of the English language and completed two years of college  at the University of Texas.  In the afternoon I taught Hebrew and Jewish History at a Temple School and was able to cover my expenses and even save some money, after working during summer vacation, as a  'Unite Leader' at Camp Young Judea". Since I was also giving  privet Hebrew lessons, I was able to save enough money, to visit my family and friends in Israel, during Summer vacation (with a stop in Europe)

London, England

"Dear Anne 

   I stepped off the train in London, umbrella in hand, walking outside the Terminal and was extremely disappointed: "It Was Not Raining!  The sky was blue and the sun was shining bright... For a moment        I was wondering if I made a mistake and instead of taking the train to London, I took one to Rome...        In the books and the movies, London was supposed to have Gray clouds and a constant 'Poring rain'     and the streets crowded with people, holding black Umbrellas above their heads... When I expressed     my disappointment to the owner of the small Bed and Breakfast hotel, where I was staying, she put her finger on her lips and said:"Hush Lassie, let's count our blessings, the rain will come back soon enough  Don't worry dear, I promise you will see plenty of it, so let's enjoy the sun..."

London Taxis

London's Umbrellas

  How lovely this city is! I find my way by looking at a small map, then walk for a while, before taking a bus   get to the London Underground, in order to arrive to   my destination. At times I splurge and take one of the Taxis, which looks like those I have seen in the black   and white movies, about the second World War... So     far I visited the National Gallery, the British Museum and went to see Hyde Park,Trafalgar Square the famous 'London Bridge' and the 'Tower of London',  the place where Henry the VIII, executed his many wives...

Big Ben and me

The British Museum

   Covent Gardens seemed exactly as I remembered from the movie My Fair Lady... I was excited to visit the "House of Parliament" and became nostalgic, when I heard 'Big Ben' chiming the same melody which our 'Grandfather clock' did which I heard my entire life at my parents Home... I enjoyed every moment, in spite of the blister on my left foot,which was the result of running around London, wearing 'High heels'...

The Tower of London

Westminster Abbey

    I have always believed that when visiting a new country, the most impotent thing, is getting to know get    to know the People... One of them is my sweet landlady  who helped me "Nurse my blisters", by soaking my foot  in warm water... Every Afternoon, we would have our TEA, served in delicate antique china set, which used to be her grandmother's...The tea is served with delicious pastries, named Scones and Crumpets, covered with butter and dripping with home made Raspberry Jam... I named the pastries "Stones and Trumpets", which made my landlady roar with laughter.... After saying that I fear I have gained several "'stones" (pounds) of my own because of these daily Tea parties, my land lady laughed and assured me that I have nothing to worry about, since I have a "Lovely Figure!"..."You don't want to look like our model Twiggy, who looks like a 'Broom stick', do you Lassie?" She asked. "No!" I said and helped myself to another "Trumpet"... The British are so polite! When I stop people on the street to ask for directions, they patiently direct me   to my destination and then say:"Thank you"... At one point, when I asked a good looking police officer how to get to Buckingham Palace, he smiled, gave me directions, thanked me, with his charming British accent and said: "Are you invited there for Tea?" "I wish!" I answered smiling and was rewarded with a great laugh... 
Yours, Shira"

Holland
"Dear Anne
  I started my second tour of Europe, holding a book called 'See Europe in five dollars a day', as well      as  the 'Eurail Pass', which is a Train ticket, similar to the Greyhound bus tour, Tsipi and I took before in the U.S.A...This pass enables 'poor students' like me, to travel all over Europe by train, up to three months  for a minimal fee, as long as we don't visit the same country more the once... (Kind of strange isn't it?)

Holland's windmills
and tulips

   How lovely Holland is, with its colorful tulips, picturesque Windmills and bridges on which lovers lean on... The Tourist Agency at the train station, was filled up with many travelers like me, who lived on a small budget... Since it ran out of affordable hotels, I was offered a room in a private home, suitable for students pocket... I was delighted! "It would be so much fun, to stay at the home of a local Dutch family and experience living in this country, the way the residents did, what great way to do so!

  Charles, a twenty-five years old psychology graduate, from Mississippi, with a short, black goatee, took  a room in the same house... He rescued me, from the 'hot pursuit' of an Arab student from Syria, who was refusing to leave me alone, even after I told him that I am a Sargent in the Israeli army , making me his enemy... Charles and I took a streetcar to the apartment of a widowed, middle aged Dutch woman, whose Jewish husband, was a concentration camp survivor and passed away, two years earlier... We spent two days getting to know some parts of this beautiful city, taking bus tours, sample food in local restaurants went dancing and Charles (not me) was falling in love.... "Please come with me to Paris!" He urged me  but I didn't care for him that much, besides I have seen Paris before and there were so many more cities  to discover in Europe and such a short time to do so!

By the Canal
in Amsterdam

   The day after Charles left, I took a tour on one of the canals,where I met two American    guys; Richard and Josh... Both showered me with attention and seemed to compete with one another, who would please me more!  We shared a similar sense of humor (light and  a bit cynical)... Like me, they loved to laugh and after several hours on the boat, the three of us became close friends! We were walking together on the sidewalks, with me in the middle and our hands wrapped around each other's waist...I waned to see the 'Red-Light District', but they insisted it was not a place for me! We were sitting at small sidewalk Cafes, looking at the people, who walked by and were trying to guess their Nationality and Occupation... After a while we resumed walking, singing and giggling... People turned their heads to look at the happy 'Threesome', who seemed to be 'Drunk on Life'. Some would turn their heads to look at us again, probably wondering about the connection between us..."Were we friends  family or maybe some kind of a strange small romance for three?"... I don't think we knew what it was either, nor did we really care... My two 'Knights', told me they were leaving for Spain the following day    in a rented car and begged me to join them, but I declined... "Sorry, but I have already made plans to     see Brussels and Rome... They tried to convince me to change my plans, but although I was tempted      my Intuition told me it may lead to 'Complications'... It would be best to save this 'Beautiful Encounter'    in my Memory Bank just as it was: Unusual, Sweet, Pure and Full with Joy, Laughter and 'Innocent      Love,  Just like it used to be when we were in Kindergarten, so many years ago...

   The day after they left, I took a bus tour, from Amsterdam to the countryside. At one of the stops I began a conversation with three American officers, stationed in Germany: Terry, Jerry and John. When we got back on the bus, John sat next to me... We didn't talk much, he was a bit shy and I liked it...The two of us were looking through the window at the 'Moving Tapestry' of colorful Tulips and Windmills.John was tall and handsome, his blond crew cut was shining in the sun, like a golden field of wheat, which was just harvested... I had a strange urge to move my fingers through his hair, but wouldn't dare doing so...

John and I

  John did not try to impress me, nor did he put his arm around me on the bus, or later as we were walking... He was very gentle, sweet and attentive; so different from some of the aggressive"Pawing" men, I have met on my trips... We spent three beautiful days together In one of the Nightclubs, where we danced; the band was teasing us by playing "Love is   a many splendor things'."If they only knew we have just met the day before"I whispered  in John's ear...The people at the club were looking at us with tender smiles.. We must have made a lovely picture: 'John's hair was short and very light  and mine dark, reaching my shoulders... The two of us were tall, good looking and seemed to be madly in love; which in a crazy way, we were...I put my head on his shoulder, feeling the softness of his maroon sweater on my cheek while he rested his chin on my hair... 'If only this never ends, if we could just stay like this, Frozen In Time, with out a future or any expectations from one another..." I was wondering: was he?

Anne Frank's house

  The next day we went to visit Anne Frank's House, the home of my"dear old      friend" I have been writing to in my diary, for so many years.. Can you  see  from wherever you are, the long line of people, who came from all  over the world, who read your diary and come to see the place, where you hid were  hiding during the war? I wish you could see all these people, standing in the long line, waiting to get into the Home they know so well, after reading your dairy... I believe that not even one of them, has the special bond, you and I      were sharing for so many years... It was time to take the train to Belgium     John asked if he could join me but I refused... Unlike Charles, he didn't push and I loved him for that        I felt that the beauty of what we created, was in the moments we spent together... Why should we risk ruining it? John came with me to the train station and before I was boarding, he carefully brushed a      aside a strand of hair, which covered my eye, then kissed my forehead : "You are so beautiful" He whispered,"I'll miss you a lot!" and his gentleness made me feel like crying...
Yours, Shira"

Rome, Italy
"Dear Anne

Carla and me

   On the train to Rome I set across a vivacious Italian woman, named Augusta and her twenty years old niece Carla. Their English was limited, but somehow, we were able to converse...They laughed uproariously when I told Augusta she reminds me of Anna Maniani, the famous Italian movie star. "Every one say like this!"Augusta told me in her broken English."Now you talk who Carla look? Maybe Sofia Loren?" "No" I answered, "Sofia Loren is big, Carla is very little, she looks more like Gina Lollobrigida"! "You know names the actors Italiano? I know all actors Americanos! You Chira look same sister with Eva Gardner!"(I wish!) We became fast friends and they insisted I share the lunch they brought with them on the train...

Anna Maniani	Sophia Loren	Gina Lollobrigida	Ava Gardner

  Before we got off the train, I gave them the name of my hotel and the very same evening, they came        to take me to their apartment for dinner... There I met several young men and women, who were invited    to come and meet me... I was received by everyone as if I was a long lost relative! My new friends took   me to see several 'places of interest' in the city; among them one of the most fashionable streets: The    Via Veneto, the Coliseum, the Spanish Steps and many other well known Tourist Attractions...

  

The Spanish Steps

The Colosseum

  I made my new friends promise, to come to Israel  so I could reciprocate their generous and lovely hospitality! After three days in Rome, they insisted on coming with me to the 'Stazione Di Treni', where I would take the train for Naples... We parted with kisses, hugs, tears and promises to visit each other                             
                                              

"Dear Anne,
    A young man wearing a suit, was sitting by himself , when I entered one of the small compartments of First Class. (I decided to splurge and sit in one, before my trip came to an end) 'Prego! Prego!' He said when I asked his permission to sit across from him. He lifted my heavy suitcase and placed it on the rack above my seat.  His name was Paulo, a lawyer traveling from Rome to Naples on business. His English was perfect, since he studied International Law in England. He Paulo invited me to dine with him at the train's restaurant, ordering a bottle of Italian wine, to have with our pasta. I told him I was not used to alcohol not even to wine, but he convinced me to try, promising the wine he ordered is very mild. After several sips I started to feel a bit intoxicated... On the way back to our cabin, I had to hold on to the  Handrails of the narrow corridor, to prevent myself from falling... "I think I am drunk," I said, trying      to  adjust myself to the movements of the train. Paulo couldn't stop laughed."But this wine is like water Chira! XYou didn't even have one full cup!" We were talking and laughing during the time it took us to   get to Naples. When we arrived to the outskirts of the city, Paulo became very serious. He stood up, put on his jacket, cleared his throat and said: "I never felt this way before Chira!  I think you are the most beautiful, interesting, intelligent and fascinating woman I have ever met! Will you marry me, my angel from the Holy Land?"  To my surprise, he seemed genuinely offended when I started to laugh... "You are    kidding aren't you?" I said and to my astonishment , I saw tears coming to his eyes."I am not kidding! I fell in love with you right away, when I met you! don't you believe me? I know it is too fast, but you are leaving to go back to Israel, I don't want to loos you! Please say yes, I promise to make you very happy!"   I honestly don't know if this was the wine, a typical Italian Melodrama or he really meant it...

Yours, Shira"

Naples and Brindisi, Italy

 "Dear Anne,

Naples

There is a saying: "See Naples and Die!" I read somewhere that it was a warning

for travelers, regarding a deadly Cholera epidemic in Naples in 1880's... Personally I believe that what it realy means:"You should see Naples Before you die!" Since it's beauty takes people breath away! I had incredible three days in this beautiful city meeting lovely people, touring, dining in local restaurant and going to dance the 'Twist' with these 'New Friends',  from one nightclub to another...On the fourth day   I left for the port of Brindisi, to board the Greek ship which would take me back home to Israel...  I was standing on the deck, waving goodbye to the new friends       I met in Naples, who insisted on driving me to the ship... We were all wiping our tears at the same time... As the ship began to move from the port to the open sea ,I was wondering if I will soon get married, like the rest of my friends, have kids and will never travel by myself again ..."At least I was able to see 'some of the world' and had lot's of fun before settling down""  I tried to comfort myself 

Port of Brindisi

   Is coming back to Israel would make a stop to my need to wander in foreign cities, listen to sounds of  strange languages and ethnic melodies, enjoy the new flavor of unfamiliar food and smell the unique aroma, which each new country seemed to have? Is it all over now? What about Spain  Scandinavia and Russia What about Africa? the Far East and China? Would I never be able to see the Cherry Blossoms and the Pagodas of Japan? How about  or Hawaii, Australia an Zealand, Brazil, India, Argentina and the Amazon river? There is so much more I would like to see...Is coming back to Israel the end of my traveling?Am   I going to get married and have babies, just like everyone else? Would this trip the last, one before I settle down, get married and have kids, like all my friends? Would it finally satisfy my thirst and desire to see the world ? Only the future could tell...

Yours, Shira"

On the way to Israel
"Dear Anne,

The Parthenon

   I am sharing a cabin, with an Israeli young woman about my age. Yesterday we stopped in Athens and I was able to visit the Parthenon! I am reflecting on this last European trip and remember how I enjoyed every minute of it, especially the short and unfinished  Romances... I think about the 'strangers' I met on the River Cruises and the people in London, Brussels, Rome and Naples... All the men and women who were complete strangers, whom I learned to care for and love, in such a short time... The intimacy and especially the pain of separation, were so intense and surreal, it was almost out of this world!  and maybe it was... How do I love all those innocent and short "Love affairs" which have no Past and no Future; just the pure moment of the Present, the Now! Yours, Shira"

Los Angeles, CA, USA
2017
  How could I have known then, that throughout the years, I would visit again, with my American husband Al, most of the places I feared I will never see: Ireland, Scotland and the Scandinavian countries, Russia, Mexico, South America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Tahiti, in addition to a few countries in the Far East... As I am reading now (so many years later) the faded wards in my old diary, l can see all of this through the lenses of my new Spiritual Understanding and knowledge, that the"Strangers" I met were   not strangers at all... I believe that we are learning to loved and recognized each other, because we shared our past lives together! It could explain the magical sensation, intense moments and pure love, we felt when we met each other, as well as the pain of saying good-by...Maybe there is more than a grain of truth the encounter felt as if they were "Out of this world". Because they probably were...

With Love and Light,
Shira