Our Mantra
The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Genre: Memoir
Word Count: 100
“I AM STILL ZVI.”
He smiled from his front seat on the bus. Zvi obviously enjoyed his job—introducing a group of dusty pilgrims to Eretz Yisra’el.
“The field on the left is 100% cotton. On the right—50% polyester.”
Looking beyond his twinkling eyes, one could see the depth of his faith and commitment to his ancient homeland. I only imagined what he experienced as an IDF soldier in 1967 for he avoided speaking of it.
Eleven years later I still hear his voice and his daily greeting.
“Today in Israel there is no rain, there is no snow. Don’t worry. Be happy.”
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
I loved the idea of fields of polyester. Presumably they were next to the spaghetti trees?
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Dear Neil,
There weren’t any spaghetti trees but he did point out a mountain of salt as “Lot’s wife.” Very clever man who added to the tour. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It seems he was the perfect guide, cheerful and knew the area. Lovely pictures, Rochelle.
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Dear Suzanne,
Zvi was a lot of fun and added entertainment to a great tour. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Clever use of humour, by both the writer and the guide, to cover something much more serious underneath.
And I see/hear you have joined the ranks of the Readers of Words!
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Dear CE,
Yes, I upgraded a couple of months ago and have joined the readers a couple of times before. I’m getting used to hearing my voice played back. Great fun.
Than you for your kind comments/compliments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sounds like an interesting person. Those always makes tours better.
Not sure I could take the step of recording my stories as audio. I’d be convinced it sounds awful even if it doesn’t.
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Dear Adam,
Zvi did add a lot to the tour. So much you can’t put into 100 words.
It was kind of a tall hurdle to make myself do the recording. But it’s a lot of fun and I like to do accents. I still of cringe when I hear myself.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I get a real sense of his character in this – wonderful. And it’s so nice to hear your voice, and know what you sound like – which is like a very lovely person!
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Dear Claire,
I’m pleased that you enjoyed my story and didn’t find my voice annoying. Thank you for your sweet comment/compliment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wouldn’t the 50 percent polyester be in violation of Mosaic law? That is at least what I got from the different fields.
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Dear Björn,
Actually it would be a violation of the Mosaic law. 😉 But, in this case, it was just Zvi’s sense of humor at work.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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The last sentence is so touching . Enjoyed your story so much , Rochelle.
Regards and best wishes,
Moon
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Also, I loved the recording.🙂
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Dear Moon,
I’m pleased you enjoyed both the story and the recording. Zvi did say the same thing every morning. Including “I am still Zvi.” He was a lovely man. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely memoir Rochelle and great clicks. Enjoyed them.
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Thank you, Kitty. This is one of my sweeter memories. Happy to share.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Welcome, Rochelle.
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Hard to believe that was 11 years ago, huh? Great memories of that trip and bless the memory of Zvi. “I am Zvi, which in Hebrew means the gazelle.There is now snow today.”
I sure seemed to having trouble moving my ass on that one pic, yes? 😀
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It was a great trip. We were fortunate to have Zvi as our guide, may he rest in peace. Where did those years go. I still remember Shmuel reading my first draft of PSKFM on the trip. Poor man. Remember “Lot’s wife?” Glad you finally moved your ass. One of the fonder memories. What a great picture, one of my favorites from the tour. Do you remember who took it? Ah well…Thanks for swinging by.
Shalom,
Cuzzin Shelley
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Haha! No, I don’t rightly remember who took that photo, but I might if I saw the person. I want to say it was Angie. Remember how we thought it would make a great Christmas card? Hallmark Twisted Line. 😀
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It’s never too late to make that Christmas card. 😉 I think you’re right about Angie. And that’s when I was using a real camera rather than the ubiquitous iPhone.
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You’re right, it’s never too late to make that card! Still laughing at that comment, mainly because of all the fun we had not just on the trip but with that photo. Priceless! Hard to believe so much has changed in eleven years.
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I adore the Polyester comment. Wonderful humour.
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Dear Loopygoose,
I can’t claim originality for that line. That was all Zvi. Thank you from both of us. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I’m glad you got to experience that trip. Memories of a lifetime. I love the vocal recording. It really adds to the story. Good job.
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Dear Jan,
I’m pleased that the vocals came off well. I’m still a bit uncomfortable with them, ie getting used to hearing my voice. It was the trip of a lifetime. Thank you, m’love.
Rochelle
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I love this. The field of polyester is exactly the kind of shopworn joke you’d hear from a guide. I am fond of gallows humor. Must be that I grew up around combat veterans (which is why I never enlisted in the Marines, too).
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Dear Josh,
I’m sure that was a very shopworn joke since he led hundreds of tours in his career. 😉 I’m glad you enjoyed this one. Lots of happy memories surrounding it.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I was pretty sure the picture was in Jerusalem. I love your story about your guide. What a special trip that must have been.
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Dear Linda,
it was a very special trip. My favorite moments included praying at The Wall and saying the prayers over the Shabbat candles for our table on Shavuot. And there were many other moments, besides being able to carry on rudimentary conversations with my limited Hebrew. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
A guide can make or break a vacation! We had a most fabulous one named Walla when we visited Tortola on one of our cruises. We are still talking about him years later.
Lotsa love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
Toward the end of the tour Zvi had to to leave us and Mickey took his place. A nice guy, but not Zvi. As you can see, Kent and I are still talking about Zvi years later as well. Glad you liked me story. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,,
Rochelle
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So very lovely indeed!
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You see what I did there. 😉
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😀
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Yes, Zvi was terrific. He is missed. Of course, though, it was my second time to Iz and Rochelle’s first, which made it extra special because I knew it was her dream come true for 30 years.
In the photo, we had trouble figuring out to whom she was addressing. 😀
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Dear Rochelle,
You look very happy in that picture … like a movie star in a musical, who’s about to burst into song and dance!
I liked the guide’s comments about polyester, but did find myself chuckling at Björn’s remark about the Mosaic Law. Personally, I don’t like wearing polyester and much prefer pure cotton, but for those who don’t like ironing, polyester is a boon.
This week, as much as I like the photo prompt, I might have to skip FF. Things are not going according to plan, partly because I’m worn out and partly because nothing is going right. I even managed to burn the gooseberry jam I was cooking yesterday evening, and I never burn jam D:
Hopefully I’ll be back next week for FF, with my batteries fully recharged.
All best wishes,
Sarah
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Dear Sarah,
It was a great trip and Zvi made it more-so. I might actually have burst into song and dance at that point. I did a lot of dancing along the way. Dancing on the tour boat on the Sea of Galilee was great fun. 😉 And Kent and I were always hamming it up for each other’s cameras.
Perhaps things will be better for you tomorrow. It’s not too late to post until Tuesday. Some days are like that. I feel like I’m getting nothing done today…which really isn’t true since I’m working on a portrait commission. However I’m still in my pyjamas and haven’t done my workout. Sigh.
Hope things get better and your batteries charge. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That looks like a wonderful trip, Rochelle, with a special guide to complete the journey. What a beautiful, timeless, special city Jerusalem is. Was it your first time there? It’s almost unbelievable that one place can have been so important in shaping the world.Lovely prompt photograph too. I’m sure it will inspire some fab writing.
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Dear Lynn,
I believe that it’s no accident that this tiny country carries so much importance. It was my first time there and a wonderful trip it was. I’d love to go back when I had more time to linger and get to visit the people. I have a lot of photos where that one came from. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hope to see some more of those pics in future Friday Fictioneers! 🙂
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Beautiful photos of your trip. One of my bucket list cities to visit! I’m sure it will be memories that will last a lifetime for you! 🙂
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Dear Courtney,
Jerusalem is a beautiful place, rife with different cultures and ancient beauty. I would love to go back and take my time. More of some sites and less of others. 😉 Glad you enjoyed the photos…hope you liked the story, too. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes.. your story was lovely as well. It is amazing how long we can hold on to the sounds of someone’s voice and their laugh. I still remember my grandfather’s and he has been gone since 1979… 🙂
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What wonderful memories, and I really love the photos especially the talking camel! My most enjoyable trips have been those with special guides, several of whom I’m still in touch with via social media today. Delightful.
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Dear Keith,
It was a memorable trip. The photo was as close as I was willing to get to the camel. I don’t like heights so I opted out of the camel ride. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Not too many folks realize Israel faced destruction in ’67. I’ve studied this war thoroughly and despite Israel’s overwhelming victory, things didn’t start out that way. Israel was outmatched in every way possible except that tiny nation’s sheer audacity. Any veteran of that war faced terrible odds. I love the part about the fields. Cracked me up. His greeting is interesting. There’s a lot behind those few words. This is one of my favorite stories of yours!
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Dear Eric,
Israel has faced overwhelming odds time and again. I’m pleased that you picked up on the deliberate nuances in this story. It encourages me as an author. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A lovely tale of a fond memory. Amazing how a good tour guide can be as memorable and place being visited.
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Dear Iain,
Glad you came along on the tour bus for a while. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, makes me wish I’d remembered to bring headphones. Not that I would have understood the words, mind you, but to hear sound is cool. Love the story and the added photos! The wall one just begs to be painted. 🙂 ❤
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Dear Jelli,
I look forward to seeing your rendering. 😉 ❤ Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a wonderful picture you painted of Zvi. I loved the hint of darkness and tragedy buried under the humor.
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Dear Cindy,
You’re an astute reader. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Tour guides can either make or break a trip. It sounds like Zvi was more than a plus on this one, especially if you still remember him so kindly. Thanks for sharing him with us.
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Dear Alicia,
Zvi had a wonderful reputation. Another friend of mine went to Israel soon after I did and had him as a tour guide. Alas, he’s passed away, but I’ll always remember him with fondness. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What wonderful memories!
Folks seem to be having trouble with my link. Should I reload or leave well enough alone?
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Dear Christine,
My best souvenirs are memories and photos.
I’ve reloaded your link. You seem to have done it correctly. At any rate it’s working now as we speak.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Alexis Trebek,
I love ZVI’s attitude and his sense of humor too. We’d make great pals.
Nice shot of the back of your head in the Hollywood Square photo. Is that an aerial view? Were you beating your head against a stone wall? A blog will do that to a person.
Rock on,
Rock Hudstone
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Well, Cuz Shell? You gonna answer that one …? 😀
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But of course. Don’t rush me, Cuzzin Chaim neged Elisheva 😉
Dear Rock Hudstone,
If you look closely you will notice the ancient stonework. It would be another year and a few months before I would assume the audacious role of Cat Herder so I was praying for other reasons.
As for Zvi, I think he would’ve made a great Friday Fictioneer. I think you would’ve been pals…once he got over the shock, that is.
Shalom,
Alexis Trebek
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😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 😀 !
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Dear Alexis,
After a few days in Arkansas, Ol’ Zvi would be wearing overalls and smoking a corn-cob pipe. Who knows, he might even learn to like Possum as long as the driver had blessed it before running over it with his car.
Rock
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What a great attitude. Really enjoyed your story.
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Thank you, Connie. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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an excellent guide does really work wonders. it makes the tour memorable and worth your while. 🙂
by the way, the link to the picture prompt doesn’t seem to work. when i click on it i get and error 404.
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Dear Plaridel,
Zvi led many tours and made memories for many pilgrims before passing away a few years ago. Some of us will never forget him.
I’ve re-uploaded the photo. Let me know if it helps.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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thank you. 🙂
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Love the optimism. And the polyester and spaghetti crops.
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Thank you, Patrick. 🙂
Shalom,
Rochelle
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What a memory for you! A pilgrimage. You did the audio well too, well done!
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Thank you, Fatima. D
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Very nice. Loved the photos!
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Thank you, Hombre. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sounds like an informative and fun tour!
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Dear Ali,
A great tour indeed. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, I could take writing classes forever and not get anywhere close to you. I am so thankful that you are our fearless leader! You and Zvi have something in common – you both love what you do! We all appreciate your continual expert advice and counsel!
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Dear Nan,
You’re going to make my head swell and I’ll have to buy a bigger hat. ) Thank you for your comments and compliments. I do love what I do. ❤ 😀
Many more thanks and shalom,
Rochelle
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Dont worry be happy. A great sentiment. Great pictures here in words! What a fun guide
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Dear Laurie,
That was Zvi. He said it every morning. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Wonderful!
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Hahaha! Loved the polyester fields 😀
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Dear Joy,
He had a bunch of those quips. I should’ve written them down. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Lovely, Rochelle. He sounds like a fantastic person, someone you could really enjoy being in the company of with a lot to offer
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Dear Michael,
Zvi was a wonderful guide and seemed a dear person. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Soldiers go through experiences that normal people like us cannot fathom. Once out of their services they either get consumed by the darkness they witnessed or they put in their best effort to look at the positives. Zvi, from your description, I believe would belong to the latter set. Very vivid descriptions, Rochelle. Great effort. Cheers, Varad
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Dear Varad,
I think you’ve pegged Zvi correctly. I’m glad you were able to read between the lines. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Tour guided can make or mar a visit – and telling it with a smile is always a good idea!
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Dear Liz,
He was a great tour guide. Sorry that he’s passed on. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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It does sound like a happy time. My wife and daughter have been to Israel several times but alas, I wasn’t able to go along.
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Dear James,
I hope one day you’ll be able to go. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to go again, but I never say never. Thank you for coming along on my little tour.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I loved this! I love the polyester comment..don’t worry, be happy. Yes. What’s the alternative?
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Dear Sascha,
Zvi had a bunch of them. I wish I’d written them all down. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle, The character came out so very well etched. Also i loved the voice. Humour and wit went hand in hand in this sweet little story. Neel
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Dear Neel,
I’m glad you enjoyed my story of a dear person. Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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“The field on the left is 100% cotton. On the right—50% polyester.” What a great line!
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Dear Clare,
He did have some great lines. This was one of the more memorable ones. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Zvi seems to be a jolly guide with lot of pain inside of him.
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Dear Kalpana,
I’m glad that came through for you. That’s exactly how I saw him. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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We have our share of Zvi’s who add so much to our tours making us more generous with our purse strings than we can afford to be 🙂
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Dear Dahlia,
Zvi is definitely one of the reasons the trip was so memorable. Perhaps another time I’ll share a story about the bus driver, Gabi. He would take that bus through narrow streets that I’d be afraid to take my little car.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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When I first saw the picture it took me back to my holiday last year when we went to Dubrovnik and trying to search somewhere that we could walk round the walls for free! As you can guess this never happened! and we had to get the correct currency but that is all another life story!
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Dear Claire,
We all have travel experiences to share. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sounds like a great guide to have. Looks like you really enjoyed your trip.
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Dear Subroto,
Zvi helped make it a wonderful trip. A good time was had by all. We didn’t worry, therefore we were happy. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Those tour guides make all the difference!
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Dear Dawn,
They certainly can. Thanks for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I have feeling this is Jerusalem, to the Jewish Quarter…
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It is the Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem, Mihrank. (Hope you enjoyed my story.) Thanks for coming by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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