Ehven » Tatty

770

Mihal Ehven — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:59:58 +0000

We had the great honor of having private time in our Rebbe’s office. It was more inspiring than I had anticipated.

Survived the Subway

Mihal Ehven — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:01:29 +0000

I was once an avid subway rider in Tokyo. I loved the precision and reliability of the whole Japanese railway system.

But ever since we started planning this NY trip, I’ve been gripped with fear about maneuvering through a busy subway with four children, my parents, and “Wrong-Way-Gilad”.

Will they be able to get on and off fast enough?

Will we get separated?

Will they annoy other passengers to the point of violence?

Much to my relief, the whole trip was a pleasure. It was a far superior experience compared to the drive to New Jersey.

And most importantly: no one was lost or beaten up by fellow passengers.

Island Hopper

Gilad Ehven — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 23:48:05 +0000

The trip from Liberty Island to Ellis Island is a bit more than a mere hop, especially in the tourism season.

In addition to the long lines to reboard the ferry, the punishing heat, and the not so rare local rudeness, we also had fatigue to contend with.

Sheina Shira was inconsolable at one point. Every time we walked, and especially in close proximity to crowds, she just melted down. Then it dawned on us – Down where she was (at knee level), the cute little short thing, down below the canopy of hot sweaty people – The heat and stagnant air must have been even worse than where our faces were!

So, we started the island hop (from Liberty to Ellis), with Sheina Shira on my shoulder. She was reminded how cute others think she is, as fellow crowd victims oo’d and ah’d over her. And I was reminded how much I like having a baby on my shoulder.

Manhattan Bus Tour

Mihal Ehven — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 19:59:47 +0000

This is the way to see the city! Great visibilty, personal tour guide, no walking, and 20 feet above (and out of reach of) the street vendors.

NEWS FLASH! Gilad does laundry!

Mihal Ehven — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 00:42:43 +0000

What a great day! The girls and I come home from a morning of shopping and shaitel trimming to find the guys being sooo domestic! I guess vacationing just brings out the best in people.

New Jersey Excursion

Mihal Ehven — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:59:18 +0000

At risk to life and limb, the Ehven family rented a van and ventured out on the road.

First stop: Brighton Beach to pick up Aunt Gloria. (Thank G-d for GPS.)

Next stop: Tinton Falls, NJ! What a beautiful drive over the Verrazano Bridge and Staton Island! The entire route was lushly green and expansive.

We spent a fantastic day with cousins (and their sweet puppy), catching up and talking politics, of course. (These were Gilad’s relatives obviously.) Only nightfall forced us back on the road to Crown Heights.

Next time we’ll make every effort to get to Six Flags, Sabrina!

Seattle Reunion

Mihal Ehven — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 22:51:26 +0000

Friendships begun in Seattle were renewed in Boro Park! After catching up, meeting the newest neshamas (souls), and enjoying fantastic hospitality (and bagels); I realize that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Ohel Experience

Mihal Ehven — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 21:06:52 +0000

A short bus ride into Queens brought the Ehven family to one of the highlights of our New York excursion. We were all awed by the quietly imposing stones that spoke the names of the many Jews who were buried there. But standing at the Rebbe’s site, speaking with him, was unparalleled.

Guess where Gilad is!

Mihal Ehven — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:31:54 +0000

That’s right! Kingston Pizza!! It would have been nice if someone would have told us that there are actually TWO Kingston Pizzas: one kosher, and one not! Of course, only the non-kosher one was listed in the Yellow Pages. But when we walked in and noticed all the meaty pizzas on display, and the staff noticed us, they kindly directed us down the street to this happy place. I just looked at them and said, “We’re new in town.”