1. Trip to Israel, Dec-Jan 2012-2013: The flight to Israel, part 4 The snow kept falling and by the time we arrived at the airport our flight was delayed indefinitely. We decided to make the most of the wait.

2. The first hour was easy: Agam, Hahgoot, Ella and Alma enjoyed their favourite play area. The adults tried not to look too worried. The snow kept falling and things weren’t looking good.

3. The second hour we decided to explore some local culture: Inside the airport there is a cultural experience centre that offers performances (music, singing and a formal aristocracy parade with guards and the “royal family”), and crafts. The airport was also nicely decorated for Christmas (bottom right: a huge colour changing chandelier)

4. Here are the noble people having their ceremonious parade

5. Top left: the King and Queen The music was the Chinese style, high pitch wailing. Hahgoot did her best not to scream...

6. There are several crafts you can choose from, such as printmaking and painting. The girls chose to make the wooden fridge magnets (below left).

7. Both girls enjoyed the painting activity. Checking Alma used only one paintbrush per colour was tricky!

8. After we finished the cultural experience, it was back to the playground.

9. The kids didn’t seem to care we’ve been at the airport for hours. The grownups were starting to get annoyed. I wondered around the airport in an attempt to get Alma to fall asleep in the pram (didn’t work, but got to see my favourite chocolate – Godiva!)

10. Alma got very cranky (overtired) so I took her out of the pram and into a Hello Kitty cafe (Heaven or Hell, you decide). The Hello Kitty gallery (bottom right), where the mute feline invades famous artworks, was an especially disturbing theme… Alma had a great time.

11. Certainly an overdose of Kitty charm... And PINK!

12. The pink shock worked – Alma decided to fall asleep in the pram at last. I left her with Udi and the other kids at the playground area and went off with Keren to have a much needed hot drink. At the Snoopy cafe we found great hot chocolates. I got a mint flavoured drink.

13. After 3 hours of waiting at the airport (and 10 minutes after Alma fell asleep) they announced our plane was boarding! My joy changed quickly to horror when I realized I needed to carry 5 bags and a sleeping child with no pram (you leave them at the gate). Hahgoot made a special effort (which is a big one on her part) and dragged two bags to the plane.

14. When we boarded the plane (around 6 in the afternoon) the snow has stopped falling but everything was covered outside, including the plane. In our next presentation: The second plane ride – to Israel!