Modern Travel Miracles

(Last Updated On: July 28, 2011)

One upon a time, as a teenager, I went to Israel. I had my MCI card with the Friends and Family Calling Plan. I had cash to convert and some travelers checks I’d have to sign in a bank. And I had an Asimon (phone token) on a necklace around my neck.

My memories of calling home from Israel involve needing badly to pee. It was always the case.  In order to phone home I would have to go to the post office, stand in line, buy phone tokens,  go to pay public phone stands, stand in line for my turn with the pay phone, insert token, enter card and chat. By the time I reached America I was ready to burst.

So much has changed.

I was apprehensive when I sent my daughter off on an international flight to Israel. Little did I know, between her cell, my cell, our relatives in Israel and the kindness of Air Canada on Twitter, her entire journey would be practically live streamed.

I watched her flight take off and land on FlightAware which was how I was able to tell my relatives she had landed, moments before the boards in the airport updated.

Air Canada on Twitter rushed to our rescue when we had some confusion with gate procedures and made sure my daughter made her connection without stress and really enjoyed the rest of her flight.

I know she enjoyed it because she texted me pictures of her seat and the fabulous plane before she took off.

While my girl cleared customs (and after she phoned by cell to say she landed) our relatives emailed us photos from the airport waiting area. We texted them to our daughter and told her to look for them and their sign when she came out.

And they emailed us photos when she did meet with them.

Every day since she’s been gone we’ve been skyping, facebook chatting and sharing photo albums on Google Plus. I honestly think we may be more connected with her half a world away, then when she spends a couple of nights at a local pal’s house for a sleepover. Which is odd. And wonderful.

It’s made me reflect on how much things have changed. I am also in awe of how brave my parents were to send me when and how they did. I’m lucky to be able to share this photo from earlier today.

Back in the day it was a marvel when one hr photo opened in Jerusalem. I was able to mail a picture home. Snail mail.  My poor parents.

Also worth noting: Teenaged girls the world over love the same music. When my daughter landed and compared her ipod playlist with her cousins… it was identical. Connected in every way!