Tel Aviv is one of these fascinating cities that suck you in the second you put your foot on the ground. I loved walking for hours, no aim, no plan. The best thing about the walking was that whenever I came home, my hosts invited me for gorgeous, homecooked meals. Yumyum.

























All photos: Carolin Weinkopf

I was well prepared and knew what could happen when getting to the airport. I actually didn't think it would. But it did. Arriving in Schönefeld in front of El Al counters, I got questioned for 60 minutes and searched for 30 minutes. I had to show my couchsurfing confirmation, all booked hotels, emails I had sent to my family concerning the trip, facebook, my website and blog to prove that I was really a photographer and that I was not part of a terrorist organization... Everyone was really nice and kind, but I do think that this procedure is a bit over the top (...and I didn't know yet that it would be beaten by far on my way back).

(Not to mention it did not happen neither to my sister nor my dad, though they have similar travel histories and were both also traveling by themselves).


People waiting at the gate at Schönefeld Airport.

Anway, the flight was nice (except of the quite crazy Jesus-lives-lady sitting next to me on the plane, trying to convince me to join her Christian sect after I denied to be Jewish) and we arrived whole and save at Ben Gurion Airport. Took a train from there, walked a lovely 20 minute walk through southeastern Tel Aviv and reached the beautiful home of my hosts behind a mandarine tree. I spent the evening eating falafel and crisscrossing Tel Aviv by foot, observing drunken Tel Avivians walking the streets in Purim-costumes.


Beautiful mountains on the way (via iPhone).


Israeli coastline.


Kid with balloons on HaHagana (via iPhone).


Sunset over HaHagana (via iPhone).


The mandarine tree.


Dressed up, excited girl (via iPhone).

All photos: Carolin Weinkopf

So after having found out that my life would change 360° within the next few months, my stay in Macedonia happened to be a bit different than I had initially planned. Luckily I have the best and caring friends in the world there, so I got pampered from head to toe. We went on road trips, spent most of the time eating, singing or talking and for the first time on a trip I've made, photography was pretty much not the main thing to worry about. Besides the stressful journey back via Istanbul with a few hours delay, arriving at 4am at Schönefeld, it couldn't have been a better first week of being aware, in a far away country that feels so much like home. Thank you, especially to Bojana and Ana.





















All photos: Carolin Weinkopf

Maybe I secretly do have an idea what kept me from posting and writing for the past weeks... I just couldn't have kept it a secret.

It's incredibly hard to imagine and looking into the mirror I can hardly tell myself, but there's a baby in my belly, growing rapidly.

This wasn't planned and really surprised and confused me when we found out the day I went to Macedonia weeks ago, but by now the thought brings nothing but a big smile to my face. My bellybutton started sticking out a bit a few days ago and yesterday the doctor said we'll be alright.

The past weeks have been exhausting, but I'm glad that mini-me has already gotten a taste of Turkey, Macedonia, Israel and Palestine and has met such incredible people by the tiny age of 12 weeks. I can only hope that everything stays as uncomplicated and relaxing as it's been so far. I can't wait to see my belly grow. This is beyond exciting.

I took a little timeout from blogging - no idea how it happened. In the meantime, I've returned from Macedonia, have left again to Israel and Palestine and have returned last night. Stay tuned for loads of photos and some big news to share...

We rented a car, went to Berovo and Kratovo. Had the best time ever.












All Photos: Carolin Weinkopf

♥

After getting some serious sleep we had coffee and cookies for breakfast and got some work done. I later decided the sun outside was pretty attractive and went out. The snow is melting and the whole city seems to be a big puddle of mud. I walked from Bojana's apartment west of the center all the way to eastern Skopje, took some photos, did some Macedonian tea shopping and sat on a few benches watching the city's pace pass by. It feels right to be here. I need to come more often.










All Photos: Carolin Weinkopf

After a scary, lonely trainride at 1 a.m., I arrived in Schönefeld, caught my flight and slept through food and views to arrive in Istanbul at dawn. Unfortunately getting all my stuff together and organizing Turkish lira took so long, when my bus finally left the airport, the sun was already up. Anyway, I met some nice people on the bus and had not so lonely coffee, tea and börek at a tiny street venue in Taksim. I spent a few hours walking around and being fascinated by this beautiful city, but I was so tired I couldn't really enjoy it all. Back at the airport I almost collapsed and decided Istanbul is definately a place to return, but maybe after having a bit more sleep.

The plane ride to Skopje was beautiful, flying by the Turkish and Greek coastline, tinted in warm sunlight. Macedonia is mostly covered in snow, Skopje even hidden under a thick layer of fog. The city has changed so much, there's new big, heroic buildings and statues everywhere. But I was welcomed with love and food, as always.

♥














All Photos: Carolin Weinkopf

So, I've made it, stayed in Berlin for a while, got a routine again, felt home. After three months of keeping my feet still, I gotta get out again now! Thursday night, I booked a flight to Macedonia.

♥

Catch me if you can.


Photo: Carolin Weinkopf