The Biggest Lesson We Learned Traveling From Italy To Israel
WE NEED TO FLY THROUGH WHERE?
When we flew from Rome to Tel Aviv, our best option for tickets was on Ukraine International Airline and switched planes in Kiev, Ukraine. We were both hesitant about making the booking… in our heads, we pictured a shabby airplane from the 1980s and an airport in the middle of a war zone, with armed rebels running around outside on the tarmac and rockets falling nearby.
We wondered if we’d be safe flying through Ukraine since the only media images we’ve ever seen of the country are of war-torn poverty. However, it really was the best option, so with some trepidation, we booked the tickets and held our breath to see how the experience would be.
Our perfectly modern and safe Ukraine International Airlines plane
SMOOTH SAILING
Much to our uninformed surprise, everything was wonderful. The plane was in perfect shape, and the crew was very friendly. We had two smooth, pleasant flights without a single worrisome moment.
And the Kiev airport? It puts most airports in the U.S. to shame! It’s a large, beautiful airport with huge modern glass windows and bright lights. It’s filled with luxury brands and designer stores, plus a cute play area that our girls loved. We had a fantastic dinner in the airport with fresh-squeezed juices, spaghetti carbonara, steak, and dessert before we ran to catch our plane.
FREE YOUR MIND
The whole experience was seamless and enjoyable, we felt completely safe, and honestly, it was one of the best flight days we’ve ever had.
And it stretched us and challenged us in all the ways that travel should… it showed us the preconceptions and judgments that we had in our minds were completely wrong. The world is more beautiful, modernized, and welcoming than we’re told, and we can’t let media-induced fear keep us from going out there and visiting it… even if it’s only for a few brief hours.
Fun mirror displays at the Kiev airport where you could take pictures of yourself in traditional Ukrainian outfits #loveukraine
Have you had a travel experience that challenged you to re-examine your preconceptions about a place? Leave us a comment and let us know what happened!
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Originally published at www.digitalnomadfamily.com.
