Israel Edition: Thursday

Thursday, the day also known as, 

The Day wherein we Celebrate my Birth:

 [View of Nazareth from the elevator.]

 [View of Nazareth from the breakfast room.]

 After breakfast, I talked a bit, 

and then these fine people surprised me with a bit of birthday song.

I had shawarma for lunch (spiced meat),

and then--after the final conference talks--

 we had a gala event, Israeli/Arabic style, 

with course after course of food,

 good conversation,

amazing live music (and dancing), 

 finished off with this dessert, kanafah, made with cheese and sugar-soaked crispy 'pasta'

(which I knew all about because one sweet woman had brought me some mid-day as well, as a birthday treat).

The biggest birthday surprise of all, however,

was when I got back to my hotel to find this sweetness awaiting me.

And that, was MY BIRTHDAY.