I love Israel so much.
But since this is my blog, I get to use it for all my selfish purposes - including occasional venting sessions :-)
I had to pee so bad today walking down the street in Tel Aviv. I went into a hotel and the doorman stopped me. I told him I had to use the bathroom, and he said no. I was so taken aback, like please? He shook his head no. A little stunned, I continued down the street and went into a restaurant. May I please use the bathroom? No, the woman said flat out. I'm like, are you serious? At this point I almost started to cry; why will no one let me use their bathroom?! As panic is slowly setting in I continue down the street and go into a bar. I walk in and beg the barman to use the bathroom. Now he was the one taken aback - I don't know if it was more from seeing a girl like me in his bar in the middle of the afternoon, or the fact that I was pleading for a bathroom. Anyway he nodded in permission and I finally relaxed! Also it annoys me so much how some people here walk down the street. You'll be two people walking towards each other on the sidewalk, with plenty of room, and they'll just charge straight ahead right at you, and don't turn to the side until right before they'd be about to walk into you. I'm like, people, go right!! There is such a widespread tendency to be aggressive here, in everything. Everything is an argument. People here actually enjoy arguing. It so does not suit my personality. But I'm learning how to argue when I have to to get what I need. For example, the bank. The bank here is amateurs. No one actually knows what they're doing - sometimes I'm surprised this country functions as well as it does. I went back to the bank yesterday to pick up my long-awaited atm card. I had ordered it when I set up a bank account 3 weeks ago. Everything here takes a week, so when I went back a week later, they told me they had not put in an order for my atm card, so they would do it that day, and to come back in a week. (because who with a bank account would actually want an atm card? Such an unusual request). So of course when I go back a week later, they tell me no one ordered an atm card for me. This has continued week by week until yesterday I had a fit and threatened them if I come back in a week and they still don't have an atm card for me - there will be trouble. But the thing is, there's nothing you can really do. Loving Israel requires laughing at Israel.
Now on to the latest delights of life here. I smile in the morning when I see the weather forecast: "abundant sunshine. 80 degrees." every day, hot and sunny. and its just getting hotter and hotter.. I love it. I had my first doctor's visit and the co-payment was 6 shekels. (approximately $1). wonderful. Also, I am dying over the strawberries here. I bought a kilo of strawberries for 5 shekels, went home and eagerly washed them, and just exclaimed to myself in delight as I stood alone in my kitchen eating them. They are the most delicious strawberries I've ever tasted -bursting with sweetness, lush and red and perfectly ripe. The smell emanates across the room. And the cherry tomatoes. I've never eaten cherry tomatoes the way I do here - they're better than candy. Perfect and fresh and sweet and crunchy - I could eat pounds of them. Speaking of pounds - burekas are going to be the death of me. I have allowed myself to indulge since I've been here, but I have to start seriously avoiding the burekas. An hour and a half of running might make up for one bureka. It's the worst.
Tonight in Tel Aviv is "Layla Lavan" - White Night - an annual tribute to "the white city" (tel aviv), and in honor of Tel Aviv's 100th birthday, celebrating with all-night parties and events throughout the city. Everything in the whole city is open all night. There will be music and performers and all kinds of festivities along Rothschild street, the street where I'm temporarily staying, so I've been told not to expect to sleep tonight before 6am or else to sleep elsewhere. It's going to be crazy!!!
Tomorrow morning I sign the lease on my new apartment, and I can't wait. June 1 is moving day.
On Sunday I take the Hebrew placement test to see which level Hebrew class I will be in. I'm ready to take it on!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Saturday, May 23, 2009
The hunt is over!
When people say apartment hunting in Tel Aviv is horrible, it's an understatement. I don't understand how so many people in this city live in such crap. But, there are the rare gems to be found - and thanks to my good fortune, I will be moving into a beautiful and brand-new apartment on June 1! It's with two girls, one Israeli-American and the other Israeli-Belgian, who are very sweet and I think we'll have a lot of fun together. The apartment is 2 floors, completely renovated, full of sunlight and we each have our own bathroom. Not bad! :-) (that's a big smile on my face)
Apartment hunting, while at once stressful and depressing, also has its perks - I met some really nice girls along the way, a few of whom I'm becoming friendly with. Also, it presents an opportunity to really practice Hebrew. I visited at least a dozen apartments where the roommates spoke only Hebrew to me, which forced me to step up my comprehension level rather quickly. It's amazing how quickly the gap is widening between my comprehension skills and my speaking skills. I am understanding more and more each day, but when I open my mouth to speak, I sound like a retarded person who never graduated past kindergarten. It's embarassing and frustrating. But even in just three weeks I've learned so much. Last night I went to a Shabbat dinner in Herzliyah with some family friends and the entire evening was in Hebrew. I was exhausted by the end of it but proud of myself for how much I was able to understand and communicate. My success and confidence in speaking Hebrew is very interconnected with the attitude/behavior of the person I'm talking to. Some people are very patient and speak clear, slow Hebrew, and we are able to communicate - while others get too frustrated and immediately switch to English. So depending on who I'm talking to I have varying degrees of confidence, which impacts my verbal skills. But I know these things take time, and once I start the ulpan it will get better and better.
On a side note - I had a successful shopping spree on dizengoff street the other day, using my "olah chadasha" (new immigrant) status to get 100 shekels off the bill. I thought the salesman was being zionistic and generous. After I left the store and continued down the street, I felt someone tap me on the shoulder and it was the salesman - he ran after me to ask for my phone number. Ah, Israelis. so persistent!
Apartment hunting, while at once stressful and depressing, also has its perks - I met some really nice girls along the way, a few of whom I'm becoming friendly with. Also, it presents an opportunity to really practice Hebrew. I visited at least a dozen apartments where the roommates spoke only Hebrew to me, which forced me to step up my comprehension level rather quickly. It's amazing how quickly the gap is widening between my comprehension skills and my speaking skills. I am understanding more and more each day, but when I open my mouth to speak, I sound like a retarded person who never graduated past kindergarten. It's embarassing and frustrating. But even in just three weeks I've learned so much. Last night I went to a Shabbat dinner in Herzliyah with some family friends and the entire evening was in Hebrew. I was exhausted by the end of it but proud of myself for how much I was able to understand and communicate. My success and confidence in speaking Hebrew is very interconnected with the attitude/behavior of the person I'm talking to. Some people are very patient and speak clear, slow Hebrew, and we are able to communicate - while others get too frustrated and immediately switch to English. So depending on who I'm talking to I have varying degrees of confidence, which impacts my verbal skills. But I know these things take time, and once I start the ulpan it will get better and better.
On a side note - I had a successful shopping spree on dizengoff street the other day, using my "olah chadasha" (new immigrant) status to get 100 shekels off the bill. I thought the salesman was being zionistic and generous. After I left the store and continued down the street, I felt someone tap me on the shoulder and it was the salesman - he ran after me to ask for my phone number. Ah, Israelis. so persistent!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Best time of my life
My life is too good to be true right now. Last night was one of the best nights of my life - in all honesty, it might have been the best night of my life. I went to my first "monsoon party" which is like a massive rave out in nature, usually in a forest or the desert. The selected location for this party was Kibbutz Beit Oren, a kibbutz situated at the top of the tallest mountain in the Carmel. To get there we had to drive up a slightly terrifying, twisting road on the edge of a cliff up the mountain. Mount Carmel national park is there, it looks beautiful. We made it to the top in one piece, parked and hiked up to the entrance. The sight took my breath away. A glimmering swimming pool on one side overlooks a magnificent view of the mountains and the sea in the distance; hundreds of people are having picnics and basking in the sun; one tent sells food and drinks and another tent opens up to the entrance to the dance floor. 'Dance floor' isn't even the right term - it was simply a massive, open space with hundreds of people dancing. The thing I loved the most about the place was that everyone came there to dance. Not like a dance bar where people are concerned with how they look and socializing, but a place where everyone completely lets go, does their own thing and dances freely and naturally and happily. I loved it immediately. I loved the energy; it was impossible to keep your body still. After a short dip in the pool and a food break, my friends and I danced for six hours!!! I was completely absorbed into the music. It felt amazing and so freeing -- these exciting trance beats building to intense crescendos that you just throw your body into, the wind blowing across your face, everyone around me smiling and dancing like they don't have a care in the world - and thinking that I'm here in Israel, surrounded by Jews, in the place that I finally always wanted to be, dancing openly to the wind and the sky and the mountains, with the sweet fresh air and the distant smell of horses from the kibbutz, and the creak of crickets and other animals in the underbrush - I almost cried I felt so happy.
I could have danced all night.
The one downside was that I wanted so badly to dance barefoot; I felt I could have felt even freer barefoot! but the dance area was covered with pieces of hay and dirt and pebbles that were quite painful. I ended up getting one painful splinter for which I had to enlist the lifeguard's help in removing, and after that I put my shoes back on :)
The other amazing thing about the party was the diversity of the crowd - whole families came to dance, even with babies! Children and dogs ran loose through the dance floor and they loved it. I couldn't believe it at the end of the night when I was leaving and I saw two boys, about 8 or 9 years old, still playing and dancing together. I hope I could be that cool of a mom to bring my future family to a party like that! I also saw a mom with a body better than mine holding her child and I was stunned - I simply don't understand how you can give birth and have a body like that. (it's easy if you're a celebrity and have personal chefs and trainers - but how do these Israeli women do it?!?) ah the mysteries of life.
My Tel Aviv apartment hunt continues - no luck yet but I'm staying optimistic! :-)
and spent another beautiful afternoon today on the Tel Aviv beach... it's getting hotter every day :-)
Even though I have yet to find a home and master the language and all the other tasks that lay before me, I feel absolutely content, so completely happy and fortunate, that I can do nothing but smile :-)
I could have danced all night.
The one downside was that I wanted so badly to dance barefoot; I felt I could have felt even freer barefoot! but the dance area was covered with pieces of hay and dirt and pebbles that were quite painful. I ended up getting one painful splinter for which I had to enlist the lifeguard's help in removing, and after that I put my shoes back on :)
The other amazing thing about the party was the diversity of the crowd - whole families came to dance, even with babies! Children and dogs ran loose through the dance floor and they loved it. I couldn't believe it at the end of the night when I was leaving and I saw two boys, about 8 or 9 years old, still playing and dancing together. I hope I could be that cool of a mom to bring my future family to a party like that! I also saw a mom with a body better than mine holding her child and I was stunned - I simply don't understand how you can give birth and have a body like that. (it's easy if you're a celebrity and have personal chefs and trainers - but how do these Israeli women do it?!?) ah the mysteries of life.
My Tel Aviv apartment hunt continues - no luck yet but I'm staying optimistic! :-)
and spent another beautiful afternoon today on the Tel Aviv beach... it's getting hotter every day :-)
Even though I have yet to find a home and master the language and all the other tasks that lay before me, I feel absolutely content, so completely happy and fortunate, that I can do nothing but smile :-)
Friday, May 15, 2009
Unforgettable encounter
A kind of unbelievable thing happened to me tonight.
The night started out with some friends at a live music show with a diverse hipster crowd (including a hilarious man in the back who kept shouting out the most random things -- like, "shnitzel in a pita!", "testicles no problem!", and "condoleeza!") so random, hilarious. then i went dancing with another friend at a typical tel aviv dance bar: israeli techno music, guys and girls dancing on the bartop, flashing lights and a slideshow of pictures of random israelis illuminated on the wall.
anyway i was having a great time, but all of a sudden, i felt like i should leave the bar. i was just suddenly ready to go. so i leave, by myself, and as i'm walking down the street a man comes up to me. he asks me, "do you write or create things?" im like "excuse me?" and he's like, "do you write, are you a writer?" and im like "yeah why?" and hes like "i'm not surprised. can i tell you the color of your aura?" and at this point, im like what the hell is going on. im a little bit drunk, alone at 1 in the morning, with this random guy asking me about the color of my aura. im skeptical to say the least. but, intrigued. so he goes on to tell me im a light blue, that i have a lot of passion for life but i hold things in my belly, which is why i need to create. im like, hold on a minute, do you just go up to random people telling them the color of their aura? and he's like, no, i can only pick up on the colors of people who are aware of themselves. which is not a lot of people, but you are. so then i thought to myself, what would his color be... and instinctively i think an orange-red color. so i ask him what his color is, and he says red. at that point, im like whoa. what is going on. we end up having this unbelievable conversation - he seems like a pretty regular guy, works in marketing, yada yada, but was telling me all these things about myself -- like how i just did this incredible thing, moving to israel, but i dont appreciate myself enough for what i did, im always thinking about the future and what i have to do next. and how its good i have a lot of passion for life and the future but that i need to balance that with staying in the present, knowing how to relax. he says i carry too much on my shoulders and thats why yoga is good for me. but i should not limit myself by saying what i can or cant do; life will put enough handcuffs on me without my needing to put more on myself. im like flipping out hearing him say all these things. it was too weird - but everything he said rang so true. his parting words to me were "dont forget yourself." hes right. he knew exactly what i needed to hear. and he expected nothing in return. he went his way and i went mine, but i'll never forget this encounter.
The night started out with some friends at a live music show with a diverse hipster crowd (including a hilarious man in the back who kept shouting out the most random things -- like, "shnitzel in a pita!", "testicles no problem!", and "condoleeza!") so random, hilarious. then i went dancing with another friend at a typical tel aviv dance bar: israeli techno music, guys and girls dancing on the bartop, flashing lights and a slideshow of pictures of random israelis illuminated on the wall.
anyway i was having a great time, but all of a sudden, i felt like i should leave the bar. i was just suddenly ready to go. so i leave, by myself, and as i'm walking down the street a man comes up to me. he asks me, "do you write or create things?" im like "excuse me?" and he's like, "do you write, are you a writer?" and im like "yeah why?" and hes like "i'm not surprised. can i tell you the color of your aura?" and at this point, im like what the hell is going on. im a little bit drunk, alone at 1 in the morning, with this random guy asking me about the color of my aura. im skeptical to say the least. but, intrigued. so he goes on to tell me im a light blue, that i have a lot of passion for life but i hold things in my belly, which is why i need to create. im like, hold on a minute, do you just go up to random people telling them the color of their aura? and he's like, no, i can only pick up on the colors of people who are aware of themselves. which is not a lot of people, but you are. so then i thought to myself, what would his color be... and instinctively i think an orange-red color. so i ask him what his color is, and he says red. at that point, im like whoa. what is going on. we end up having this unbelievable conversation - he seems like a pretty regular guy, works in marketing, yada yada, but was telling me all these things about myself -- like how i just did this incredible thing, moving to israel, but i dont appreciate myself enough for what i did, im always thinking about the future and what i have to do next. and how its good i have a lot of passion for life and the future but that i need to balance that with staying in the present, knowing how to relax. he says i carry too much on my shoulders and thats why yoga is good for me. but i should not limit myself by saying what i can or cant do; life will put enough handcuffs on me without my needing to put more on myself. im like flipping out hearing him say all these things. it was too weird - but everything he said rang so true. his parting words to me were "dont forget yourself." hes right. he knew exactly what i needed to hear. and he expected nothing in return. he went his way and i went mine, but i'll never forget this encounter.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Misrad HaKlita, Lag b'Omer, and Chrissie
On the heels of Jen's departure arrived Chrissie, my good friend Jessie's younger sister, who came for a day trip to Tel Aviv from Amman. It was wonderful to see her. She is studying Arabic full-time and exploring a new culture, not dissimilar from my current situation. We spent the afternoon on the beach, walking north along the boardwalk to the port, and ate dinner at Max Brenner (yes, that's right - I'm not ashamed to admit that I went back for round 2 of the thick Italian hot chocolate! I can't help myself, hehe). I had many questions for Chrissie about what it was like to be a young single American girl living in a religious Muslim environment. We spoke at length about modesty, dress, and women's rights. I learned new things, like if a girl is seen walking around outside with wet hair, it implies that she has just had sex, so girls who don't cover their hair have to blow dry it before going outside. Chrissie explained that the religious Muslim girls feel about their piety the way we Americans feel about our freedom. That is their primary value. I can respect it but I'm thankful that I was not born into that culture!
Last night marked the eve of Lag b'Omer, a holiday whose meaning I am still yet to fully grasp. I understand it in Israel as an excuse for mass bonfires. We drove past kikar hamedina, an enormous traffic circle, which must have had several dozen bonfires across it and thousands of children running wild. Today the air is still slightly tinted with the smell of smoke, it reminds me a little bit of camp.
Yesterday I also made my first visit to Misrad haKlita, the Ministry of Absorption. Everyone had warned me to be ready for a headache, but I found it rather organized and low-key actually. I met with my absorption counselor who signed me up for my "sal klita" payments - almost 16,000 shekels dispersed over the next 7 months. I also received a voucher for 550 hours of free ulpan (hebrew language immersion). she explained to me how I have to apply for an Israeli driver's license and an Israeli passport. ugh. later! I also obtained information about going for graduate school in Israel - if I decide to study in Hebrew it will be totally free. And my counselor STRONGLY urged me to do it in Hebrew (of course she would). but if I do a program in English, it's partly subsidized. I have 3 years to take advantage of this benefit and then it expires. hmm...
next item on the agenda - find an apartment!
Last night marked the eve of Lag b'Omer, a holiday whose meaning I am still yet to fully grasp. I understand it in Israel as an excuse for mass bonfires. We drove past kikar hamedina, an enormous traffic circle, which must have had several dozen bonfires across it and thousands of children running wild. Today the air is still slightly tinted with the smell of smoke, it reminds me a little bit of camp.
Yesterday I also made my first visit to Misrad haKlita, the Ministry of Absorption. Everyone had warned me to be ready for a headache, but I found it rather organized and low-key actually. I met with my absorption counselor who signed me up for my "sal klita" payments - almost 16,000 shekels dispersed over the next 7 months. I also received a voucher for 550 hours of free ulpan (hebrew language immersion). she explained to me how I have to apply for an Israeli driver's license and an Israeli passport. ugh. later! I also obtained information about going for graduate school in Israel - if I decide to study in Hebrew it will be totally free. And my counselor STRONGLY urged me to do it in Hebrew (of course she would). but if I do a program in English, it's partly subsidized. I have 3 years to take advantage of this benefit and then it expires. hmm...
next item on the agenda - find an apartment!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Jen's visit winds to a close
Two weeks of partying catches up to me - Libbie wakes up with a sore throat. (Actually when I talked to other olim some said they got sick one week after making aliyah. So I guess the fact that I lasted two weeks isn't so bad :)
I think I just need to sleep for a couple days and I'll recuperate. I'm still adjusting to Israeli weather, water, lifestyle, etc...
However, I may have discovered a cure. For Jen's last dinner in Tel Aviv we went to Max Brenner, the famous chocolate factory. I wasn't feeling well but in Jen's honor I ordered a thick Italian hot chocolate. It is a steaming cup of thick, rich, pure dark chocolate. HEAVEN. After a few sips I literally felt my heart racing, and suddenly I could not stop laughing. It was like a jolt of energy to my system. I think I need to go back for round 2 today.
I also had the opportunity to meet some of Jen's Israeli friends (see pics) before she left. Everyone has been so warm and friendly and generous. Everyone I meet invites me to their home, for meals, for anything I need. I'm meeting so many new people every day. Yesterday I even got asked out by a man selling posters on the street. (did he actually think I would say yes? hmm)
As Jen's final hurrah we paid a visit to the Migdalor, a dance club on the top floor of an office building (which is floor 16, so it's tall for Israeli standards!) as we danced to the uplifting techno beats (and yes i'm loving the Israeli trance music!) I looked around the windows at the view of Tel Aviv twinkling below, and I couldn't stop smiling. This is my home. I love being here in my home.
I think I just need to sleep for a couple days and I'll recuperate. I'm still adjusting to Israeli weather, water, lifestyle, etc...
However, I may have discovered a cure. For Jen's last dinner in Tel Aviv we went to Max Brenner, the famous chocolate factory. I wasn't feeling well but in Jen's honor I ordered a thick Italian hot chocolate. It is a steaming cup of thick, rich, pure dark chocolate. HEAVEN. After a few sips I literally felt my heart racing, and suddenly I could not stop laughing. It was like a jolt of energy to my system. I think I need to go back for round 2 today.
I also had the opportunity to meet some of Jen's Israeli friends (see pics) before she left. Everyone has been so warm and friendly and generous. Everyone I meet invites me to their home, for meals, for anything I need. I'm meeting so many new people every day. Yesterday I even got asked out by a man selling posters on the street. (did he actually think I would say yes? hmm)
As Jen's final hurrah we paid a visit to the Migdalor, a dance club on the top floor of an office building (which is floor 16, so it's tall for Israeli standards!) as we danced to the uplifting techno beats (and yes i'm loving the Israeli trance music!) I looked around the windows at the view of Tel Aviv twinkling below, and I couldn't stop smiling. This is my home. I love being here in my home.
Yom Studentim and Misebat Teva in Hadera
With Jen's return to Tel Aviv, the fun began. After a lovely day at the beach on Thursday, we took the train to Hadera, a small town 40 minutes north of Tel Aviv. Thursday night was "Yom HaStudent", or student day, at my friend Boaz's college. Every college and university in Israel has a "yom student" around this time of year, and it's basically like a carnival/concert/all-day-and-night party for the students and whoever else they decide to invite along. There are clowns on stilts, rock-climbing walls, trampolines, games for prizes, tents for chilling out, bars, food and coffee shops, and of course a huge stage for the sequence of bands and thousands of dancing students. For some reason I decided I had to try the electric trampoline - not something I would usually do but it's not every day I'm at a yom student. They harness you into belts and cables and pump up the trampoline full of air until you're able to bounce really high and do flips and things. It was so exhilirating, such an adrenaline rush! I was able to do a backwards flip relatively easily but somehow flipping forward was much more terrifying. Also you are supposed to bounce up and down in the center of the trampoline but I kept bouncing from front to back until the trampoline man had to stand there and keep catching my legs and slowing me down to bounce in a straight line again. haha. good thing I did the trampoline early in the night because it didn't seem to go so well for a lot of people after hours of drinking. I also decided to try this ladder contest, which is a challenge to simply walk up 5 rungs of a ladder without it flipping over (it's on a rope) so it's basically just a test of balance. you pay 20 shekels to try and if you can do it, you win 300 shekels. I thought hey, I've been doing yoga for a year and a half this will be a piece of cake! I lost many shekels trying over and over to do it, I couldn't even get to the second rung without flipping. Again not a smart game after a bout of drinking. The best part of the concert was Ivri Leader, one of my all-time favorite favorite Israeli singers. I'm in love. Hadag Nachash also performed which was a delightful surprise.
Once the party started winding down, around midnight, the party buses arrived to transport the crowd to the "misebat teva" or "Nature Party." THAT was the best surprise of all. so we crowd into these buses and they take us to a valley somewhere between Hadera and Netanya, drop us off, and we make our way through the dark to this secured clearing. At first all you see are some flashing lights and you hear a distant techno beat. as you get closer you see tents set up with a DJ, strobe lights and an enormous dance floor. then there's a "chill-out" tent covered in straw mats and low tables with things to drink and smoke. there are food stands selling sweets and fruit and hot drinks. i couldn't believe where I was. unfortunately by this point in the evening I was EXHAUSTED and so I headed straight for the "chill tent" and found a comfortable spot to lie down and watch the dance floor fill up. the sky above us was kindof murky with clouds half-covering the moon. it felt like we were in the middle of the desert even though we weren't so far from the ocean. somehow despite the loud music I fell asleep, and woke up a little while later slightly embarrassed that i had had one of the famous libbie 'narcoleptic attacks' (haha jk) at such a cool party. that was until i looked up and noticed that half the people lying around me were sleeping. Boaz explained that this was like "nap time", from midnight to 3am, because the dance party doesn't really get started until 3 am, when the really good DJ comes on. then everyone dances as the sun comes up. incredible.
the only bad thing about the nature party is that being in the valley in the middle of the night is actually pretty cold. when we asked about leaving (silly question) it turned out there was actually no way to get out of there - the party buses only go one way apparently. i laughed thinking how i moved from the comforts of america to come to Israel and sleep outside in a valley in the middle of nowhere. ha. thankfully a friend came to rescue us and to sleep in a bed we finally succumbed.
Once the party started winding down, around midnight, the party buses arrived to transport the crowd to the "misebat teva" or "Nature Party." THAT was the best surprise of all. so we crowd into these buses and they take us to a valley somewhere between Hadera and Netanya, drop us off, and we make our way through the dark to this secured clearing. At first all you see are some flashing lights and you hear a distant techno beat. as you get closer you see tents set up with a DJ, strobe lights and an enormous dance floor. then there's a "chill-out" tent covered in straw mats and low tables with things to drink and smoke. there are food stands selling sweets and fruit and hot drinks. i couldn't believe where I was. unfortunately by this point in the evening I was EXHAUSTED and so I headed straight for the "chill tent" and found a comfortable spot to lie down and watch the dance floor fill up. the sky above us was kindof murky with clouds half-covering the moon. it felt like we were in the middle of the desert even though we weren't so far from the ocean. somehow despite the loud music I fell asleep, and woke up a little while later slightly embarrassed that i had had one of the famous libbie 'narcoleptic attacks' (haha jk) at such a cool party. that was until i looked up and noticed that half the people lying around me were sleeping. Boaz explained that this was like "nap time", from midnight to 3am, because the dance party doesn't really get started until 3 am, when the really good DJ comes on. then everyone dances as the sun comes up. incredible.
the only bad thing about the nature party is that being in the valley in the middle of the night is actually pretty cold. when we asked about leaving (silly question) it turned out there was actually no way to get out of there - the party buses only go one way apparently. i laughed thinking how i moved from the comforts of america to come to Israel and sleep outside in a valley in the middle of nowhere. ha. thankfully a friend came to rescue us and to sleep in a bed we finally succumbed.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Yoni to the rescue
I learned many interesting things today. First, always bring an Israeli with you when you go to get a new cell phone. Second, "combina" is an extremely important word/concept. It basically means figuring out a way around something without being technically illegal. Almost like going in reverse all the way back down a one-way street. Technically you're not supposed to do it but it gets you where you want to be without actually breaking the law. So that's what my good friend Yoni helped me figure out today, finagling a unique phone plan for me that I can afford :-) at last!!!
I also learned at the bank this morning that every single transaction you do, whether a withdrawal, deposit - stepping foot in the bank essentially - costs money. You actually have to pay money to deposit more money into your account, even if it's in cash. Silly and stupid.
But, I also discovered something cool Israel has that America doesn't yet - "easy park." it's almost like a "fast lane" concept for parking. instead of paying meters on the street when you park, you have a credit card thing that you pre-pay and stick it in your window when you park. pretty cool.
after a day of shlepping and finagling, Yoni and I were ready to be pampered. we went to his parent's house in Ramat Aviv for a nice home-cooked meal. I adore his parents - his dad regaled me with stories about how he feeds the stray cats outside their apartment building. it's come to the point now when he pulls his car into the parking lot every day about 20 cats come out from all directions and hound his car, getting on top of it and inside it if they can. he puts the food out in many small portions so all the cats eat orderly together. sometimes he puts the food in a line, in a circle, different designs for his amusement. and they love him. he even had a contest with their 2 dogs and 2 lines of food to see which dog would finish faster. i saw pictures of it, hilarious.
Now Jen is back with me in Tel Aviv and I'm THRILLED. we are going to "yom studentim" (student day) tomorrow in Hadera which is about 30 minutes north of Tel Aviv. I'm so excited to see Ivri Leader, one of my favorite Israeli singers, who's going to perform there.
Yay for a successful day! :-)
I also learned at the bank this morning that every single transaction you do, whether a withdrawal, deposit - stepping foot in the bank essentially - costs money. You actually have to pay money to deposit more money into your account, even if it's in cash. Silly and stupid.
But, I also discovered something cool Israel has that America doesn't yet - "easy park." it's almost like a "fast lane" concept for parking. instead of paying meters on the street when you park, you have a credit card thing that you pre-pay and stick it in your window when you park. pretty cool.
after a day of shlepping and finagling, Yoni and I were ready to be pampered. we went to his parent's house in Ramat Aviv for a nice home-cooked meal. I adore his parents - his dad regaled me with stories about how he feeds the stray cats outside their apartment building. it's come to the point now when he pulls his car into the parking lot every day about 20 cats come out from all directions and hound his car, getting on top of it and inside it if they can. he puts the food out in many small portions so all the cats eat orderly together. sometimes he puts the food in a line, in a circle, different designs for his amusement. and they love him. he even had a contest with their 2 dogs and 2 lines of food to see which dog would finish faster. i saw pictures of it, hilarious.
Now Jen is back with me in Tel Aviv and I'm THRILLED. we are going to "yom studentim" (student day) tomorrow in Hadera which is about 30 minutes north of Tel Aviv. I'm so excited to see Ivri Leader, one of my favorite Israeli singers, who's going to perform there.
Yay for a successful day! :-)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Laughing at a bad day
So everyone had warned me that my moment of frustration with Israel would come, and I certainly experienced that today! But like my friend Shira advised, you have to take everything here with a laugh. Humor is the only way to deal! Be grateful we at least have a state, she reminded me. Israel is only 61 years old, she's a baby. Be patient with her.
So patient I was - for an hour and a half at the bank this morning while the bankers tried to set up my account. They couldn't quite figure it out for some reason so they told me I have to come back tomorrow. Fine.
Then to the cell phone store to get a phone and a plan. I brought along my trusty friend Tamar for moral and language support. First we went to Orange to get their rates then walked five feet to the right to compare with the Cellcom desk. The back-and-forth resulted in a bidding and bargaining war over the different rates, features, benefits, etc. I felt like I was in an Arab shuk. There was nothing official, no pamphlets or flyers with official numbers. Just white pieces of paper and pens that they scribbled numbers down and circled things trying to make it look like I was getting a deal. The first offer I got was 500 shekels a month - unbelievable. We decided to take a break for food and come back. When we came back about an hour later, the salesperson we had talked to was gone and the new person told us that what the previous person told us was actually wrong, and quoted me a whole new price package. I couldn't even deal with how ridiculous the situation was - that's when Shira's advice could certainly come in handy! When it comes to salespeople here I'm learning very quickly never to believe any of them. In the end I walked away empty-handed and decided to sleep on it and go back tomorrow.
I came home to do some much-needed laundry and accidentally shrunk the blanket of the bed of the apartment I'm renting. So I realized - this is just one of those days. I shouldn't try to do anything else today because I will most certainly screw it up! So I'm going out :-) I don't think I can screw up fun, I hope!
So patient I was - for an hour and a half at the bank this morning while the bankers tried to set up my account. They couldn't quite figure it out for some reason so they told me I have to come back tomorrow. Fine.
Then to the cell phone store to get a phone and a plan. I brought along my trusty friend Tamar for moral and language support. First we went to Orange to get their rates then walked five feet to the right to compare with the Cellcom desk. The back-and-forth resulted in a bidding and bargaining war over the different rates, features, benefits, etc. I felt like I was in an Arab shuk. There was nothing official, no pamphlets or flyers with official numbers. Just white pieces of paper and pens that they scribbled numbers down and circled things trying to make it look like I was getting a deal. The first offer I got was 500 shekels a month - unbelievable. We decided to take a break for food and come back. When we came back about an hour later, the salesperson we had talked to was gone and the new person told us that what the previous person told us was actually wrong, and quoted me a whole new price package. I couldn't even deal with how ridiculous the situation was - that's when Shira's advice could certainly come in handy! When it comes to salespeople here I'm learning very quickly never to believe any of them. In the end I walked away empty-handed and decided to sleep on it and go back tomorrow.
I came home to do some much-needed laundry and accidentally shrunk the blanket of the bed of the apartment I'm renting. So I realized - this is just one of those days. I shouldn't try to do anything else today because I will most certainly screw it up! So I'm going out :-) I don't think I can screw up fun, I hope!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Jerusalem is crazy and wonderful
Today I received my teudat zehut!!! (my official Israeli identity card) it was very exciting. I also received my financial assistance from Nefesh b'Nefesh so I have much to smile about today :-)
As I rode the familiar bus ride up the twisting highway into Jerusalem, my heart lifted. It's a feeling of exhiliration that only Jerusalem can inspire.
Jerusalem is a truly wonderful and crazy place. Almost as soon as you set foot on the ground you can sense the madness, the intensity, the vivacity. I decided to take a city bus to save some shekels and almost immediately regretted it. I felt unsafe for the first time since I've been here. Even though it's probably totally irrational, I thought about bus bombings and felt the tension of all the people on the bus and just had a flash of fear. It's funny because I feel completely safe in Tel Aviv, but Jerusalem makes me nervous sometimes. At least it does in the downtown central areas. All I can say is, when I returned to Tel Aviv this afternoon, my sense of calm renewed!
Today I also had the joy and pleasure of lunch with my dear, dear friend Aliza in the Jerusalem shuk (market). I had the most delicious salad - I couldn't tell you what half the vegetables in it were called, but my mouth didnt care! it was scrumptious.
As I rode the familiar bus ride up the twisting highway into Jerusalem, my heart lifted. It's a feeling of exhiliration that only Jerusalem can inspire.
Jerusalem is a truly wonderful and crazy place. Almost as soon as you set foot on the ground you can sense the madness, the intensity, the vivacity. I decided to take a city bus to save some shekels and almost immediately regretted it. I felt unsafe for the first time since I've been here. Even though it's probably totally irrational, I thought about bus bombings and felt the tension of all the people on the bus and just had a flash of fear. It's funny because I feel completely safe in Tel Aviv, but Jerusalem makes me nervous sometimes. At least it does in the downtown central areas. All I can say is, when I returned to Tel Aviv this afternoon, my sense of calm renewed!
Today I also had the joy and pleasure of lunch with my dear, dear friend Aliza in the Jerusalem shuk (market). I had the most delicious salad - I couldn't tell you what half the vegetables in it were called, but my mouth didnt care! it was scrumptious.
reflections on "my honeymoon"
I'm tired of people telling me to "enjoy the honeymoon period" and how terribly hard it will be to live in Israel. First of all, I'm not naive or stupid. I know life in Israel isn't/won't be easy. But constantly hearing it over and over doesn't help me in any way. I can't enjoy the "honeymoon period" if you keep calling it that! (I mean, I absolutely am enjoying every second, but you get my point). so much of our reality is connected to our perceptions and expectations. when i expect my day to be difficult, or when i face it smiling and light-hearted, the day turns out differently. and second of all, life isnt so easy anywhere. of course life in america is easy in ways it isn't here (mostly in materialistic ways), but life everywhere and anywhere is difficult. we would get bored with life if it was smooth sailing all the time. at least in Israel i'm constantly feeling grateful. i'm grateful to have the state of israel. i'm grateful to feel safe and proud living openly as a Jew. i'm grateful that everyone here understands me (on a certain level). anyway, i hope people will soon cease to remind me that life here is so difficult and i'm on a honeymoon. aliyah is like getting married - you dont fall out of love just because things get hard. the love only grows stronger. and i intend to enjoy the full lifetime :-)
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Happy day in Tel Aviv
I went for my first real run in Tel Aviv today, down Rothschild through the city to the beach. Once I got to the ocean and smelled the refreshing ocean air, I realized I really have to find an apartment close to the beach. There's something about smelling the ocean on a regular basis - much better than the air deeper in the city with all the cars and cigarettes and dog poop.
As I neared Jaffa I stopped for a few minutes by the rocks and climbed down to a perch overlooking the waves. I watched the foamy water lather over the mossy rocks and felt extremely at peace. I realized I felt more at peace at that moment than I have in years. I am finally where I want to be. All the struggling over my aliyah decision is over. I can finally enjoy being where I belong. Tears came to my eyes as I realized this immense peace that has finally entered my heart and my mind. Making aliyah has put an end to an inner struggle that had gone on for years. My heart is full of love for Israel.
Last night I met some Australian olim and one of them, a guy, said he felt that making aliyah and falling in love with Israel was the same feeling as falling in love with a girl. I was touched that he put words to my experience exactly.
On my sherut ride home (at 4 in the morning after a night of hopping bars in the namal) there was a Canadian, American and Brit - 3 guys - who were carrying 2 newborn puppies home with them. i absolutely fell in love with them (the puppies) and got to play with the female, Darling, the whole ride home. at the end of the ride the canadian gave me his # so I could come over and play with Darling as much as I want! I am definitely going to take him up on his offer :-)
As I neared Jaffa I stopped for a few minutes by the rocks and climbed down to a perch overlooking the waves. I watched the foamy water lather over the mossy rocks and felt extremely at peace. I realized I felt more at peace at that moment than I have in years. I am finally where I want to be. All the struggling over my aliyah decision is over. I can finally enjoy being where I belong. Tears came to my eyes as I realized this immense peace that has finally entered my heart and my mind. Making aliyah has put an end to an inner struggle that had gone on for years. My heart is full of love for Israel.
Last night I met some Australian olim and one of them, a guy, said he felt that making aliyah and falling in love with Israel was the same feeling as falling in love with a girl. I was touched that he put words to my experience exactly.
On my sherut ride home (at 4 in the morning after a night of hopping bars in the namal) there was a Canadian, American and Brit - 3 guys - who were carrying 2 newborn puppies home with them. i absolutely fell in love with them (the puppies) and got to play with the female, Darling, the whole ride home. at the end of the ride the canadian gave me his # so I could come over and play with Darling as much as I want! I am definitely going to take him up on his offer :-)
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Nana in Ranana!
Dinner was unforgettable! A group of co-workers and I went to "Makom b'Lev" (a place in the heart) in the town Ra'anana north of Tel Aviv. the place is gorgeous, set beside a kibbutz and decorated like a garden with beautiful fountains and lights and music. the food was definitely unique -- we ate some kind of grilled pita with minced meat, a phallic-looking eggplant dish with pine nuts and something smoky tasting, and "limonana" (mint lemonade). when the food arrived it turned out they forgot my main course, so instead of offering to compensate the mistake by putting my dish on the house, they instead brought me a complimentary bowl of tomato soup with a risotto ball. it was the most random thing ever. who was the waitress to say i even liked tomato soup?! and why was there only one ball?! a friend nicknamed it "risoball" and cracked inappropriate jokes about it all evening. we were all silly and had a glorious time.
after dinner Jen and I hit up our first random Tel Aviv bar with some Israelis we had met at the street party earlier. (potentially a mistake) the bar seemed normal for the first hour or so, with typical music and drinks and dancing. that was until the music suddenly stopped and everyone gathered at the front where a stage was set up. the curtain parted and before us was the freakiest thing ive ever seen - i didnt even know what it was. it looked like a mime and a midget and a nightmare all combined. i asked the israeli what was going on and his casual response was, "oh, its a freakshow." i look at jen and we're both terrified and laughing at the same time. it literally was a freakshow i cant even describe it. im going to try to forget i ever saw it so i dont have nightmares.
after dinner Jen and I hit up our first random Tel Aviv bar with some Israelis we had met at the street party earlier. (potentially a mistake) the bar seemed normal for the first hour or so, with typical music and drinks and dancing. that was until the music suddenly stopped and everyone gathered at the front where a stage was set up. the curtain parted and before us was the freakiest thing ive ever seen - i didnt even know what it was. it looked like a mime and a midget and a nightmare all combined. i asked the israeli what was going on and his casual response was, "oh, its a freakshow." i look at jen and we're both terrified and laughing at the same time. it literally was a freakshow i cant even describe it. im going to try to forget i ever saw it so i dont have nightmares.
Good friends and street parties!
My dear friend Jen arrived on Friday for a visit. I took her and another friend on a tour of Neve Tzedek, one of my favorite quaint neighborhoods in southern Tel Aviv. We enjoyed traditional Israeli breakfast in the sunshine, gelato ice cream, and a stroll along the beach boardwalk. The best part of the day was stumbling accidentally into a street party - throngs of people dancing and drinking and chilling in the street to a DJ mixing techno and hip hop.
I like how people bring their children to dance among the 20-somethings, and senior citizens watch from adjoining benches. In general children are incorporated much more into society here than in America, from my point of view. They are welcome and accepted in almost every environment - street parties, restaurants, stores... you see young children and pregnant women and parents pushing strollers almost everywhere you look. And the young mothers still have fit bodies and stylish outfits! It's the model I like for my future family :-)
I like how people bring their children to dance among the 20-somethings, and senior citizens watch from adjoining benches. In general children are incorporated much more into society here than in America, from my point of view. They are welcome and accepted in almost every environment - street parties, restaurants, stores... you see young children and pregnant women and parents pushing strollers almost everywhere you look. And the young mothers still have fit bodies and stylish outfits! It's the model I like for my future family :-)
Insured for 14 shekels!
After the holidays subsided I went to tackle my first order of business - getting health insurance. It required a visit to the post office (random) where I paid a whopping 14 shekels to get signed up. I then paid a visit to the specific kupat cholim (insurance company) to obtain my card and booklet. I couldn't believe how easy it was! America, here's something to learn :-)
Yom haatzmaut day
I had thought when I made aliyah that I would constantly be telling people "I'm an olah chadasha!" but I actually find myself saying it very rarely. I'm immediately accepted as Israeli by Israelis. It's really nice. When I do tell people I just made aliyah, the reaction is generally rather nonchalant. I guess in a way, most people here are an "oleh" one way or another!
It's customary to eat a lot of meat on Israel's independence day. That evening I reunited with old close friends for a mouth-watering hamburger at the famous "Moses" burgers in tel aviv.
It's customary to eat a lot of meat on Israel's independence day. That evening I reunited with old close friends for a mouth-watering hamburger at the famous "Moses" burgers in tel aviv.
Friday, May 1, 2009
First day in Israel
I arrived in Israel on erev Yom Hazikaron - Israel's Remembrance Day for fallen soldiers. I missed most of the ceremonies due to my jetlag, but the next day is Yom Haatzmaut - Israel's Independence Day! Israel turned 61 on Tuesday night. I went to Kikar Rabin (Rabin Square) to see a show with dancers, singers, speeches and fireworks. The night continued with rooftop parties all across Tel Aviv where I reunited with some old friends from Harvard Chabad. I fell asleep at 4am to the sound of honking, music and revelers outside celebrating til dawn and throughout the next day.
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