When I arrived in Israel, I noticed I had incurred several "war wounds" from the journey in the form of large bruises; mostly from lugging around suitcases more than half of my size. I had thought that most of them were healing...and then.
I was getting dressed a few days ago and noticed several areas on my legs that were dark blue. I began to panic a bit not able to understand where they had come from and why there were so many. I know what you are thinking; and no, I did not come to Israel to become a cage fighter.
I examined the bruises a little more closely and tried to remember what I would have done to cause them as I put on some lotion. Suddenly, I looked down at my hands and realized some of the dark blue coloring was on my hands mixed in with my lotion. As I stared I erupted in laughter in the realization that my legs were not bruised but simply dyed dark blue from my new jeans I purchased before the trip. Several showers later, my legs still have little blue patches.... thank goodness it's not swimsuit season!
Last Thursday I told the guys that I would cook them a nice dinner as a thank you for allowing me to stay in the apartment. Shopping in the supermarkets here is quite expensive so I took a bus to the city center to go the the shuk (open market). There I was mistaken for a Russian for the first time this trip. I lasted a week, it's actually a record for me.
Fruits, vegetables and spices are much cheaper in the shuk, along with other various tourist items (a good trip for travelers). I made them Mexican food; something difficult to find in Israel. I specifically needed to find paprika. In the open markets here they sell spices the same way they did back in day; big barrels or sacks full of spices that they shovel into bags as needed. There is something about standing around all those spices that just makes me feel happy. Perhaps it reminds me a little of home since we always have a stocked spice cabinet that we use daily to cook with.
I found one of the spice vendors and proceeded to search out the needed paprika. I had no luck finding it on my own. Upon asking the owner if they carry it she proceeded to the area where it was kept and began shoveling several pounds of the spice into a plastic bag. I'm thinking, I only need 1/4 cup, what am I going to do with all of this. I then found myself repeating the word less to her over and over until I think she finally tired of me, decided she wasn't going to take any more out and simply wrapped it up and told me how much I owed. Still puzzled by where I lost control of this situation, I handed her the money and continued about my way.
It had been raining all day. I noticed the water was beginning to seep into my boots and I decided I could not put off shoe shopping any longer. I finally decided on a cute pair of faux leather Rocket Dogs. They aren't as cute as my old ones, but they'll do the trick for now. On my way back to catch the bus home, a friend and I stopped in a vintage shop that I had never noticed before. This is odd being that vintage and I are like peanut butter and jelly, a match made in heaven (my pocketbook might disagree).
We browsed the racks finding all sorts of clothes from various decades including: an 80's Flashdance cut-ff sweater tee, a kimono, some flowy 70's skirts and some pretty funkified hats. The shop also had vintage furniture and accessories. My faves, an rotary dial phone and a 1950's green Frigidaire. The crem de la crem was a tan leather Dior handbag. It beckoned to me. Being that I had just purchased the shoes, I was forced to practice restraint. I might just have to go back though.... Stay tuned.
Anyway, back to the dinner. After our adventure in the vintage shop, I got back to the apartment quite late. I all the sudden noticed that I had forgotten to buy meat. I grabbed my purse and to the elevator down, happy that there is a supermarket next door to the building. I walk in and rushed through the aisles in a hurry to grab the package of beef and run back upstairs. I had forgotten that in smaller supermarkets here you have to stand at the butcher counter and ask them for whatever you need.
They have separate counters for chicken and for beef. I stood in front of the beef counter for a few minutes and then I realized that I had forgotten how to say ground beef in Hebrew. I had to make a call to my brother who couldn't exactly remember but said he was more or less sure it was "basar bakar". So, I walked up to the counter and asked if they had any "basar bakar". I couldn't figure out why he gave me such a blank stare. He finally asked "how much?". I stood staring for a moment, this was another question I had not figured out an answer to. After I gave him the amount he takes out a huge slab of beef and begins cutting it into chunks. I didn't have time to figure it out with him so I took the meat and went to check out. It wasn't until later that I realized I stood at a counter full of beef and instead of ground beef simply asked if they have any beef... yeah. No wonder he treated me like I was an idiot.
Checking out was a whole other ordeal. I have been in that supermarket three times now. Each time I've gone through the express lane and had the same checkout girl; an Arab woman in her late-twenties. For a reason that I cannot even fathom this lady seems to hate me. The first time I went in she just gave me a nasty look. The second time, I was with my brother. She smiled at him and gave me another nasty look. This time she finished with the customer in front of me, gave me another nasty sneering look when she saw me and then proceeded to take a break and send a few text messages while I stood waiting. When she finally got to ringing through my items she only rang half and asked, "anything else?" I told her, "Yes, the rest of the stuff on the conveyor belt!"... another nasty look. I honestly do not know what I did.
When I finally got dinner made, the guys were excited and grateful for the Mexican food. They had gone back down and bought some ground beef and the paprika the woman in the market sold me turned out to be a very spicy chili powder that made even the guy's eyes water. It was a long and interesting day, but it ended well and with very full stomachs.
The weekend brought more excitement. Friday night my brother, one of his roommates and I took a walk around a nearly vacant city. Everything shuts down for the Sabbath here. It was nice just to have a moment of quiet. It is always so noisy in this city.
Last night was a little more eventful. In the afternoon we watched the movie "What Happens in Vegas". I identified with the character Joy, who quit her job because she had decided that she was determined to be happy. She was also extremely Type A, like myself. Leaving everything and starting over is not an easy thing for our kind. The movie inspired me and I told the guys that I was going to change and when I was done we were going out. No there was no binge drinking, riding in limos or spur of the moment weddings like in the movie. We took a taxi to the port area and walked around. We ate at one of the best burger places I've been to here and then had some coffee and another shop. Pretty tame compared to the movie in fact. The important part is that it made me happy to just be out with friends telling stories and laughing. Also, seeing the water there was amazing! I can't wait to see it during the day or even the sunset.
Well, that's it for now. More to come.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The New Girl
My absolute favorite new show this season is the New Girl. For those who have never had the pleasure, it is about a sometimes awkward and seriously adorable girl (played by Zoe Deschanel) who moves into an apartment with three guys and the comedy that ensues.
For the past week, I have been living in an apartment with four guys. There are many moments where I feel like I am experiencing an episode of the show. It's been a bit of a change for everyone; but, I must say, I have quite enjoyed my time here. There have been dance parties, cooking nights, apartment disasters and bouts of food poisoning (not from anything I cooked thank goodness).
A few particularly interesting moments were when the roof started leaking in the room I am staying in. It started dripping early morning the second night I was here and is only now starting to dry. Because of this, I have been sleeping in the living room for the past few nights. I open my eyes every morning and immediately have a view of the sunrise over the city. I'll have to take pictures and post them.
I also went shopping at the mall with three of the guys; an interesting experience. I never thought the day would come when I would walk into a mall with a bunch of guys and walk out having not bought a thing and they walk out with several bags. We're talking H&M and Forever 21 (Yes, they have those over here). I quite enjoyed giving them fashion advice however and there is still an ongoing joke between me and the guys as to the correct color of a certain jacket we spotted.
Cooking here has proved to be a challenge. The only "oven" the guys have is a large toaster oven; and, of course, the temperature is in Celsius. I wanted to get on their good side early on so I decided a batch of my chocolate peanut butter brownies would be the ticket. Well, somehow it turned out like a cake and the whole top layer burned...regardless of the fact that the rest took twice as long to took. I, being a perfectionist when it comes to my baking, verbalized my frustrations over the burnt brownies while they are busy gobbling them up. It was funny, baking the brownies because I put them in the only baking pan they own which, upon putting them in, I realized it is too big for the toaster oven. It reminded me of the Thanksgiving episode of the New Girl when Jess buys a turkey that won't fit. I had to turn it long ways and close the cabinet the toaster oven is in to try and contain the heat.
Besides my adventures with the guys, I have begun a few adventures of my own. Yesterday I was determined to walk from the apartment to the area of the city where my brother works. According to Google maps it is supposed to be a 45 minute walk. I am starting to think that Google maps gives directions like an Israeli. Perhaps if I ask it three times it will give me correct ones... or at least all of them. I set out at 10AM passing the mall and some interesting areas of the city. As I walked I ended up in Yafo, a very old area of the city; partly artsy district, partly ghetto (If only Google maps had an "avoid the ghetto button"). I walked past some of the cutest shops and furniture stores I've ever seen and then ended up in the ghetto. I walked and walked down a series of winding narrow street till I finally made it back to a main road. Then I saw it... The Mediterranean. Finally! It was windy outside and the waves roared and crashed against the breakers. A group of surfers were out attempted to tackle them. In Israel, surfing happens in the winter because the surf is much better and no on else is at the beach. I made it to my brother's work at noon!
I walked around the streets and found some great deals on a few new sweaters. I seem to have forgotten all of mine in the States. I also found shoe heaven! I forgot to mention that the sole on my favorite boots cracked the second day I was here. I was so overwhelmed with decisions in the store (there were too many shoes liked) that I decided to think it over and go back. Otherwise, I probably would have walked out with about four pairs.
All in all, it has been an eventful first week. I am home resting today because I think I pulled something will all the walking yesterday... I think I walked for about five or six hours in total. Also, I finally started writing yesterday. It has begun my friends. Stay tuned, more to come.
For the past week, I have been living in an apartment with four guys. There are many moments where I feel like I am experiencing an episode of the show. It's been a bit of a change for everyone; but, I must say, I have quite enjoyed my time here. There have been dance parties, cooking nights, apartment disasters and bouts of food poisoning (not from anything I cooked thank goodness).
A few particularly interesting moments were when the roof started leaking in the room I am staying in. It started dripping early morning the second night I was here and is only now starting to dry. Because of this, I have been sleeping in the living room for the past few nights. I open my eyes every morning and immediately have a view of the sunrise over the city. I'll have to take pictures and post them.
I also went shopping at the mall with three of the guys; an interesting experience. I never thought the day would come when I would walk into a mall with a bunch of guys and walk out having not bought a thing and they walk out with several bags. We're talking H&M and Forever 21 (Yes, they have those over here). I quite enjoyed giving them fashion advice however and there is still an ongoing joke between me and the guys as to the correct color of a certain jacket we spotted.
Cooking here has proved to be a challenge. The only "oven" the guys have is a large toaster oven; and, of course, the temperature is in Celsius. I wanted to get on their good side early on so I decided a batch of my chocolate peanut butter brownies would be the ticket. Well, somehow it turned out like a cake and the whole top layer burned...regardless of the fact that the rest took twice as long to took. I, being a perfectionist when it comes to my baking, verbalized my frustrations over the burnt brownies while they are busy gobbling them up. It was funny, baking the brownies because I put them in the only baking pan they own which, upon putting them in, I realized it is too big for the toaster oven. It reminded me of the Thanksgiving episode of the New Girl when Jess buys a turkey that won't fit. I had to turn it long ways and close the cabinet the toaster oven is in to try and contain the heat.
Besides my adventures with the guys, I have begun a few adventures of my own. Yesterday I was determined to walk from the apartment to the area of the city where my brother works. According to Google maps it is supposed to be a 45 minute walk. I am starting to think that Google maps gives directions like an Israeli. Perhaps if I ask it three times it will give me correct ones... or at least all of them. I set out at 10AM passing the mall and some interesting areas of the city. As I walked I ended up in Yafo, a very old area of the city; partly artsy district, partly ghetto (If only Google maps had an "avoid the ghetto button"). I walked past some of the cutest shops and furniture stores I've ever seen and then ended up in the ghetto. I walked and walked down a series of winding narrow street till I finally made it back to a main road. Then I saw it... The Mediterranean. Finally! It was windy outside and the waves roared and crashed against the breakers. A group of surfers were out attempted to tackle them. In Israel, surfing happens in the winter because the surf is much better and no on else is at the beach. I made it to my brother's work at noon!
I walked around the streets and found some great deals on a few new sweaters. I seem to have forgotten all of mine in the States. I also found shoe heaven! I forgot to mention that the sole on my favorite boots cracked the second day I was here. I was so overwhelmed with decisions in the store (there were too many shoes liked) that I decided to think it over and go back. Otherwise, I probably would have walked out with about four pairs.
All in all, it has been an eventful first week. I am home resting today because I think I pulled something will all the walking yesterday... I think I walked for about five or six hours in total. Also, I finally started writing yesterday. It has begun my friends. Stay tuned, more to come.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
And so it begins...
Ever have one of those moments where you realize you are at a crossroads and if you take another step further your whole life will never be the same? Those are scary times.
First, a little background as to how I came to this particular moment. After college I followed suit with my fellow graduates and sought employment in my field; only to find the doors slammed shut in my face. After months of failed attempts, I decided to swallow my pride and graciously accepted a position at my previous place of employment.
That job and I had a love/hate relationship for several years. It was a high stress and demanding environment that often times made me feel like pulling out all my hair and run through the streets screaming. However, in the roughly ten-year period I was employed there I gained a wealth of knowledge related to the field, a great work ethic, met and helped some wonderful people and built lasting friendships with many of my coworkers. I am grateful to have had that job and I know that the things I learned will come in handy in the future.
Now to explain how I came to the moment I spoke of. Over the past few years I have often thought about the things that I wished I could do or places I could go. Every time two of my enemies, fear and doubt, crept up and vanquished any ideas that achieving those dreams is possible.
Around my 25th birthday the usual "Oh crap, I'm halfway to 30" and "where did my youth go?" thoughts frequently entered my brain. I know neither of those are the truth, but I am grateful I went through that period because that is exactly what brought me to that moment.
I realized that no matter how many excuses I made, if my life wasn't what I wanted for myself, I was the only one to blame. Next thing I knew I had gave notice at my job and booked a ticket overseas.
My moment was at the airport handing my boarding pass to the airline worker. I knew that no matter what happens, there is no turning back. It is time to take responsibility for my life and start living my dreams. As someone with a history of depression, I have learned the hard way that life is what you make of it.
I sit now watching the sunset over the beautiful city of Tel Aviv. For the first time in my life I have no plans or particular goals save to find out what makes me happy and learn to really live.
This blog will chronicle the ups and downs of my journey and my findings along the way. It will include stories, photos, videos, recommendations for books and restaurants or recipes. My own little guide to bliss; which is why I have entitled it expedition paradise.
Though each person must find what makes him/her happy, it is my hope that this blog will inspire someone else to live their life to the fullest.
First, a little background as to how I came to this particular moment. After college I followed suit with my fellow graduates and sought employment in my field; only to find the doors slammed shut in my face. After months of failed attempts, I decided to swallow my pride and graciously accepted a position at my previous place of employment.
That job and I had a love/hate relationship for several years. It was a high stress and demanding environment that often times made me feel like pulling out all my hair and run through the streets screaming. However, in the roughly ten-year period I was employed there I gained a wealth of knowledge related to the field, a great work ethic, met and helped some wonderful people and built lasting friendships with many of my coworkers. I am grateful to have had that job and I know that the things I learned will come in handy in the future.
Now to explain how I came to the moment I spoke of. Over the past few years I have often thought about the things that I wished I could do or places I could go. Every time two of my enemies, fear and doubt, crept up and vanquished any ideas that achieving those dreams is possible.
Around my 25th birthday the usual "Oh crap, I'm halfway to 30" and "where did my youth go?" thoughts frequently entered my brain. I know neither of those are the truth, but I am grateful I went through that period because that is exactly what brought me to that moment.
I realized that no matter how many excuses I made, if my life wasn't what I wanted for myself, I was the only one to blame. Next thing I knew I had gave notice at my job and booked a ticket overseas.
My moment was at the airport handing my boarding pass to the airline worker. I knew that no matter what happens, there is no turning back. It is time to take responsibility for my life and start living my dreams. As someone with a history of depression, I have learned the hard way that life is what you make of it.
I sit now watching the sunset over the beautiful city of Tel Aviv. For the first time in my life I have no plans or particular goals save to find out what makes me happy and learn to really live.
This blog will chronicle the ups and downs of my journey and my findings along the way. It will include stories, photos, videos, recommendations for books and restaurants or recipes. My own little guide to bliss; which is why I have entitled it expedition paradise.
Though each person must find what makes him/her happy, it is my hope that this blog will inspire someone else to live their life to the fullest.
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