While we did not see many soldiers this trip, there were many in Jerusalem.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Israel 2010 Not Appropriate?
Okay, not appropriate, but I am supposed to share that which may not be as you expected. While I can say the two button water system above is informational, the square....
I keep thinking of the Japanese watermelon farmers which put boxes over baby melons, to make square melons to making shipping more compact and cheaper.
Could it be? Or did some designer have an uncle in the company. It does make more available room in the stall, otherwise, not so functional.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Israel 2010 Things I did not blog
Highway lanes are optional.
Honking horns mean beware.
Many circles exist where multiple roads come togther, get used to it.
Water is cut off weekly for a few hours, still unknown why, but no big deal.
North Israel all signage is in Hebrew, Arabic, and English.
South Israel all signage is in Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, and English.
Everything you get in the media is not everything.
If a woman is wearing dark red hair, Clairol in a box, she is most likely Russian, along with hundreds of other red haired women.
Little old ladies are little old ladies, regardless of language, most are sweet baboushkas insisting you should eat more. Some will push you around covering you with blankets on cold mornings.
Since so many people speak English, it is way too easy to ask them to do so, weakening your opportunity to learn Hebrew.
Tiv Tam, the Russian grocery store has brought pork into Israel, for those of you secretly not eating kosher.
The best foods from all these countries are here for your dining pleasure.
My favorite restaurant is Nafis, opened 24/7. Might I recommend the chicken and mushrooms on a bed of hummus. All plates can feed a family of four.
Take out food is referred to as "take away."
Most cars are white, bold colors not here.
Red and white stripes means no parking, period
Blue and white stripes means parking, but with a fee. Rumor has it there are small, unseen boxes low to the ground to purchase parking passes for your car for 5 shequelim. This is currently unconfirmed and we are still looking.
Parking is deceiptive, and tickets are always available for those unsure. And a rental bumper sticker is ideal for meter maids. They get commission on parking tickets.
Parking up on a curb is considered acceptible, just not recommended.
The lost skills and trades of our country still exist here in Israel.
Tourist and visitors often have bumper stickers on their backs, to verify lack of knowledge. It cannot be seen by the tourist or visitor, but evidently everyone else can see it and knows.
Cats are simply part of the food chain as scavengers.
Plants grow in places that make no sense, in a grove or all alone.
Places where plants should never survive, are being planted with great success.
Most electronics now-a-days handle the differences in currents from each country, only needing an adapter for plug differences. Read the tiny print on your laptop or phone.
There is nothing wrong with the water, we drink it all the time.
There is something wrong with our American diet, so when you arrive and eat the abundance of vegetables, and less processed food, your body system will reflect it.
Laundry is luxury. Too far away, and the possibility for shrinkage is great. Everyone does their own, mostly in the sink.
Bring a small rope or retractable clothes line. It is a great benefit to dry your clothes, beyond limited coat hangers.
There are too many places to visit and explore, and never enough time.
Always say Thank you, Todah. Appreciate the patiences for your lack of knowledge, your differences, and most likely some faux paux you have committed,that they have endured.
Find a bookstore, and seek the children's section or some cool magazine in Hebrew. View and find something so interesting that you regret not knowing your Hebrew better. Buy it and plan on translating it. I found one of a sheep who has wild and woolly hair and is refusing to cut it, and keeps trying different creative ways to display it, much to the dismay of the family. For those of you who know me, this one is worth translating for my enjoyment.
Plan on reading, alot. There is very limited TV.
There are radio stations where songs take turns from Hebrew to Justin Bieber to Hebrew to Jackson 5 (Ben) to Hebrew to Bob Dylan to Hebrew to John Mayer, and so forth. Variety.
While there are more choices in Caffe here, somehow Nescafe is still the instant coffee of choice, red mug version.
People push and squeeze, bump and shove all to get by and position themselves. It is never personal, a little uncomfortable, but quite interesting once you have tried it and no one cares.
In spite of my lack of conversational Hebrew, reading without vowels is becoming very comfortable, even if my vocabulary lacks the interpretation.
Sadly, Christmas looks as though all leftovers found their way here to Be'er Sheva, lining a few markets with gaudy tinsel, and freakish looking small santas that might serve better as lawn gnomes.
Be prepared to cook traditionally. Very limited processed or instant foods. Limited even in canned goods. Breads are about the only things available ready to go.
Windows are complicated in the beginnings with louvers, screens, and glass, but serve a great purpose once understood.
Learn to politely avert your eyes, windows are close by, doors left open, and people are close together.
If you are American, it is commonly believed you have money. Most often, compared to most, you do, whether you realize it or not.
Don't forget to tip!
When staying, you do not have to take back every single thing you have acquired. Leave your groceries, spare shequalim, clothes, etc. for those currently making Aliyah, or those who are in need.
Do not assume "our" way is the correct or better way.
Grab a pen pal, or consider an email to keep in touch with the land.
Appreciate what you have, consider what you can give up, and notice the things that really really matter and make a difference.
Share the beauty when you return stateside.
Honking horns mean beware.
Many circles exist where multiple roads come togther, get used to it.
Water is cut off weekly for a few hours, still unknown why, but no big deal.
North Israel all signage is in Hebrew, Arabic, and English.
South Israel all signage is in Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, and English.
Everything you get in the media is not everything.
If a woman is wearing dark red hair, Clairol in a box, she is most likely Russian, along with hundreds of other red haired women.
Little old ladies are little old ladies, regardless of language, most are sweet baboushkas insisting you should eat more. Some will push you around covering you with blankets on cold mornings.
Since so many people speak English, it is way too easy to ask them to do so, weakening your opportunity to learn Hebrew.
Tiv Tam, the Russian grocery store has brought pork into Israel, for those of you secretly not eating kosher.
The best foods from all these countries are here for your dining pleasure.
My favorite restaurant is Nafis, opened 24/7. Might I recommend the chicken and mushrooms on a bed of hummus. All plates can feed a family of four.
Take out food is referred to as "take away."
Most cars are white, bold colors not here.
Red and white stripes means no parking, period
Blue and white stripes means parking, but with a fee. Rumor has it there are small, unseen boxes low to the ground to purchase parking passes for your car for 5 shequelim. This is currently unconfirmed and we are still looking.
Parking is deceiptive, and tickets are always available for those unsure. And a rental bumper sticker is ideal for meter maids. They get commission on parking tickets.
Parking up on a curb is considered acceptible, just not recommended.
The lost skills and trades of our country still exist here in Israel.
Tourist and visitors often have bumper stickers on their backs, to verify lack of knowledge. It cannot be seen by the tourist or visitor, but evidently everyone else can see it and knows.
Cats are simply part of the food chain as scavengers.
Plants grow in places that make no sense, in a grove or all alone.
Places where plants should never survive, are being planted with great success.
Most electronics now-a-days handle the differences in currents from each country, only needing an adapter for plug differences. Read the tiny print on your laptop or phone.
There is nothing wrong with the water, we drink it all the time.
There is something wrong with our American diet, so when you arrive and eat the abundance of vegetables, and less processed food, your body system will reflect it.
Laundry is luxury. Too far away, and the possibility for shrinkage is great. Everyone does their own, mostly in the sink.
Bring a small rope or retractable clothes line. It is a great benefit to dry your clothes, beyond limited coat hangers.
There are too many places to visit and explore, and never enough time.
Always say Thank you, Todah. Appreciate the patiences for your lack of knowledge, your differences, and most likely some faux paux you have committed,that they have endured.
Find a bookstore, and seek the children's section or some cool magazine in Hebrew. View and find something so interesting that you regret not knowing your Hebrew better. Buy it and plan on translating it. I found one of a sheep who has wild and woolly hair and is refusing to cut it, and keeps trying different creative ways to display it, much to the dismay of the family. For those of you who know me, this one is worth translating for my enjoyment.
Plan on reading, alot. There is very limited TV.
There are radio stations where songs take turns from Hebrew to Justin Bieber to Hebrew to Jackson 5 (Ben) to Hebrew to Bob Dylan to Hebrew to John Mayer, and so forth. Variety.
While there are more choices in Caffe here, somehow Nescafe is still the instant coffee of choice, red mug version.
People push and squeeze, bump and shove all to get by and position themselves. It is never personal, a little uncomfortable, but quite interesting once you have tried it and no one cares.
In spite of my lack of conversational Hebrew, reading without vowels is becoming very comfortable, even if my vocabulary lacks the interpretation.
Sadly, Christmas looks as though all leftovers found their way here to Be'er Sheva, lining a few markets with gaudy tinsel, and freakish looking small santas that might serve better as lawn gnomes.
Be prepared to cook traditionally. Very limited processed or instant foods. Limited even in canned goods. Breads are about the only things available ready to go.
Windows are complicated in the beginnings with louvers, screens, and glass, but serve a great purpose once understood.
Learn to politely avert your eyes, windows are close by, doors left open, and people are close together.
If you are American, it is commonly believed you have money. Most often, compared to most, you do, whether you realize it or not.
Don't forget to tip!
When staying, you do not have to take back every single thing you have acquired. Leave your groceries, spare shequalim, clothes, etc. for those currently making Aliyah, or those who are in need.
Do not assume "our" way is the correct or better way.
Grab a pen pal, or consider an email to keep in touch with the land.
Appreciate what you have, consider what you can give up, and notice the things that really really matter and make a difference.
Share the beauty when you return stateside.
Israel 2010 Bike/Hike Trail
This is an area my husband likes to frequent. It is vast acreage of hills, valleys, rocks, ancient sites , modern art, and interesting debris. The city is only a few minutes in the backdrop.
These areas are sufficient for cars, mountain bikes, hiking, and camels - as evidence can be found. Some areas are so rocky, and metal shrapenel in areas, I cannot imagine biking without sufficient protection and head gear.
These areas are sufficient for cars, mountain bikes, hiking, and camels - as evidence can be found. Some areas are so rocky, and metal shrapenel in areas, I cannot imagine biking without sufficient protection and head gear.
This most interesting aspect here is variety. There are smooth areas, rocky areas, historic sections and a lot of modern art scattered throughout.
This modern piece is located right next to an ancient cistern.
Inside the cistern.
Another historic element.
A baby grand along one path.
Israel 2010 Air Force Museum
We visited what we thought was a small museum. was not. They had every plane type ever used, whether in purchase, building, or shot down. Every age, condition, and use was there to see. It was quite overwhelming. To much information to learn, and yet phenomenal to view.
One of many - serious business.
I could not choose pictures between those significant, those historical, those of a special story, or those that just simply were interesting visually. So below is my collage....
Very Modern for the time period made.
Too cool historically.
I liked this shot of showing the quantity of planes, noting that there were many such rows of planes, historical planes, rocket launchers, and more.
So little, cute. Only a girl can say this.
Like in the movies!
Scud missle, after the fact.
One of many - serious business.
Israel 2010 Ipost
After a few parking tickets, we had to go to the post office to pay the fines. Tickets, themselves are another blog.
At the post office, you pass through a kiosk machine to punch in your basic need. Since we were also purchasing stamps, and mailing postcard, we claimed "general." The machine asigns you a number. 766, still 20 + numbers away. Monitor screens were everywhere, noting the current number and which window to proceed. Although everything was announced in Hebrew, the numbers were "ours". It seemed like many people waiting, but it was a short wait.
The lady spok only limited English, but when she saw our four tickets, she simply chuckled and said "bad".
This was the only place, using a credit card, were we required to give a phone number. U.S. not accepted, thankfully the husband had his phone, and since we could not recite all the numbers in Hebrew, we simply handed over the phone for her review. She laughed at our situation, but was courteous.
The stamps were in a tiny area, like a little marketing store to the side, no lines, good selection. It was a hard choice. Do we buy stamps and postcards from sites we did not visit, postcards of the pope visiting Israel, or Disney? Be'er Sheva does not rank as a tourist attraction as a whole. I settled on Israeli flags. It is where we are (Israel) and what we support.
At the post office, you pass through a kiosk machine to punch in your basic need. Since we were also purchasing stamps, and mailing postcard, we claimed "general." The machine asigns you a number. 766, still 20 + numbers away. Monitor screens were everywhere, noting the current number and which window to proceed. Although everything was announced in Hebrew, the numbers were "ours". It seemed like many people waiting, but it was a short wait.
The lady spok only limited English, but when she saw our four tickets, she simply chuckled and said "bad".
This was the only place, using a credit card, were we required to give a phone number. U.S. not accepted, thankfully the husband had his phone, and since we could not recite all the numbers in Hebrew, we simply handed over the phone for her review. She laughed at our situation, but was courteous.
The stamps were in a tiny area, like a little marketing store to the side, no lines, good selection. It was a hard choice. Do we buy stamps and postcards from sites we did not visit, postcards of the pope visiting Israel, or Disney? Be'er Sheva does not rank as a tourist attraction as a whole. I settled on Israeli flags. It is where we are (Israel) and what we support.
Israel 2010 Gecko Caffe
Late in our visit, we found a quaint little coffee shop in the old city. These youth, after their military tour was complete, ventured to Australia. Often soldiers travel in other parts of the world for a time after serving their country, before returning and most often going to college or learning a trade.
While in Australia they learned all about coffee and different techniques, recipes, and types. This little shop had coffees I had never dreamed of. There is not enough time here to sample them all, ashame....
Caffe is a serious business here, there are different ones all over, each with their own personality and crowd following. One thing, I am still not used to is that they all have rows of liquor, to add to the coffee, and smoking is most often allowed, although it seems to the side and in moderation, unless outside.
They are most often family or group oriented and many do business in some of these places.
While in Australia they learned all about coffee and different techniques, recipes, and types. This little shop had coffees I had never dreamed of. There is not enough time here to sample them all, ashame....
While this is not the caffe shop I am referring to, it is right across the way and just a great example of the quaintness of the area.
I did try expresso over vanilla ice cream, a Compano which is expresso, with some type of serious dessert cream and a touch of spice, and a milk bar, which is steamed milk with flavoring, mine being honey and Almond. My daughter tried various ones also, including an expresso with rose water, straight up.Caffe is a serious business here, there are different ones all over, each with their own personality and crowd following. One thing, I am still not used to is that they all have rows of liquor, to add to the coffee, and smoking is most often allowed, although it seems to the side and in moderation, unless outside.
They are most often family or group oriented and many do business in some of these places.
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