I did indeed go to Jerusalem. I stopped by the shuk in Jerusalem (Mahane Yehuda) to buy some peanuts. Israelis roast peanuts better than anybody in the States- they're toastier. And I met my friends, bought some flowers and returned to Tel Aviv . On the way to my apartment, I bought malabi.
My neighbor will take me to Erev Shabbat services. Shabbat shalom! My next post will probably be from Nahal Oz.
The sing-along was great. It was held in a club in south Tel Aviv so there weren't a ton of people there. But they did American songs in English so that was easy for me, although I certainly didn't know them. There was a remarkable trio of women who led "Killing Me Softly" that was amazing . They started out a capella. I sat with a couple and the guy led "Fame" in the photo (left).
My friend Efi has found me a place to volunteer. So far, the IDF station hasn't worked with his schedule. But I will stay with his friend, Anat, in Nahal Oz, and work in the kibbutz's community kitchen. All my experience doing food for Yom HaAtzmaut and the Ethnic Festival will pay off. Big food. I'll take the train to Sderot and get picked up there. Good thing I have an extra small suitcase. Who knew?
Tonight, I'm attending a group sing-along.
My first full day is always food shopping. I can do something, bring it back, and rest a little. I did today's errands in two pieces: one at the shuk, and the other at the grocery store. Here's the haul:
And I found the bus stop for #18 that will take me north to the bus/train station along the way.
Passport control, etc. were very smooth. I changed some money (the exchange rate stinks), bought a train ticket, checked the balance on my transit card (Rav Kav), took the train to Tel Aviv. Then the fun started. A. I came out the wrong door of the train station. B. I haven't been here in 2 years and the construction for the light rail is profound. I couldn't find the big, surface bus station. C. GPS got me going in the right direction and I found the bus station. But where will I find the #18 bus? It's usual spot was eaten up by construction, but there was a #18 sitting in the lot on a break. Good sign. D. I walked all the way around the bus station to ask the information desk with the suitcase. She assured me that the bus pickup spot had not moved. OK. I go back, the bus starts moving and picks us up where it did before, but now it's just a chain link fence. E. The bus' route has changed because of the construction. Now it drives down by the beach. OK, I'm not lost.
Well, I'm actually on my way. No missiles this time. I had a brief heart palpitation because I just made it on my connecting flight, and I wasn't certain that my suitcase was with me. But it turned up in Newark with me.
