Back in the same bagel-bar I posted from in February. Maybe I am trying to become acclimated to the American way of things? More likely I am a little bit masochistic. Sundays I don't work, so I went to see a movie at the cinematheque. Although I don't have to go into the office today I should be doing other work, so I brought my computer with me to take myself out for dinner. But of course I am procrastinating.
Once again, the grass is always greener. When I am not working I want a job of substance, but when I have a job of substance that requires some thinking I am overwhelmed. This was a really good idea when I was thinking about it a few weeks ago, when I could get most of the writing done before going away and just do a little bit of editing from the States. But of course things aren't flowing as easily as I had anticipated and I haven't gotten too much done. I had a few foreign visitors and friends going away and a wedding to attend - life got in the way. I haven't spoken to anyone in the office in a week and a half. Tomorrow is the moment of truth. I need to call to remind them I leave for the states on Weds, even though I still haven't signed a contract. Hopefully I can wake up early and get lots done and send them SOMETHING.
I have mixed feelings about going home. Maybe I have been in a good mood the last couple weeks because I knew I was going home and could take a break from all of this. When the bus driver didn't open the door I was waiting at, I moved to a different door and only yelled an aggravated "nahag" (driver) once. When a guy tried to pick me up on the street using the same pick up line he used on me last summer (or was it this year, a few months ago?) 'I think I've seen you around University. Is dis right? Want to go for a coffee?', I just said no and kept going, because I don't need the self esteem boost just now. I don't need to have coffee with a stranger. I met an intriguing one the other night, and heard back from my recent casual stint, so I am feeling okay. And I am leaving and don't have the energy. Because I will be back soon enough. And things will start to happen. I know they will.
I am excited about this wedding in the states in 2 weeks, but also nervous. SO many people from the past will be there - middle school, summer camp, family friends, Hebrew school, other friends I've met over time. There is something really great about knowing both sides and both families, but it also means I will know everyone and everyone will know me. In some ways I am in a good place right now, but it is so not where I expected to be. I finished grad school nearly 11 months ago, and I still don't have a full time job. Although I am intimidated by what is required of me for my second job, I am SO happy to have it. To have something of substance to say when someone asks "what do you do?" The other night I went to a social event for people in International Development Agencies. Having a cocktail at the American Colony right before helped me speak, and the new association gave me credibility, instead of the 'international sales consultant' line. Of course the first 2 people I met were heads of International Organizations to which I recently applied for jobs. But my name didn't ring a bell. Instead they were interested from which European country my name came from. And these guys are based in Jerusalem. Oy...
Ok. NOW I should work. Will try to update from the land of the free, though I expect to be computer-less. Any suggestions for 12 hours in Amsterdam?
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Long overdue thoughts from Jordan (early April)
My supermarket isn’t there anymore – it has been flattened.
Where there once were holes now stand buildings, and where there once were buildings now stand holes.
I walk downtown and take a serveece to my own neighborhood – I had forgotten that they are now at the top of the hill. I take it up to near the 2nd circle. My Internet café is closed. The chicken&fries guy is now a snazzy snack shop. The pizza place is joined with the burger place, with a sweet shop in the middle. There’s a new bakery – how can this neighborhood support 3? I really hope Diamond Bakery didn’t shut down, too. After a couple of weeks they got used to me buying $0.25 worth of bread at a time ~ 10 pieces of pita. I don’t have the patience to look for my fruit and vegetable stores – I used to oscillate between 3 or 4 different ones, and I want Reem. The stand is the same – that’s a relief. The last time I was here they had already institute the numbering system, so it wasn’t too confusing, except that my numbers was either an 8 or a 7 (I couldn’t tell if it was v or ^), but it all worked out in the end.
Walking down Zahran Street, it’s amazing to see street signs, English, and numbers on buildings. My apartment building is still there, with a sign that there is a flat available to rent. I am tempted to see how much cheaper it is than my current place in Jerusalem.
I walk down the newly cobbled rainbow street. The Egyptian camp that sprang up last summer for the workers has been disbanded. There are little rock parks and look out points and benches. Al Quds Cafeteria has totally been redone – it’s still a tiny store with falafel on toasted rolls, but the outside rock façade make it look fancy, as does the giant photo of the royal family. Meandering down to Books@café, it is mostly same, same. In general all these foreigners look the same – I just don’t recognize them anymore. I can’t believe that I lived here for a year, and how much has changed since then. Hopefully I have changed and grown up, too.
The trip was filled with near- misses, but it was fabulous:
I almost had to pay for the whole taxi to take me from the Damascus gate to Allenby, but at the final moment, as I was putting my things in the car, some Swedes showed up and we all shared the normal price.
I almost had to take a taxi back to Amman on my own, but then some Australians were confused and overwhelmed, so we shared.
D almost didn’t show to meet me for dinner and argilah, even though I went to the other side of town to find her.
I almost didn’t call DS. Luckily I got to his house just in time, right before the parade of houseguests, in town for an environmental conference. The guests from Lebanon had just met many members of my Arava family – what a small world.
I almost said no to the party invitation, but had no other plans at 11:30 on a Thursday night. So we piled into a couple of cars and drover out on the airport road, towards the fancy country club where the elite Ammanis go swimming and horseback riding.
We almost got into the party – but didn’t. Everyone was there. Music was blasting. People were drinking and bopping in their cars, and touching up makeup while waiting to get into the parking lot of the fairground. They thought they had the right wasta, but somehow it just didn’t work out. Instead I sat in the back seat, on the side of the road, people watching and listening to a Celine Dion CD and a conversation about relationships bil Arabi.
We almost had some car issues, after swerving around tiny country roads after letting the car run for 1.5 hours, but it was a false alarm. They guys checked under the hood and everything was normal. But when we got to Amman there was smoke. And we didn’t have any water and it was 2am and everything was home, so they sent me home in a taxi instead of dropping me back downtown. The taxi had to do a U-ey at a stop light, and as we were about to proceed through the intersection, the two cars ahead of us smashed into each other, but luckily my driver was not involved, and I made it back safe and sound, $2.50 later.
The next morning I almost overslept, but in the end made it to the bus station just 1 our after the expected departure time. Friday morning and most everything was closed, but luckily I got some water on the way through town. There was no direct route to the Dead Sea by public transport, so I expected to take a bus to a bus, or bus to a taxi. I was tired and not paying attention and didn’t mention where I was going – I was the only white girl on the bus. I thought they would tell me when we got to the stop closest to the Dead Sea, that they would realize it was not my intention to go visit an agricultural village in the Jordan Valley. But I was silent until the last stop, and then the drive was all ‘why didn’t you TELL me? Over by those taxis there may be a bus’, but there was no bus. Just a bunch of taxis. So I asked the taxi drivers who were busy smoking cigarettes and eating ice cream how I might get to the Dead Sea, feeling ready to negotiate down from 50 JD to 10, just in case. They laughed and said there was no bus, but that I could come with them. But how much? For free! They were off duty and having a family day at the beach. So they readjusted a little in the back seat – a ten year old girl shoved up against the window, then 18 year old woman holding a baby, then me, then a guy (brother? Husband?) Then the driver and another man in the front. I tried to give them money but they wouldn’t hear of it. As we drove down to the Dead Sea, we saw runners participating in the Dead Sea marathon (the reason I was there!) I tried to get them to cheer in English, but all they did was whistle and bang on the side of the car and scream ‘yallah, yallah!’ I was a little nervous about the police checkpoint since there was an excessive amount of people, but we got waved through. They couldn’t turn into the street with the hotels because all of the runners and police, so they dropped me on the main street and I walked down. I suppose 5-star hotels are not used to walk-ups – everyone comes in a car. They wanted to charge me 25JD to go swimming for the JD, but I sweetly explained that I was just there to visit my friend who had been running, and then I would go back to Amman in the night. They finally let me in after I promised I wouldn’t go swimming. In the lobby I tried calling S a couple of times, but she wasn’t in her room. I started to write a note for he to come find me, when she showed up. What a happy reunion! I swam (without paying) and ate and drank and was merry (and felt quite sick for a while) and had a fabulous time. And then made it back to Amman for a few more days of fun and adventures…
Where there once were holes now stand buildings, and where there once were buildings now stand holes.
I walk downtown and take a serveece to my own neighborhood – I had forgotten that they are now at the top of the hill. I take it up to near the 2nd circle. My Internet café is closed. The chicken&fries guy is now a snazzy snack shop. The pizza place is joined with the burger place, with a sweet shop in the middle. There’s a new bakery – how can this neighborhood support 3? I really hope Diamond Bakery didn’t shut down, too. After a couple of weeks they got used to me buying $0.25 worth of bread at a time ~ 10 pieces of pita. I don’t have the patience to look for my fruit and vegetable stores – I used to oscillate between 3 or 4 different ones, and I want Reem. The stand is the same – that’s a relief. The last time I was here they had already institute the numbering system, so it wasn’t too confusing, except that my numbers was either an 8 or a 7 (I couldn’t tell if it was v or ^), but it all worked out in the end.
Walking down Zahran Street, it’s amazing to see street signs, English, and numbers on buildings. My apartment building is still there, with a sign that there is a flat available to rent. I am tempted to see how much cheaper it is than my current place in Jerusalem.
I walk down the newly cobbled rainbow street. The Egyptian camp that sprang up last summer for the workers has been disbanded. There are little rock parks and look out points and benches. Al Quds Cafeteria has totally been redone – it’s still a tiny store with falafel on toasted rolls, but the outside rock façade make it look fancy, as does the giant photo of the royal family. Meandering down to Books@café, it is mostly same, same. In general all these foreigners look the same – I just don’t recognize them anymore. I can’t believe that I lived here for a year, and how much has changed since then. Hopefully I have changed and grown up, too.
The trip was filled with near- misses, but it was fabulous:
I almost had to pay for the whole taxi to take me from the Damascus gate to Allenby, but at the final moment, as I was putting my things in the car, some Swedes showed up and we all shared the normal price.
I almost had to take a taxi back to Amman on my own, but then some Australians were confused and overwhelmed, so we shared.
D almost didn’t show to meet me for dinner and argilah, even though I went to the other side of town to find her.
I almost didn’t call DS. Luckily I got to his house just in time, right before the parade of houseguests, in town for an environmental conference. The guests from Lebanon had just met many members of my Arava family – what a small world.
I almost said no to the party invitation, but had no other plans at 11:30 on a Thursday night. So we piled into a couple of cars and drover out on the airport road, towards the fancy country club where the elite Ammanis go swimming and horseback riding.
We almost got into the party – but didn’t. Everyone was there. Music was blasting. People were drinking and bopping in their cars, and touching up makeup while waiting to get into the parking lot of the fairground. They thought they had the right wasta, but somehow it just didn’t work out. Instead I sat in the back seat, on the side of the road, people watching and listening to a Celine Dion CD and a conversation about relationships bil Arabi.
We almost had some car issues, after swerving around tiny country roads after letting the car run for 1.5 hours, but it was a false alarm. They guys checked under the hood and everything was normal. But when we got to Amman there was smoke. And we didn’t have any water and it was 2am and everything was home, so they sent me home in a taxi instead of dropping me back downtown. The taxi had to do a U-ey at a stop light, and as we were about to proceed through the intersection, the two cars ahead of us smashed into each other, but luckily my driver was not involved, and I made it back safe and sound, $2.50 later.
The next morning I almost overslept, but in the end made it to the bus station just 1 our after the expected departure time. Friday morning and most everything was closed, but luckily I got some water on the way through town. There was no direct route to the Dead Sea by public transport, so I expected to take a bus to a bus, or bus to a taxi. I was tired and not paying attention and didn’t mention where I was going – I was the only white girl on the bus. I thought they would tell me when we got to the stop closest to the Dead Sea, that they would realize it was not my intention to go visit an agricultural village in the Jordan Valley. But I was silent until the last stop, and then the drive was all ‘why didn’t you TELL me? Over by those taxis there may be a bus’, but there was no bus. Just a bunch of taxis. So I asked the taxi drivers who were busy smoking cigarettes and eating ice cream how I might get to the Dead Sea, feeling ready to negotiate down from 50 JD to 10, just in case. They laughed and said there was no bus, but that I could come with them. But how much? For free! They were off duty and having a family day at the beach. So they readjusted a little in the back seat – a ten year old girl shoved up against the window, then 18 year old woman holding a baby, then me, then a guy (brother? Husband?) Then the driver and another man in the front. I tried to give them money but they wouldn’t hear of it. As we drove down to the Dead Sea, we saw runners participating in the Dead Sea marathon (the reason I was there!) I tried to get them to cheer in English, but all they did was whistle and bang on the side of the car and scream ‘yallah, yallah!’ I was a little nervous about the police checkpoint since there was an excessive amount of people, but we got waved through. They couldn’t turn into the street with the hotels because all of the runners and police, so they dropped me on the main street and I walked down. I suppose 5-star hotels are not used to walk-ups – everyone comes in a car. They wanted to charge me 25JD to go swimming for the JD, but I sweetly explained that I was just there to visit my friend who had been running, and then I would go back to Amman in the night. They finally let me in after I promised I wouldn’t go swimming. In the lobby I tried calling S a couple of times, but she wasn’t in her room. I started to write a note for he to come find me, when she showed up. What a happy reunion! I swam (without paying) and ate and drank and was merry (and felt quite sick for a while) and had a fabulous time. And then made it back to Amman for a few more days of fun and adventures…
Friday, March 28, 2008
Belated update
Blog thoughts from the last few weeks:
One thing that is nice in this country - when I introduce myself to new people, they always get my name on the first try. Its refreshing. With Arabs I sometimes explain that it is like “Shana Tova” because they expect my name to be Toba. Then I am out-ed.
Its confusing to walk down Ben Yehuda street, in the heart of West Jerusalem, wearing a skirt, looking religious, listening to Amer Diab and walking towards the East Side. Likewise, its confusing walking in East Jerusalem, wearing a skirt and looking all religious, listening to Shlomo Arzi.
At public appearances, why does the US consul have 2 men with ear-pieces in the room to walk him up and down to the stage and scan the room, while the European Community’s representative has none?
Mid-March, and the weather is hot, Hot, HOT. Tonight begins purim – the Jewish answer to Halloween. But people have been getting dressed up for days. Little girls have been dressed as princesses all week. Tonight is an excuse for the parents to start drinking.
Mid-March, and I’m still unemployed. I need to start keeping better track of my spending and curtail my food and recreation budget. And/or learn how to make a budget, and stick to it. I need to spend more time at people’s houses and less going out, but I still need to meet new people. I have a few applications to complete – it would help if I had my computer back. 3-Fucking-Weeks! I went for an interview at the call center. Not as bad as I expected. They pay is less than $10/hr, but I have no choice.
Why won’t the World Bank make a decision already?!
I went to Hebron. Another visit, another baby. I hadn’t been there since New Years. I need to try to make it once a month, or once every-other month. They need the distraction, but I don’t want them spending money on me. Next time I should bring chickens for Maqloubeh.
What a difference a couple of days can make! New ideas. New mind-sets. New people. New opportunities. And how quickly it can call go away again...
One thing that is nice in this country - when I introduce myself to new people, they always get my name on the first try. Its refreshing. With Arabs I sometimes explain that it is like “Shana Tova” because they expect my name to be Toba. Then I am out-ed.
Its confusing to walk down Ben Yehuda street, in the heart of West Jerusalem, wearing a skirt, looking religious, listening to Amer Diab and walking towards the East Side. Likewise, its confusing walking in East Jerusalem, wearing a skirt and looking all religious, listening to Shlomo Arzi.
At public appearances, why does the US consul have 2 men with ear-pieces in the room to walk him up and down to the stage and scan the room, while the European Community’s representative has none?
Mid-March, and the weather is hot, Hot, HOT. Tonight begins purim – the Jewish answer to Halloween. But people have been getting dressed up for days. Little girls have been dressed as princesses all week. Tonight is an excuse for the parents to start drinking.
Mid-March, and I’m still unemployed. I need to start keeping better track of my spending and curtail my food and recreation budget. And/or learn how to make a budget, and stick to it. I need to spend more time at people’s houses and less going out, but I still need to meet new people. I have a few applications to complete – it would help if I had my computer back. 3-Fucking-Weeks! I went for an interview at the call center. Not as bad as I expected. They pay is less than $10/hr, but I have no choice.
Why won’t the World Bank make a decision already?!
I went to Hebron. Another visit, another baby. I hadn’t been there since New Years. I need to try to make it once a month, or once every-other month. They need the distraction, but I don’t want them spending money on me. Next time I should bring chickens for Maqloubeh.
What a difference a couple of days can make! New ideas. New mind-sets. New people. New opportunities. And how quickly it can call go away again...
Monday, February 25, 2008
West Side
I am spending lots of time in the West, the Jewish section of Jerusalem. I have been defending Israel left and right, attending birthday parties where all the food is kosher and men wear Kippot, and going to the movies. Now that I have my membership and an empty apartment, I keep going to movies. For whatever reason, I keep seeing war movies - guns, explosions, death. It feels strange to watch in a culture that is so dominated by war and violence. I keep waiting for someone to run out crying, due to flashbacks.
Now I am sitting in a kosher Bagel restaurant, in a very American area. I don't know why I came here. I am half in the mood to run into people, half hiding. I am trying to explore different parts of this city, and I don't want to hide from certain neighborhoods anymore. Its not worth it. It is strange to be a place where you can have a "Bagel with a shmear". There's a large group of religious Americans sitting together, enjoying a birthday dinner of salads, pasta, and bagel sandwiches. There is a large boisterous man next to me telling inappropriate jokes, singing to himself, and playing fantasy computer games. There is a young couple with a young child who won't shut up, but for whatever reason they won't leave. At least I have gotten this out of my system, and I don't need to come to this area for a long, long time.
---
My birthday was last week. Lots of people came to help me celebrate, at a Tapas bar in West Jerusalem. It was amazing to have so many people from different places together - Jews, Christians, Muslims, and atheists. Israeli, Palestinian, American, Italian, Canadian, British. One friend I've known since I was 5, others from the Arava, some people I have just met in the last couple of weeks, and a friend who I first met randomly at a party in Jordan 3.5 years ago. The a large crew of friends of a friend tromped in, sang Happy Birthday in Hebrew, then left. At first the mingling wasn't so smooth, but by the end some numbers were exchanged. A success.
---
Friday was a little nutsy: I went on an alternative archeology tour of the City of David and Silwan. Did some quick food-shopping errands. Met up for cocktails with a friend and got some closure (and my French coffee press!). Then Friday night dinner with old family friends and a combo of random young people. Then out until 3am with a bunch of Israeli Arabs, drinking and smoking, getting stared at for using Arabic in public and feeling funny for still wearing my shabbat clothes at a dance bar.
All in all, an interesting night. More things happened over the weekend, but I have to get out of this neighborhood. I need to learn to live life NOW instead of just reflecting on what was and over thinking what could be. But I still need a job...
Now I am sitting in a kosher Bagel restaurant, in a very American area. I don't know why I came here. I am half in the mood to run into people, half hiding. I am trying to explore different parts of this city, and I don't want to hide from certain neighborhoods anymore. Its not worth it. It is strange to be a place where you can have a "Bagel with a shmear". There's a large group of religious Americans sitting together, enjoying a birthday dinner of salads, pasta, and bagel sandwiches. There is a large boisterous man next to me telling inappropriate jokes, singing to himself, and playing fantasy computer games. There is a young couple with a young child who won't shut up, but for whatever reason they won't leave. At least I have gotten this out of my system, and I don't need to come to this area for a long, long time.
---
My birthday was last week. Lots of people came to help me celebrate, at a Tapas bar in West Jerusalem. It was amazing to have so many people from different places together - Jews, Christians, Muslims, and atheists. Israeli, Palestinian, American, Italian, Canadian, British. One friend I've known since I was 5, others from the Arava, some people I have just met in the last couple of weeks, and a friend who I first met randomly at a party in Jordan 3.5 years ago. The a large crew of friends of a friend tromped in, sang Happy Birthday in Hebrew, then left. At first the mingling wasn't so smooth, but by the end some numbers were exchanged. A success.
---
Friday was a little nutsy: I went on an alternative archeology tour of the City of David and Silwan. Did some quick food-shopping errands. Met up for cocktails with a friend and got some closure (and my French coffee press!). Then Friday night dinner with old family friends and a combo of random young people. Then out until 3am with a bunch of Israeli Arabs, drinking and smoking, getting stared at for using Arabic in public and feeling funny for still wearing my shabbat clothes at a dance bar.
All in all, an interesting night. More things happened over the weekend, but I have to get out of this neighborhood. I need to learn to live life NOW instead of just reflecting on what was and over thinking what could be. But I still need a job...
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Reality Bites
The workshop is over. A month and a half of my life - sleepless nights, sudden trips to Ramallah, countless stops at the printer's to print budgets and schedules and CVs, but now it is done. It ended in an unexciting way - sitting at the border in Eilat. As usual my Syrian stamps caused me problems, and I had to sit and wait at the border for an hour, without explanation. My boss and participants were eager to get home, so they ditched me. Luckily my co-worker stayed and escorted me to Eilat where I got a bus to Tel Aviv, then a sherut to Jerusalem. Once I got the visa it took me over 7 hours to get home. I should've just rented a car and charged the workshop, but because I was in charge of the budget I knew there wasn't much spare money for it. But it' done. And after nearly a week of terse emails to America I have MOST of my salary in my bank account, and now just need a few hundred shekels and a couple JD to reimburse me for the expenses I paid out of pocket. Time to take a break from the Arava for a while...
Being back in Jerusalem is bittersweet. I must have started to idealize it, during the quiet nights on the Kibbutz. I should be grateful for the handful of people I DO have and to know a number of coffee shops where I can hang out with laptop and family friends where I can invite myself over for Shabbat - I need to remember to do that today.
One way to kill time is to see movies. I finally bought a membership to the cinematheque, which means I will be staying in Jerusalem for a few more months. Just because I can I need to see lots of movies. The other night I went to see a movie about outsourcing to India. It wasn't very good, but not so bad that I wanted to walk out. And I am trying to learn not to leave in the middle of cultural activities - I got pretty bad in London. I wanted to take a bus home since I had walked 30 mins there, but the street going towards the German colony was blocked with a police van and no one was walking through. I saw a bus stopped at a weird angle, heard some police yelling through a loud speaker, and then a loud "boom". There was an attack in Dimona a couple days ago, and people have been talking about the escapees from Gaza and how it's just a matter of time until something happens here. But this is the city of peace. And I am invincible. I walked home as quickly as I could and looked at Haaretz/JPost/Debka, but no news of a bombing. Maybe it was just practice or an unidentified left bag. Whatever it was I am back on edge again, and not very excited about it.
So there are good days and there are bad days. I need to work on getting Health Insurance and opening a bank account. And this whole job thing - go Japanese! But in between I should spend some quality time in Hebron, pick up some stuff from the boy's house in Haifa, read a book at the Austrian Hospice, take a road trip, and see my old Arabic tutor. And try to make some new friends, without a job or school to ease the transition. This could be interesting...
Being back in Jerusalem is bittersweet. I must have started to idealize it, during the quiet nights on the Kibbutz. I should be grateful for the handful of people I DO have and to know a number of coffee shops where I can hang out with laptop and family friends where I can invite myself over for Shabbat - I need to remember to do that today.
One way to kill time is to see movies. I finally bought a membership to the cinematheque, which means I will be staying in Jerusalem for a few more months. Just because I can I need to see lots of movies. The other night I went to see a movie about outsourcing to India. It wasn't very good, but not so bad that I wanted to walk out. And I am trying to learn not to leave in the middle of cultural activities - I got pretty bad in London. I wanted to take a bus home since I had walked 30 mins there, but the street going towards the German colony was blocked with a police van and no one was walking through. I saw a bus stopped at a weird angle, heard some police yelling through a loud speaker, and then a loud "boom". There was an attack in Dimona a couple days ago, and people have been talking about the escapees from Gaza and how it's just a matter of time until something happens here. But this is the city of peace. And I am invincible. I walked home as quickly as I could and looked at Haaretz/JPost/Debka, but no news of a bombing. Maybe it was just practice or an unidentified left bag. Whatever it was I am back on edge again, and not very excited about it.
So there are good days and there are bad days. I need to work on getting Health Insurance and opening a bank account. And this whole job thing - go Japanese! But in between I should spend some quality time in Hebron, pick up some stuff from the boy's house in Haifa, read a book at the Austrian Hospice, take a road trip, and see my old Arabic tutor. And try to make some new friends, without a job or school to ease the transition. This could be interesting...
Monday, January 07, 2008
Another Year
It’s already 2008. How did that happen? I was too distracted watching wedding videos in Hebron. She was 16 and he was 22. At least I know they are no longer saving him for me. He is now the proud father of a beautiful little girl. When I saw her in the summer she was an infant. Now she is crawling and starting to walk. It’s amazing how quickly the kids grow and change. When I visited in the fall of 2004 D was just a few weeks old. Now three and a half years later, we can talk about animals and colors and vegetables – all in Arabic.
My sister came to visit. Went to Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Hebron, and quality time in East and West Jerusalem. I attended a Jewish wedding and a Muslim wedding, but skipped the Christian one. Too much for one week. I danced and drank and laughed and reconnected with old friends, and now I’m sick.
This workshop is taking over life, and there still aren’t enough Palestinians. Now it’s getting personal. I need it to be successful, but I also need a job when it’s done. 21 days – eek. Time to learn the art of balance.
Bush is coming to visit. The streets are lined by American and Israeli flags. Instead of feeling patriotic, the two flags together make me feel a little uneasy. The same way I feel when I see such a combination gracing a man’s chest on a lapel pin. Not so attractive. The city is going to be in lock-down mode. Businesses are closing, doctor’s offices are canceling appointments, and schools are shutting down for 2 days. I am supposed to have a meeting in Ramallah on Thursday – looks like I might have to reschedule.
Finally bought stickers with Arabic and Hebrew on my keyboard. I can’t wait! Except it seems some of the Arabic letters a wrong. Zift.
Graduation is next week. I won’t make it.
My sister came to visit. Went to Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Hebron, and quality time in East and West Jerusalem. I attended a Jewish wedding and a Muslim wedding, but skipped the Christian one. Too much for one week. I danced and drank and laughed and reconnected with old friends, and now I’m sick.
This workshop is taking over life, and there still aren’t enough Palestinians. Now it’s getting personal. I need it to be successful, but I also need a job when it’s done. 21 days – eek. Time to learn the art of balance.
Bush is coming to visit. The streets are lined by American and Israeli flags. Instead of feeling patriotic, the two flags together make me feel a little uneasy. The same way I feel when I see such a combination gracing a man’s chest on a lapel pin. Not so attractive. The city is going to be in lock-down mode. Businesses are closing, doctor’s offices are canceling appointments, and schools are shutting down for 2 days. I am supposed to have a meeting in Ramallah on Thursday – looks like I might have to reschedule.
Finally bought stickers with Arabic and Hebrew on my keyboard. I can’t wait! Except it seems some of the Arabic letters a wrong. Zift.
Graduation is next week. I won’t make it.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Recent Events
I live right next to a large open market, but sometimes I have the desire to purchase items in a proper supermarket. It is easier to have everything under one roof with one check out in the end, instead of going from stall to stall squeezing fruit and negotiating prices and ending up with lots of plastic bags. For whatever reason, whenever it comes to paying for my purchases there is a problem: the check-out lady goes on break when it's my turn; the customer in front of me has a problem with coupons or at the last minute realizes they forgot something on the opposite side of the store. But last night was a unique experience - the man in front of me was OCD. I didn't realize it until he started putting things on the belt. He waited to place his items until the woman in front him removed all her purchases. He then took things out of his cart, one at a time, and neatly placed them in rows. He had 3 of everything - 3 cucumbers, 3 tomatoes, 3 butters, 3 yogurts. It was fascinating to watch, so I didn't care that it took him forever to fish out the money and pay. The woman behind the register did not wait for him to pack up to start running my items, and when my malawach got near his yogurt he freaked out a little, but it all worked out.
---
The strikes aren't over, but the students are back making lots of noise in the hallways and taking up the good spots in the library. It takes 10 minutes to get through security now since the buses to and from campus are so full, but at least they haven't noticed that my student ID is expired. Yesterday, on my way back home, I was listening to a SavageLovecast on my ipod. I noticed that the woman sitting next to me was reading a book in English. I glanced at the page and read something about being "flushed" and then "the top of her bra". Turns out the book was called "the best kiss". Nothing quite like riding through Meah Shea'arim, a very Haredi neighborhood, with our own vices.
----
I was building up karma points for a couple days and it paid off. On Saturday I traveled in and out with Bethlehem with 2 friends, one of whom is Israeli, without incident. We saw Banksy's art and more, and were on the Italian news. A good time was had by all.
----
Now back to work. I need to get ahead on things. Tomorrow there is a Christmas party in my neighborhood. Wednesday I am going to Aqaba for a few hours for a meeting. Thursday morning is a meeting in Tel Aviv. Then my sister comes to visit on Saturday!
Why won't this cold go away? Happy Holidays.
---
The strikes aren't over, but the students are back making lots of noise in the hallways and taking up the good spots in the library. It takes 10 minutes to get through security now since the buses to and from campus are so full, but at least they haven't noticed that my student ID is expired. Yesterday, on my way back home, I was listening to a SavageLovecast on my ipod. I noticed that the woman sitting next to me was reading a book in English. I glanced at the page and read something about being "flushed" and then "the top of her bra". Turns out the book was called "the best kiss". Nothing quite like riding through Meah Shea'arim, a very Haredi neighborhood, with our own vices.
----
I was building up karma points for a couple days and it paid off. On Saturday I traveled in and out with Bethlehem with 2 friends, one of whom is Israeli, without incident. We saw Banksy's art and more, and were on the Italian news. A good time was had by all.
----
Now back to work. I need to get ahead on things. Tomorrow there is a Christmas party in my neighborhood. Wednesday I am going to Aqaba for a few hours for a meeting. Thursday morning is a meeting in Tel Aviv. Then my sister comes to visit on Saturday!
Why won't this cold go away? Happy Holidays.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Today was a good day.
Sitting in a chill bar with my laptop and a shlish of Taybe. I was planning to just sit here and do some work and look at hip people, but there is live music in the other room. I am drawn in, yet don't feel ready to enter this scene. I need to make friends, but my computer isn't helping. Hmmm.
----
It's been an interesting day. I went to a recruitment information session at an outsourcing call-center on the outskirts of town, in a new development. I had only seen it a couple of times from the highway, but today I went in. The building was still under construction. The whole development seemed new. This office park could be anywhere in the world, except that 80% of the guys in the cafeteria are wearing kippot. The group I am here to interview with is IDT. They handle companies like Walgreens, Barnes&Noble, AOL, American Greetings, Hess, Office Max, MacAfee, and Western Union. So rest assured you are not always calling India. Behind the security desk are inspirational quotes by Hillel and Herzl, and above the door, in Hebrew and English:
How did I get here? Private high school. 4 years of college, at a GOOD college. 1.5 years of graduate courses in the Middle East, in environmental studies and Arabic. A masters degree from a prestigious British University. If I work full time with this company, talking on the phone with America or transcribing, I am looking at an average salary of 6000NIS/month. Approximately $1,500. Wow. How did I get here?
This is Har Hotvim. Not to be confused with Har Hatsofim, which I have been doing for the last few months. My sense of space, place, and location was all wrong. Now I think I have it right, only it doesn't really matter. Timing is everything.
I got 100% on the computer test and did well in the interview. I left with a letter addressed to the Ministry of Interior, which is supposed to help me get a work visa. Now I just need my birth certificate, proof of health insurance, some cash, and a letter from my Rabbi saying that I am Jewish. Does that mean non-Jews aren't allowed to work here? I don't understand. And apparently having an Israeli boyfriend makes the process go faster, alleviates fees, and often gets you an open work visa, instead of being tied to a specific employer. I can think of one person who would probably agree, but am not sure I can ask him to be my "boyfriend" without thinking of the last 3 years of on again, off again wanting him to be my boyfriend.
After the Israeli company I went to Beit Hanina to meet with the water/sanitation coordinator at a large European NGO. Sitting in the office was a fake Christmas tree, which I found a little disorienting, yet refreshing. Our conversation was good, as opposed to our constant miscommunication on the phone over the last week. Each meeting makes me think differently, ask more questions, and opens more doors work-wise, but also (hopefully) socially. I really need to make more friends.
I have good days and bad days. This is normal, no? It's only been about 2.5 weeks. I have been here before so I have some people, but they have their own lives, relationships, work, and school. I am joining in the middle. Maybe the things that brought us together 15 years ago at summer camp or in carpool are not as relevant anymore. Friday night I was feeling very sorry for myself, sitting alone in my apartment, eating onion soup and drinking wine, thinking. I want Shabbat. I want to walk to a friend's house with desert from Marzipan, and enjoy a warm meal with good conversation, and be with Jews. I need to find the balance, but that won't work if every Friday I go out dancing until 2am in East Jerusalem. But I hate inviting myself over. It makes me feel pathetic and needy. I guess I need to suck it up and realize that's what I am, and that it's not the end of the world. This is a temporary phase, but in the interim, I need to ask for help - with my current freelance work projects, and with my life. Want to help me?
---
The band has finished their set and my beer is gone. Time to trek back up the hill. While this somehow ended on a depressing note, today really was a good day.
----
It's been an interesting day. I went to a recruitment information session at an outsourcing call-center on the outskirts of town, in a new development. I had only seen it a couple of times from the highway, but today I went in. The building was still under construction. The whole development seemed new. This office park could be anywhere in the world, except that 80% of the guys in the cafeteria are wearing kippot. The group I am here to interview with is IDT. They handle companies like Walgreens, Barnes&Noble, AOL, American Greetings, Hess, Office Max, MacAfee, and Western Union. So rest assured you are not always calling India. Behind the security desk are inspirational quotes by Hillel and Herzl, and above the door, in Hebrew and English:
This year in JerusalemI sat in a glass atrium with people dressed business causal, but this is not dress-down Friday - just another Tuesday in Jerusalem. In another section of the lobby, out of earshot, there is a flat screen TV streaming news. FOX 'news'. Of course.
How did I get here? Private high school. 4 years of college, at a GOOD college. 1.5 years of graduate courses in the Middle East, in environmental studies and Arabic. A masters degree from a prestigious British University. If I work full time with this company, talking on the phone with America or transcribing, I am looking at an average salary of 6000NIS/month. Approximately $1,500. Wow. How did I get here?
This is Har Hotvim. Not to be confused with Har Hatsofim, which I have been doing for the last few months. My sense of space, place, and location was all wrong. Now I think I have it right, only it doesn't really matter. Timing is everything.
I got 100% on the computer test and did well in the interview. I left with a letter addressed to the Ministry of Interior, which is supposed to help me get a work visa. Now I just need my birth certificate, proof of health insurance, some cash, and a letter from my Rabbi saying that I am Jewish. Does that mean non-Jews aren't allowed to work here? I don't understand. And apparently having an Israeli boyfriend makes the process go faster, alleviates fees, and often gets you an open work visa, instead of being tied to a specific employer. I can think of one person who would probably agree, but am not sure I can ask him to be my "boyfriend" without thinking of the last 3 years of on again, off again wanting him to be my boyfriend.
After the Israeli company I went to Beit Hanina to meet with the water/sanitation coordinator at a large European NGO. Sitting in the office was a fake Christmas tree, which I found a little disorienting, yet refreshing. Our conversation was good, as opposed to our constant miscommunication on the phone over the last week. Each meeting makes me think differently, ask more questions, and opens more doors work-wise, but also (hopefully) socially. I really need to make more friends.
I have good days and bad days. This is normal, no? It's only been about 2.5 weeks. I have been here before so I have some people, but they have their own lives, relationships, work, and school. I am joining in the middle. Maybe the things that brought us together 15 years ago at summer camp or in carpool are not as relevant anymore. Friday night I was feeling very sorry for myself, sitting alone in my apartment, eating onion soup and drinking wine, thinking. I want Shabbat. I want to walk to a friend's house with desert from Marzipan, and enjoy a warm meal with good conversation, and be with Jews. I need to find the balance, but that won't work if every Friday I go out dancing until 2am in East Jerusalem. But I hate inviting myself over. It makes me feel pathetic and needy. I guess I need to suck it up and realize that's what I am, and that it's not the end of the world. This is a temporary phase, but in the interim, I need to ask for help - with my current freelance work projects, and with my life. Want to help me?
---
The band has finished their set and my beer is gone. Time to trek back up the hill. While this somehow ended on a depressing note, today really was a good day.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
I need to work on this (post #100!)
Harold, everyone has the right to make an ass out of themselves. You can't let the world judge you too much.
Maude, in Harold and Maude
Saturday, December 08, 2007
1 Week In
I got here on Sunday. Now it's Saturday night. I have been in Israel 1 week. On the one hand it feels like I just arrived, at the same time its as though I've been here forever. I won't to go to Jordan soon - I want to visit with people, but an argila, eat dajaj mahshi at al quds, hummos at hashem and falafel at alquds cafeteria. But when I came in on Sunday I was detained for a while by the Shabaq - no explanation. Not many questions. But just the fact that I had to go to the waiting area puts me off international travel for a while. At least until I have this whole work/visa thing sorted. Hopefully I won't have any trouble getting in and out of Ramallah tomorrow.
---
Today I am in my home away from home away from home where I spent much of last summer - the library at Hebrew University. When I first arrived in April/May the students were striking a potential raise of fees, so the library was very quiet. Now the professors are striking because their salaries are so low, so the library is very quiet. I don't mind. Why are there cats wandering around the cafes? And why do people keep leaving the doors to outside open. Its COLD. And people keep asking me for directions. I guess its good that I blend.
---
Hanukkah in the city. There are times when I question this place and they way they do things, but I really like the holiday atmosphere here. No, not Christmas. Our festival of lights. And potatoes fried in oil. And donuts. Growing up in the states we always lit a hanukiah inside and put it in the window. Here people take the rules more seriously and put them outside in glass boxes. Its amazing to ride the bus around religious neighborhoods and see dozens of candelabras sitting outside. I need to wander around my neighborhood and take pictures tonight.
---
This weekend was a mix of great and not so great. I chose not to do shabbat,but to network instead. Strange combinations of people - from summer camp and from Jerusalem in 2004 and from Amman and from grad school - all together in the same East Jerusalem bar. Dancing and drinking away the pressure of life here. I've always wanted overlap. This is going to take some time to get used to. Saturday I stayed home and read the paper and slept, not leaving the house until after 7. Coffee at 9om is not a good idea. I kind of wish I hadn't left the house at all.
--
Tomorrow I sign a lease until August. I have never signed anything for more than 6 months. Things have not been going according to plan, but I am not so scared to sign tomorrow. I am here. This is happening. I will make new friends. I will find a job. This is just the beginning of something new. It's not out of nowhere - I have been working towards this for some time now. I just need to open myself and be ready.
---
Today I am in my home away from home away from home where I spent much of last summer - the library at Hebrew University. When I first arrived in April/May the students were striking a potential raise of fees, so the library was very quiet. Now the professors are striking because their salaries are so low, so the library is very quiet. I don't mind. Why are there cats wandering around the cafes? And why do people keep leaving the doors to outside open. Its COLD. And people keep asking me for directions. I guess its good that I blend.
---
Hanukkah in the city. There are times when I question this place and they way they do things, but I really like the holiday atmosphere here. No, not Christmas. Our festival of lights. And potatoes fried in oil. And donuts. Growing up in the states we always lit a hanukiah inside and put it in the window. Here people take the rules more seriously and put them outside in glass boxes. Its amazing to ride the bus around religious neighborhoods and see dozens of candelabras sitting outside. I need to wander around my neighborhood and take pictures tonight.
---
This weekend was a mix of great and not so great. I chose not to do shabbat,but to network instead. Strange combinations of people - from summer camp and from Jerusalem in 2004 and from Amman and from grad school - all together in the same East Jerusalem bar. Dancing and drinking away the pressure of life here. I've always wanted overlap. This is going to take some time to get used to. Saturday I stayed home and read the paper and slept, not leaving the house until after 7. Coffee at 9om is not a good idea. I kind of wish I hadn't left the house at all.
--
Tomorrow I sign a lease until August. I have never signed anything for more than 6 months. Things have not been going according to plan, but I am not so scared to sign tomorrow. I am here. This is happening. I will make new friends. I will find a job. This is just the beginning of something new. It's not out of nowhere - I have been working towards this for some time now. I just need to open myself and be ready.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
The beginning of the end.
Last night there was hail storm in Jerusalem, in the midst of a heavy rain with thunder and lightning. Tuesday I experienced a small earthquake in Ein Gedi. Last month I experienced a tornado in Majorca. What's next?
The next couple of weeks are going to be filled with quality time sitting around airports, train stations, and bus stops. 4 countries in 3 days (two done today). Then "real life" starts. I am starting to get more and more excited. Hopefully the scary part it over now. At least for a while now.
The next couple of weeks are going to be filled with quality time sitting around airports, train stations, and bus stops. 4 countries in 3 days (two done today). Then "real life" starts. I am starting to get more and more excited. Hopefully the scary part it over now. At least for a while now.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Just thinking...
(my new "street", sideways for some reason)
...seems like things keep getting better everyday. This is really happening. I am really going to live here. It may not be a mistake, after all. For the first time in a while - Yay.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
On public transport
London has spoiled me. I have grown tired of its girth and anonymity, but it is huge and there all always new neighborhoods to explore. After only 24 hours I am feeling the opposite in Jerusalem - there are only so many places to go where you constantly run into the same of people. I am being negative and pessimistic, at a time when my life is full of promise and possibility. I need to get rid of this "grass-is-greener" syndrome, and be open to new things and new opportunities. It's old and familiar, but I am really scared and don't know how to articulate this. I want to make a commitment. I want to be here. I've wanted to do this for a long time now. I don't want to be afraid anymore.
---
Public Service Announcement to the people who ride the 3, 16, 59, 133, and 159 buses in central London:
---
The ride from the airport was slightly appalling. I couldn't help but think about a friend in Jordan who was born in Lod, but left when he was a child. A number of years ago he got a visa to Israel and came to visit his childhood home. He could see it but was not allowed near it, because his home was now in the "security" area around the airport.
There is not much traffic at 5:30 am. The sherut was moving very fast as the sun came up.
I noticed a chain-link fence along the side of the road. Then some Arab houses with black water tanks on their flat roofs. Lots of men standing by the side of the road, like migrants workers waiting for a construction job, but they were in their OWN country, or at least what was once their country...
Then came a bigger wall with a nice stone decoration near the top. It was almost 'pretty', like the wall being built along the road to Hebron, not like the cement monstrosity around Ramallah or Bethlehem. The wall running near the houses suddenly turns and stops. On the other side? Half a dozen houses with red roofs. With special access roads and overpasses. None of the Arab areas we passed had that.
Around 6am we reached a settlement just north of Beit Iksah where the first passengers were dropped off. The sherut then made its way to the center of the city, to my new apartment, to my new life.
---
Public Service Announcement to the people who ride the 3, 16, 59, 133, and 159 buses in central London:
The bus is not your bedroom. Please do not snog quietly in the in the front, make out loudly in the back, or shout across the aisle at each other if your relationship is in trouble. The bus is not you bathroom. Please do not cut your nails leaving the scraps on the floor, pluck hairs from your chin, or spit on the floor after a coughing fit. The bus is not your kitchen. Please do not dump chicken bones and yogurt containers on the floor, or leave your empty beer bottles to roll around, then fall down the stairs. /end of rant
---
The ride from the airport was slightly appalling. I couldn't help but think about a friend in Jordan who was born in Lod, but left when he was a child. A number of years ago he got a visa to Israel and came to visit his childhood home. He could see it but was not allowed near it, because his home was now in the "security" area around the airport.
There is not much traffic at 5:30 am. The sherut was moving very fast as the sun came up.
I noticed a chain-link fence along the side of the road. Then some Arab houses with black water tanks on their flat roofs. Lots of men standing by the side of the road, like migrants workers waiting for a construction job, but they were in their OWN country, or at least what was once their country...
Then came a bigger wall with a nice stone decoration near the top. It was almost 'pretty', like the wall being built along the road to Hebron, not like the cement monstrosity around Ramallah or Bethlehem. The wall running near the houses suddenly turns and stops. On the other side? Half a dozen houses with red roofs. With special access roads and overpasses. None of the Arab areas we passed had that.
Around 6am we reached a settlement just north of Beit Iksah where the first passengers were dropped off. The sherut then made its way to the center of the city, to my new apartment, to my new life.
Friday, November 02, 2007
Jordanian movies
The arts are expanding rapidly in Jordan. In addition to the National gallery and Darat al Fanun there are many art galleries popping up around Jebel Weibda and Jebel Amman. There are concerts in Roman ruins - in Amman in the amphitheater downtown and on the castle on the hill. Ever year thousands of visitors flock to Jerash to enjoy local music and dance from Jordan, the region, and the entire world. The Royal Cultural Center and King Hussein Cultural Center host movie and theater festivals. Many embassies have week long celebrations with music and film. Coffee shops occasionally have live bands. Tiesto had a concert in mini Petra. Who knows what else will come.
I went to see this movie 2 years ago, as part of a film festival. I think it's even funnier now that I have had some distance. You don't need to understand the Arabic to enjoy.
I went to see this movie 2 years ago, as part of a film festival. I think it's even funnier now that I have had some distance. You don't need to understand the Arabic to enjoy.
Monday, October 29, 2007
España!
Since one of the people who actually looks at this requested posts from friends, I am cheating by posting her pictures. Photo credits go to the Social Scientist, since I was too lazy to carry my camera. These are some pics from the very European wedding of Davina and Joe-Joe the rabbit in Majorca/Mallorca.
Wandering through town.
After the ceremony, at the reception.
Fun on the beach, holding the sun.
Game 4 is tonight - Go Red Sox!
I will reflect on life the another time...
Wandering through town.
After the ceremony, at the reception.
Fun on the beach, holding the sun.
Game 4 is tonight - Go Red Sox!
I will reflect on life the another time...
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Long overdue
I have not written in over a month. Not a big deal because I have gone 3 or 4 months without writing, but that has usually been because I am too busy to write. Now I have too much free time and feel like I have nothing exciting to write about.
That's not to say I have been sitting around since August 30 doing nothing - I went to the states for a week to see family, and went to Spain for a week for a fabulous wedding, and have had some kind of lingering cold/allergies since mid September. I am ready to be healthy and fun again.
I have basically given up on the idea of temping in London. It has taken an extremely long time to register with agencies, and even after interviewing they want references from the University of Jordan or an employer who has known me over 3 years. I just don't have the patience for it. Plus I should be dedicating more time to emailing and networking and resume editing. This whole job search thing is not a fun process, but I think it will be my primary activity for the next few months. I am breaking up the days by being a tourist and going to movies and on walking tours. And writing emails in cafes instead of staying home all day.
I hope to also become more domestic. Yesterday I made soup, which had flavor, for a change.
American are funny. Friday night I celebrated Shabbat Boston style: by watching the Red Sox. Because of the time difference the game did not start until midnight. I was out and about during the day, got home around 9, made some food, then headed out at 11:30. It was being shown in the Sports Cafe in Picadilly Circus, and somewhat knew what to expect, since friends had gone dancing there on the weekend in the past. But I didn't know how it would work to watch a game. Some observations:
-loud Brazilian (Portuguese?) band, doing bad GreenDay covers.
-American men with beer bellies, intentionally purchasing Miller Light. In bottles. Why?
-loud club music, including the 'Gasolina' song that often played at my internet cafe in Amman, and 'put your hands up for detroit'
-high fives, hugs, fist knocking, and punches in the air
-standing in solidarity with the Fenway fans during a full count
-NFL commercials
-beers and cocktails
-getting hit on by a sleazy local with really bad breath, being saved by a 400lb man from
Weymouth.
-Boston accents
-taking the night bus home at 3am...
I am enjoying it here, but it is also tiring. Endless bus rides. Expensive everything. Lots of people living on the street. Too many tourists. It's easy to just hide inside all day and not deal with the outside world, since I have nothing to do, anyway. But I need to enjoy this time, without real commitments or structure, since it will all end in about a month, and then I will have to face a new reality in a new city in a new country.
That's not to say I have been sitting around since August 30 doing nothing - I went to the states for a week to see family, and went to Spain for a week for a fabulous wedding, and have had some kind of lingering cold/allergies since mid September. I am ready to be healthy and fun again.
I have basically given up on the idea of temping in London. It has taken an extremely long time to register with agencies, and even after interviewing they want references from the University of Jordan or an employer who has known me over 3 years. I just don't have the patience for it. Plus I should be dedicating more time to emailing and networking and resume editing. This whole job search thing is not a fun process, but I think it will be my primary activity for the next few months. I am breaking up the days by being a tourist and going to movies and on walking tours. And writing emails in cafes instead of staying home all day.
I hope to also become more domestic. Yesterday I made soup, which had flavor, for a change.
American are funny. Friday night I celebrated Shabbat Boston style: by watching the Red Sox. Because of the time difference the game did not start until midnight. I was out and about during the day, got home around 9, made some food, then headed out at 11:30. It was being shown in the Sports Cafe in Picadilly Circus, and somewhat knew what to expect, since friends had gone dancing there on the weekend in the past. But I didn't know how it would work to watch a game. Some observations:
-loud Brazilian (Portuguese?) band, doing bad GreenDay covers.
-American men with beer bellies, intentionally purchasing Miller Light. In bottles. Why?
-loud club music, including the 'Gasolina' song that often played at my internet cafe in Amman, and 'put your hands up for detroit'
-high fives, hugs, fist knocking, and punches in the air
-standing in solidarity with the Fenway fans during a full count
-NFL commercials
-beers and cocktails
-getting hit on by a sleazy local with really bad breath, being saved by a 400lb man from
Weymouth.
-Boston accents
-taking the night bus home at 3am...
I am enjoying it here, but it is also tiring. Endless bus rides. Expensive everything. Lots of people living on the street. Too many tourists. It's easy to just hide inside all day and not deal with the outside world, since I have nothing to do, anyway. But I need to enjoy this time, without real commitments or structure, since it will all end in about a month, and then I will have to face a new reality in a new city in a new country.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Monday, September 03, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
PARK(ing) Day
BRILLIANT!
http://www.rebargroup.org/projects/parkingday/trailer/
http://www.parkingday.org/
http://www.rebargroup.org/projects/parkingday/trailer/
http://www.parkingday.org/
