|
Happy Thanksgiving from Tel Aviv |
|
|
|
|
Written by Keith Rhoades
|
|
Wednesday, 22 November 2006 |
|
It's hard to believe it is Thanksgiving as it is just another work day here! I hope that you all have a nice holiday weekend and I'm thankful for all of you for touching my life somehow and for letting me take you on this journey. Well, I am in Tel Aviv....it is a "transition" back to the States.....They wear shorts and t-shirts here, mini skirts, Dolce and Gabana and when there is a price on an item you want to buy...that is the price..no haggling! Tel Aviv is very secular and western and is on the beaches of the Mediterranean. Thankfully I brought one pair of shorts which I can finally break out. On the other hand....Tel Aviv is a new city and there are no major historical things to see around here. I woke up this morning and walked about a mile to the bus station....this is the part of the trip I hate..Transitioning to another city. My backpack weighs a ton with all the stuff I have bought. So it was difficult getting to the bus station. Then when I get there...there is the strict security check. Most people have a bag or a purse..but I have this huge back pack with 15 compartments and it takes forever for security to check each nook and cranny and the people behind me get upset. I found the bus to Tel Aviv and it took about 45 minutes to get there. My hospitality club person did not work out...he had emailed me that he had the flu but I could call him when I got to Tel Aviv and he would help me. Unfortunately I did not write down his number. the station in Tel Aviv is 7 stories high and I couldn’t' find out how to get out of the building. I always hate arriving in a new city as I don't know where I am, where to go, how to get there. So I figured I would pick a hostel and have a cab drive me there. I got to the hostel and a single room was $40 but I could stay in a dorm for $9. Since it is the end of my trip and money is dwindling I opted for the dorm...they are nice..hold 6 people...I've stayed in ones a lot worse..plus it serves breakfast and is in a great location 2 blocks from the beach and in the heart of the nightlife. So I can't complain. After relaxing for a bit..I went and walked about the city for a bit to find out where stuff was and then had lunch. I'm going to take a nap for a while and then this evening....probably go to a club or something. Tomorrow is my last day and there really isn't anything here to see (historically, biblically, etc)...so if the weather is nice I will spend my last day at the beach..laying out and reading. Though I may go to the Yitzhak Rabin Center. Which by the way, I met a man yesterday from Florida...who left Israel 55 years ago and this was his first time returning as he wanted to go to Masada. He fought in the 1948 War of Independence for Israel and was telling me stories of what life was like pre 1948 Palestine. Very interesting. Also of interest...on of the people in my hostel is from Venice California! It's a small world after all..... I hope that this note finds you happy, healthy, and enjoying your holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!PeaceKeith
|
