Here's a short video of David and I inside Hezekiah's tunnel. Risky to use electronics down there because if you drop them, you drop them into six inches of water!!
!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Pictures speak louder than words
Thought I'd put up some shots in and around the Shuk to give you a better idea of what kinds of dainties are marketed there and who frequents the Shuk.
Friday, November 26, 2010
New Twist to Old Past time
Frisbee in sight of the Knesset. WHAT?! Who would have ever thunk! I've played frisbee within sight of the Israeli seat of government. It's funny because I've never really been excited to play sports within sight of the U.S. Capitol building, but the sentiment should probably be the same. Guess I'll have to work on that one...
I didn't realize though that frisbee, (REAL frisbee!) has plays, routes, and defensive strategies. R my mate from L's house invited me down to play frisbee on Sunday night from 8-10 PM. I guess I didn't pick up on the part about drills, sprints, and other exercises before we even started playing. It was definitely a time when I realized how out of shape I really was, but it was truly glorious to catch my 'second wind' and realize I wasn't too out of shape. A pair of cleats would have worked marvels for me because the ground was muddy and my feet couldn't grip very well. I still thoroughly enjoyed myself and learned some new things about an old game.
I didn't realize though that frisbee, (REAL frisbee!) has plays, routes, and defensive strategies. R my mate from L's house invited me down to play frisbee on Sunday night from 8-10 PM. I guess I didn't pick up on the part about drills, sprints, and other exercises before we even started playing. It was definitely a time when I realized how out of shape I really was, but it was truly glorious to catch my 'second wind' and realize I wasn't too out of shape. A pair of cleats would have worked marvels for me because the ground was muddy and my feet couldn't grip very well. I still thoroughly enjoyed myself and learned some new things about an old game.
Rollercoasting Bus No. 8!
This post has been bumping around in my brain for a while now. I don't have all the bugs worked out of it yet, but we'll see where it goes and have some fun with it.
"Ode to Bus 8":
Oh Bus 8, you are never late (sarcasm)
When I see your shine, I know you are mine
Though you lurch and careen,
I have never seen a more welcome sight coming round the corner.
Thus ends my attempt at an ode to 'Bus 8'. This amazing specimen of machine and might conveniently runs right in front of my apartment building and I have ridden it many times into Jerusalem. I'll have to admit, the thought of riding the bus here in Israel did not appeal very much to me. I had in my mind the horrific images and stories of years past when buses were targets for heinous crimes. I'm grateful to report that the reputation of the bus company has greatly improved since that time (helped in large part to a very large concrete structure that rises approximately 20 feet into the air...yeah, it's called a wall).
I've actually begun to enjoy riding the bus. It provides an excellent place to people watch, provided you have a good pair of sun-glasses that can hide your eyes. Once while riding I couldn't help but smile as I saw a boy, who couldn't be more than twelve years old, carry his two year old sister onto the bus, plop her into a seat and proceed to pay their fare. It was a cute moment (yep, I'm afraid I used the 'cute' word). I've also really been struck by the respect that is shown to women and older folks on bus 8. When the bus fills up, as it is wont to do, if a woman gets on and there are no seats available, the men will very easily get up as if it's no big deal (I don't mean they compete to give her their seat, but they respectfully yield their place to her). That speaks volumes to the societal system that is in place here and to the care and respect that women deserve. I can't say unequivocally that that would never happen in America because I've rarely ever ridden the public transportation in the U.S., but I doubt that it would be done with as much grace and class as I've seen it done over here. I do think that Americans have allowed their respect of women to be eroded over time and through different movements. I don't know, something about watching others yield their seat to their fairer counterpart, made me proud to be a guy and encourages me to make the same sacrifice when the time presents itself.
On the other extreme, I've seen bus drivers make a stop, pull ahead five feet to a red light and then refuse to admit another passenger as they hurry up to the door. That seems a bit overboard but then I consider what would happen if that took place every bus stop. There wouldn't be any need for an actual 'bus stop' if you could get on any time you wanted. This is just to say that not everyone over here is brimming with chivalrous attitudes and gallant deeds.
Buses and roller coasters......hmm what do they have in common? They both are a boatload of fun! I can't say as I've achieved the pinnacle of 'bus-roasting' as I'll call it, but I've definitely improved my technique while over here. The term 'sea-legs' comes to mind when I think about trying to ride a bus standing up. It pitches and rolls almost like a ship at sea and you can't entirely predict which way it will yaw next (perhaps a slight exaggeration, but not too far from the truth). The 'snakes' as I call them, are the worst. These are the longer buses with an airlock type structure in their middle. The other night while riding a 'snake' home I decided to sit nearer the back than I have in the past. Hmm, that might have been a bad idea as practically every time we hit a speed-bump (which for some reason they have installed every quarter mile or so in residential sections in Jerusalem) I was practically guaranteed to get air! Mind you, I was sitting down near the back and I had this experience. The driver must have been intent on finishing up his route as he went barreling along (it was around midnight...I think). That experience gave a whole new level to 'bus-roasting' here in Israel.
I find it of interest to note the different styles of getting around in different parts of the world (that I have experienced anyway). When I was in Europe, trains seem to be the main mode of transportation. While here in Israel, buses have become that M.O. In the U.S. cars are the way to go. Funny how your eyes are opened up to different things depending on what you travel to get to where you're going. Tata!
"Ode to Bus 8":
Oh Bus 8, you are never late (sarcasm)
When I see your shine, I know you are mine
Though you lurch and careen,
I have never seen a more welcome sight coming round the corner.
Thus ends my attempt at an ode to 'Bus 8'. This amazing specimen of machine and might conveniently runs right in front of my apartment building and I have ridden it many times into Jerusalem. I'll have to admit, the thought of riding the bus here in Israel did not appeal very much to me. I had in my mind the horrific images and stories of years past when buses were targets for heinous crimes. I'm grateful to report that the reputation of the bus company has greatly improved since that time (helped in large part to a very large concrete structure that rises approximately 20 feet into the air...yeah, it's called a wall).
I've actually begun to enjoy riding the bus. It provides an excellent place to people watch, provided you have a good pair of sun-glasses that can hide your eyes. Once while riding I couldn't help but smile as I saw a boy, who couldn't be more than twelve years old, carry his two year old sister onto the bus, plop her into a seat and proceed to pay their fare. It was a cute moment (yep, I'm afraid I used the 'cute' word). I've also really been struck by the respect that is shown to women and older folks on bus 8. When the bus fills up, as it is wont to do, if a woman gets on and there are no seats available, the men will very easily get up as if it's no big deal (I don't mean they compete to give her their seat, but they respectfully yield their place to her). That speaks volumes to the societal system that is in place here and to the care and respect that women deserve. I can't say unequivocally that that would never happen in America because I've rarely ever ridden the public transportation in the U.S., but I doubt that it would be done with as much grace and class as I've seen it done over here. I do think that Americans have allowed their respect of women to be eroded over time and through different movements. I don't know, something about watching others yield their seat to their fairer counterpart, made me proud to be a guy and encourages me to make the same sacrifice when the time presents itself.
On the other extreme, I've seen bus drivers make a stop, pull ahead five feet to a red light and then refuse to admit another passenger as they hurry up to the door. That seems a bit overboard but then I consider what would happen if that took place every bus stop. There wouldn't be any need for an actual 'bus stop' if you could get on any time you wanted. This is just to say that not everyone over here is brimming with chivalrous attitudes and gallant deeds.
Buses and roller coasters......hmm what do they have in common? They both are a boatload of fun! I can't say as I've achieved the pinnacle of 'bus-roasting' as I'll call it, but I've definitely improved my technique while over here. The term 'sea-legs' comes to mind when I think about trying to ride a bus standing up. It pitches and rolls almost like a ship at sea and you can't entirely predict which way it will yaw next (perhaps a slight exaggeration, but not too far from the truth). The 'snakes' as I call them, are the worst. These are the longer buses with an airlock type structure in their middle. The other night while riding a 'snake' home I decided to sit nearer the back than I have in the past. Hmm, that might have been a bad idea as practically every time we hit a speed-bump (which for some reason they have installed every quarter mile or so in residential sections in Jerusalem) I was practically guaranteed to get air! Mind you, I was sitting down near the back and I had this experience. The driver must have been intent on finishing up his route as he went barreling along (it was around midnight...I think). That experience gave a whole new level to 'bus-roasting' here in Israel.
I find it of interest to note the different styles of getting around in different parts of the world (that I have experienced anyway). When I was in Europe, trains seem to be the main mode of transportation. While here in Israel, buses have become that M.O. In the U.S. cars are the way to go. Funny how your eyes are opened up to different things depending on what you travel to get to where you're going. Tata!
Christmas in November
Christmas decorations in NOVEMBER?! Most exclamations of incredulity would be well justified but there is always an exception to every rule. In this case, that exception is Mr. L.L.'s house in Jerusalem, Israel. Mr. L is an extremely active public speaker and world traveler so when he comes home, naturally the masses follow too and make it extremely difficult and hectic to even consider decorating the house with Christmas cheer when he is in residence. So when Mr. L is away in North America the perfect opportunity presents itself for decorating his humble abode with all the gaiety of the holiday season. I'll have to admit though, it felt pretty strange setting up and decorating a Christmas tree on November 16th and most of the cheerful spirit normal to the decorating of a tree was severely lacking.
When I spoke of Mr. L's house as a 'humble abode' I'm afraid that was with a bit of sarcasm mixed in. It's not huge by any stretch of the imagination, but it is so crammed full of artifacts from ages past that antique dealers would find themselves in heaven were they to darken his door. In fact, while decorating I noticed a magnificent old grand-father clock in one of the corners. When I remarked on it, one of the guys I was helping mentioned that 'Oh yeah, that clock is older than U.S.A.' WHAT?! As it turns out the clock is somewhere around 350 years old. Gulp!!
Anyway, the fellows who stay and keep L company were tasked with decorating the house before L returned but not without a delicious twist. L loves his decorations so much that they have to be in exactly the same location every year! We're talking exact locations! 'No, oh just throw that Chinese lantern up there and let it dangle.' No, there are three specific Chinese lanterns in the corner of the living room and they all have to hang to a specific length. How on earth would you know what length it was last year to this year? I'll tell you, they have pictures of exactly how the decorations are to go. So when I got there to assist my mates I was handed an eight-an-a-half by eleven sheet of paper with four pictures on it illustrating for me exactly where the decorations went (and they had a whole stack of sheets with pictures on them). Oy vey! It was almost like putting a puzzle together, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
The other monstrosity was the Christmas tree. Holy toledo! That thing has more baubles, birds, beads, lights, pomegranates, candles, ornaments (both glass and straw), than you could ever imagine!! I'm sure I'm forgetting some ornaments on that thing too. It's a fake tree and is actually tied to a hook in the wall to prevent it from following Pisa's example (though this one would go in a much more rapid fashion than the one in Italy). I'm told that it did fall last year and made a royal mess. Absolutely no joke, that tree has easily over 125 decorations littering it's branches. It's beautiful, don't get me wrong, but it took a long time to decorate! Good thing it will be up until the middle of February. Hey why not? If you expend so much effort into decorating, why not let it sit for three months!!
The blokes who take care of L are a bundle of fun! I mostly spent time with R and N as we plugged away at the beautification of the living room (we even spilled over a little bit into the dining room). Both are from Britain and have sweet British accents. It was amazing, after talking with them for awhile, I found myself talking in a similar manner (nowhere near as well though). I was quite tickled because I've tried to talk with that accent before but without a good model of how it is actually done. As it turns out, I'm not as bad as I thought I was at speaking like a Brit. (note to readers.....don't bother asking me to speak like one...it's got to come out natural like...haha).
Thus ends my adventure of decorating for the Lord's birth well over a month in advance. I guess there really is something to waiting until a little closer to 'get into the spirit' of Christmas. Yeah, it's called AFTER Thanksgiving! Cheers!
When I spoke of Mr. L's house as a 'humble abode' I'm afraid that was with a bit of sarcasm mixed in. It's not huge by any stretch of the imagination, but it is so crammed full of artifacts from ages past that antique dealers would find themselves in heaven were they to darken his door. In fact, while decorating I noticed a magnificent old grand-father clock in one of the corners. When I remarked on it, one of the guys I was helping mentioned that 'Oh yeah, that clock is older than U.S.A.' WHAT?! As it turns out the clock is somewhere around 350 years old. Gulp!!
Anyway, the fellows who stay and keep L company were tasked with decorating the house before L returned but not without a delicious twist. L loves his decorations so much that they have to be in exactly the same location every year! We're talking exact locations! 'No, oh just throw that Chinese lantern up there and let it dangle.' No, there are three specific Chinese lanterns in the corner of the living room and they all have to hang to a specific length. How on earth would you know what length it was last year to this year? I'll tell you, they have pictures of exactly how the decorations are to go. So when I got there to assist my mates I was handed an eight-an-a-half by eleven sheet of paper with four pictures on it illustrating for me exactly where the decorations went (and they had a whole stack of sheets with pictures on them). Oy vey! It was almost like putting a puzzle together, but I thoroughly enjoyed myself.
The other monstrosity was the Christmas tree. Holy toledo! That thing has more baubles, birds, beads, lights, pomegranates, candles, ornaments (both glass and straw), than you could ever imagine!! I'm sure I'm forgetting some ornaments on that thing too. It's a fake tree and is actually tied to a hook in the wall to prevent it from following Pisa's example (though this one would go in a much more rapid fashion than the one in Italy). I'm told that it did fall last year and made a royal mess. Absolutely no joke, that tree has easily over 125 decorations littering it's branches. It's beautiful, don't get me wrong, but it took a long time to decorate! Good thing it will be up until the middle of February. Hey why not? If you expend so much effort into decorating, why not let it sit for three months!!
The blokes who take care of L are a bundle of fun! I mostly spent time with R and N as we plugged away at the beautification of the living room (we even spilled over a little bit into the dining room). Both are from Britain and have sweet British accents. It was amazing, after talking with them for awhile, I found myself talking in a similar manner (nowhere near as well though). I was quite tickled because I've tried to talk with that accent before but without a good model of how it is actually done. As it turns out, I'm not as bad as I thought I was at speaking like a Brit. (note to readers.....don't bother asking me to speak like one...it's got to come out natural like...haha).
Thus ends my adventure of decorating for the Lord's birth well over a month in advance. I guess there really is something to waiting until a little closer to 'get into the spirit' of Christmas. Yeah, it's called AFTER Thanksgiving! Cheers!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Tanks Ahoy!
(spoiler alert...guys may appreciate this post more than girls due to it's extensive metal content)I never realized how many things tanks could be used for! I had thought they were simply hunks of metal that shot large shells long distances, but I had my assumptions corrected after visiting the Armored Corp. museum and memorial in Latrun, Israel (about 160 tanks there). The trip was a birthday present on Monday for D.A. who turned sixteen and boy did he enjoy himself (and so did I and Mr. A).
Everything from troop transport to engineering, tanks provide the back-bone for the Israeli military. It was fascinating to see tanks whose sole purpose was to deploy a steel bridge over a river (or whatever else stands in their way). I espied one tank whose only job consisted of acting as a staging platform for other tanks and military things to be assembled on. Did you know there are tanks that are rocket launchers? Fascinating! Tanks are even used for plowing! haha. Can you imagine paying to have your snow removed by a tank?
"Hey Ma, could you stop the vacuum cleaner from making so much noise? I'm trying to watch tv here!"
"No, honey sorry. That's the tank outside bull dozing your snow fort."
"WHAT?!"
"Yeah, they cut us an extra special price, so I figured hey, why not employ a tank instead of a truck to clean up the snow this year."
"But I worked so hard on that thing Ma..."
"Sorry honey...." (evil grin)
(Maybe I should go into the business of Calvin & Hobbes imitation comics...just kidding).
Course they also pack some serious fire-power with heavy machine guns and their cannons. They literally are the modern day cannon...except they have tracks that allow them to be mobile and extremely dangerous! Israel as a nation is able to construct their own tanks by themselves! Now think about that for a second. A country the size of New Jersey and they can build their own tanks? Very dangerous (I wouldn't even trust NJ with tanks....hahaha...just had to throw in a poke at the 'armpit of the East coast' as my NJ friends call their own state). Oh, by the way, they could call up and mobilize over a million men in less than forty-eight hours. But then again, when you're surrounded by nations that hate your guts, you've gotta always be prepared. We in America haven't had to experience this in quite the same way and for that I'm extremely grateful.
I loved Latrun and I was very glad to have my assumptions about tanks corrected. I've only begun to scratch the surface of how awesome the tank museum was. I'm so glad I had this opportunity!
(a video was supposed to be uploaded with this post, but I'm afraid pictures will have to suffice. If you'd ever like to see them just let me know)
Everything from troop transport to engineering, tanks provide the back-bone for the Israeli military. It was fascinating to see tanks whose sole purpose was to deploy a steel bridge over a river (or whatever else stands in their way). I espied one tank whose only job consisted of acting as a staging platform for other tanks and military things to be assembled on. Did you know there are tanks that are rocket launchers? Fascinating! Tanks are even used for plowing! haha. Can you imagine paying to have your snow removed by a tank?
"Hey Ma, could you stop the vacuum cleaner from making so much noise? I'm trying to watch tv here!"
"No, honey sorry. That's the tank outside bull dozing your snow fort."
"WHAT?!"
"Yeah, they cut us an extra special price, so I figured hey, why not employ a tank instead of a truck to clean up the snow this year."
"But I worked so hard on that thing Ma..."
"Sorry honey...." (evil grin)
(Maybe I should go into the business of Calvin & Hobbes imitation comics...just kidding).
Course they also pack some serious fire-power with heavy machine guns and their cannons. They literally are the modern day cannon...except they have tracks that allow them to be mobile and extremely dangerous! Israel as a nation is able to construct their own tanks by themselves! Now think about that for a second. A country the size of New Jersey and they can build their own tanks? Very dangerous (I wouldn't even trust NJ with tanks....hahaha...just had to throw in a poke at the 'armpit of the East coast' as my NJ friends call their own state). Oh, by the way, they could call up and mobilize over a million men in less than forty-eight hours. But then again, when you're surrounded by nations that hate your guts, you've gotta always be prepared. We in America haven't had to experience this in quite the same way and for that I'm extremely grateful.
I loved Latrun and I was very glad to have my assumptions about tanks corrected. I've only begun to scratch the surface of how awesome the tank museum was. I'm so glad I had this opportunity!
(a video was supposed to be uploaded with this post, but I'm afraid pictures will have to suffice. If you'd ever like to see them just let me know)
Friday, November 12, 2010
Adventures of a Wanderer in Jerusalem
Today is Friday. 'Well duh', some might say, but here in Israel that day takes on a whole new meaning. It's actually a double meaning because it is the muslims holy day and it is the beginning of Shabbat for the Jews. Shabbat is something near and dear to my heart as I've observed the sabbath all my life. There's something special about observing a day that you know is special to the Lord. I find it refreshing, invigorating, and an absolute life-saver. Many a time I've dragged myself through the week with nought but the sabbath to keep me going. So, with the arrival of Friday, I'd decided earlier this week that I wanted to begin the sabbath down at the Western Wall with my Jewish compatriots, and so I set off via bus for the W.W. and the Old City.
Unfortunately, because the Jews don't really appreciate lots of cameras in the secluded area of the W.W., I had to resort to an overlook above the W.W. from which to watch and take my photos. My fortune couldn't have been greater!! Arriving there before sundown, which is when Shabbat begins, I was a bit dismayed to see the railing filled with tourists and others desiring to take pictures of the wall. But a kind Texan welcomed me beside her by beckoning me up to the rail after she noticed me patiently waiting; I wasn't about to give up that position for the next hour+ of time.
Soon after the group from Texas vacated the look-out who should appear but 40+ Israeli Air Force men and women in their khaki uniforms! The Air Force khaki distinguishes this branch of the military from the Olive Green clad IDF (Israeli Defense Force...their normal military which is equivalent to our Army), but who would have thunk that the Air Force carry automatic weapons?! (Alright so that was a bit of a facetious comment as I know every branch of the military needs to carry weapons while on the ground, but I did think it amusing and a tad bit ironic). As excited as I was to share my perch with this group, I was even more over-joyed by the next group that followed the Air Force.
YESHIVA STUDENTS! I have no idea what age group this dynamic is made up of, but guessing from the looks of them, most of them were in high school and some in college. A whole big group of them (gestimated 30-50) poured into the look-out and took up residence. This was to be their prayer and singing location before approaching the Wall itself. I was overjoyed as I was treated to a full demonstration of their prayers, singing, and dancing. (At the end of the blog post I'm going to attach a short clip of them singing and dancing.) Their singing made my heart soar! I'm looking forward to the day when they'll know their true Savior King Jesus, and they'll sing with the same amount of energy and enthusiasm! This was definitely an adventure worth coming to Jerusalem for!
My final adventure was alas, not so joyous. I was walking up King David's Street, which is the walking thoroughfare through the middle of the Old City, headed towards Jaffa gate, when people started running down the street towards me. No joke, the people looked like waves rolling forwards amidst the harsh cry of "Jews!". I didn't know what was going on, but I decided I'd better step aside and not get entangled in any international incidents. At last the mob materialized into four or five Jews running down the street with a host of Arab shopkeepers giving chase. One of the Arabs had a hold of one of the Jews coats and was trying to slow him down. But the Jew tore free with his jacket intact and disappeared with his fellows down the street towards the Western Wall. Confused and wondering what had just happened, I continued on my way walking up the street, taking some pictures as I went. Near as I can tell as I passed by a couple shops that had some of their wares strewn about the street (and shopkeepers picking up after them), the Jews had decided to ransack the outside of a couple of shops on their way down to the Wall and then taken off running and the Arabs had come pounding after them like a swarm of hornets. I felt bad for the Arab shopkeepers and ashamed for those who, for whatever reason, perpetrated this unfortunate incident. But, nevertheless, it was an adventure worthy of noting.
Finally, I meandered outside the walls and enjoyed shooting night shots of the walls of Jerusalem (courtesy of D.A.'s small tripod, without which my shots would have been blurry). I really enjoy photography and this was an opportunity to make use of my hobby and make some memories for myself while on this trip. I then tramped home through the night and successfully survived the 2+ mile walk home, where I am writing this post. How thoughtful of me... :P Thus ends another day of adventures in Jerusalem.
Unfortunately, because the Jews don't really appreciate lots of cameras in the secluded area of the W.W., I had to resort to an overlook above the W.W. from which to watch and take my photos. My fortune couldn't have been greater!! Arriving there before sundown, which is when Shabbat begins, I was a bit dismayed to see the railing filled with tourists and others desiring to take pictures of the wall. But a kind Texan welcomed me beside her by beckoning me up to the rail after she noticed me patiently waiting; I wasn't about to give up that position for the next hour+ of time.
Soon after the group from Texas vacated the look-out who should appear but 40+ Israeli Air Force men and women in their khaki uniforms! The Air Force khaki distinguishes this branch of the military from the Olive Green clad IDF (Israeli Defense Force...their normal military which is equivalent to our Army), but who would have thunk that the Air Force carry automatic weapons?! (Alright so that was a bit of a facetious comment as I know every branch of the military needs to carry weapons while on the ground, but I did think it amusing and a tad bit ironic). As excited as I was to share my perch with this group, I was even more over-joyed by the next group that followed the Air Force.
YESHIVA STUDENTS! I have no idea what age group this dynamic is made up of, but guessing from the looks of them, most of them were in high school and some in college. A whole big group of them (gestimated 30-50) poured into the look-out and took up residence. This was to be their prayer and singing location before approaching the Wall itself. I was overjoyed as I was treated to a full demonstration of their prayers, singing, and dancing. (At the end of the blog post I'm going to attach a short clip of them singing and dancing.) Their singing made my heart soar! I'm looking forward to the day when they'll know their true Savior King Jesus, and they'll sing with the same amount of energy and enthusiasm! This was definitely an adventure worth coming to Jerusalem for!
My final adventure was alas, not so joyous. I was walking up King David's Street, which is the walking thoroughfare through the middle of the Old City, headed towards Jaffa gate, when people started running down the street towards me. No joke, the people looked like waves rolling forwards amidst the harsh cry of "Jews!". I didn't know what was going on, but I decided I'd better step aside and not get entangled in any international incidents. At last the mob materialized into four or five Jews running down the street with a host of Arab shopkeepers giving chase. One of the Arabs had a hold of one of the Jews coats and was trying to slow him down. But the Jew tore free with his jacket intact and disappeared with his fellows down the street towards the Western Wall. Confused and wondering what had just happened, I continued on my way walking up the street, taking some pictures as I went. Near as I can tell as I passed by a couple shops that had some of their wares strewn about the street (and shopkeepers picking up after them), the Jews had decided to ransack the outside of a couple of shops on their way down to the Wall and then taken off running and the Arabs had come pounding after them like a swarm of hornets. I felt bad for the Arab shopkeepers and ashamed for those who, for whatever reason, perpetrated this unfortunate incident. But, nevertheless, it was an adventure worthy of noting.
Finally, I meandered outside the walls and enjoyed shooting night shots of the walls of Jerusalem (courtesy of D.A.'s small tripod, without which my shots would have been blurry). I really enjoy photography and this was an opportunity to make use of my hobby and make some memories for myself while on this trip. I then tramped home through the night and successfully survived the 2+ mile walk home, where I am writing this post. How thoughtful of me... :P Thus ends another day of adventures in Jerusalem.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Storms?
"The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing." Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV)
This is a verse that has blessed me in the last several months. I was really seeking God during the Feast of Harvest and noticed this verse in flipping through my bible(s). One of the most enjoyable things I've found is transferring truth from one Bible to another. You know, when you've written some key insight or note in one Bible and then when you've grabbed your 'other' Bible on the way out the door and discover you haven't underlined the same passage...? For me, I want to emphasize all the lessons I've learned in whatever Bible I'm using. Some would tell me to consolidate it all down into one Bible, but I'm afraid I'm not going to do that. One of my texts I've purposefully dubbed my 'counseling Bible' because in it I have made extra effort to highlight and note scriptures that could benefit me in counseling situations (anger, lust, wisdom, etc.) that I might encounter and I don't want to cram all my notes and lessons JUST into one copy of the scriptures.
(chuckle) I realize that might sound a bit like an a oxymoron, but I don't think it really is. Anyway, the thought that God the Father would 'quiet me by his love' I found to be extremely comforting. Here in Israel there are storms and trials; in fact those storms are simply called life. In America we've gotten so accustomed to our 'to-do' lists that we forget what it is to simply live life. Sure, it's a blessing to get a lot of things done and cross them off our 'list' but that is not the end all by any means. When's the last time you simply lived life and were thankful God brought you safely to the grocery store and back? That's life, the little things. Take joy in the little things today my friends and enjoy the 'storms.' After all, the Master of Wind and Waves is with you in the boat and He'll never let you go down!
This is a verse that has blessed me in the last several months. I was really seeking God during the Feast of Harvest and noticed this verse in flipping through my bible(s). One of the most enjoyable things I've found is transferring truth from one Bible to another. You know, when you've written some key insight or note in one Bible and then when you've grabbed your 'other' Bible on the way out the door and discover you haven't underlined the same passage...? For me, I want to emphasize all the lessons I've learned in whatever Bible I'm using. Some would tell me to consolidate it all down into one Bible, but I'm afraid I'm not going to do that. One of my texts I've purposefully dubbed my 'counseling Bible' because in it I have made extra effort to highlight and note scriptures that could benefit me in counseling situations (anger, lust, wisdom, etc.) that I might encounter and I don't want to cram all my notes and lessons JUST into one copy of the scriptures.
(chuckle) I realize that might sound a bit like an a oxymoron, but I don't think it really is. Anyway, the thought that God the Father would 'quiet me by his love' I found to be extremely comforting. Here in Israel there are storms and trials; in fact those storms are simply called life. In America we've gotten so accustomed to our 'to-do' lists that we forget what it is to simply live life. Sure, it's a blessing to get a lot of things done and cross them off our 'list' but that is not the end all by any means. When's the last time you simply lived life and were thankful God brought you safely to the grocery store and back? That's life, the little things. Take joy in the little things today my friends and enjoy the 'storms.' After all, the Master of Wind and Waves is with you in the boat and He'll never let you go down!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Blessing & Differences
It sure is neat to witness God's blessing! I had a chance to witness that on Friday. But some background information is required, though since you know the story ends happily, your mind will be able to jump to the conclusion before I get there. Anyway, when Mr. A had gone with the movers to our storage facility in Bet Shemesh on Wednesday, he had a sheaf of papers with him in a plastic sleeve (contract and proof of this and that). Though none of the documents were completely irreplaceable, when he left that location and headed to set-up the gas line for the apartment here, which required at least one of those documents, they were nowhere to be found! He ransacked his backpack and we prayed here at the apartment that God would cause those papers to turn up. In our timing that would have taken place that same day, but God had something else in mind.
Fast forward to Friday and we were able to get the gas hooked up without those papers in that particular stack. Mr. and Mrs. A and I were on our way to Ramat Bet Shemesh to examine and possibly purchase a closet/wardrobe, which do not come standard over here. As we were going to be passing near the storage facility, Mr. A suggested we swing by and see if the papers had simply blown off the roof of the car or something like that. We traversed through the valley on narrow roads and as we rounded the corner to our storage facility we spied something on the ground. None other than our missing plastic sleeve of papers! God had answered our prayers, though not in our own timing. It was a great blessing and relief to have them back!
Ahem, now onto some differences here. (chuckle) There are many, but here are several I've noticed so far that either struck me as unusual, humorous, or cute. First all, they don't have closets over here. You either have to buy wardrobe's or hang your clothes on metal poles that mimic closet rods. I'm sure it saves on space and design since space is so limited over here, but it's just an example of something I guess I've taken for granted and I shouldn't.
Second, and I probably wouldn't have noticed this difference if it weren't for the fact that I sat in the car on the way back from Bet Shemesh while Mrs. A went into get some grcoeries, but the shopping carts go sideways! Yup, you read correctly. Instead of having those limiters on the wheels that only allow them to go straight (analogous to a horse with blinders on making it go straight and if it didn't it could get distracted to this side or that) they don't have them so the wheels spin free. I found it quite amusing to witness carts going sideways as their owners pushed them along. In some ways I'll bet the limiters are a good invention, but it was eye-opening to see the converse.
Finally, Shabbat flowers. Either I didn't witness this when I was here before, or had simply forgotten, but it is a custom for Jewish men to bring home flowers to their wives for Shabbat. So you will see by bus stops and at intersections little flower stands popping up, sometimes as early as Wednesday, in anticipation of Shabbat. Flowers are relatively inexpensive over here and they provide color and fragrance to the home. Traditions sometimes can be very beneficial and a great blessing! :)
Fast forward to Friday and we were able to get the gas hooked up without those papers in that particular stack. Mr. and Mrs. A and I were on our way to Ramat Bet Shemesh to examine and possibly purchase a closet/wardrobe, which do not come standard over here. As we were going to be passing near the storage facility, Mr. A suggested we swing by and see if the papers had simply blown off the roof of the car or something like that. We traversed through the valley on narrow roads and as we rounded the corner to our storage facility we spied something on the ground. None other than our missing plastic sleeve of papers! God had answered our prayers, though not in our own timing. It was a great blessing and relief to have them back!
Ahem, now onto some differences here. (chuckle) There are many, but here are several I've noticed so far that either struck me as unusual, humorous, or cute. First all, they don't have closets over here. You either have to buy wardrobe's or hang your clothes on metal poles that mimic closet rods. I'm sure it saves on space and design since space is so limited over here, but it's just an example of something I guess I've taken for granted and I shouldn't.
Second, and I probably wouldn't have noticed this difference if it weren't for the fact that I sat in the car on the way back from Bet Shemesh while Mrs. A went into get some grcoeries, but the shopping carts go sideways! Yup, you read correctly. Instead of having those limiters on the wheels that only allow them to go straight (analogous to a horse with blinders on making it go straight and if it didn't it could get distracted to this side or that) they don't have them so the wheels spin free. I found it quite amusing to witness carts going sideways as their owners pushed them along. In some ways I'll bet the limiters are a good invention, but it was eye-opening to see the converse.
Finally, Shabbat flowers. Either I didn't witness this when I was here before, or had simply forgotten, but it is a custom for Jewish men to bring home flowers to their wives for Shabbat. So you will see by bus stops and at intersections little flower stands popping up, sometimes as early as Wednesday, in anticipation of Shabbat. Flowers are relatively inexpensive over here and they provide color and fragrance to the home. Traditions sometimes can be very beneficial and a great blessing! :)
Friday, November 5, 2010
Memory Lane
The Shuk. Sometime, you should experience it for yourself. But until you get that opportunity, I'll try and describe it a little bit (and for those who have frequented that bustling and busy hive of activity you will know what I am trying to describe. Hopefully you won't look down on my meager attempt to bring some life to the trip I took yesterday to this produce wonderland).
For those desiring a short and sweet explanation of what the Shuk really is, I'll try and sum it up in a sentence (perhaps two). It's a market where a lot of fresh produce is sold (as well as some other odds and ends). Well there ya go. That's it in a sentence (I actually did hold it to merely one...not bad if I don't say so myself).
Now for those who desire a little bit more detail and description of where we go to purchase our fresh fruits and vegetables. I would almost describe it as being held in several alleys but without the dark and dank feel the word ally conjures up. It's well lit and covered over by opaque rounded plastic, but it isn't very wide. It's length is a long city block with several smaller side 'streets' that also hold vendors. Almost EVERY fruit and vegetable imaginable is sold in the Shuk (though the time and season does also dictate what you can find there)! Flat stands holding tomatoes, green beans, lettuce, potatoes, onions, fresh corn, squash, dates, raisins, granola, apples, bananas, pears, kiwis, and much much more (including olive oil, fish, turkey, beef, and head coverings) stretch the length of both sides of the Shuk. Behind each stand resides an Arabic or Jewish shopkeeper hawking their wares with great vim and vigor (let me tell you it can be a bit overwhelming if visited for the first time). Mrs. A explained that shopping there can be a bit exhausting, but the prices can be cheaper than the regular grocery store and the wares are extremely fresh (she bought flat bread that was still warm!). Wow! I almost forgot to round out the picture for you.
In addition to above, imagine people filling the aisles like waves that ebb and flow, walking up and down the aisles, picking over the best fruits, talking to the vendors, telling them what they want, asking how much for this or that. Older and younger Jewish women with their hair tied up in buns covered by scarves of various sedate colors, Jewish men ancient and young complete with their thick brimmed black hats, prayer tassels, and side-curls shopping for the family groceries. Secular Jews marked merely by their yarmulke along with Arabs and completely secular Israelis also bustle through the market shopping for their various needs. The differences in people there are endless! I can't believe I almost forgot to describe the most fascinating part of the Shuk. Each has a story and a life in this special land.
Other countries boast similar ways of buying produce, but the Shuk is an experience all it's own that everybody should enjoy at least once in their lives.
Here's a picture that I am very tactfully providing for your benefit after attempting to describe my shopping experience. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and though I haven't written one thousand words, I'll hope you enjoy!
For those desiring a short and sweet explanation of what the Shuk really is, I'll try and sum it up in a sentence (perhaps two). It's a market where a lot of fresh produce is sold (as well as some other odds and ends). Well there ya go. That's it in a sentence (I actually did hold it to merely one...not bad if I don't say so myself).
Now for those who desire a little bit more detail and description of where we go to purchase our fresh fruits and vegetables. I would almost describe it as being held in several alleys but without the dark and dank feel the word ally conjures up. It's well lit and covered over by opaque rounded plastic, but it isn't very wide. It's length is a long city block with several smaller side 'streets' that also hold vendors. Almost EVERY fruit and vegetable imaginable is sold in the Shuk (though the time and season does also dictate what you can find there)! Flat stands holding tomatoes, green beans, lettuce, potatoes, onions, fresh corn, squash, dates, raisins, granola, apples, bananas, pears, kiwis, and much much more (including olive oil, fish, turkey, beef, and head coverings) stretch the length of both sides of the Shuk. Behind each stand resides an Arabic or Jewish shopkeeper hawking their wares with great vim and vigor (let me tell you it can be a bit overwhelming if visited for the first time). Mrs. A explained that shopping there can be a bit exhausting, but the prices can be cheaper than the regular grocery store and the wares are extremely fresh (she bought flat bread that was still warm!). Wow! I almost forgot to round out the picture for you.
In addition to above, imagine people filling the aisles like waves that ebb and flow, walking up and down the aisles, picking over the best fruits, talking to the vendors, telling them what they want, asking how much for this or that. Older and younger Jewish women with their hair tied up in buns covered by scarves of various sedate colors, Jewish men ancient and young complete with their thick brimmed black hats, prayer tassels, and side-curls shopping for the family groceries. Secular Jews marked merely by their yarmulke along with Arabs and completely secular Israelis also bustle through the market shopping for their various needs. The differences in people there are endless! I can't believe I almost forgot to describe the most fascinating part of the Shuk. Each has a story and a life in this special land.
Other countries boast similar ways of buying produce, but the Shuk is an experience all it's own that everybody should enjoy at least once in their lives.
Here's a picture that I am very tactfully providing for your benefit after attempting to describe my shopping experience. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and though I haven't written one thousand words, I'll hope you enjoy!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Miraculous Break Down
Tada! Israel. Mhm, here I is (recovering from jet-sickness) but nevertheless sane and in my right mind. Thank the Lord for a smooth entrance into the country. I was stopped before getting to passport control and questioned, but provided satisfactory answers to the security guard who had stopped me. It was still a little nerve wracking, but I had a sense of peace throughout the whole process. After all, if God wanted me here, He'd clear the way.
I must say it sure was nice to see a smiling face in the form of Ms. L.A. once I had procured my duffel bag from the proverbial circling baggage claim (I wonder if such a thing as a different patterned baggage claim even exists...? Oh well). She had graciously come down to help me navigate my way via the Israeli bus system (I might have been able to figure out what was going on, but it was much nicer to have somebody else bearing that responsibility for me after my flight). It did turn out to be a bit of a challenge. First of all, we walked out of the airport on the wrong floor and found out that buses don't even depart from the third level of the pick-up area (note to anyone else coming over. The bus departs from the 2nd level of the parking pick-up area). Next, after waiting for the city bus that would take us out to the main route headed for Jerusalem, we wended our way around the airport for what seemed like ten minutes! It might have actually been that amount of time. L checked with that bus driver and he dropped us off at what he TOLD us was the correct pick-up point for bus 947 to Jerusalem. But for some strange reason, the bus sign did not have that numbered bus as one of its frequenters. So L became a little suspicious and finally asked an IDF soldier. He informed her that we were at the wrong place and pointed her to the right one. We were at the correct junction, but pointed the wrong direction.
Bus 947 took an eternity to come (it was most definitely late!) according to the schedule which it was supposed to be running on. Finally, to top it all off, on our way up the steep hills heading into Jerusalem, the bus broke down! It had pulled off at a stop before cresting the hill and heading down and it couldn't go any further. It started, but when the bus tried to engage in drive, it stalled and died. Wonder of wonders though it had miraculously stalled at the very stop we would have gotten off at if we were going to have walked to Moza Illit! God definitely knew what He was doing with that one. So L and I began trudging our way up and then down to the house with her parents coming along behind in their vehicle. We could have stopped and waited, but I figured we might as well walk as far as we could get before they picked us up. They did for the last half-a-mile or so and voila, we were there! I'm sorry this has been abysmal in it's descriptive quality, but I'm feeling more in descriptive mode than story mode. I'm sure you'll manage.
The evening held meeting of new friends, connecting via the internet with home, showering, eating, and finally making my way to bed about 8 p.m. All told it was a God blessed day and I'm safely in God's land!
I must say it sure was nice to see a smiling face in the form of Ms. L.A. once I had procured my duffel bag from the proverbial circling baggage claim (I wonder if such a thing as a different patterned baggage claim even exists...? Oh well). She had graciously come down to help me navigate my way via the Israeli bus system (I might have been able to figure out what was going on, but it was much nicer to have somebody else bearing that responsibility for me after my flight). It did turn out to be a bit of a challenge. First of all, we walked out of the airport on the wrong floor and found out that buses don't even depart from the third level of the pick-up area (note to anyone else coming over. The bus departs from the 2nd level of the parking pick-up area). Next, after waiting for the city bus that would take us out to the main route headed for Jerusalem, we wended our way around the airport for what seemed like ten minutes! It might have actually been that amount of time. L checked with that bus driver and he dropped us off at what he TOLD us was the correct pick-up point for bus 947 to Jerusalem. But for some strange reason, the bus sign did not have that numbered bus as one of its frequenters. So L became a little suspicious and finally asked an IDF soldier. He informed her that we were at the wrong place and pointed her to the right one. We were at the correct junction, but pointed the wrong direction.
Bus 947 took an eternity to come (it was most definitely late!) according to the schedule which it was supposed to be running on. Finally, to top it all off, on our way up the steep hills heading into Jerusalem, the bus broke down! It had pulled off at a stop before cresting the hill and heading down and it couldn't go any further. It started, but when the bus tried to engage in drive, it stalled and died. Wonder of wonders though it had miraculously stalled at the very stop we would have gotten off at if we were going to have walked to Moza Illit! God definitely knew what He was doing with that one. So L and I began trudging our way up and then down to the house with her parents coming along behind in their vehicle. We could have stopped and waited, but I figured we might as well walk as far as we could get before they picked us up. They did for the last half-a-mile or so and voila, we were there! I'm sorry this has been abysmal in it's descriptive quality, but I'm feeling more in descriptive mode than story mode. I'm sure you'll manage.
The evening held meeting of new friends, connecting via the internet with home, showering, eating, and finally making my way to bed about 8 p.m. All told it was a God blessed day and I'm safely in God's land!
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