Israel for Beginners

Israelis are notorious for pushing and shoving and disregarding lines. It does make many outings stressful and puts us Americans in a bind. Do we let everyone push ahead of us and maintain our good manners but as a result, become "frayers" (i.e., suckers - the biggest insult for an Israeli) or do we become part of the masses and one day resent who we have become? In some areas of the country this issue has abated due to the presence of many Anglos. Here, in Raanana, for example, lines at the local coffee shops such as Aroma are fairly orderly and respected. There is one area of life here where a system has been implemented to compensate for Israeli behavior. Unlike America, a movie ticket in Israel corresponds to a specific seat. Of course, there are times when someone sits in an another's assigned seat and a heated argument results. And there can be absurd situations where four people sit right next to each other in an empty theater. But generally the system works.

It has been two days since my last post but I have been so busy. Yesterday we did a really fun thing. We went to Caesarea for movie night. Every summer Caesarea sponsors movies among the ruins in the Caesarea harbor. This year the theme is Alfred Hitchcock movies. A different one of his films will be shown for the next three consecutive Wednesday nights; last night's showing was Psycho. Doors open at seven, the movie is shown at nine and entrance fee is twenty-five shekels. There are about one thousand seats - first come, first serve seating. We got there at seven but there were plenty of seats even at nine. In any case there is plenty to keep you busy if you arrive early like we did. The promenade is set up with food booths and "tzochke" booths. One tip - bring a blanket or something similar if you want to reserve your chair and just walk around a bit. Caesarea movie night - *6559

There is good and bad in Israel. Unfortunately one of the bad things here is the prevalence of lice. Unlike America, where schools and camps have a zero tolerance, institutions allow children to roam freely with heads full of lice.  Almost every American goes through the same process regarding lice. First, Americans are disgusted by the fact that they have moved to a country that in many ways is still third world.  Then, someone in the family brings lice into the home.  The parents immediately run out and buy combs, lice treatments and other remedies and try to conquer the "enemy".  And, then, unfortunately, at some point the parents realize that they are facing a losing battle and give up. The cycle then continues. Our family basically underwent that process for the first three years that we lived here.  We would make half-hearted attempts when things really got out of control but that was the extent of it.  At a chance meeting, an American told me that she has one luxury li

Today we went to Deca - a fabulous fish restaurant in Tel Aviv. We have been there a few times already. The restaurant decor is very modern - a Soho feel. The food is very unique and delicious. The chef tries to utilize fish that are found in the region.  And the desserts are fabulous.  I recommend the fish falafel balls!  There are not many kosher dairy upscale restaurants in Tel Aviv and a good one at that!  As they say on Wall Street, a buy! Deca - 10 Hataasayah Street (Tel Aviv) - 03-562-9900