You know, I don't get it. Since when are you not allowed to ask a Chinese man where a Chinese restaurant is? I mean, aren't we getting a little too sensitive here? If someone asks me, "which direction is Israel," I don't go flying off the handle.

-Jerry Seinfeld


Thursday, January 04, 2007

Let it sheleg, let it sheleg, let it sheleg

Happy New Year! I hope everyone rang it in with lots of friends, family, and adult beverages. December 31-January 1 isn't nearly as big a big deal here in Israel as it is in the States, or for that matter most every other place on Earth. People party here on New Year's Eve, but let's just say Carson Daly won't be in Tel Aviv next year to ring in 2008.

I didn't do very much of anything this New Year's. I've been pretty sick the last few weeks, so I decided not to risk it and go all-out. Besides, in catching up on my American gossip, it appears this crack-whore drank enough for the both of us.


Riiiiiiiiiiight


Anyways, the big news here in Jerusalem is the snow storm that hit here last week. Yea, that's right, snow storm. Jerusalem got snow before NYC did. How's that for holier than thou?

The day of the storm I was so sick and coked-out on medicine that when I woke up, looked outside and saw nothing but white, I couldn't help but think: "Damn it. I'm heading towards the white light. And I didn't even get to go to Dinosaur BBQ on last time before I died." It was a pretty weird and surreal experience. First of all, because I was sick and imagining things. And second, who expects to see snow in Jerusalem? So I'm sure you can understand my confusion.

At any rate, I didn't get to go out and play. Mostly because I was sick. And also because I'm 28 years old. But had I been healthier, I would really have thought about it. They say 28 is the new 12, so it only would have made sense for me to be out there frolicking. Pics:



A normal Jerusalem evening sky. Before the snow hit.



When's the last time you saw a snow-covered palm tree?



There aren't many Jeeps in Jeru, but this one came in handy.



Frosty Goldenbergsteinovitz, the Jewish snowman.



The Student Village, our snowy paradise.

So now that I've survived snow in the Middle East, I'm not quite sure what else there is to see here. I mean, I live 20 minutes outside of a desert for cripes sake. I think I'm probably one biblical-sized flood away from seeing it all.

Anyways, I'm also quite happy to report that I'll be coming home in less than a month. I could use a break from studying. And not a moment too soon 'cause I am in desperate need of some Mexican food. The closest thing Israel has to a burrito is chow mein. Not exactly the same thing.

So for now, Happy New Year and enjoy the balmy U.S. weather. Unless you live in Denver. Then...uhhh...sorry about all the snow.

-E