Since the sun came out and the horizontal rain and hail that stung my skin because the wind was whipping so hard, life is looking up in Haifa. The 'hood doesn't seem
quite as terrible when the sun shines and I am finding alone time outside... Usually while I study Hebrew on the beach. The whole concept of such warmth in February is brilliant, in my opinion, but I think Israelis are a bit perplexed. Today it must be around 65 or 70 degrees so I walked out of my apartment in yoga pants and a tank top. When I stopped at a kiosk to pick up a bottle of water I received the most appalling looks and was accosted by the clerk who told me that I must be cold. Now, I'm pretty sure that someone cannot tell me that I am cold, but that's neither here nor there. Everyone on the beach right now is in a winter coat as I prance around in gear for late spring. I'm not sure if it is because compared my winters at home this is so warm or people here think that just because it is February one must be dressed for winter. Either way, things are looking up.
Last Shabbat I spent the evening with my friend and treasure Amir, one of the warmest hearts and loving people I have met. He took me to his family's house for Shabbat dinner, my first Moroccan familial experience which entailed lots of food, and lots and lots of love. The intense adoration around the dinner table reminded me so much of home that I couldn't figure out if I felt a twinge of homesickness or just extreme happiness for them
and to be a part of it. His aunt placed plate after plate of food in front of me, which I later found out was because Amir kept secretly telling her to bring me the next round. I instantly felt at home with his family and found myself cackling (you might know what I'm talking about) within minutes and had his family rolling in tears at my boisterous laugh. Danielle, his little sister who spoke to me in only Hebrew, told me about all of the pets she has and we bonded as fellow animal lovers. She also tried to convince me that she knows some English because she can sing a song or two from the radio. I hope that I offer a tidbit of the warmth and comfort that Amir's family offered me when I interact with people who need it.
The same weekend, Otzmanikim came from all over the country to spend the weekend with us in Haifa. People filled both the boys' and the girls' apartments and slept everywhere... doubled up in beds, on the floor... everywhere. It was the best slumber party I've been to/hosted in quite a while. A Shabbat full of good company, good stories and games. Saturday afternoon we cut up kilo upon kilo of fresh veggies, sliced fresh pita, packed salads, melons and rugelah and spent the day picnicking on the beach. Relaxing, rejuvenating ourselves and enjoying good company.
Since the sun came out and the horizontal rain and hail that stung my skin because the wind was whipping so hard, life is looking up in Haifa. The 'hood doesn't seem quite as terrible when the sun shines and I am finding alone time outside... Usually while I study Hebrew on the beach. The whole concept of such warmth in February is brilliant, in my opinion, but I think Israelis are a bit perplexed. Today it must be around 65 or 70 degrees so I walked out of my apartment in yoga pants and a tank top. When I stopped at a kiosk to pick up a bottle of water I received the most appalling looks and was accosted by the clerk who told me that I must be cold. Now, I'm pretty sure that someone cannot tell me that I am cold, but that's neither here nor there. Everyone on the beach right now is in a winter coat as I prance around in gear for late spring. I'm not sure if it is because compared my winters at home this is so warm or people here think that just because it is February one must be dressed for winter. Either way, things are looking up.
Last Shabbat I spent the evening with my friend and treasure Amir, one of the warmest hearts and loving people I have met. He took me to his family's house for Shabbat dinner, my first Moroccan familial experience which entailed lots of food, and lots and lots of love. The intense adoration around the dinner table reminded me so much of home that I couldn't figure out if I felt a twinge of homesickness or just extreme happiness for them and to be a part of it. His aunt placed plate after plate of food in front of me, which I later found out was because Amir kept secretly telling her to bring me the next round. I instantly felt at home with his family and found myself cackling (you might know what I'm talking about) within minutes and had his family rolling in tears at my boisterous laugh. Danielle, his little sister who spoke to me in only Hebrew, told me about all of the pets she has and we bonded as fellow animal lovers. She also tried to convince me that she knows some English because she can sing a song or two from the radio. I hope that I offer a tidbit of the warmth and comfort that Amir's family offered me when I interact with people who need it.
The same weekend, Otzmanikim came from all over the country to spend the weekend with us in Haifa. People filled both the boys' and the girls' apartments and slept everywhere... doubled up in beds, on the floor... everywhere. It was the best slumber party I've been to/hosted in quite a while. A Shabbat full of good company, good stories and games. Saturday afternoon we cut up kilo upon kilo of fresh veggies, sliced fresh pita, packed salads, melons and rugelah and spent the day picnicking on the beach. Relaxing, rejuvenating ourselves and enjoying good company.
1 comment:
Sharon, as always your blogs bring sun into my day and tears to my eyes. Love always, Dad
Post a Comment