The next day I was exhausted. I got up in time to catch breakfast but then went back to bed until 1 – (which, I had lost an hour from when I was in Croatia which I swear, 1 and 2 hour losses are so much more difficult than 3+!) Once I was able to peel myself out of bed, I walked to my realtor appointment and then to a grocery store. The first grocery store went really well. After starting to survey with the book open, I had a manager ask what I was doing, but then he left me alone when he couldn’t understand what I was saying in English. About an hour later, a couple young girls approached me (they spoke English) and I told them in English what I was doing. They said normally taking prices was prohibited, but they think that what I was doing would be OK. Phew. Survey life is so much better with permission! After this was cleared up and they understood my goal, one of the girls explained to me that she thought Lithuania was more expensive than most of Europe. Little does she know it’s completely the opposite. I find it interesting that almost everyone in their own country think it is more expensive there than it is in most of the rest of the world.
The first two realtor appointments were a bit disappointing. The first guy had a hard time understanding my questions, and the second guy was nice but gave me so much information that I felt maybe I kept him for too long. By the end, he left in a hurry and didn’t even take the gift I gave him, until I tracked him down and made him take it. The third appointment went well, which I really needed. It was with a guy who had learned how to speak English when he was living for some time in the Middle East and had an English roommate. He didn’t have much time to practice speaking English, so he was very happy to meet with us year after year and get some practice in.
Friday, July 24, 2009
You Come From Far Away!
My flight from Croatia to Copenhagen was a business class flight and I was the only one in business class! It was a lot of fun to get treated so specially. Copenhagen airport is very high-end, high-class. They have so many great restaurants, specialty shops, and even very comfortable special-made chairs for napping open to the public! So of course, I took one.
My second flight was a little more rocky coming in for the landing. I really hate being on small planes. I met a really nice guy (sitting next to me on the plane) whose father picked him up at the airport and offered to drive me to the hotel. I took up his offer especially because there were no taxis to be found. I tried to offer him money but he wouldn’t take it. The younger guy even took me to the front desk and helped me get settled in. Then, he gave me his personal information just in case I wanted a tour or had some extra time before I left. Very unfortunately, I did not have the time. Driving into this “city”, I found myself amazed that they could even call this a city. It was so small. I was excited to check out this former Soviet country, which doesn’t even start to get dark until 9:30 PM! I kept having thoughts to the movie “Hostile” since it takes place in Eastern Europe, and this place is so quiet it comes across as being very creepy.
During check-in, the girl at the front desk said to me: “Wow, you come from far away!”, while looking at my passport. I guess you won’t find too many people from the USA here. The people at the front desk proved to be very helpful. I asked about if there was a gym there, which there wasn’t, but they said I could do “fitness in your room” which I was excited about , but then they provided me with an ancient machine that I could only stand using for about 2 minutes. It was just so uncomfortable.
Later, I ate alone for the first night. It felt very strange to be eating without Beth. The food is very unhealthy; very heavy.
My second flight was a little more rocky coming in for the landing. I really hate being on small planes. I met a really nice guy (sitting next to me on the plane) whose father picked him up at the airport and offered to drive me to the hotel. I took up his offer especially because there were no taxis to be found. I tried to offer him money but he wouldn’t take it. The younger guy even took me to the front desk and helped me get settled in. Then, he gave me his personal information just in case I wanted a tour or had some extra time before I left. Very unfortunately, I did not have the time. Driving into this “city”, I found myself amazed that they could even call this a city. It was so small. I was excited to check out this former Soviet country, which doesn’t even start to get dark until 9:30 PM! I kept having thoughts to the movie “Hostile” since it takes place in Eastern Europe, and this place is so quiet it comes across as being very creepy.
During check-in, the girl at the front desk said to me: “Wow, you come from far away!”, while looking at my passport. I guess you won’t find too many people from the USA here. The people at the front desk proved to be very helpful. I asked about if there was a gym there, which there wasn’t, but they said I could do “fitness in your room” which I was excited about , but then they provided me with an ancient machine that I could only stand using for about 2 minutes. It was just so uncomfortable.
Later, I ate alone for the first night. It felt very strange to be eating without Beth. The food is very unhealthy; very heavy.
Back to the Grind
We were so sad to leave the next day. Our taxi driver was a very creepy woman (apparently the only woman driver in the town) and was the wife of the weird taxi driver who had drove us there in the first place.
Once we got back, we finished up some last minute work and I was on a quest to find a backpack (which I had just thought of) after the fiasco that ensued in Israel and all the extra money I needed to pay because my bag was overweight. The only one I could find was a child’s cartoon backpack fit for a 5 year old but I picked it up anyways since this would be better than nothing. At the end of the night, Beth and I cleared up some last-minute things and then I said goodbye to her. I was sad to leave Beth, and I was alone again and off to Lithuania. This job is so bittersweet sometimes.
That night I only slept 3 hours and before I went to bed, I swore that my mind was playing tricks on me. I definitely left some important papers in Beth’s room which we never found again. I went downstairs and came up and the volume on the TV was down. Another time I went down and when I came back up the TV was off. So very strange.
Once we got back, we finished up some last minute work and I was on a quest to find a backpack (which I had just thought of) after the fiasco that ensued in Israel and all the extra money I needed to pay because my bag was overweight. The only one I could find was a child’s cartoon backpack fit for a 5 year old but I picked it up anyways since this would be better than nothing. At the end of the night, Beth and I cleared up some last-minute things and then I said goodbye to her. I was sad to leave Beth, and I was alone again and off to Lithuania. This job is so bittersweet sometimes.
That night I only slept 3 hours and before I went to bed, I swore that my mind was playing tricks on me. I definitely left some important papers in Beth’s room which we never found again. I went downstairs and came up and the volume on the TV was down. Another time I went down and when I came back up the TV was off. So very strange.
Swimming Sunning and History
We woke up at 10:40 am, just in time to rush over and get the buffet breakfast at 11. We then walked through the Old Town to get to the beach. The views from everywhere you look are just breathtaking. We somehow got away without paying for beach chairs, and then we soaked up the sun and went swimming. The water was chilly but swimmable, not nearly as cold as our New England waters. Also, the water was clear straight to the bottom, and had a stunning blue tint unlike any water you will even see in the Caribbean. My only complaint was that the beach was rocky, not sandy. We were so excited to be on a relaxing, 24 hour vacation! And then we talked about how amazing this job really is. Yes, it sure has its’ moments.
After sunning ourselves, we changed and after a yummy gelato we walked the city walls (which were high up above the town), and saw sights that took our breath away. We somehow found a hole-in-the-wall-place that we noticed while walking the city walls and wanted to check out that was over the ocean, (literally, we crawled through a hole in the wall to get here), and we had a couple glasses of wine. We reminisced about how in 2 weeks we have been to the holiest place in the world, and one of the most beautiful, including 2 UNESCO sights. Moments like this make this job so completely worth it.
Me looking through a restaurant tour magazine: “Let’s go here for dinner, it’s listed as the 6th most romantic restaurant in the world! “
Beth: “I don’t know, Lauren, are gonna put out after cause it’s probably pretty expensive”.
Lots of giggling followed.
We had a lovely dinner by the sea. We wanted to go out after but it was Sunday and the town didn’t really cater to tourists in a late-night sense quite yet, so everything was closed. We stopped by to see the pizza man and we ended up going to his friend’s house with him to hang out because we had nothing better to do. Well, his friend literally pretty much attacked me trying to kiss me so I said Hey! What the F was that? Soon after Beth and I were walking home. VERY much alone.
After sunning ourselves, we changed and after a yummy gelato we walked the city walls (which were high up above the town), and saw sights that took our breath away. We somehow found a hole-in-the-wall-place that we noticed while walking the city walls and wanted to check out that was over the ocean, (literally, we crawled through a hole in the wall to get here), and we had a couple glasses of wine. We reminisced about how in 2 weeks we have been to the holiest place in the world, and one of the most beautiful, including 2 UNESCO sights. Moments like this make this job so completely worth it.
Me looking through a restaurant tour magazine: “Let’s go here for dinner, it’s listed as the 6th most romantic restaurant in the world! “
Beth: “I don’t know, Lauren, are gonna put out after cause it’s probably pretty expensive”.
Lots of giggling followed.
We had a lovely dinner by the sea. We wanted to go out after but it was Sunday and the town didn’t really cater to tourists in a late-night sense quite yet, so everything was closed. We stopped by to see the pizza man and we ended up going to his friend’s house with him to hang out because we had nothing better to do. Well, his friend literally pretty much attacked me trying to kiss me so I said Hey! What the F was that? Soon after Beth and I were walking home. VERY much alone.
Dubrovnik (AKA Paradise)
We had the hotel reservation but we needed to buy the flight at the airport. Despite that Zagreb is the capital city of Croatia, the airport is very tiny. There was one small restaurant open that served sandwiches. We were starving so we both bought one. It was a very easy, short flight over, but would have been a 6 hour drive. Though, it would have been nice to drive along the coast, all the car rentals in the whole city were sold old by the time we enquired about availability. The ride to the hotel was unbelievable. The drive was all along the windy streets of the coast. Our taxi driver was very strange though. We wanted to split the cost so we asked for 2 receipts but he said it was against his policy to do so. We couldn’t understand why. As soon as we arrived, we went to find food. We were summoned to eat at a pizza place by the owner. He was a young, cute Croatian who insisted on providing us with an endless shot after shot of grappa made by his grandfather, although we were still feeling pretty hung over and besides, the grappa really was not very good. We ordered pizza and a salad and then he insisted that we sit and eat with his friend who was sitting at a table next to us. Meanwhile, I talked up the friend who was nice, but not very good-looking while the owner taught Beth how to make pizza, and then she took on the task like her second job, haha. I said to the friend, “what time will you go to bed?” and he replied “now”. I said, oh, really? Clearly confused and he said “ya with you”. I laughed and said “nice try”.
Once we got enough of the pizza-making skills and the free, bitter grappa we began to head home, but meanwhile met 2 young Canadian guys just out of college traveling the world. I admired them because this is exactly what I wanted to do when I graduated college! They tried to get us to stay out but we needed to go to bed. It was already much too late for what we had already gone through that day. So we took a bunch of pictures with them instead and then they joked (after we told them about our job), “so where are you guys staying, the Hilton?” And we said yes. They were impressed, it was by far the nicest in the town.
Once we got enough of the pizza-making skills and the free, bitter grappa we began to head home, but meanwhile met 2 young Canadian guys just out of college traveling the world. I admired them because this is exactly what I wanted to do when I graduated college! They tried to get us to stay out but we needed to go to bed. It was already much too late for what we had already gone through that day. So we took a bunch of pictures with them instead and then they joked (after we told them about our job), “so where are you guys staying, the Hilton?” And we said yes. They were impressed, it was by far the nicest in the town.
Checking Out the Nightlife
By Friday we had finished the bulk of the survey. After the last mall, we stopped had a coffee, discussed some work and then Beth said one of her infamous quotes, “let’s switch restaurants”. To which we both laughed and said oh, our life is so hard! We walked down to the very pretty pedestrian-only area where restaurants with people eating outside line the streets and found a wonderful French restaurant to stop at. After eating dinner, we went back home, took a nap and decided to go out and celebrate; by this time it was about 12 am. We went to a popular place to hang out, out by the lake that’s in Zagreb. Shorties Beth and I couldn’t compete, though; like I had mentioned before we were surrounded by beautiful women a whole foot taller than us. But we danced, and sang along with American songs (just because we could, and they couldn’t) and had a great time. We eventually met some good-looking Croatian guys and danced the night away with them, and stumbled back into our hotel around 6 am after Beth’s constant refusal to go home with one of them.
The next day I didn’t get up until 4 pm. I felt terrible. Aside from going to bed really late, apparently I drank too much too. After eating lunch, we rushed around to pack, and organize our last minute flight/hotel reservation to Dubrovnik! We had the time to do it and we had finished our work, so we figured why not! We had heard great things about Dubrovnik.
The next day I didn’t get up until 4 pm. I felt terrible. Aside from going to bed really late, apparently I drank too much too. After eating lunch, we rushed around to pack, and organize our last minute flight/hotel reservation to Dubrovnik! We had the time to do it and we had finished our work, so we figured why not! We had heard great things about Dubrovnik.
I Wish I Was a Littlle Bit Taller...
The next day we walked around the city doing most of the survey. It was a GORGEOUS day to be outside, in such a beautiful city, and did I mention yet that the people are all amazingly beautiful? And SO tall! Everyone, and I mean everyone towered over both Beth and I, and they were all thin as a rail. We did our second grocery store on this day and towards the end we encountered some permission issues. Beth had a woman yelling at her that she couldn’t take any prices, but Beth handed her the letter from the EU and told her that we had an appointment and were invited to come there and take the prices. While the lady went in the back room to call headquarters to check up on it, Beth and I finished in a hurry and left before she had time to come back out and tell us to get out of her store. In the third store we surveyed, no one even looked at us sideways. It is just really crazy to compare the social differences between Israel and here in Croatia, even though we didn’t have any permission problems in Israel, EVERYONE wanted to know what we were doing, where we were from, what our name was, etc. etc. but in Croatia, aside from a few people asking us what we were doing because they were nervous we were doing something that wasn’t allowed, they didn’t even look at us twice, they weren’t curious, they didn’t care who we were or why we were there. What a difference social upbringing makes.
Spring Fever
I was feeling super lazy the next day. Beth needed to get up for a real-estate appointment and I stayed in my jammies and made some phone calls. Once we made it to the mall, we stopped for a normal caffeine break to hype us up for all the incoming work to do. Beth was getting sick of the thick cream-filled coffee and just wanted a black coffee with ice. She tried, literally for a full minute to tell the waiter what she wanted and he was just horrified, I could tell by his facial expression and how he looked at me inquisitively as if to say, help? Beth and I cracked up. And then we laughed even more when he came over with an ice coffee filled with cream.
One of the malls we needed to go to was the classiest I have ever been to, the restaurants were beautiful and all highly recommendable. For dinner that night we sat down at a wonderful Japanese restaurant (in Croatia) and listened to French music. Beth mentioned this and I felt quite amused by this statement.
We met a great taxi driver, a young guy who drove a nice high-end car and after talking to Beth for a little while, he offered to drive us to the coast on the weekend for free! He drove us throughout the inner city, there is so much character to it. Cobblestone streets are everywhere; I loved the sound of the “clip-clop” of the tires on it. Even though we were in the capital center, the air smelled so fresh like the countryside in Spring, and suddenly I was feeling like maybe I really wasn’t missing spring. (Which felt like the hardest part of leaving Boston). It was so green outside! Colder than Tel Aviv, but overall it really was the perfect temperature.
One of the malls we needed to go to was the classiest I have ever been to, the restaurants were beautiful and all highly recommendable. For dinner that night we sat down at a wonderful Japanese restaurant (in Croatia) and listened to French music. Beth mentioned this and I felt quite amused by this statement.
We met a great taxi driver, a young guy who drove a nice high-end car and after talking to Beth for a little while, he offered to drive us to the coast on the weekend for free! He drove us throughout the inner city, there is so much character to it. Cobblestone streets are everywhere; I loved the sound of the “clip-clop” of the tires on it. Even though we were in the capital center, the air smelled so fresh like the countryside in Spring, and suddenly I was feeling like maybe I really wasn’t missing spring. (Which felt like the hardest part of leaving Boston). It was so green outside! Colder than Tel Aviv, but overall it really was the perfect temperature.
In Croatia and so far, life is good!
The next day, I started noticing that Croatia is a very developed, high-end nation, especially considering it is Eastern Europe. We dove right into the grocery stores the next day. I took on Beth’s approach, which I consider very ballsy; we went in there open-book and didn’t say a word to anyone. While taking prices, a police man flashed his badge at me and started talking in Croatian. I cut in to tell him I didn’t understand and asked for a manager, hoping he would understand. She spoke English and once I told her what I was doing and showed her the letter from the EU and she was fine with it, immediately. The policeman walked away looking like a dog with his tail behind his legs. I felt great about it.
At night we hung out in Beth’s suite, ordered room service, watched American Pie, and tried to avoid all the porn channels. Ah, what a life!
At night we hung out in Beth’s suite, ordered room service, watched American Pie, and tried to avoid all the porn channels. Ah, what a life!
More Transit Nightmares
By the time I got on the flight, (after booking it to another gate because the one we hung out at first until it was time to board was the wrong one!) I was completely beat and also completely sure that I had developed the worst headache I had ever gotten. Fortunately, on the plane I met a cute Austrian with whom I shared a conversation about how involved and painful the security was in Israel.
The headaches (figuratively and physically) didn’t stop. Our flight had been delayed so before we even arrived in our transit point (Austria) we were told that we missed our connection flight. Ugh. I had had enough of airports for the week, nevermind the year. But, when we arrived at the airport, we realized that our flight hadn’t departed yet. So, we made a rush to find out what the deal was. Apparently it had been delayed due to technical problems (why do they need to tell us that?), so we were getting a whole new plane and a new crew. What a coincidence! We were very glad we made our flight. I still had the worst headache ever and was about to punch the next guard who made me take my computer out of our bag, especially if they weren’t friendly. Then our gate was changed 3 times. But, we FINALLY made it to Croatia, and lucky us; they were “running out of rooms” so they put both Beth and I in luxury suites – it was a bit old-fashioned, but certainly was the nicest hotel arrangement I have been in yet. There were 2 bathrooms (one of them a master bath) a living room/office, and then my bedroom which had a separate door that could be shut from the living room. It was amazing, and I was feeling pretty high-class!
The headaches (figuratively and physically) didn’t stop. Our flight had been delayed so before we even arrived in our transit point (Austria) we were told that we missed our connection flight. Ugh. I had had enough of airports for the week, nevermind the year. But, when we arrived at the airport, we realized that our flight hadn’t departed yet. So, we made a rush to find out what the deal was. Apparently it had been delayed due to technical problems (why do they need to tell us that?), so we were getting a whole new plane and a new crew. What a coincidence! We were very glad we made our flight. I still had the worst headache ever and was about to punch the next guard who made me take my computer out of our bag, especially if they weren’t friendly. Then our gate was changed 3 times. But, we FINALLY made it to Croatia, and lucky us; they were “running out of rooms” so they put both Beth and I in luxury suites – it was a bit old-fashioned, but certainly was the nicest hotel arrangement I have been in yet. There were 2 bathrooms (one of them a master bath) a living room/office, and then my bedroom which had a separate door that could be shut from the living room. It was amazing, and I was feeling pretty high-class!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
I'll Tell Ya Another Thing Isael Takes Seriously...
Safety. From the random soldiers standing around with massive machines guns to the airport security that is a blessing and a massive pain in the ass at the same time. Israel's got it, and for good reason of course. But man, I developed a new hate for airports after my experience leaving the Tel Aviv airport when it was time to move on to Croatia. We got there early, and of course I hadn't gotten enough sleep the night before. Usually this is actually a good thing because it's so much easier to catch a nap on the plane when you're sleep-deprived, as almost anyone who can remotely stand being on planes know. I was too pissed off about the situation to write anything about it, so this is pouring out through memory, but it had to be mentioned here, because it sure was quite an experience.
We arrive at the airport and enter into a huge line. Wait about 20 minutes to be approached, and were questioned individually about our purpose in Israel, where we were going, what we were doing, our mother's name, underwear color, you name it. (Well not really but, it seemed like it at the time). Our bags were screened by a machine, then we needed to wait in another line where people went through our bags one by one (seriously, even through dirty underwear and unopened gifts) with a stick that had a cloth on the end, clearly checking for some kind of explosive material. Though, I asked what it was for and I was told I'm sorry but I can't tell you that. So, after an hour of explaining and searching, we were FINALLY able to check in to the airline. Really. We hadn't made it far at all. So we wait for 15 minutes and are told that our bags were overweight. Mine significantly more so than Beth. The smarty-pants had a backpack tucked into her suiitcase that gave her two bags to split the weight between, which apparently is OK to do. So, even though I don't personally have to pay for the overweight charges, I felt like I needed to take it upon myself to take out whatever "heavy" things I could stuff into my purse, which I did right in front of the airline people and the crowds. Sneakers, a belt, some electronics... I shoved it into my purse but it was a double pain in the ass to carry this around with me. Already, I was tired, and annoyed, and in the meantime, a girl from Austrian Airlines had harshly told me to get out of her line which made me almost cry. Much too emotional a morning for the airport. And then I choked back tears again when I told the manager that I needed to pay the overweight charges. I think she saw the tears in my eyes and cut them in half (but the charges were still ABSURD!) So after this lovely incident, I had to wait in line for another 45 minutes until I got back up to the counter to check in again. Beth had gone through about 1 hour and 15 minutes before I even got checked in, and she didn't have the option to wait for me anyways.
So, finally I meet up with Beth. We go through yet ANOTHER machine and private searching - (here come the dirty underwear, again...) because in between the time that myself and my bags were nearly strip-searched, someone dropping out of nowhere could have just possibly planted a bomb somewhere in my bags. I was sick of removing and replacing my computer, again, and again. So then we wait in line for another 20 minutes to go through customs, and before getting on the plane, we went through yet ANOTHER scanning of our items. It was by far the most tiring, frustrating day of the trip. As much as I appreciate my safety, it was a bit excessive. Thank goodness we had gotten there 3.5 hours before our scheduled flight; I never thought I would actually need to use all that time. No joke, and a very expensive one at that, I'm sure.
We arrive at the airport and enter into a huge line. Wait about 20 minutes to be approached, and were questioned individually about our purpose in Israel, where we were going, what we were doing, our mother's name, underwear color, you name it. (Well not really but, it seemed like it at the time). Our bags were screened by a machine, then we needed to wait in another line where people went through our bags one by one (seriously, even through dirty underwear and unopened gifts) with a stick that had a cloth on the end, clearly checking for some kind of explosive material. Though, I asked what it was for and I was told I'm sorry but I can't tell you that. So, after an hour of explaining and searching, we were FINALLY able to check in to the airline. Really. We hadn't made it far at all. So we wait for 15 minutes and are told that our bags were overweight. Mine significantly more so than Beth. The smarty-pants had a backpack tucked into her suiitcase that gave her two bags to split the weight between, which apparently is OK to do. So, even though I don't personally have to pay for the overweight charges, I felt like I needed to take it upon myself to take out whatever "heavy" things I could stuff into my purse, which I did right in front of the airline people and the crowds. Sneakers, a belt, some electronics... I shoved it into my purse but it was a double pain in the ass to carry this around with me. Already, I was tired, and annoyed, and in the meantime, a girl from Austrian Airlines had harshly told me to get out of her line which made me almost cry. Much too emotional a morning for the airport. And then I choked back tears again when I told the manager that I needed to pay the overweight charges. I think she saw the tears in my eyes and cut them in half (but the charges were still ABSURD!) So after this lovely incident, I had to wait in line for another 45 minutes until I got back up to the counter to check in again. Beth had gone through about 1 hour and 15 minutes before I even got checked in, and she didn't have the option to wait for me anyways.
So, finally I meet up with Beth. We go through yet ANOTHER machine and private searching - (here come the dirty underwear, again...) because in between the time that myself and my bags were nearly strip-searched, someone dropping out of nowhere could have just possibly planted a bomb somewhere in my bags. I was sick of removing and replacing my computer, again, and again. So then we wait in line for another 20 minutes to go through customs, and before getting on the plane, we went through yet ANOTHER scanning of our items. It was by far the most tiring, frustrating day of the trip. As much as I appreciate my safety, it was a bit excessive. Thank goodness we had gotten there 3.5 hours before our scheduled flight; I never thought I would actually need to use all that time. No joke, and a very expensive one at that, I'm sure.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Life outside of Tel Aviv
Aside from Tel Aviv, our experiences were amazing. Unfortunately, we were so busy that I didn't take too many notes while we were out - but we took a 2 day tour of Masada, The Dead Sea, and Jerusalem, and stayed overnight in Jerusalem. Masada was fascinating - a civilization high, high up on a plateau (only God knows how they got there). The tour guide recounted the battles between the Christians and the Jews, the last of which the leader ordered the men to kill all their wives and children so they wouldn't have to become slaves. Then we went to the Dead Sea where I debated floating, (because of my skin and eczema I do have cuts), but I did, and boy did it sting. But, you could visibly see the minerals and oils floating around in the water. I beared it because I knew it had to be a good thing! Floating in the water, it was unbelievable how weightless you felt, and how soft and smooth my skin was after leaving the water.
That night, we went to bed satisfied after an amazing dinner at a French Bistro in downtown Jerusalem. At first, we had a very hard time finding somewhere to eat because it was Sabbath (and most places, even restaurants! Are closed for Sabbath).
The next day we walked the steps of Jesus, saw the quarters where the Christians, Jews and Muslims live in harmony now, and I learned so much history that I couldn't keep up with nearly all of it. It was very touching to hear all the stories growing up through the bible, and actually see where it all took place. We touched the wailing wall, and blessed ourselves at the Holy Sepulchre where Jesus' body is said to be buried. Speechless. A great experience. Beth and I were now ready to take on Croatia.
That night, we went to bed satisfied after an amazing dinner at a French Bistro in downtown Jerusalem. At first, we had a very hard time finding somewhere to eat because it was Sabbath (and most places, even restaurants! Are closed for Sabbath).
The next day we walked the steps of Jesus, saw the quarters where the Christians, Jews and Muslims live in harmony now, and I learned so much history that I couldn't keep up with nearly all of it. It was very touching to hear all the stories growing up through the bible, and actually see where it all took place. We touched the wailing wall, and blessed ourselves at the Holy Sepulchre where Jesus' body is said to be buried. Speechless. A great experience. Beth and I were now ready to take on Croatia.
Night out in Tel Aviv
So, on the night that everything was closing early for the Independence Day holiday, Beth and I went home for a nap (that I had the hardest time getting up for) and we started the night at Julie's apartment - Beth knew Julie through a friend from home, Julie is originally from Boston Hollerrrrr. As usual, the normal chatter of "so, what do you do for work?" started off the conversation and ended in fascination with our job. It's hard not to believe that our job isn't quite as glamorous as it seems. We swear, but I can't deny that some of it is.
After some conversation and a drink or two, we headed out to the square where we were greeted by fireworks and music in hebrew. It was fun, but now the fireworks were over and listening to music in hebrew isn't as great as it sounds, so I was getting bored. And hungry. So I grabbed a sandwhich and tried to rally up in preparation to go out out.
First, we went to a club situated on the rooftop of a mall. At one point, Beth started talking to the club promoter who thought it was funny to pour his drink over her head. So, Beth ordered a new one and the bartender got really mad when Beth said that the promoter was going to pay for the drink but then refused. So, he told Beth to get the F out of there. I was so confused. But we complained to the bartender inside and got ourselves some free drinks, so it all worked out, aside from Beth's wet head.
Then, we continued to spew our dislike for the outside bartender to some other random guys we met. We decided it was necessary to drown the sorrow in some pizza. We all got in the same taxi and the hebrew exchange of words ended us up at their house instead of a pizza place. After no food and multiple tries to get me into his bedroom, we left around 6 am. We walked to find food (who would have thought at 6am?) and found a pizza place open with amazing pizza and more men whom we shared the story of our night with. Then, we went home and finally went to bed, around 7:30 am. I awoke around 12 to a beautiful day, beautiful beach and an air show outside my window - and spent the rest of the day on the beach in Tel Aviv. What a life!
After some conversation and a drink or two, we headed out to the square where we were greeted by fireworks and music in hebrew. It was fun, but now the fireworks were over and listening to music in hebrew isn't as great as it sounds, so I was getting bored. And hungry. So I grabbed a sandwhich and tried to rally up in preparation to go out out.
First, we went to a club situated on the rooftop of a mall. At one point, Beth started talking to the club promoter who thought it was funny to pour his drink over her head. So, Beth ordered a new one and the bartender got really mad when Beth said that the promoter was going to pay for the drink but then refused. So, he told Beth to get the F out of there. I was so confused. But we complained to the bartender inside and got ourselves some free drinks, so it all worked out, aside from Beth's wet head.
Then, we continued to spew our dislike for the outside bartender to some other random guys we met. We decided it was necessary to drown the sorrow in some pizza. We all got in the same taxi and the hebrew exchange of words ended us up at their house instead of a pizza place. After no food and multiple tries to get me into his bedroom, we left around 6 am. We walked to find food (who would have thought at 6am?) and found a pizza place open with amazing pizza and more men whom we shared the story of our night with. Then, we went home and finally went to bed, around 7:30 am. I awoke around 12 to a beautiful day, beautiful beach and an air show outside my window - and spent the rest of the day on the beach in Tel Aviv. What a life!
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