PreGrad ASIA-M.E.-AFRICA

My first night in Cairo was smooth sailing and without the craziness that I have come to expect out of the Egyptians. The one day outside of Israel has given me the chance to reflect, if only for a day, on the three weeks I spent within her boarders.

I have only two words to describe the experience: new eyes. Yes, this time was like no other. I was able to get out of my mother’s house (as beautiful as it is) and be with people my own age in the cosmopolitan environment that is Tel Aviv. It was more like Be’er Sheva, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, with several interweaving circles between the three. I was on a track to hang out and see things happen from street view rather than drag myself to cultural and religious landmarks. I did not enter the walled city of Jerusalem. I did not visit the museum of modern art, and I did not even go to Synagouge with my grandfather (shield me). I partied to 3,4, and even 5 in the morning, waking up late to enjoy cups upon cups of instant coffee. I readied myself for the intensity of New York.

Israel has really transformed herself into a first rate country with every amenity that is expected. If it were just not for the damn war, insurgancy, or call it whatever the hell you want, this place would rival Barcelona and Chicago. FACTS: A few new skyscrapers have been put up in Tel Aviv and the toll road connecting Afula with Jerusalem has been minted to perfection. The people are all good looking and the styles range from dreaded hair, to prada jumpsuits. At least every person has traveled to at least Thailand, India, or South America. English is more like a first language, with Hebrew being the secret tounge that is more comfortable between countrymen. The beach was warm even in December, when everyone was predicting heavy rains (I lucked out all month) The Sabich sandwhiches were mouthwatering, surprising because I had never had one before and its just eggs, eggplant, Hummous, and tomatoes in a pita.

What made this time so delightful was that I made a good Israeli friend in Northern India and I reconnected with Yuval. He is a friend of a friend in D.C. who slept during the day and lived for the evenings at Tel Aviv’s hippiest clubs and bars.

And between all the fun and games, when did I see my mother? Well, by the end of the week when I was tired out and ready to eat better and catch up on reading I headed North to Karkur. Her garden is the most relaxing place that I know of next to the beach at Wing Lake. She is doing great although her cats are totally unfriendly.

By the way, if you have any interest in viewing my pictures from the First part of the trip, you may want to check out the link below. You might be impressed by Adam’s nasty mustache

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=2cii14lt.52j7qly1&x=1&y=unzby4