If you have been eagerly awaiting my first blog from Israel, here it is. And the big news is that just after 24 hours in the country I bought my first pair of shoes, too beautiful to pass up, on sale. The line between need and want is very blurred.
I bought them as I was already laden down with the freshest of fruits and vegetables bought at the Carmel Market, the oldest outdoor market in Tel Aviv, in a marginal part of the city now becoming revitalized. The market is a wonderful feast for the senses. Such a display of food, all home grown or home made. Shoppers from all over: Israelis, both Arabs and Jews, Africans, Asians, North Americans, Europeans. Vendors too. I bought spices from Michel who's from Tashkent, Smoked fish from Asher from Georgia, the shoes from Yossi from Iran. That's the thing about Israel. Almost everyone is from somewhere else, coming here in the search of new beginnings and a better life.
It poured in the middle of the night. I thought of Noah and the flood. Coming from Vancouver heavy rain is not an unusual experience for me, but I guess being in Israel puts me in a biblical frame of mind.
Today my friend, Helen and I are going to walk along the Tayelet, the paved walk along the Mediterranean to the old port city of Jaffa, about a half hour walk, on the hunt for great food, and adventures. I am resolved not to buy any more shoes, at least not today. One day at a time I say.
No comments:
Post a Comment