My Share of Sun in Israel

Rains of Tel Aviv

2011-07-25T20:51:00.000-07:00

I remember in Tel Aviv, I decided to buy some bread from Piece of Cake, one Friday morning.

It was a gloomy day. I thought it was one of those days.

I had gotten used to Tel Aviv’s dark-grayish skies that seemed like rain is forthcoming, but would not deliver.

But, that day it did. And rain poured down like madness.

People inside the bakery came to the windows to check on the waters as they gushed through the sidewalk gutters, like fast-flowing stream.

Rain waters created a torrent of sorts, quickly rising up to the levels of the sidewalks of HaYamit.

In Israel, rains are few and far between.

Hence, for most Israelis, rain is like a blessing. Manna from the heavens is more like it.

I can only imagine the awe and gratitude those people in Piece of Cake must have felt.

How I wish I could bring them all to Manila and experience its monsoon rains.

Ten minutes and it has done. The rains were gone.

The skies, however, treated them to a spectacle of rain waters.

I treated myself to some piping-hot, freshly baked potato bourekas.

Riding Sherut around Tel Aviv

2011-06-06T22:11:00.000-07:00

Sherut, the bright yellow-colored min van operating as a shared taxi service, is a popular transportation means in Israel and one of the most visible vehicles in most of the streets, boulevards and highways in and out of Tel Aviv. Unfortunately however, they do not include Yerushalayim Street in Jaffa where I lived in their usual routes and so I had no other choice but to take the autobus when going to Allenby or Tachana Merkazit. [The picture here shows a sherut in Tachana Merkazit (Central Bus Station) turning right at the corner, presumably to go straight to the sherut terminal]. But from these points, there are plenty of sheruts to take. Number 4 from Allenby brings passengers to any point along Ben Yehuda Street. On the other hand, the Sherut (no 5) that starts its route from Merkazit will take you all the way to Bnei Dan Street, where the HaYarkon Park is located. You can take No. 5 if you need to go to Dizengoff Main or in any of the upscale boutiques that line Dizengoff Street.

It is also in Merkazit where one can take the sherut going to Jerusalem. You only need 20 Shekels, which is the Israeli currency, to pay the fare to Jerusalem. I guess it must cost much more now because the last time I took sherut to Jerusalem was in 2010. I should say that it is definitely a much faster way to go to the Old City, which is more or less, 30 minutes, as compared to taking the air-conditioned buses.

Needless to say, sherut is one of the most convenient ways of going around or even touring Tel Aviv. Many Israelis are quite dependent in this taxi service. In fact, sherut is one of my favorite means of commuting around the city. It is fast, convenient and needs only 10 or 11 seats to fill up. Best of all, it doesn’t have its own stop, which means if you are a passenger, you can get off wherever you want – just remember to say “Ani po” to the driver, which is Hebrew for “I am here.”

On an occasion of riding the sherut, there was a passenger standing up on the aisle of the vehicle. While I should say he did quite a good balancing act, I do not know if this is permitted. But I think it is in the discretion of the driver if he would allow a standing (hunched is more like it as I believe it is not possible to stand straight inside) passenger. As it turned out, another passenger got off upon arriving at the nearest block. Apparently the driver intended the vacated seat for the poor passenger.

To the uninitiated, it is a rule to help in moving the fare from back passengers to the driver. So do not be embarrassed to extend your arms. If you position yourself at the back, it is alright to tap at the person in front of you and give him your money. He will do the same to the person seated in front of him and so on until your money finally reaches the driver.

What’s great about the sherut is that they ply their routes even on Shabbat, not like the autobus, which disappears from the streets starting at 5 PM of Friday afternoon. However, you must be ready to shell out more than the usual fare, up to double the amount, you take the sherut on Friday afternoons, Saturdays and Jewish Holidays. Indeed, with autobus out of sight during these days, sherut is one of the few options left to go around the city, and a convenient one at that.
Image credit: isotype75

Mugraby Hostel - Tel Aviv Hostels

2011-05-28T21:03:00.000-07:00

When I was new in Israel, I decided that I want to continue my online writing gig which I have been doing all the while in Manila. However I had yet to install a computer with Internet access. So what I did then was to travel riding my bike to Allenby at Mugraby Hostel just to rent a computer. It is one of the few internet cafes I knew then and so I really did not mind going there all the way from Jaffa.

What I didn’t realize that it is also one of the most popular Tel Aviv Hostels. Anyway, Mugraby Hostel is special for me as it is in their Internet café that I discovered the wonders of blogging. By accident I happened to enter a website that discussed blogs and online marketing. It defined a blog as an online daily journal. I really got interested about the topic and I really thought it was cool to have a blog myself. And so My Share of Sun in Israel was born.

Right now, I am slowly building up a blog on everything about the city and Tel Aviv tours, something intended to have tourists better acquainted with the city, albeit in a more personal way. Hopefully, I get to post more regularly and eventually fill it up with a lot more informative facts about the city and Israel in general.

Tel Aviv Flights – Want to Fly to Israel?

2011-05-09T01:55:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves Tel Aviv. It is seen by many as the most cosmopolitan among the many Cities by the Mediterranean Sea. And this is why Tel Aviv flights are among the most in-demand of all flights going to the Middle East.

What can any visitor expect from this amazingly cool city that will make him immediately fly to Israel? Known to many as the White city, if only because of the thousands of predominantly white-colored Bauhaus structures found all over this Israeli Capital. It can be quiet especially during Shabbat, which usually starts before the Friday sunset and ends Saturday evening shortly after 3 stars appear. Shabbat by the way is the 7th day of the Jewish Week, and is the version of the Sabbath. You can actually go and walk along Yerushalayim or Yefet Streets (where you can find the famous Abuelafia Bakery) in Tel Aviv Yafo and notice how cars hardly pass by. Most stores are closed except for some, which actually got permission from the government just to operate during Shabbat. By the way, popular Israeli clothing shop, Castro has its branch in front of the Clock Tower open for operation as well as most other branches anywhere in the city even on Shabbat.

Going back to the city's quiet weekend, it can be deceiving as the action can actually be seen on the beaches of Tel Aviv, like the Jaffa Beach, as well as that in front of the rows of Hotels, including Hilton, Marina and Sheraton. If you are somebody who loves to stay at the park for hours, then in Tel Aviv, Israel it is certainly a place to go during weekends or even weekdays. Some of the more visited parks of Tel Aviv are the Bnei Dan Park and the Charles Clore Park. Another very visible establishment in the City is the coffee shop; it seems to have café on corners of every street. Apparently, Israelis are coffee lover, and more often than not they enjoy having their piping hot cup of coffee or choco with great conversations among friends. As it is, these are reasons why when you are in the city, you can actually have the best of both worlds – lots of quiet time if you need it and piece of the action if you decide on some city fun and excitement. Indeed, there are so many great things to do in Tel Aviv.

Despite the expensiveness of an average Tel Aviv flight, a lot of tourists still have serious plans for their trip to Israel. Normally a round trip ticket from the USA starts at $1,200.00. You can actually trim down the price by making thorough research online for some cheap flights to Tel Aviv. There are actually airlines which offer significantly discounted air fares at certain times of the year. Scouting for tickets can require loads of work but the effort is actually worth it as you will most likely land a ticket with a price that you can definitely afford.

The best time for a Tel Aviv tour is during the good weathers of springtime and fall. One is sure to experience the best climate and is definitely conducive to touring around the city via car service, the traditional taxi, sherut, which is the Israeli version of Taxi or autobus, the Israeli bus. Tel Aviv weather during these times of the year are generally pleasant and so is the perfect time to go to the famous Historical and Biblical Sites found in the city as well as in Jerusalem and other places.

Suffice it to say, for those who want to travel to Israel and enjoy immensely all the country’s awesomeness, Tel Aviv Flights can be had by easily purchasing your plane tickets to Israel from major airline companies such as El Al (the state's national air carrier), Arkia, Cathay, Air France, Continental and US Airways. All of these airlines have website on which you can log on and check on prices. You can certainly compare prices of various plane tickets to Israel in order to land the best priced ticket, one that’s most appropriate for your budget. With little work, you are sure to be seeing yourself fly to Israel in no time at all. The fact is, I have plans myself of going back to country, a year from now or a little later. Even after more than five years of uninterrupted stay, I seem to not get enough of it. I simply miss the place. So, see you all there!

Tel Aviv Apartments – Israel’s Bauhaus

2011-05-07T22:51:00.001-07:00

Tel Aviv Apartments of Bauhaus architecture are certainly one of the more unique residential types this side of the world. Bauhaus architecture prevails in the city of Tel Aviv, with more than five thousands of these buildings found scattered in the capital and all over the country. I used to call them white colored box buildings when I saw them upon arriving for the first time in Israel. This is likewise the observation of most; this is why the Jewish City is also known as the White City.

Here is a short clip on Bauhaus Tel Aviv Exhibits, which discusses briefly the particular architecture. It likewise offers detailed view of this fascinating building type, which in my opinion is the most livable, airy, roomy and easy to maintain Tel Aviv Apartments.

From Tel Aviv to Paris

2011-02-21T08:19:00.000-08:00

As I left Tel Aviv Israel with a heavy heart, I did not immediately go straight home. Instead, I had the chance to enjoy five days of stay in Paris France. These 5 days were simply the best days of my life. How lucky can one get?

I remember when I was still in Tel Aviv, I chanced upon a restaurant along the rows at Jaffa Beach displaying a small model of the Eiffel in front of the establishment. I was amazed with the lights that enveloped the miniature.

I took some pictures of it but lost them when I accidentally reformatted my PC without even saving all the stored pictures. Now I have fresh pictures of the real thing and posted them in my blog on France. I was all the more fascinated by the dazzling yellow lights that clothe it.

I always say that I found a second home in Tel Aviv Israel. But I left my heart in Paris.

Goodbye to Tel Aviv Israel

2011-02-20T05:38:00.000-08:00

As I went my way through the Ben Gurion Tel Aviv Airport departure gate, I passed by the café where I had my first coffee in the City.

I remember clearly that my first day in Israel was a Thursday, which was the last working day of the week in this country. But I can’t help but note my arrival quite vividly because of another reason; I arrived in Israel a day after my birthday.

Imagine having to celebrate my birthday 36,000 feet in the air. But I was numb, and I was having stomach ache almost throughout the flight.

The fact is that I didn’t care much about the occasion – I don’t celebrate it when I am on land either - seriously.

October 19, 2005 I arrived at the Land of Milk and Honey. As the plane was about to land, I had glimpses of the city. It was like a large expanse of white boxes spread all over it. These boxes I learned later are the Bauhaus apartments. Unfortunately I was not able to live in one as the apartment I stayed was one of the more modern in Jaffa.

In my five years in Israel, I got to visit the Ben Gurion every so often as we had to greet newly arrived officers and staff of the embassy and send off and say our farewells to those who finally had to leave the country after 6 years.

Fast forwarding the events, I found myself for the last time in Ben Gurion in November 19, 2010, my final day of stay in Israel.

At the airport we went straight to the line where I could check in my luggage. Leaving the country from Ben Gurion Tel Aviv airport (was there any other possible way for me) can be difficult and feeling uneasy. I was quite anxious about the usual questions like what did I do for five years in Israel and where I stayed.

Of course, there was the standard question of whether I had in me anything in my luggage for other people. While I know it was normal procedure, I am sure being thrown with questions such as these makes anyone feel like an offender of sorts.

After having successfully checked in, we realized there was still time for some chatting and breakfast. Last breakfast was at Mcdonalds; I believe I had some McNuggets. But I could barely eat at all. I gave my food instead to the kids who had a more hearty appetite.

I lingered around for a few minutes around the airport. Having passed by a foreign currency exchange shop, thought about exchanging some of my dollars into Euros, but decided that I could just do it in France.

8:30 AM, final farewells were said, as well as promises on constant communication via emails and face book.

Tears fell. Shamelessly these were mine.

It was difficult to say goodbye to people whom you were constantly with for five straight years.

It was even more difficult to leave a country you considered like your own.

Israel was truly second home to me.

I will miss it so much.

And Pishpeshim, too.

Carmel Market.

Tel Aviv beach.

Yerushalayim at Yafo and its fruit stands and dollar stores.

Jaffa Hill.

Clock Tower.

Heck, I'll even miss Ikea Israel.

I ask myself from time to time - will I be able to go back? I would not rack my brain just to come up with any possibilities.

However, I might jump on a plane bound for Tel Aviv in a heartbeat, if given the chance. Indeed, I probably would.

But frankly, only time can tell.

My Long Walk to Shuk HaCarmel

2011-02-09T17:19:00.000-08:00

Fridays are market day.

Market for many Filipinos in Tel Aviv, Israel is the Shuk HaCarmel. The biggest market in Tel Aviv, one can go to the Carmel Market from Jaffa by taking the Autobus number 25 or 125 at Sderot Yerushalayim.

You have to get off the autobus at the bus stop along Allenby, which I mistaken over and over as a newcomer as Rothschild Tel Aviv. You know that you are already in Carmel when you get to the part of Allenby Street where it meets King George Street.

It is the best (but not necessarily the cheapest) place to go to as everything that I need can be had at the Carmel. Fruits, vegetables, spices, meat, white shirts, mozzarella cheese.

There is a Pinoy Store in the middle of the market where I used to buy my canned pineapple juice and spicy crackers.

One December Friday morning, I decided to take the long road, literally – by walking my way from Jaffa to Shuk HaCarmel.

I thought of the benefits that I would get from walking the length – two pounds lighter and cool breeze from the sea. And oh, a hungrier stomach and hence, more eager to indulge in a good Shawarma sandwich.

So off I went.

My long walk started at ice cream parlor Victory at the corner of Yefet and Yehuda Margoza Streets. I crossed Yefet and entered Margoza, a winding street the end of which leads to the port.

Along the street is the back of the Andromeda apartments, a popular residence for expats and diplomats. A few officers from the embassy stayed at the Andromeda.

Going further, l reached the entrance to the port.

Immediately after the entrance is the huge unfinished building to the right; it is obviously intended as an enclosed fish and sea food market.

I passed by the building and turned to my right, walked just a little farther to the street and out into the concrete promenade along the Tel Aviv Beach fronting the Mediterranean Sea.

This is probably the best part, being able to walk along the beach and enjoy the sea.

The beach was still deserted. What do you expect? It was 7:00 AM. Albeit, I saw was one or two surfers braving the waves which for sure was freezing cold as ice.

The beach nearest the port are three bars / restaurants one after the other. Still close, of course.

As I walked further, I passed by the IDF building or more precisely, museum, then the small short bridge, then finally in front of the Textile Building and World Trade Center.

I found myself at Charles Clore Park, which is more or less in the middle of Jaffa and Tel Aviv.

I could have crossed Kaufmann already at this point and continue down along the inner parallel street at the side of the world Trade center.

But I decided to continue my way along the beach, until finally I got in the front the Dan Panorama Tel Aviv building.

Here is where I crossed the Kaufmann.

Two or three more blocks – a huge bus station – and finally I reached Shuk Ha’Carmel.

30 minutes – more or less.

Not so bad after all. It was a cold morning so I didn’t break a sweat.

Two pounds lighter? I have to check with my weighing scale later.

My legs were a little aching. And I was hungry for my breakfast. With the state I was in, a shawarma and cold water was definitely in order.

But wait, half of me ached for Frank’s chicken, a craving that quickly vanished as I realized the joint would not be open until before lunchtime.

I was definitely stuck with Shawarma. But I decided that I buy everything that I need first before I eat.

With aching legs and feet, I went from store to store – blending with others and trying to haggle for the best buys.

It was a bustling market crowd along the narrow street of HaCarmel on a Friday morning in Tel Aviv.

Nazareth Village, Israel – Home of Jesus

2011-01-22T02:35:00.000-08:00

Nazareth Village offers exactly what the pilgrims from all over the world come to the Israel for – that is, to have the blessed experience of being in the Holy Land and a glimpse of the home of Jesus and how He and many others during His time lived their simple lives in Nazareth.

Actually, the place is on a patch of farmland sitting within the now modern city of Nazareth. The Nazareth Village itself was like a wide area museum, only that it is open air. The place was like a gargantuan stage which methodically reconstructs and even reenacts the typically village life then in Galilee during the time of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We went there supposedly on spring, but that particular day was a warm one. As already said, it was like an open air museum, and so we had to immediately take off our warm clothes immediately upon alighting from our air-conditioned bus as the blazing heat from the sun immediately took its toll upon many of us.

The village features a number of houses and caves and terraced fields. There were also wine and olive presses, all of which were recreated to mimic those that supposedly existed in a typical Galilee village during the first Century.

Upon entering the village, you are immediately greeted by the “villagers,” who are actually from Nazareth. Christian and Arab actors “dramatized” every possible moment that might have occurred on any typical Nazareth day. They wore period costumes and in their actions demonstrated how domestic tasks and farm work happened then.

There was also a demonstration of how olive and wine were made via pressing. We saw women spinning, weaving and even baking bread, with the men, even the elderly, tilling their soil to plant the staples of their time.

Indeed, we had an enriching and gratifying time with our visit of the Nazareth Village. The tour definitely offered us the eye-opening experience of how the early life was in the village and home of Jesus, our Lord.

Pinoys in Israel: Caring for Elderly

2011-01-12T21:18:00.001-08:00

Tel Aviv's Filipino Live in Caregiver

Many Filipinos, especially the devout Catholics, have the earnest dream of embarking on a pilgrimage to Israel and visiting the Holy Land. But for the past decade or so, scores are likewise setting their sights on this Middle Eastern country (or European, as some Israelis might contest), raising money to buy cheap tickets to Tel Aviv and planning to work as caregivers. In fact, the Jewish State is now considered home, albeit temporary, to about 50,000 Filipino caregivers. What makes Israel a magnet to many Overseas Pinoy Workers?

Faring better in Israel
Compared to the Filipino workers located in other Middle East countries such as Jordan and United Arab Emirates, those working in Israel are a fortunate lot as what they earn is actually found on the better end of the salary spectrum. Caregivers in Israel are getting at least 650 dollars, which is more than four times the salary normally received by Filipino workers in Jordan. Likewise, foreign workers are pretty much protected here by the Israeli labor laws. There are also a number of local Israeli organizations in place acting as rights watchdogs for foreign workers.

In a league above all others
Filipinos are much sought-after by the Israelis as caregivers, more than their Nepalese or Indian counterparts. This is not surprising as the Pinoys are well-known in Israel for their outstanding work ethics and wholehearted dedication to their job. Their interest to the caring for elderly employers is never ephemeral. Instead, they are known to be fully devoted to their Israeli charges, even so that they are ready to expend so much emotional investment on them. Maria, a middle-aged Filipina from Cagayan, has found herself in a mother-daughter like relationship with her 86 year old Jewish ward and is now worried about leaving her ailing “Ima” (mother) when her final two years of legal stay in Israel has lapsed.

Undocumented Caregivers
Having mentioned legal, it is sad to note that while many of our “kababayans” do look forward to the end of their five-year contract, others opt to extend their stay despite not having a valid visa. Instead, they find new employers who are willing to take them in; a practice that has become commonplace. “No high-paying work in the Philippines awaits me,” is a standard one-liner for those who refuse to give up their “Israeli dream.” For those who decide to stay illegally, life can turn miserable as they have no choice but to stay within the confines of their employers’ homes and avoid going out lest they get caught by the Israeli immigration police.

Embracing the Israeli way of life

Most Filipino workers are quick to like and adapt to the Jewish culture, unique and complicated as it may be. Well, don’t we to all others? What about culture shock? Of course, it exists but is easily overtaken by a quick immersion to the host country’s way of living. Indeed, the Pinoy OFWs are like the pliant bamboo, swaying and bowing to the direction of the blowing wind. Never breaking but are in fact resilient.

Nothing else but chicken?
Filipinos learn to adapt many new things Israeli such as Jewish food. Imagine having chicken for breakfast, and lunch, and yes, chicken for the evening meal. Well, maybe some beef thrown in for few days of the week. Interestingly, some caregivers’ religious charges live on a strict kind of Jewish diet and so they have no choice but to turn themselves into avid chicken or beef lovers overnight. Maria, in jest, told me she is afraid we might eventually grow wings; too bad she cannot use them to fly her back home for a vacation and save on 1,200 dollar worth of cheap tickets to Tel Aviv.

And remember shawarma, once a food hit although fleeting, in Manila? It is also a usual lunch or dinner food fare for many Filipinos in Israel. So do a great variety of vegetable and spice salads, olives, falafel (yummy deep-fried chickpea balls) and kebab (grilled spicy beef on skewers). Fortunately pork is available for anyone whose craving for it persists. Filipinos get their regular pork supply from Russian meat stores. Rice, on the other hand, is widely sold and so is not a problem for those who insist on having it instead of the Jewish bread or pita.

No such thing as Jewish Christmas
Do you know that the Christmas is virtually non-existent in Israel? Filipino first-timers in Israel are simply left wondering when told that if they want to celebrate Christmas, they can go to Bethlehem for the Midnight Mass and perhaps enjoy some semblance of the Yuletide spirit with the town’s Christmas trees, Santa Claus, silver, red and gold trimmings and other decorations that you would not otherwise see in the rest of Israel, except perhaps in Jaffa where Arab-Christians abound. What an irony. Israel is supposedly Christ’s birthplace right?

For those who decide to give up hearing the Bethlehem Christmas Mass, they have to content themselves with Christmas Eve parties in their Tel Aviv or Jerusalem flat, enjoying potluck meals of the usual Filipino Yuletide fare. Likewise, the various Filipino communities have their own annual Christmas (and New Year) get-together. Indeed for Filipinos abroad, Christmas never goes by without celebrating the occasion, even in Jewish Israel.

Empowered Pinoys in Israel
Just recently, a new Israeli labor law has increased the minimum wage for foreign workers to 850 dollars. And while there has been some resistance to this new wage increase from some Israeli quarters, at least now the Filipino live in caregiver now enjoy such salary increase by having more dollars to keep and save and likewise bigger remittance amounts to send to her family back home. Filipinos hail the shekels as they enjoy the strong purchasing power of this Israeli currency; basic necessities, signature clothes and even cars (refurbished) and jewelries can be easily owned.

Indeed, many Filipinos caregivers go in Israel to they create their own version of the American Dream – the Israeli dream, the shape and form of which are molded with their perseverance, consistent hard work and solid faith to improve their lot – and doing their best to make it a reality. More and more Pinoys discover Israel to be a place where working for a bright future is possible, so long as they do their caregiver job to their utmost best.

Merry Christmas to All from My Share of Sun in Israel

2008-12-26T23:56:00.000-08:00

Image credit: mharrsch

A Meaningful Christmas to everyone here in Israel, Hag Sameach!

Finally...a Blog Update

2008-11-12T10:02:00.000-08:00

I feel so guilty about neglecting my ‘baby’. Has it really been more than a month since my last post at my Tel Aviv Yafo Israel Sun blog? Perhaps, I was too busy monetizing my other blogger and word press blogs that I did not realize my Israel blog is terribly wanting of even a short post. Is it really that hard for me to write even just a snippet of anything about Israel?

If the intention of writing one is just to make my blog breathing, updated and sound, SEO wise, then short passages can be easily churned out. Indeed, it is not that difficult to write a post of 200 to 500 words, even without saying anything meaningful. Which brings me to the point – I actually have nothing relevant to say.

My past weeks and months have been dull, bland, colorless, lifeless as far as personal goings-on are concerned, except like I said earlier, I am fiercely focused on my other blogs. I continuously do some tweaks here and there, replacing website themes and templates with supposedly better ones, implementing various SEO techniques, hoping all these would do wonders as far as adsense earnings are concerned.

In the case of my Israel blog, I did not include it in my blog monetization, being a journal-type blog. Still, I intended my Israel blog as that – my day-to-day personal journal of sorts of my stay here. Easily my bad for not having updated it as often as I can. Hopefully, this will be the start of a more regular updating of this blog.

By the way, a great number of unused Tel Aviv Yafo photos stored on my computer was gone – lost forever. The pc turned haywire, then went kaput! The reformatting done on it meant losing all my nice pictures forever. Such as waste. And so bear with me if I resort for the meantime to borrowing great Tel Aviv Israel photos (like what you see inserted on this post) from flickr.com. For those who need amazing pictures on anything, this site is indeed a great source. Just remember to take pictures from the Creative Commons Attribution – Share-Alike license category of Flickr.com. And acknowledging the owner of the picture is a must. This is done by placing the owner’s URL anywhere in the post on which his photo is used.
Image credit for all the Tel Aviv Yafo photos: EagleXDV

Night at Jaffa's Pishpeshim (Flea Market)

2008-05-26T19:59:00.000-07:00

The first was summer of last year, but I was only able to go this time – at the Pishpeshim Night Market here in Yafo Tel Aviv. I love it – the evening was cool, the atmosphere was more like the street market during Tuesdays and Fridays at Nachalat Binyamin and Ramban streets (near Allenby). Of course, there were lot of nice wares, wears and goodies sold; most were brand new, unlike the used ones peddled during ordinary days at the market. In a street corner or two were comic acts and skits performed to the amusement of the crowd. There was a 10 foot tall fairy constantly waving her wand to anyone who goes near her, two Elvis Presley impersonators lip syncing to the King of Rock ‘n Roll’s old tunes and a green attired elf man, singing lustily in the middle of the street. Located on the center of the flea market was a band playing – in the midst of many listeners (some comfortably lounged on sofas), obviously appreciative of the Israeli music these night troubadours enthusiastically played.

100 Year Old Tree Amidst Flowers of Spring

2008-05-21T08:26:00.000-07:00

The picture of the “100 year old” tree in Bnei Dan Park, Tel Aviv that I posted on my September 2007 blog article showed a barren, lifeless picture of the tree. Here, the new pictures show much more life and color on the tree – well, on its concrete enclosure at least, what with the sunflowers and other colorful flowers in full blossom.

Happy 60th Birthday to Israel - Yom Ha'Atzmaut

2008-05-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

People filled up the whole stretch of the beach encompassing the city of Tel Aviv to witness the Air Show in celebration of the Yom Ha’Atzmaut or Independence Day of Israel. I am so fortunate to have witnessed such amazing display of skills by the Israeli pilots, being able to perform those seemingly impossible flying maneuvers, stunts and air actions which elicited guffaws and applause from the appreciating crowd. I have to say that from Jaffa Hill, I had the best view of the Air as well as the Naval Shows; also had a nice shot of the Tel Aviv city proper.

The Cats of Tel Aviv

2008-05-03T13:30:00.001-07:00

I stumbled on some of my cat pictures, and found myself writing about them. These cats - they are simply everywhere in Israel (or Tel Aviv at least). I see them loitering in parks or wandering at the Jaffa beach. I observe that there is an orange-coated one that loves to stay the whole afternoon along our Even Shoshan apartment halls.

Once, I chanced upon an area going to Yafo Port where a group of feral cats are having their meal; the cat grub simply littered the sidewalk. But in no time was the food gone with the army of cat taking care of “cleaning up” the mess.

Well, I have yet to see an Israeli caring and petting a cat. Or perhaps, they are not so open about their fondness for this particular feline species. As how I observe it, cats (at least the feral cats) here in Israel are generally left on their own. For this comment, I have to say that I might be wrong.

But definitely, I cannot say the same about the dogs; they are loved, overly petted, walked by their owners for hours, talked to amiably, given the best dog chow – they are just simply well-loved by the Israelis. They are a pampered lot, thousand times more than their feline counterparts.

But the dogs being kings among Israeli pets is another story. Right now, this post (and my heart) goes for the underdog – the cat.

Happy Passover from Israel-Sun

2008-04-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

Spring season is happening in Israel, and so is Pesach, a major one in the list of Jewish holidays. Pesach is currently being celebrated throughout the country. Kids are found away from the schools and into most parks here in Tel Aviv, enjoying their two weeks of vacation.

Even families, religious and otherwise, go in droves to parks (Bnei Dan Park has been fully packed since last week) and beaches with their bicycles and picnic bags spending much of the afternoon hours playing together – seemingly Pesach is the perfect bonding time-holiday I thought.

The MFA and other Israeli government agencies and private companies are either closed for the holidays or open half-day. Cafes are full to the brim (obviously Israelis are coffee lovers – are they the world’s largest consumers?). So are the beaches, parks and just about any area that can accommodate congregation of people.

It’s just unfortunate (for me at least) that malls, most stores, the Carmel market were closed (especially last Sunday). I had no choice but just to stay at home and do some really good house cleaning.

And so as the population go through with their “spring cleaning” and other customary activities for this particular Jewish holiday, I am observing with great interest the goings-on and the celebrations of my Jewish brothers as a third straight Pesach happens before me.

And by the way, I tried the Matzah last year and simply loved it; however I have yet to buy some for this year's Passover. I might purchase some from the nearby store anytime - I can't afford to let some great-tasting hummus that I already bought last week go to waste. I got to enjoy some great Matzah-hummus sandwich.

Hag Pesach Sameach!

Port Yafo's Fishless Saturday

2008-04-12T10:19:00.000-07:00

The day was bleak - the sun faintly, barely shines at Tel Aviv's Yafo Port

All are waiting for fishermen to ready up their fish catch for selling

Only two boats were present when we were at Yafo Port, hence 50 NIS-kilo fish

No (cheap) fish? Go for nice crabs instead!

Can hardly clean your fish without mangling it? Stop by these fish cleaners and make your life easier. Who knows? They might even be able to fillet your fish.

This morning was quite a cold, sun-less (well almost, the sun barely can peer through the gray cloudy sky) Tel Aviv day. We knew that we cannot expect so much fish on sale today and so it is not going to be the usual cheap-fish day. Still we decided to go to Yafo Port (before taking some promenade at Jaffa Beach), hoping for some boats already present with their catch for the day. There where two boats that came in as we arrived. Not to many buyers in sight, not even the groups of Filipino live in caregivers whom we usually encounter at the port during weekends. We knew it all along. Fish (danis) are sold at 50 shekels a kilo, 20 to 25 shekels higher than the usual price. Mang Bert instead bought some crabs at 100 shekels for 2 kilos (ordinarily for the same price, we can buy 3 kilos of crabs). Hopefully, fish will be more bountiful (and with prices back to normal) next week.

Via Dolorosa Jerusalem: Remember the Way of the Cross

2008-04-06T20:13:00.001-07:00

The Holy Week saw us going to Jerusalem and remembering Jesus’ last hours, His sufferings and death by walking through the Stations of the Cross or Via Dolorosa. Many participants were the staff of the Philippine Embassy in Israel and their families, as well as our compatriot friends, working in Tel Aviv as caregivers. The Way of the Cross traditionally starts with the priests leading the pilgrims and believers along the Via Dolorosa. The procession actually begins at the Monastery of Flagellation, just near the Lion’s Gate. Some of the participants carried wooden crosses, and as the procession stopped every time a station is reached for the pilgrims to say prayers. Finally we are able to reach the end of the Station at the Church of Holy Sepulcher.

Tel Aviv's Dr. Shakshuka

2008-03-08T14:26:00.001-08:00

In Tel Aviv Yafo, very near the Pishpeshim (flea market) is Dr. Shakshuka, said to be one of the Top Ten Restaurants in Tel Aviv. Foods served are mostly that of Tripoli and Morocco – and their specialty is the Shakshka, which is a pot of peppers, eggs and tomatoes, together with bread.

Indeed, you might want to try out Dr. Shakshuka after spending some shopping time at the Flea Market or a tiring walk around the promenade by the Jaffa Beach. You may choose to eat inside the restaurant, or perhaps enjoy some open air dining beside the establishment.

The restaurant is very popular, simply because of its great food as well as prompt service. If you are looking for Kosher, food of this type is also served here. A little pricey, but hey, you might some on-the-house treats such as drinks or cakes.

Israel's Munich House

2008-02-16T02:56:00.000-08:00

Just two blocks from the Philippine Embassy in Israel is the Munich House, a guest place mainly for students. It’s one of the more known landmarks along Bnei Dan Street in Tel Aviv. This well-known temporary accommodation was established by the Israel Youth Hostels Association together with the Tel Aviv Foundation. On its façade is written the words, “In memory of the eleven Israeli athletes murdered during the Munich Olympic Games.”

Food, Fruits - Everywhere in Israel

2008-01-18T08:44:00.000-08:00

Israel is bless with overflowing bounty, especially in food, an indispensable to the daily lives of Israelis. That's why food and fruit stores and stalls are found all around the place. Whether you are in Carmel Market in Tel Aviv, at a Ramat Aviv Mall, or at the food stalls inside the Old City in Jerusalem , you will find everything you need that will satisfy your fancy. (Pictures taken at the Old City. Our friend Me'an gamefully poses, while the able photographer is her hubby, Philippine Embassy in Israel Officer Chito David.)

Israel is the land of milk and honey (and cheese)!

Olives can be such a treat

Strawberries... pomegranates, anyone?

Fruits of all colors, available on this stand

Dried fruits, simply baking indispensables, especially to Me'an

Revisiting Mea Shearim

2008-01-13T21:15:00.000-08:00

Visiting Jerusalem's Mea Shearim fascinates me - being in the place always gives me the feel that I am in another world of centuries ago. I somewhat sense the feeling of not being welcomed, even resented whenever I am there in the area. Perhaps this is how the ultra religious really are to the outsiders, especially those who are obviously tourists just curious on what really makes of this puzzling, if not intriguing place of Israel. In my opinion, if the residents of Mea Shearim had the reputation of being "unfriendly" to the outsiders, their tradition and way of life dictate it and this is understable. They have their rules (like what is written in the yellow poster in the picture above) and people wanting to enter Mea Shearim have to abide by it.

More of Bethlehem Christmas

2008-01-07T20:02:00.000-08:00

Jaffa in Tel Aviv is where you have to go if you want to experience even just a tiny taste of the Yuletide Season. A few stores along Yerushalayim Street selling Christmas wares, and some Christian Arabs displaying bright multi-colored lights on their window grills. Xmas came and went in Yafo and I was left wanting so much. That's why it is a must that we go to Bethlehem every year to hear the mass and celebrate the Christmas Day there. Bethlehem is the closest here in Israel to the uber merry experiences we have in Manila.

And pictures, Bethlehem Christmas pictures. I still have many and definitely must have them here despite already having worn out my post Yuletide blues. Better late than never. Besides, there's a saying that "Everyday is Christmas Day!"

Manger display in front of Bethlehem store

This display has wood logs as base

Arab clothing store

Christmas Greeting Banners and decors abound in the city

Santa Claus decors and sweet treats sold in this store

Air of Christmas frenzy apparent in the Nativity Square

Christmas Decors hanging in front of Mosque

Merry Christmas from Bethlehem!

Yuletide Greetings from Palestine

Chito and Mean: "At last, we're getting inside (Nativity Church)!"

See how the church is lavishly decorated

The figure of baby Jesus under the altar

Happy New Year from My Share of Sun in Israel!

2007-12-29T06:22:00.000-08:00

I thought I just had to greet everyone a prosperous New Year through a personal picture card. Not a unique idea but still a great way of sending the message across, don't you think? Photograph taken at the lobby of the Philippine Embassy in Israel.

Merry Christmas from My Share of Sun in Israel

2007-12-26T23:07:00.000-08:00

After 6 long years here in Israel, it's time to say goodbye and so long to

Chito and Me'an. We will all miss you guys!

For Filipino caregivers here in Israel, Christmas means going to Bethlehem, one of the major cities with large concentration of Palestinian Christians, on December 25 for the Yuletide Mass as well as a tour of the place. We got to visit again Bethlehem’s main Christian landmarks such as the Nativity Church, the Milk Grotto and the Shepherd’s Fields. It is estimated that more than 3000 Filipino workers, together with the RP Embassy Officers and staff headed by Chargé d’Affaires Gilberto G.B. Asuque traveled in 40 buses from Israel to Bethlehem to attend the Christmas Day mass. Monday’s festivities were even made livelier by the huge number of pilgrims, larger compared to the previous years. The Manger Square particularly, was packed with tourists, especially Filipinos who wanted to visit the Nativity Church, the place where Jesus was born.

Laying of Tefillin: Jewish Phenomena

2007-12-18T11:40:00.001-08:00

Religious youth participate in the laying of tefillin at the Western Wall, Jerusalem

Tefillin being laid at Nachlat Binyamin, along Allenby Street in Tel Aviv

A familiar scene in many places in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and all over Israel is the laying of tefillin, a pair of black leather cubes containing scriptural words and passages. The religious with tefillin bounded to their arms and head with the use of black straps literally binds to themselves the scripture of God.

It is usually the Lubavitch Hasidic who actively promotes the laying of Tefillin, albeit it is not done on Shabbat as well as other Jewish religious festivals such as Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Yom Kippur and Pesach. This Jewish phenomena that is the Tefillin campaign was initiated by Rabbi Menachem Schneerson before the start of the 1967 Six Day War.

A Filipino Christmas Card from Israel

2007-12-14T13:19:00.000-08:00

A colorful Christmas greetings coming from Israel. The Philippine Embassy to Tel Aviv Israel Charge d' Affaires Gilberto Asuque, Vice Consul Thaddeus Hamoy and the officers and staff of the RP Embassy, in a Yuletide Card depicting Santa Claus and his little elves on their way to the Nativity Church in Bethlehem this Christmas Day of 2007.

Nation's Leaders Park of Israel

2007-12-07T05:28:00.001-08:00

Bird's eyeview of the Nation's Leaders Park, built

in celebration of Israel's 60 years as a State

The gate of the Park, with the 33 flags of countries who supported the UN Resolution 181. Exactly in the middle of the group is the Philippine Flag.

The Nation's Leaders Park honors the

great leaders and fathers of the Jewish State of Israel

While the largest Philippine flag was unfurled here in Israel, another flag of ours proudly flies at the newly opened Nation’s Leaders Park located at the City of Rishon LeZion, Israel. The RP is displayed along with 32 nations at the Park in recognition of their support to the UN General Assembly Resolution 181 (also known as the UN Partition Plan. It is worth noting that the Philippines is the only country from Asia that fully gave support to the UN resolution. The 4-hectare park is mainly built in celebration of the Israel’s 60 years as a state and likewise as tribute to its great leaders. The Nation’s Leaders Park is now considered by many as a major memorial area offering visitors a proud, rich display of Zionist values.

A Day's Visit to Beersheva

2007-12-04T11:10:00.001-08:00

At last, we get to see the Bedouin Market, Beersheva (from left: Me'an and Mrs. Hamoy, Chito, RP Embassy to Israel Vice Consul Hamoy, and Alvin)

A fully-clothed Beersheva woman checks on some jeans, which I

thought were cheaply sold on the market

Mrs Hamoy tries her haggling skills as a home decor item catches her fancy, while Messrs Thaddeus and Alvin looks on - as backups perhaps?

Seller mending a tear on a jacket - one of the many

winter wears he sells at the Bedouin Market

Beersheva local men selling spices and logs

Karl Berg is an Israeli food company famous for its

quality cold cuts and meat products

Where we failed at Pishpeshim, at Beersheva Mall we had a grand time; big discounts on great items, we just had to shop like crazy!

Finally, we were able to visit Beersheva, which a friend amusingly calls Beer of Sheva (like we used to think it is Israel’s beer capital). We have been planning to go this Negev desert city but the last summer’s heat was just too much for us to brave the required long travel.

Actually our main reason for traveling to Beersheva (or Be’er Shava in Hebrew) is to visit its Bedouin Market (Pishpeshim). This southern city of Israel is known for its significant number of Bedouin residents who primarily consider Beersheva as a great place for doing business.

From Tel Aviv, we rode the train and traveled for 2 hours to Beersheva’s Central Bus Station. Just near the station was the Bedouin market, which we thought quite pales in comparison with the Pishpeshim of Tel Aviv Jaffa, although many sellers do offer quite interesting wares.

Fortunately, we came to Beersheva at the perfect time, as the shopping mall just adjacent to the Tachana Merkazit (Bus Station) holds a mall-wide sale. Everyone had a grand time buying sweaters and long-sleeve shirts at half their prices.

However, luck is not always on our side as the train bogged down and the last trip back home got cancelled. There was a lone bus, but with the long line of weary passengers, we realized that we have to come up with other transportation option. Finally, we took the Tel Aviv car service and had to shell out 350 shekels for the fare to Tel Aviv.

What we planned was bringing home some goodies from the Bedouin market, but got shopping bags full of nice branded clothes instead. Overall, it was a great if tiring adventure we experienced at Beersheva. A very nice city indeed, but I will always settle for Jaffa’s Pishpeshim anytime.

Israel Unfurls the Biggest Flags in the World

2007-11-28T08:48:00.000-08:00

Banner on the Unfurling Occasion at Israel's Masada Airfield

Filipinos Holding Israeli and Philippine Flags

Fil Caregivers and Israeli youth joined together in the unfurling of the flags

Unfurled Phil flag measures 18,818 square meters...

While the Israeli flag measures 18,843 square meters

Grace Galindez Gupana congratulated by Guiness officer Andrea Banfi as RP Embassy to Israel Charge d'Affaires and Consul General Gilberto Asuque looks on

Guinness Certificate for Record of World's Largest Flags

It took four hectares – roughly the size of 3 football fields – to accommodate the showcasing of the Israeli and Philippine Flags at Israel’s Masada Airfield last November 25. Created by Filipina businessman Grace Gupana, the gargantuan flags were unfurled by hundreds of volunteers composed of Filipino caregivers and Israeli youths. They were joined by Philippine Embassy to Israel Charge d’Affaires Gilberto G.B. Asuque and Israel’s Tourism Director General Shaul Zemach.

The Phil and Israel Flags was a generous contribution of Mrs Gupana to the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Establishment of Friendship and Diplomatic Relations between our country and the State of Israel. The occasion was even made more special - and the records, official - as the Guiness World Records Officials flew in from the UK to certify both flags as the largest in the world.

Early Winter Morning at Jaffa Beach

2007-11-23T04:22:00.000-08:00

This is an early 8 am shot of the Jaffa Beach at Tel Aviv, and a calm and nice morning has finally reign over after a few days of rain in the city (and perhaps on other places in Israel). The huge waves have disappeared albeit it is obvious that the sea is still swollen from the previous downpours. Sadly, the beach is deserted as the cold weather drives away everyone from treading it. No more scenes of swimmers going up and down the waters and beach combers enjoying the heat of the blazing sun, facing up the cool sea breeze – as the Jaffa beach cannot be enjoyed anymore, for the next months that is, because of the cold winter.

Mosaics at Tel Aviv's Shalom Tower

2007-11-19T10:35:00.000-08:00

Shalom Tower, once Israel's tallest

Mosaic art works worthy of everyone's admiration

Mosaics at Shalom Tower Lobby were a masterpiece by Nahum Gutman

Mosaic representation of the Old Jaffa, its port and the Mediterranean

Depiction of the daily activities in Old Jaffa

Tel Aviv's first city lamp

I am a frequent visitor of Shalom Tower, specifically the Post Office at its ground floor for my letters and money transfer concerns. The tower, located just near Allenby at Tel Aviv, had the distinction of being Israel's tallest building during the 70's and 80's.

Every time I am at Shalom, I never fail to check on the mosaic art works at the lobby. Colorful, intricate and bursting with life and vibrance, the mosaics tell about the early life and happenings in Tel Aviv and the Old City of Jaffa.

The mosaics were done in 1970, a masterpiece by Romanian-born Nahum Gutman, considered the foremost artist of Tel Aviv in the city’s early days. Of course, today Gutman is recognized as one of Israel’s finest gentlemen of art. A museum was founded after him, the Gutman Museum, located at the Neve Tsedek.

Crabs from Jafa Port, Tel Aviv

2007-11-14T12:01:00.000-08:00

If you are sea food lover and crave for only the best quality fish and crabs, then you have to visit the Jafa Port at Yafo Tel Aviv. We usually go there very early at 6 am in the morning of Saturday, so Shabbat for the fishermen is still a working day.

The earlier you go to the port, the better – late mornings will see yourself competing with more people for the best fish buys.

Usually the entrance of the port already bustles with activities, and often times I already buy there that I don’t need to go further into the port.

Last time I was quite late in going to the port, around 8 am, and I found myself the middle of huddle of prospective buyers and onlookers – waiting for the fisherman to untangle his catch of crabs off the net. I love crabs (which I cook either steamed or simmered for hours in coconut milk and ginger) so patiently I waited – it would be great if I can buy even just two kilos of these deliciously tasting crustaceans.

However, our patience seems far greater than our main man as he frustratingly broke off several appendages of every poor crab, apparently in his haste to make ready for selling all his harvest from the Mediterranean Sea.

Who would want to buy leg-less and pincer-less crabs? I might. In fact I did – as I have no choice but to content myself with a kilo of crabs (5 pieces) and hurriedly turned back towards home as it was already late.

Fish – I will just buy next time around. Some denis would be nice, with sweet, chili and sour sauce. But for that day, I got myself some crab – leg-less, pincer-less and all – yet a great fill I still had.

Restaurants You Can Find at Jaffa Hills

2007-10-27T00:50:00.000-07:00

If you think that the Jaffa Hills in Tel Aviv are all but archaeological diggings and finds, theatres, parks and mazes of art galleries and antique shops, better visit the place again as the hills has its share of Israel’s finest restaurants. I myself was quite surprised that there are food establishments within the hills. One establishment which I have not noticed to be around, ironically very near to the Catholic St Peter’s Church is the Bernhardt Show Restaurant. Of course, I already know (and even had some eats) about the food kiosk cum souvenir shop just near Saint Peter’s, and the Aladdin Restaurant, which is strategically located in the hills, overlooking the Jaffa Beach and the Mediterranean Sea. Aladdin’s nice features are its open veranda available for dining, and from which you can have a spectacular view of Tel Aviv, as well as a great variety of delicious food choices. As you go down the Jaffa Hills straight to Yefet Street or Jaffa Street (if you turn left) you will chance upon the Abuoelafia Restaurant, which is housed on a quite imposing building and primarily serving Arabic cuisine.

Sanctuary of Dominus Flevit: Mount of Olives, Jerusalem

2007-10-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

Sanctuary sign

From the window of the Church you can see the Dome of the Rock

Closer view of the Dome of the Rock

Russian Orthodox Church along the Mount of Olives slopes

Jewish Cemetery as seen from the Mount of Olives

If you want a great view of Jerusalem’s Old City, then you might want to go to Mount of Olives, specifically at the Sanctuary of Dominus Flevit.

Translated as “The Lord Wept,” the church is so-called because of its tear drop shape. The tears referred to here are that of Jesus, who wept upon seeing the Second Temple as he walked toward the City, knowing its impending destruction.

Peering through the window of the Church you can see the Dome of the Rock. The Sanctuary is newly built, and just like many other Christian churches and holy sites, it is under the Fransiscan Custody of the Holy Land.

On Succot and Jewish Holidays

2007-10-05T00:44:00.001-07:00

A long series of no-work rest days – nine days to be exact – because of the Jewish holiday Succot, will soon be over. I enjoyed all the seemingly endless free hours I spent on many worthwhile things – mostly on morning Jaffa Beach and Tel Aviv walks, house cleaning (at long last and I actually enjoyed it), lone videoke sessions in the afternoon, picture-taking at the Jaffa Hill (for the nth time!), hours of surfing, emailing, finishing quite a good number of articles for my other weblogs, and more surfing.

Indeed, observing and celebrating this list of Jewish holidays are a major thing for the Israelis. They just love their holidays, either by commemorating or celebrating them. And because of the holidays, they are given the opportunity to rest their minds and bodies from the stresses of business and work. I think that many Israeli lives somehow center and is shaped around these holidays.

I somehow have grown at ease with Tel Aviv being almost like a ghost town during the daytime of a holiday or even the Shabbat, with obviously less cars and no autobus. Many stores temporarily close for the day, and everyone seems in hibernation, like having hours-long siesta.

Then suddenly the city becomes full of life in the evening. Stores and shops open for their waiting customers. The appliance shop down my apartment opens at around 7PM of Saturdays to eager patrons. Restaurants enjoy great patronage as people line up to get in and get served. Sidewalks are filled with couples enjoying some promenade and groups simply chatting the night away.

It does make me wonder why Israel has a great “boom town of an economy” despite the numerous days Israelis consider as non-working holidays. Obviously, the country is one fine example why serious work and ample play go hand in hand for the benefit of the Israel economy as well as Tel Aviv tourism.

Well, I am definitely looking forward to another more-than-a-week long celebration of Succot next year. By the way, they put up a Succah (see picture above) along Rehov Louis Pasteur at Jaffa, near Ilana Goor Museum going to the Hills. I just learned that Succah should be built in a Kosher way, like walls not swaying to the breeze and roofs only be partially covered for people to be able to peek through and see stars.

On Black Suits and Side Curls

2007-10-02T12:28:00.000-07:00

At the ultra-orthodox end of the religious spectrum of Israel is the Hasidic Judaism, which interests me if only for their distinctive way of dressing. The Hasidic attire, as I notice, is composed of suits in black. Sometimes I chance upon some wearing overcoat, also in black. Pants are black. I think everything is black, except perhaps the undershirt and the white threads on the waist area. I also notice a variety of head gear, and while black hats are commonly worn on weekdays, fur headdresses are in use during the Sabbath.

What I am just really curious about is the history of the curly hair on the sides of the Hasid’s head. Well, I realize now that the Jewish Bible or Torah commands every Jewish male, not just the Hasid, to maintain such curly locks, or “payot” as how they call it in Hebrew. Are the locks curled with curling iron? I do not want to sound offensive, but I have always wanted to know what really the purpose is of having such unique feature in the countenance of the male Hasidic Jew?

The Tree at Hayarkon Park, Tel Aviv

2007-09-30T01:08:00.000-07:00

"One hundred year old" tree planted in a concrete enclosure ,

obviously telling of its importance

Will someone please translate, especially the Hebrew line in quotations

Yesterday, I decided on taking some morning walk at the Hayarkon Park along Bnei Dan Street in Tel Aviv. Just on the area of the park near the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, I chanced upon this 100 year old tree. I say 100 years old because the number is indicated in the Hebrew sign, obviously referring to the tree’s age. This is as far as I can guess. Perhaps the sign tells about the species of the tree, and its significance. I want to know more, so I stopped one bike rider to solicit a quick translation. Well, he said the sign is about “Respecting the elderly as they deserve such treatment.” I tried to ask for a more detailed translation, but he says it’s difficult to translate it in English. Perhaps anyone here can help? I feel a little sad about the tree because it looks lifeless to me, with all the leaves already gone and barks shedding off. I am sure that the poor thing that's almost devoid of life is being kept and preserved because of its historical importance.

Etzel House of Israel: Muzeum of the Irgun

2007-09-26T22:06:00.000-07:00

Just outside Jaffa is where you can find the Irgun museum, which is dedicated to the secret Zion military group operating in Palestine in the 30’s and 40’s.

Upon personally seeing the museum, it really is apparent that the structure owns strong elements of being a mighty military fortress.

Also known in Israel for its Hebrew acronym Etzel, the organization fought against the Palestinian and Arab groups, with the main ideology that all Jews have the right to Palestine – be able to go and live there. It can also be said that the Irgun was formed in reaction to the many riots happening then.

Ze’ev Jabotinsky is Irgun’s first leader and recognized as one of the important political leaders of the Irgun. His political views become a basis of the Zionist policy – which is leaning on activism and social orientation. The last Chief Commander of the Irgun, and one whom I am more familiar with is Menahem Begin, once Israel’s Prime Minister.

Eventually, the Irgun was dissolved and merged with the Israel Defense Forces.

Yom Kippur at Jaffa

2007-09-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

Kids enjoy biking during the afternoon of Yom Kippur

Bikers treading Yefet Street

Single row of bikers

Clock Tower area at Jaffa

Time out from the long ride. This shawarma restaurant is the only

one open in the Clock Tower area

Bridge on the Tel Aviv beach walk

Zero-car Kaufman Street

Surely the Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, is the most significant holiday of the Israelis / Jews if only because it is obviously the most observed of all the holidays.

From last Friday’s sun down up to today’s (Saturday, Yom Kippur) sunset, everyone refrains from doing anything. The religious especially, refrain from work, and taking in food and water. This should be the case as the Yom Kippur holiday is considered a total Sabbath.

Yom Kippur is also a car-less, autobus-less and sherut-less day. People, especially the children, get around with their bicycles. Others go with their pair of skates and even skateboards. The bike shops along the Yerushalayim Street surely had brisk sales yesterday.

We went out for some walking from Even Shoshan Street at Jaffa all the way down to the corner of Kaufman Street at the Textile Tower. And as expected, more people can be found in the area, mostly riding their bikes or simply strolling along, some in the middle of the streets and on road islands.

And now that Yom Kippur has ended, I am looking forward to another Jewish holiday which is the Sukkot, starting September 27.

Elijah's Cave of Haifa Israel

2007-09-16T09:41:00.001-07:00

During our trip to Haifa, major port of Israel, we did not go straight to the Bahai Gardens, but instead passed by first at Elijah’s Cave, which is found at the Cape Carmel’s area, just below the Stella Maris Monastery.

One of Israel’s well-known biblical sites and Haifa’s popular tourist attractions, the cave is so-called because it is said to be where Elijah, a Hebrew prophet, stayed and preached. It is a much revered place, as it was here where he stayed to meditate before conquering Baal’s prophets. Upon his return from exile, Elijah used the cave as his place for preaching.

Elijah’s Cave welcomes everyone and is a blessed place to all – Christians, Muslims and Jews. Another story is that Joseph, Mary and the Holy Child Jesus stayed at the cave one night as they passed by it going home from Egypt.

A Day in Bahai Gardens, Haifa

2007-09-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

Another “light” blogging work for me today. The pictures are courtesy of my French friends Julien and Sylvie, who took these magnificent Bahai Garden shots the second time they went there. The following text is courtesy of RP Embassy to Israel attaché Alvin Conchas III. Thanks guys!

It was just another “extra holiday” in Israel. I love this country! As a newcomer in this country, I enticed my colleagues to visit one of the most scenic spots, i.e., Haifa. We took the train early that morning in order to save time. Our destination was the famous Bahai Gardens. Haifa is located in the northern part of the State of Israel. It offers not only scenic spots for the tourism industry but also commercial activities owing to its port.

I was quite excited to visit Haifa although it was not my first time to set foot in that place since we had an outreach program a couple of months ago. The excitement stems from the stories I heard from our Parisian visitors, Julian and Sylvie, who gave enormous and colorful testimonials that Haifa was really a wonderful place to visit. One more thing that is interesting is that Haifa is a model community where Christians, Arabs and Jews live together with fewer animosities as compared to other places in Israel.

Upon arriving in Haifa, we began to feel the scorching heat of the sun. Perspiration began to cover my face and my back. I really thought that Haifa would be cooler as compared to Tel Aviv-Jaffa since it’s relatively situated on higher grounds (but not as high as that of Jerusalem). We immediately went to the bus stop and waited around 15 minutes for bus 22 which would bring us at the top of the Bahai Gardens.

Finally, we reached the top of the Bahai Gardens. Although a gentle breeze welcomed us, the scorching heat began to intensify. Upon reaching the gates of the garden, we learned that we could only enter the garden through a reservation and it would only be for limited access. Thus, we only saw the “dome” of the garden from a far. The only consolation we had was to see the whole panoramic view of Haifa and its port.

I heard that during the war with Lebanon in 2006, Haifa was bombarded with missiles. Haifa was fortunate because the Bahai Gardens were spared during that war.

We again took bus 22 and went down to find a place to rest. We had lunch and initially planned to visit other places nearby, such as the Elijah’s cave. We decided however to spend our time in the restaurant because the heat have already bested us and I feel I could no longer continue walking because the sweat had already consumed my strength.

Although our trip was short and quite tiring, it was an experience of my life that I cannot forget. There’s more than meets the eye in Israel. No words are adequate to describe how beautiful this country can be.

There will be more travels in the days to come since it is the caprice of my childhood and all these memories I get from these travels will be the fond of recollection during my old age.

A Good New Year to All

2007-09-12T05:34:00.000-07:00

The past days, some greeted me “Shana Tova,” others, “Hag Sameach.”

So I thought both referred to the Jewish New Year.

Well, sort of.

My Israeli friend explained Hag Sameach is the Hebrew term for Happy Holiday, which can be used as a greeting for all Jewish holidays and festivals, Jewish New Year included.

Shana Tova, on the other hand, is the more appropriate greeting nowadays as it means A Good Year (to you).

So, my sincerest Shana Tova and Hag Sameach greetings to all my Israeli friends as well as my compatriots staying here in Israel.

My God shower us all with bountiful grace, and bless us with the best of the best in this coming Jewish New Year.

Trip to the Dead Sea

2007-08-30T14:14:00.000-07:00

We managed to reach the Dead Sea at 2pm - we seemed to enjoy more having a

good rest after the long travel than eating our lunch

Magnificent mountains, acting as worthy backdrop to the Dead Sea

Metal shed trails that lead toward the the Dead Sea

Nice Dead Sea view

"Mud People" - hoping for the healthful benefits (read: miracle) from the Dead Sea mud

Chester Omaga Diaz - Enjoying a good read while floating at the Dead Sea

Frenchman Julien - First time Dead Sea floater cum Missalette reader

Sylvie: "Everything can get salty and wet, but not my Missalette"

If in Tel Aviv, the weather is unbearably humid, at the Dead Sea it's feverishly hot! If only for this discomfort, I am quick to decide that going there at this time of the year is a mistake. However, the grandeur of the Dead Sea as well as the surrounding gargantuan mountains crawling around compensate for everything else that we complained about (especially our bus with its non-functional aircon units). Still and all, the Dead Sea is one of the best spots to visit in Israel. Hopefully, we will be back again for a much more enjoyable visit perhaps before this year's winter sets in.

Ernest's Tel Aviv

2007-08-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

Please check out my new site - Ernest’s Tel Aviv. It is another small, humble weblog of mine, actually a personal photoblog on Tel Aviv Israel, sort of similar with My Share of Sun in Israel site. I have long realized the wealth of wonderful and amazing places here in the White City, and so I want to capture as much as I can to feature them here. I started on it just a few weeks ago, so everyone please do comment or offer any suggestions on how I can make better the site.

Soreq Cave, Judean Hills

2007-08-23T02:02:00.000-07:00

Despite the summer heat and all, we trekked (read: took the bus) to the Judean Mountains to see the Soreq Cave. Considered a major tourist attraction of Israel, the cave simply imbues magnificence, especially to the first time visitors. When I got inside, I just found myself standing there and staring fixatedly in awe for a few minutes at the first stalactite and stalagmite formation that I came upon. All about the cave was breathtaking. What’s fascinating is that such formations actually took millions of years to be created.

Alvin Conchas III, my lone “guest writer” and instant Soreq Cave fan has more to say:

The Philippine Embassy took the opportunity to arrange an out of town visit to holy places or sites in Israel. It was just another exciting trip for a new comer like me. We visited the Soreq Cave, inter alia, where a huge deposit of stalagmites and stalactites are found. It was amazing since the discovery of the said cave was only an accident when miners began excavation and blew up a part of the mountain. Before their naked eyes, a new and wonderful world was unfolded.

At first, I felt an eerie feeling because it seemed that I have entered into an alien world. However, upon seeing the wonderful beauty created by the hands of God, I was able to accept the beauty and the art that lie within.

Fortunate enough since it was Friday, the only day when tourists could actually take pictures of these "sculptures". These creations were carefully carved millions of years before, perhaps even long before our ancestors discovered writing or even dominated the earth. We were forbidden to touch them since mere touch can actually alter the natural processes that make a wonderful formation.

Getting there from where the bus stopped was not quite easy for me. The weather is cooler since the cave is located at a higher altitude; nevertheless, the scorching heat of the sun seemed to have bested me, not to mention the long way downwards towards the cave. Descending was an easy task but the real challenge was going back from where we came from. The only consolation I had was that the stairs were solid rocks and were not too steep.

St. John Ba Harim Church - Ein Karem Jerusalem Israel

2007-08-18T11:50:00.000-07:00

Entrance to the St. John Ba Harim Compound

Saint John the Baptist is Yohanan haMatbil in Hebrew

The Church might be imposing on the outside but charming on its interior, as like the Ein Karem town

Manang Josie, RP Embassy's "tourist guide" being greeted by Father Michael

St John Ba Harim Altar. To its left is a stairway leading to a cave which is said to be where Zachary and Mary lived

Entrance Leading to the Byzantine Tomb

Wishing Well on the grounds of St. John ba Harim Church

RP Embassy Collecting Officer Christophe David and wife Meann. On the background (atop the mountain) is the Russian Orthodox Church or the Moscovite Monastery, as affectionately called by the locals

Friday last week saw us going to the mountains located on the eastern part of Jerusalem Israel. In the midst you can find the picturesque hill town of Ain Karem or En Karim.

As first timers to the place, we simply were at awe with the European impression that Ain Karem has given us, as it is almost similar to the quaint villages in Italy.

A laidback town, with olive orchards and vineyards, as well as stone houses with terraces, Ain Karem is a place where you are sure its residents know one another. It is easily one of the best towns in Israel.

The town is where the Church of St. John ba Harim (Hebrew of St. John in the Mountain). The Church is believed to be where St. John the Baptist was born.

Presently, it is being run and maintained by Franciscan priests from Spain. Likewise, most of the Church’s interior decorations are donated by the Spanish people.

United Buddy Bear in Israel

2007-08-15T21:02:00.000-07:00

The United Buddy Bears from afar, lined up at the Municipality of Jerusalem's Safra Square

United Buddy Bears with open arms, signifying nations and societies

welcoming everyone else, regardless of race and color

Posing with our Buddy Bear

Sylvia with the French Buddy Bear

The United Buddy Bears are creating a buzz at the Safra Square of the Municipality in Jerusalem Israel.

The colorful bear exhibition is intended to foster peace, unity and harmony among countries.

If you have been to the square, you will see the Israeli bear flanked by that of Iraq and Iran, which was specifically requested by the Municipality. This creates a symbolic gesture of the possibility of true and lasting friendship.

Happily, we huddled around our very own Philippine Buddy Bear, uniquely designed with a regal-looking eagle.

Bet Jamal - Jerusalem Hills in Israel

2007-08-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

In Israel’s Jerusalem Hills, just a few kilometers south of Beit Shemesh is Beit Jamal. Here is where you can find the monastery of the Nuns belonging to the Sisters of Bethlehem. There means of livelihood is by creating artful potteries. While all take taken the strict vow of silence, the nuns who tend to the pottery store are allowed to speak.

The surrounding of the place is like that of a villa’s, and apparently not only religious activities are being held there. On the entrance are benches where mountain bikers group – perhaps Beit Shemesh is their starting point to a long and rough dusty road ride, or the place has served as a stopover for a much-needed rest.

For those with scientific leanings, this may come as a surprise. Do you know that the Salesian Monks of Beit Shemesh still maintains a meteorological station which was built in 1919? The first meteorological station I have visited in Israel, and by accident even.

Beit Shemesh is where stands Saint Stephen’s Church, in honor of the first ever Christian Saint. Many pictures that I have posted here are on St. Stephen’s.

More Jaffa Tel Aviv Pictures

2007-08-11T11:12:00.000-07:00

Silvi and Julian, thrilled to be in Tel Aviv Israel

Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea

St. Peter's Church

Pishpeshim Seller

Pishpeshim

Street around the Pishpeshim area, selling more on

Arabic and Middle Eastern wares

Back of St Peter's Church

Fly Fishing at Jaffa Port

Jaffa Port

Silvi and the Giant Whale at Jaffa

Every time we have guests coming over from abroad to Israel, usually the first place that we tour them around is the Jaffa Hill here in Tel Aviv.

My newfound friends Julian and Silvi, who are on a quick two-week vacation, simply love Jaffa Hill, especially its galleries and art shops.

Julian is a passionate photographer who owns a digital camera way “hi-tech” than mine. He got to know about my blog, and offered that some of his pictures be posted here. Of course, I would be crazy if I decline, so here they are.

The nice, vivid photographs above are from his Nikon Digital.

Israel in the Eyes of a Newcomer

2007-08-02T12:16:00.000-07:00

Finally, after more than a year, I am featuring my first guest writer here in My Share of Sun in Israel. I am just in luck that Alvin Conchas, the newest consular staff member at the Philippine Embassy Tel Aviv, is more than willing to write about his experiences here in Israel so far. Read all what he has to say:

“Leaving the Philippines last month to spend the next six years of my life in Israel, the promise land, is a daunting task. No matter how daunting the task maybe, it is a bitter pill that I had to swallow inasmuch as I chose Foreign Service as my career.

The day that I arrived in Ben Gurion Airport, I felt that I was totally a stranger in a strange land although at the back of my mind, this is the fulfillment of my dreams, i.e., to set my feet on the Land of the Promise, enter the Gates of the Kingdom of Heaven and walk where Jesus Christ have walked, suffered and died.

I must admit that my life totally changed since the day I arrived in Israel, not just because I hear different languages which are new to my ears nor I see new faces of different colors, creed, and religious denominations, but because I will live my life all alone, leaving behind (and far from) those who spoiled me in all thirty-two years of my life.

At first, I was really doubtful about the beautiful and amazing stories I heard about Israel from my best friend Chester. I really thought that Tel Aviv (or even the whole of Israel) would just look like other Middle Eastern countries but much to my amazement, I feel that I am in Europe because their way of living, clothing style, attitudes, etc., are very much European.

But what made me gape in awe is the astonishing reality that Christians, Arabs and Jews, having three different and opposite religions and practices, could actually live together and mingle with each other in a community.

The language barrier was my other dilemma. How on earth can I possibly interact with the community that speaks Hebrew and even Arabic? The thought of which circled around my mind just months before I left for Israel. I can adjust with the style of living, attitudes, mores, customs, traditions, etc., but language seemed to be compromising on my part.

Can you imagine how could I ask for directions when I got lost in the City? How can I order the food I would want to eat if I can’t even say what I want in their language? But God is so good because I found out that majority of the people living in Israel can and actually speak in English. Whew! I will survive.

Speaking about food, I thought that my stomach would grumble at the taste of shawarma, salads, bread, sausages, spices, etc. Well, I was wrong again. I even gained weight. Dear Lord! I like the taste of shawarma… especially the dishes in Cow’s Bar, Brew House, and desserts like ice cream at Victory and at Dr. Lek’s. I am looking forward to taste the lamb chops which Chester mentioned to me that it melts in your mouth not in your hands. That I have to taste!

On my first few weeks, I had a chance to have a stroll in Tel Aviv. Chito, one of my colleagues in the Embassy, volunteered to be my tour guide. He seems to be a man who forgot to get tired of walking. I had the chance to see Jaffa, a very interesting and beautiful place where most of the Embassy officers and staff hold their residence.

We went to a higher ground to see the panoramic view of the Metropolis, i.e., Tel Aviv as we enjoy the gentle touch on our face of the afternoon breeze coming from the Mediterranean Sea. It was hot since it is summer but not humid as compared to my home country. I have not yet tried swimming but I have dipped my feet in the cool waters of the sea. It is relatively cooler than that of the seas of my home town. (And, there are lots of “heavenly bodies” in the beach.)

Well, one thing that I seem not to like about the place is the Sabbath day because life can be so boring. Business establishments are closed; even busses and train stations cease their usual operations. One literally walks seeing nothing but almost empty streets. Taxis and some private vehicles are the kings of the road. Thus, I don’t enjoy the weekends which is supposed to make you relax. It turns out to be the time for me to do chores which I never did while I was still living at my home town. Sigh!

In just a short span of time, a glimpse of my future was foretold before me. Philosophically, life can be a misery or happiness by your own choice. And my choice, well, read between the lines.”

Israel's "Danger of Death" Street Sign

2007-07-30T11:40:00.001-07:00

I rarely encounter street signs with the “death” word – I think I did twice so far. One was in Manila, where concrete islands in the middle of the super highways have huge sign boards with the line “Crossing can Kill you” (in Tagalog).

And the second is here in Israel. I am sure many, especially those from Tel Aviv, know the “Beware of Death” signs attached on the electric posts on the city sidewalks.

In both instances, I can’s help but really ask if there is solid validity in using the “death” word itself just to get the message of potential danger across.

On the other hand, it has become an amusement of sorts for some. A friend, upon seeing the sign on the post in front of the RP embassy in Bnei Dan Street was pleasantly delighted with it, albeit also befuddled with why the people or company-in-charge (the local utility or perhaps the city engineering) should come up with such a grim sign, which is short of being morbid. I myself thought – why not just use the word “danger” instead, which is a more appropriate and refined substitute.

Anyway, Israel has its share of interestingly odd street signs, and definitely the “Beware of Death” sign is one of them (or so I thought).

Tel Aviv and Manila: Cities Far Apart

2007-07-25T12:48:00.000-07:00

I came across a tool measuring distance between two cities – a service from GEObytes. So I fancied measuring the distance between Tel Aviv, Israel and Manila. What I got was 8813 kilometers. I thought that it is such a huge number; obviously Israel is worlds away from the Philippines.

Albeit I wish the number could have also been translated into something more easily imaginable. Perhaps they can also describe the distance between Tel Aviv and Manila as something like for example, 100,000 cans of cola forming a line. Or perhaps some how-many-numbers of sea-sailing hours.

Anyway, the measuring service likewise notes that such measurement of distance is arrived at “as the crow flies,” which means that the distance is measured using the direct and shortest route between any two cities. Tel Aviv and Manila’s longitude and latitude are used in the calculation of the distance, therefore such distance differ greatly from driving distance.

Another Day in Jerusalem Israel

2007-07-17T11:33:00.000-07:00

We were at the Tel Aviv Ha' Hagana Train Station 7.30 AM,

an hour earlier than the next train arrival schedule

Beefed-up security at the station

The train ride took almost 2 hours to reach Jerusalem

The white city atop the mountain - a scene outside the Jerusalem - Malcha station

Autobus number 6 yet to arrive

Waiting for brunch to be served at Gulindo

Safra Square

The Municipality of Jerusalem

Start of the Damascus Road

On our way to the Damascus Gate

Damascus Gate of the Old City

Busy commercial alley just by the area of the Holy Sepulchre Church

Exterior of the Holy Sepulchre Church

Cardo Jewish Quarter

Jewish Quarter - the best maintained of the 4 quarters

Cardo Ruins and Excavations

Galleries on Jewish art, particularly painting, abound in the Jewish Quarter

Giant Menorrah

Pillars at Cardo

The Dome of the Rock

The hot wind blows hard, so we held on to our kippahs to keep them in place

Jewish boys whispering their prayers to the Wailing Wall

A short rest before we headed to Jaffa road where we took

our sherut ride back to Tel Aviv

Our feet are standing by the gates of Jerusalem,

Jerusalem that are built is a city that is compact together

One of the hottest days of summer it was, yet we still decided to make the most of our trip in Jerusalem this time.

We traveled to Jerusalem by train, the comfort of which (plus the panoramic windows) easily compensated for the long travel. The train station at Tel Aviv Ha' Hagana is just near the Tachana Merchazit, which surprisingly was already open at 8AM.

Actually, this Jerusalem trip was organized for Alvin, the newest member of the Philippine Embassy Israel. We prodded him to make true his promise of kissing the Jerusalem soil if we accompany him there at the soonest time. Well, promises are indeed made to be broken.

Gan Hashelosha: Beit Shean Region, Israel

2007-07-14T04:02:00.000-07:00

We (and the kids definitely) got the swim of our lives last Friday at the Beit Shean Valley’s Gan HaShelosha National Park (also known as Park of the Three), one of Israel’s more popular natural park.

Originally, we were set to hit the beaches at Netanya, wanting to venture a little farther away from nearby Tel Aviv beach (we frequent the beach just front of Manta Ray Restaurant as well as that in Chinky).

Good thing Israeli friend Ariella suggested that we try and enjoy Gan HaShelosha and its natural pools. And true enough, it was really a great swim experience. It was a water park paradise, complete with pools of varying water depths, falls, picnic grounds and a restaurant.

Albeit I thought it is not that accessible for the ordinary tourists, many come in droves obviously undaunted by the long-hour drive just to enjoy the place. What’s amazing is that Gan HaShelosha is not only popular to the Israelis but to the Arabs as well.

We would have stayed much longer if it were not Shabbat. The kids reluctantly pulled themselves out of the water upon instructions of the pool lifeguards. It was quite far and travel to the park was long, but the unique fun we had at Gan Hashelosha is simply worth it.

Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter, Tabgha Israel

2007-06-13T19:46:00.000-07:00

Just near the Multiplication Church of the Loaves and Fish is the Primacy of Peter’s Church, also in Tabgha Israel. The church is small and built out of gray rocks and stone and has a tower on its corner.

On the side of the Church is where you can find the steps made of rocks, which as also known as the Thrones of Jesus’ Apostles. On these steps is where Jesus was said to have stood to look over the sea.

Built by the Franciscan order, the chapel is situated on the northern shores of the Kineret or the Sea of Galilee.

From the very shores by the chapel, I collected a few stones or pebbles hoping to own a part of Biblical history, overwhelmed by the belief that these were once touched by the feet of Jesus and his disciples.

The story has been told about Jesus appearing on this site to His disciples. Peter and other disciples were fishing on the Sea of Galilee without luck, until Jesus appeared and told them to cast the nets. The disciples did and were finally able to have a great catch.

Jesus and his disciples then had fish breakfast, and it was also here when Jesus uttered the words “Feed my Sheep” thrice as a commandment to Peter. This was the establishment of the Primacy of Peter, with him becoming the first Pope.

My Casual Thoughts on Israel's Clean Houses, Dirty Cars

2007-06-08T00:31:00.000-07:00

“Yofi, such a clean place!” My Israeli friend exclaimed upon visiting my spic-and-span flat. Israelis just love clean houses, whether they own houses in upscale subdivisions or units at Tel Aviv Bauhaus buildings. Indeed, they do have the penchant for keeping every corner of their places squeaky clean to the point of regularly hiring part time house cleaners. Such cleaners consume hours on dusting, vacuuming and cleaning floors with sponjas until these mopping cloths turn gray with floor grime and dirt.

The typical Israeli dirty kitchen cabinet contains all sorts of cleaning solutions such as 00 (or muriatic acid), Economica (a general cleaning fluid), and Windolin (for mirrors and glass panes).

Of course, they are only effective when complemented with the various cleaning gadgets and implements such as the vacuum cleaner, the squeegees and brooms. As it is, the Israelis are dead serious when it comes to maintaining so very, almost divinely clean abode.

Still, I just find it odd that while they are willing to do so much (and definitely pay so much) for their residences in Tel Aviv Bauhaus Buildings or anywhere else in the country, they can’t do the same for their cars. The following might be some words of exaggeration, but I have yet to see a day go by without encountering a dirty, dusty and unkempt car.

It seems that in Israel a typical car is not without the scratches and dents on its sides – in fact I’ve seen some passed by me really having misshapen appearances just short of being grotesque.

Is there really no big-time fascination here in Israel about cars? Perhaps, the car’s importance is recognized but it is not a be all and end all for Israelis, as far as going around town is concerned. Surely, they would love to take the sherut, autobus and even the train anytime.

Why not get a cleaner for the car? If Israelis can shell out hundreds of shekels just to maintain their houses, I am sure they can spare a little more for an hour of car washing. Perhaps it is the Israeli culture of being indifferent when it comes to their automobiles.

Or maybe it is because of the fact that their cars just get dirtied anyway by the khamsin or Israel sandstorm that is a regular natural occurrence in the country, deeming it quite impossible to maintain even just a decently clean vehicle.

Once I saw one really nice car approaching– a sleek, devoid-of-dust and shiny black car. I was ready to marvel at this Israeli car until I said oops...diplomatic.

Church of Heptapegon, Tabgha Israel

2007-06-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

Church of Heptapegon, Tabgha Israel

Ancient press at the church courtyard

One of the many bird nests found on the

wooden beams of the Church's ceilings

The altar of the Church of Heptapegon is built over the stone where

the Miracle of Multiplication occurred

The mosaic representation of the bread and fish

Just near Tiberias and Capernaum of Israel and the Northern part of the Sea of Galilee is Tabgha (also known as the Heptapegon or Seven Springs). In Tabgha is where you can find the Byzantine-style Church of Heptapegon, said to be the site of the Miracle of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish.

During our visit to the church, I immediately noticed the dominance of exquisite mosaic art as its main ornament. In the middle of the church is found the stone, upon which is where Jesus Christ was said to have performed the miracle of feeding the five thousand people with the loaves of bread and fish. In front of the rock is the mosaic representation of the bread and fish.

The church is currently under the administration of the Benedictine Order. It is one of the Christian sites in Israel which has the greatest number of pilgrims.

Trappist Monastery, Latrun Israel

2007-06-01T04:18:00.000-07:00

After our Armored Corps tour, we made a stop at the Trappist Monastery. Its building is quite impressive, but I am more impressed with the nice gardens and orchards surrounding it. The Trappist Monastery is run by Cistercian monks, who are said to be a strictly austere group of monks. They are known to live simply, having a vow of silence.

The monks earn their living by growing grapes which are used as part of Israel’s wine production. The monks are also known for their olive oil products, which are on sale at a shop within the premises of the monastery.

Originally the location of the present monastery only has the Maccabee Guest House which was built by a Christian. The Trappist Monastery was built when he sold it to the monks who were among the first guests of the Maccabbee house and decided to stay in the place.

From the Trappist Monastery, you can have a clear view of the Mini Israel and the Armored Corps.

Yad La'shiryon - Israel Armored Corps at Latrun

2007-05-25T02:54:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was touring day again for us. We decided to see Yad La’shiryon at Latrun.

Yad La’shiryon is the site of the museum of the Armored Corps of Israel, which boasts of some one hundred or armor tanks and war vehicles from Israel and all over the world.

You might think that all of these tanks are part of the Israeli Defense Force, but actually many have just become possession of the Israeli government because of mutual trade with other countries or obtained from previous war encounters.

Anyone would really be at awe with all these imposing AFV vehicles, especially the Merkava tanks. Aside from the museum, Yad La'shiryon also has a synagogue and a memorial for the IDF’s fallen soldiers.

Israel's Town of Capernaum

2007-05-22T03:34:00.000-07:00

Capernaum Inscription

Entrance to the Town of Capernaum

The modern Franciscan Church, built on the house of Peter

The interior of the Church. Notice the glass flooring
- looking through it you will see the house of Peter

Capernaum ruins

It is said that these are what remain of the

ancient synagogue where Jesus used to preach

An Ancient way on the town ruins

The wide, tranquil expanse of the Sea of Galilee

under Israel's pallid blue skies

Lunch enjoyed by Philippine Embassy people, one made heartier
by the magnificent view of the Sea of Galilee

Capernaum in Israel is known as the town of the apostles Andrew, John, James and Peter, but most importantly, it the home of Jesus.

According to the New Testament’s Gospel of Luke, Jesus preached in the town synagogue during the days of Sabbath. One popular story about the town and Jesus is His healing here of a sick man possessed with an unclean spirit.

Capernaum, located at the Sea of Galilee’s Northern coastline, used to be a thriving town with a busy port.

Today, like what we saw during our visit, the place are all ruins, judging from which however you can actually tell the greatness of the town during its original state.

Such ruins were excavated and managed by the Franciscan Order.

Our Visit at Church of Cana, Israel

2007-05-19T00:36:00.000-07:00

The only Cana souvenir shop that was open that time

Everyone waiting to be let in to the receiving house

Whiling away the time as we waited for the Church service to end

Some sweet pastries – and really great Cana Wedding wine to go with them

Church of Cana Altar

What can you make of the white light, an orb? Or just some normal camera effect?

The Wishing Well

From the Jordan River, we went to the Church at Cana, Galilee. We were supposed to check a souvenir shop which we had previously visited last November 2005 along with some TV crew from Manila. Unfortunately, the shop and all others in the area were close. One shop owner, who was outside when we came, must have realized the potential buyers in us and so was more than willing to open her shop. Boxes of Cana wine were bought by some, while wooden figures and crosses, and jewelries of silver were purchases of others.

A service has just started when we got to the Church so we had to wait on a receiving place of sorts adjacent to the church. Sister Grace, a Filipina nun who has been in Israel for nearly a decade, runs most of the general affairs of the Church. She was more than happy to entertain us; she brought out some cookies, Easter eggs and grape wine and juices. She even offered amusing stories of the many Filipino couples who had their weddings at the Church.

Finally after almost an hour, the service has ended, and we noticed the priest hastily driving his car out of the Church parking area. We were told he has another mass to say at the Basilica of the Annunciation, one of the most visited Church in Israel by Filipinos, for the Arabic Christians.

Since it was almost 6:30 PM, we just made a quick tour of the Church and said our short prayers. Further down underneath the Church was a wishing well of sort. One’s wish is written on a piece of paper, and the idea is to make sure that the paper is thrown inside the well. With all my might and a strong flick of the finger, I sent the paper off flying from the rim of the well’s glass casing and into the insides of the well.

I still can’t get over missing our favorite shop if only for its nice lady owner. Hopefully, we can all go back to Cana and be all ears again to her sweet songs. And perhaps she may again generously offer us another bottle of good Cana wine for us to drink lustily as we get enthralled by the beauty of her voice.

Visit to Israel's Jordan River

2007-05-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

Bottled Holy Water: I am aching to know

if it's for consumption or external use, anyone please?

Words from the the First Chapter of the Gospel of Mark
of the Holy Bible's New Testament

Portion of Jordan River opposite the Baptism site

Philippine Chargé d'Affaires and Mrs Asuque

Tourists wading and getting wet at the Holy waters of Jordan

Christians at the Baptism Site of Jordan River

Baptism rites at Jordan River

We were lucky to have witnessed the baptism of several Filipinas, together with some South Koreans at the Jordan River.

I managed to talk to one of them, who told me that she is a tourist and purposely traveled to Israel just to be baptized at the Jordan River.

One of her companions was visibly shaken and crying uncontrollably after having her head and body immersed in the waters of the river.

In no time she created a sort of fuss; other visitors rushed to check on her and see if she’s okay.

And while I myself was taken aback, I presume it was just her way of reacting to having finally “received” the Holy Spirit.

More on Jaffa's Pishpeshim

2007-05-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

Pishpeshim is that Jafo-Tel Aviv area of Israel (which I must say is a place with an eclectic selection of great buys) that has always been a favorite must-go-to place for locals and tourists alike, especially every Friday mornings of the week, just before Shabbat sets in.

Pishpeshim is such a hit to the veteran, hardcore bargain hunters. They are the ones who can match the grim doggedness of the pishpeshim sellers when engaging in "price negotiation" until a haggled amount is reached.

I come to Pishpeshem with the intention of really not to buy --but just to check on most of the items and revel at their uniqueness, and try to immerse myself to the riotous and noisy assembly of sellers, buyers and onlookers as well.

Checking on the gestures of the bodies and hands, and the expression of the faces, I somehow know who between the seller and his client has won in the bid for one's preferred price for an item. More often than not, it's the buyer who prevails.

Nonetheless, I am sure that for the Pishpeshim seller, ten shekkels for the sale of an old, scratched-out cd of bootleg American music is better than nothing at all.

Related posts: Jaffa, Israel's Pishpeshim

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2007-04-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

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St. Peter's or Gallicantu, Jerusalem Israel

2007-04-12T06:11:00.000-07:00

Church of Saint Peter Gallicantu, Jerusalem Israel

Interior of the Church

Intricately-designed stain glass

Dome of the Rock from Galiccantu

Our latest trip to Jerusalem here in Israel brought us to the Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu. The Latin word “gallicantu” actually means “crow of the cock”, and is the name used to call the place to recall Peter’s sin against Jesus. The location of the Church is where Jesus was arrested and denied by Peter three times.

Evidently, the Church of Saint Peter, compared to other structures of worship, is modern in style, with a sprinkling of old art. Judging from what I saw, the overall appearance of the Church, despite being a bit dazzling, exudes pleasant simplicity, making it really conducive to Christian worship.

You would actually know if you are already in Gallicantu when you see the representations of a cock all over the place. The Church of Saint Peter is one of the most uniquely-built churches I have visited so far in Israel.

Sanctuary of Gethsemane

2007-04-03T02:08:00.000-07:00

The Gethsemane Chapel

We all gathered by the altar to pray

The centuries-old olive trees

Saturday before Palm Sunday, we were at Jerusalem for the baptism rites of Matt and Weng’s baby Kristelle (pictures to follow on my next posts). All embassy people and friends went to Israel’s Holy City via bus so this afforded us the convenience of visiting Jerusalem sites that we haven’t checked out yet.

I got the see the Sanctuary of Gethsemane for the first time. We were quite fortunate to have Father Angelo, a Filipino Franciscan priest, as our guide. And we were even allowed to go inside the chapel despite the fact that it was past visiting hours. Everyone all gathered around the rock in front of the altar and said our short prayers.

There was a courtyard on the right of the chapel in which olive trees grew and have remained alive for many centuries now. It was said that these trees writhed as if in pain at the time of the Crucifixion of Jesus. Gethsemane, by the way is Gat Shamanim, the Hebrew term for a press that produces olive oil.

You can sense that what pervades in the air around the surroundings of the sanctuary is that of an ironic enlivening feeling of antiquity. I am truly blessed for having been able to visit this place. Perhaps the Sanctuary of Gethsemane is one of the most revered Christian places in Israel.

A Night of Dances

2007-03-24T12:55:00.000-07:00

The Philippine Embassy and community here in Israel will be presenting a show of Pilipino dances this 21st of April at the Ennis Auditorium at Jaffa Dalet. Performing will be members of the community as well as most of the Embassy officers and staff. The show’s proceeds will be used as funding for the construction of the Philippine monument at Rishion Lezion Israel. The monument will serve as a humble reminder of our country's humanitarian role in helping the Jews during the holocaust.

Anyone who would like to be treated to a night of colorful and festive show of dances, tickets are available at the Embassy, 18 Bnei Dan Street, Tel Aviv Israel. Or you may call 054-4661188.

More Purim Parade Pictures

2007-03-23T12:07:00.000-07:00

They're just to nice to pass on, so here are more pictures from this month's Purim Parade held at Holon. The most merry holiday of Israel, in my opinion..

Purim - Adloyada Parade at Holon Israel

2007-03-13T20:04:00.000-07:00

Huge crowd at Pesach, Holon

Philippine Embassy Officers

Igorot tribal dance

Masskara costumes

Filipiniana motif

Colorful costumes

Kristelle, dressed to the nines for Purim

I was at Holon during the Purim carnival parade of Israel or “Adloyada” last March 4, which featured a huge parade with lots of colorful floats, costumed adults and children, and marching bands.

And like the previous year, the Philippines joined in the adloyada, and was evidently one of the most-liked and applauded participants in the parade.

The Philippines stood out among more than 60 participants in the parade which was witnessed and enjoyed by over half a million spectators. The Holon Adloyada is the biggest street-dance carnival and parade in Israel and was covered by the local and international media.

Farewell to our Great Ambassador

2007-03-03T06:54:00.000-08:00

My friend here in Israel is wondering why I have not blogged about the passing away of the Philippine Ambassador Antonio Modena two weeks ago.

I told him I have not been posting in my blog for weeks now and so I just can’t get myself to finally come back to posting with a theme as sad as this one.

Ambassador Modena was a tremendously effective leader, and a charismatic one at that. He is a political champion for the rights of the Filipino workers here in Israel. In fact, his actions were emulated by many other ambassadors in fighting for their own workers’ rights. Indeed, he was able to raise the problem of the violations on the Filipino workers’ rights as a major issue, which was consequently addressed by the Israeli government.

His pet project, which is the Philippine Monument at Rishon LeZion, symbolizes our country’s assistance to the Jews in escaping the Nazi’s terrorism by receiving many of them who sought refuge in the Philippines in 1939. It is so unfortunate that Ambassador Modena will not be around anymore to witness the unveiling of the monument this coming November 2007.

Ambassador Modena’s rich legacy will stay much long after his death, what with all the achievements that primarily benefited the Filipino workers in Israel.

I am writing this as a humble tribute to a great man, the hero of the Filipino workers in Israel. He will be greatly missed.

To this little big man, we bid not goodbye but God bless.

Shepherd's Field, Bethlehem

2007-01-22T07:05:00.000-08:00

Figurines of the Holy Family and Three Magi

Excavations within the Shepherd's Field Area

Magnificent view from Shepherds' Field site

Franciscan Shepherd's Field Chapel resembling a shepherd's tent

The Shepherd's Field is our last stop before we finally headed for Tel Aviv, Israel. The Shepherd's Field is said to be the site where the angel appeared and announced to the shepherds of Jesus' birth. It was here where the Shepherds gathered and kept watch the night Jesus Christ was born.

Milk Grotto in Bethlehem

2007-01-19T22:11:00.000-08:00

Milk Grotto Chapel, a popular site visited by Filipinos during Christmas

Image of Mary feeding Infant Jesus

Portrait of Mary and Infant Jesus

The Holy Family

Infant Jesus Christ

Just near the Church of the Nativity is the Milk Grotto which is a popular veneration site. The Milk Grotto is said to be the location where the Mary, Joseph and the Infant Jesus temporarily sought refuge during the incident of the Slaughter of the Innocents.

It is also in Milk Grotto where Mary was able to nurse infant Christ before the traveled to Egypt. It is said that a drop of milk from Mary dropped to the ground, which turned the color of the rock floor into white. The soft white rock of the grotto is popularly thought of as having healing powers as well as health benefits for the lactating mothers.

In 1872, the Franciscans put up a chapel on the Grotto. A well-loved and maintained site in Bethlehem, the local people and artisans decorated the chapel with mother-of-pearl art works and carvings.

Christmas at Bethlehem

2006-12-30T06:58:00.000-08:00

Interior of the Nativity Church

Waiting for my turn to enter the Holy Manger

Finally I was able to get inside

Bright lights in the interior of the Holy Manger

The Holy Manger

It is five days since our visit to Bethlehem but we are still ecstatic over the experience. This time we decided to go to Bethlehem on the Christmas Day itself because we wanted to see more of the place and the sites. We left Tel-Aviv Jaffa at 6 o'clock A.M. and arrived at the station around 9 A.M. We were able to visit the Nativity Church, the Milk Grotto and Church and the Shepherds' Field. Here are some pictures I took of our visit to the Nativity Church. Pictures on the Milk Grotto and Shepherds' Field will be on my next posts.

Mea Shearim - Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem

2006-12-25T11:47:00.000-08:00

The sign warning against immodest passers-by

Chanukkah Lights by the window

We went to Mea Shearim on the seventh night of the Chanukkah Festival.

Notice just one more light to be lit

A section of a Mea Shearim neighborhood

Ariella, our Israeli friend, was able to entice us into going to the Jewish quarter at Jerusalem before the Shabbat ends for us to see the Chanukkah lights that can be found lit on windows of houses there. And so last Thursday, off we went to the Mea Shearim quarter of Jerusalem, where the strictly Jewish people can be found.

The main street was long and narrow, and either we went along or came across men wearing the standard Jewish outfit, the black coat and hat. One wears exactly that the others, except us – and we did felt like outsiders in Mea Shearim.

There are alleys coming from the street and leading to neighborhoods where the strictly orthodox Jews reside. The surroundings were a bit shabby, and it looked like buildings and houses are cramped to every inch of the available space. On one building wall, there was a sign warning visitors wearing immodest clothes not to pass by.

As I take pictures, albeit surreptitiously, of the area, still a Jewish girl came upon us and gestured in an obviously negative manner while pointing to our camera. Obviously she wanted to tell us taking pictures is prohibited. Then she went on to another group who even has a movie camera and perhaps told them the same, for they immediately left the place afterwards. At least I was able to take some pictures, especially of Chanukkah lights.

Garden Tomb of Jerusalem

2006-12-16T04:11:00.000-08:00

Entrance to the Garden Tomb

A well-maintained garden

End of the Garden Tomb, from where you can see the Skull Hill

The skull hill, so-called because of the obvious feature of a human skull on the cliff side

A closer shot on the clifftop shows what appear as tombs and markers

Here is a photograph of the rainwater cistern, the third largest in Jerusalem Israel

A peek down the cistern

Sign on the door says: "He is not here for He has risen." The tomb was discovered in 1867 by archaeologists

A replica of the rolling stone that sealed the tomb of Jesus

Tomb sign

The winepress - well-preserved and said to be one of the largest in Israel

The sign says "mornings closed" yet we were able to get in the Garden Tomb at Jerusalem Israel at 10 in the morning. You could see that the Garden Tomb (Jerusalem) Association is doing a good job in maintaining the Garden as it is apparently well-kept and preserved.

One of the popular Christian sites in Jerusalem Israel, the Garden Tomb belonged to a covert disciple of Jesus, Joseph of Arimathea, whose wealth was evident with the presence of a rainwater cistern and winepress in the garden.

The Garden Tomb and the Skull Hill (seen from the far end of the Garden) is said to be the actual site where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. The garden and hill fit the description of the tomb and crucifixion sites told in the Bible. And the Skull hill indeed shows the skull features. Other names of the hill are the Golgotha and the Mount Calvary.

Namir Bridge, Yarkon Park and River, Tel Aviv

2006-11-28T10:14:00.000-08:00

By the way, if you are coming from Bnei Dan, you can go to the Yarkon Park mini zoo at Kosovsky by using the walkway under the Namir bridge. Here are pictures I posted of the Namir Bridge, the walkway underneath and the Yarkon River as well.

Yarkon Park Tel Aviv's "Yarkon Mini Zoo"

2006-11-27T11:46:00.000-08:00

Good thing I decided to check out Yarkon Park Tel Aviv and walk up further to the Kosovsky side (the Embassy is in front of Yarkon Park, Bnei Dan side), otherwise I would not have known that there is a nice mini zoo in that part of Yarkon. I asked around for the name of the Park but no one can tell. There is a Zoo information board (picture is posted here) but everything on it was in Hebrew. I am sure the zoo’s name is indicated there. Anyone please check it out. In the meantime, I am naming it the Yarkon Mini Zoo until someone hopefully can give me its real name. What animals do they have as residents? Deers, antelopes(?), some ducks, pigeons I think and other fowls.

Finally, the Joy of Parenthood for Matt and Weng

2006-11-25T08:58:00.000-08:00

If RP embassy couple Weng and Matt had their way, they would have wanted baby girl Christelle delivered at a Jerusalem hospital.

But the carefully ironed-out plan got spoiled by the premature rupture of the mother’s amniotic membranes (more popularly termed “the breaking of water”) in the afternoon of November 14 (Tuesday), and Weng had to be rushed at the Laniado Hospital, a strictly Jewish hospital at Netanya, a city south of Haifa and north of Tel Aviv Israel. It seems that Laniado observes Jewish laws to the letter that even the KFC chicken (obviously not Kosher) that the embassy people bought for the new parents were not allowed to be brought in.

Parenthood is one of the most challenging, sometimes frustrating but overall rewarding phase or aspect of a person’s life. After so many years of trying, they have finally come to this stage. And I am sure both of them are only too willing to take the plunge.

Congratulations to Weng and Matt for having a wonderful, healthy girl in Christelle!

Amusing Act at Nachlat Binyamin

2006-11-20T20:42:00.000-08:00

Weird yet impressive costume, although I have no clear idea of what he really wants to portray – some kind of a man-tree mutation, or an alien visitor from a far-away galaxy.

Actually the performer’s costume did not get all the attention, but also his amazing glass(?) ball balancing act. And it was quite a huge crowd he had for an audience. Caught this Friday afternoon at the corner of Nachalat Binyamin and Carmel, in front of Allenby Street in Tel Aviv Israel.

My Second Christmas in Israel Nears

2006-11-10T10:50:00.000-08:00

Time really flies so fast. Forty-five days to go and it’s Christmas once again - my second here in Israel. Filipinos are just crazy about the Yuletide Season. It is the biggest, most celebrated holiday back home, just like the Thanksgiving is in the USA or the Pesach or Passover is to Israel.

We boast about being the Christian country that has the longest celebration of Christmas. The holiday officially starts on December 16 and ends on the Feast of the Three Kings, which has a movable date that usually falls on the first week of January of the New Year.

Forty-five days still to go, you might counter – why do I have to write about it this early? The fact is, it is hard for me not to think about the coming holidays, especially now that some of my friends have started emailing me with advanced Xmas greetings. They knew Christmas is not celebrated here in Israel so in a way they are teasing about my not being able to be there in Manila for the holidays.

Albeit I told them about having another special Christmas in Bethlehem, I am really sad about not being back home in December. I miss the nightly carols of children, and the carol songs played over and over on the radio stations. I love Manila at night, which I am sure is already brightly lit during the evenings as colorful lanterns and lights usually adorn houses, facades of buildings and most highways and streets. That I am also going to miss.

Christmas in Manila is all about family reunions, grand feasts and parties, expensive gift giving, attending the nine day masses, having fun at the seasonal carnivals and fairs, going to Xmas concerts. The Filipino Yuletide Season, in other words, is all about great fun.

Of course here in Israel, Christmas will still be celebrated by me and my Filipino friends. But definitely a toned down celebration. No big parties, just a simple dinner at the evening of December 24. And I am not yet sure about Bethlehem Midnight Mass. If it does not push through, we can all enjoy hearing the mass at St. Anthony’s Church here in Tel Aviv - Jaffa. What’s important is that celebrate the birthday of Jesus, which is what Christmas really is all about.

Cold, Rainy Israel

2006-11-02T06:01:00.000-08:00

Frequent rains. Chilly winds. Longer nights. Is it fall or already winter here in Israel?
Whatever it is, the fact remains that this year’s summer is done. Summer has come and gone and my plan to enjoy the Tel Aviv beach just stayed that way – a plan. (Perhaps I can make it a major resolution for next year’s summer).

Nonetheless, the cold weather is a welcome treat. Winter is simply conducive to a lot of things, especially work and engaging in physical activities, at least in my case. The fact is, I am looking forward to my long walks of the beach from Jaffa to the Sheraton Hotel beach side.

The only downside is the rain. Rains in Israel are often mild, even just drizzles. And albeit I have experienced several heavy rains here in Jaffa last year, they are nothing compared to the typhoon rains of Manila. A typhoon is a cyclone that affects countries found in the Pacific Ocean area, where the Philippines is found. It usually comes with really strong winds and rains, and can be very destructive when it hits an area. Properties are destroyed, sometimes even lives.

Israel is blessed with much kinder, more subtle seasons. Even its winter, which I like best, is generally benign. Winter means going back to Bethlehem for the 3 hour midnight Mass on December 25. And hopefully, it would also mean revisiting the snow-capped Mount Hermon.

Outreach at Jerusalem

2006-10-24T00:48:00.000-07:00

It was definitely not a smooth trip we had last week going to Jerusalem, where the RP embassy people held an outreach consular and welfare service for the Pinoys (Filipinos) working in the area (mostly as caregivers). We had to stop several times because of repeated overheating of the car radiator. Finally the embassy van broke, barely halfway going to our destination. We had no choice but to have the car towed back to Tel Aviv, while we took the sherut instead. Supposedly the people were expecting the group to be there as early as 9 Am - it was almost lunch time when we arrived at the Convent of the Sisters of the Rosary in Jerusalem. Late and all, we were still welcomed enthusiastically.

The embassy group stayed for four hours rendering the usual services. The Pinoys in Jerusalem were simply happy and thankful about the visit, as there is no need now to travel to Tel Aviv just to have their passports renewed or claim their welfare cards.

Ikea Israel - Shopping trip

2006-10-16T13:06:00.000-07:00

Shopping at Ikea Israel in Netanya (it is definitely great that Israel already have one, Manilans need to go to Hongkong for the nearest store) – this was the only major thing we did during last week’s Sukkoth, Harvest Festival of Israel.

Imagine me and most of my friends here in Tel Aviv wasting most of the six non-working days staying at home when we could have realized the trip to Quesaria, something we planned on doing for the longest time. Apparently everyone’s desire to travel away from Tel Aviv fizzled out. I guess it's true that exhaustive planning on anything, even if you put your heart into it, does not always result in its realization.

I myself thought I would waste away from too much idle time – were it not for the few hours each day of logging on to youtube.com and watching some choice clips from a popular Philippine variety show. Nonetheless, going to Ikea Israel is worth posting here - check out the pictures. I was able to buy a wok, Chinese stirring pan and some wine glasses. What's best about the shop is its snack corner, where one can have some hotdog and cola for mere 10 shekels, albeit I had great-tasting spaghetti at less than 20 shekels. Indeed, shopping in this major world-famous Swedish furniture and appliance center is definitely one unique experience.

Celebrating Jewish Holidays

2006-10-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

It is a good thing that I got hold of Harry Gersh’s “When a Jew Celebrates,” a Jewish Value Series Book purchased second hand by the ambassador from a thrift book shop somewhere along Ben Yehuda, one of Tel Aviv Israel’s major shopping street.

It was an easy-to-read book, with larger than the normal reading font and complete with colored pictures – perhaps intended to completely own albeit temporarily the reader’s attention into it.

Overall, the book offers its reader a comprehensive look into an important Jewish facet, that is, the Israeli/Jewish holidays, festivals and customs. It also gives a glimpse into the symbolic ceremonies, changes and activities that go with every milestone that happens in a Jewish man’s life.

Jewish marriage for example is a very important event for the Jews that they are even allowed to “sell a Scroll of the Torah to get a wife.” Jewish marriage is elaborate with its two ceremonies; that of betrothal and the actual marriage itself. Such ceremonies are accompanied with great merrymaking, dancing and feasting.

The Jewish holidays are the major discussion in the book. For every season of the Jewish year, meaningful holidays and festivals are to be celebrated. And every time a Jewish holiday is celebrated, automatically a part of the Bible is being retold. Abraham, Isaac and Moses are some of the main characters. And biblical events such as the Exodus are being remembered and even reenacted.

Commemoration of the Jewish holiday means the reenactment of the important biblical events particular to such holiday. This week’s Sukkoth, I got to see a number of huts or Sukkah all around Tel Aviv, even in front of the embassy at Yarkon Park. Simple huts at the park or near the sea shore area. Big, elaborate ones erected in front of restaurants and establishments.

If there is one festival that is joyously celebrated here in Israel, it is the Purim – the time during which everyone seems to be willing to participate in the celebration, party and parade into the streets in masquerades and costumes. But more importantly, Purim is the time for gift giving and acts of charity, especially to the poor and needy.

One thing I learned about the book is that the Jews don’t celebrate just for the heck of it. Bountiful feasts and merriment and family reunions and get-together are not without significance. Of course, prayers seem to be central in the commemoration of any Jewish holiday. The Jewish people pray a lot, whether they are in their synagogue or at their own homes. Every time they pray, the Jews are affirming their connection with God.

The Israelis are indeed serious about their holidays. Jewish holidays and festivals and the colorful yet meaningful celebrations that go with them - they are definitely a significant part of the Jewish kaleidoscope culture.

My First Succoth and Other Jewish Holidays

2006-10-10T02:56:00.000-07:00

It is going to be a long week for us guys here at Jaffa Israel, as it is a non-working week at the embassy because of the Jewish Holiday Succoth (Jewish Harvest Festival).

September and October apparently are Israel’s months of Jewish holidays, starting with the Rosh Hashanah or Jewish New Year. The embassy distributed baskets of chocolates, wine and cookies to Israel’s various government ministries in celebration of the holiday.

Last week I was caught unaware that Yom Kippur (Jewish Day of Atonement) would mean no cars and autobus on the streets. The children here at Jaffa became temporary kings of the road and had a field day roaming everywhere – riding their bikes, trolleys and scooters and owning the streets as their own. Still, it was an unusually quiet Jaffa during the Yom Kippur. See few pictures posted here.

And now with Succoth being celebrated this week, I have all the time to pound on my computer keyboard and do some postings on my blogs. But then again, we might finally go to Quesaria (hopefully!) and visit the archaeological excavations that I have long wanted to see.

George Hamelekh, Tel Aviv Israel

2006-10-02T03:15:00.000-07:00

Where in Israel can you find stores where you can enjoy buying 5 NIS shirts (and even jeans!), many cafés to choose from and enjoy some inexpensive Americano, a dog playground, and a few occasional funny characters like those two that the pictures offering spaghetti to passers-by? Where else but in George Hamelekh Street in Tel Aviv.

Some Yerushalayim Street Scenes, Jaffa Israel

2006-09-26T19:48:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures of Yerushalayim Street in Jaffa Israel. One distinct feature of Yerushalayim Street is its wide island which at the same time serves as sort of a mini park with benches. I also need to express my delight over the island’s lush greeneries. It is a pity that at one area of the island, at the end part of Yerushalayim going to Kaufman, the trees were gone and the area cemented. Is this going to be the case for the whole stretch of the island?

Friday Habit: Frank's Chicken at Tel Aviv

2006-09-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

Seems we have permanently scheduled our Friday lunch at Frank's Chicken House in Allenby Tel Aviv. We just can not get enough of Frank's roasted chicken, that's why. See pics serving as proof of the chicken's goodness. One of Tel Aviv Israel's best fast food chicken, in my opinion that is.

By the way, Friday afternoon saw us enjoying too much roaming around Allenby and Dizengoff area that we got unmindful of the time. We realized too late that it was past five and way past our chance to go home via autobus (since it was already Shabbat.)

We then proceeded to Ramban Street at Tsismoso's Store (Tsismoso is an Israeli who has many Filipinos as customers. He has a store at Ramban selling phone cards, cell cards, cellphones) to rest and have some cola.. and contemplate on how to go home - whether by cab or just walk to Jaffa.

We decided on saving our time, energy and the soles of our shoes - and took the taxi.

Artcrafts and Everything at Ramban Tel Aviv

2006-09-10T11:17:00.000-07:00

I thought the artist and bazaar area in the Allenby area, Tel Aviv Israel is found only at Nachlat Binyamin Street. Not until I got to pass by Ramban Street. The set up is exactly like that in Nachlat Binyamin. Every Tuesdays and Fridays, Ramban Street is turned into a colorful and very busy street bazaar and market. Lots of art items on sale - paintings, dolls, wood crafts, embroideries. There was also a band and some players of various musical instruments located along the street. Israelis indeed love art. Posted here are some nice, colorful Ramban pictures to enjoy.

A Second Trip to the Dead Sea

2006-09-05T11:14:00.000-07:00

Back to the Dead Sea for the second time! And this time, it’s much more fun as more people from the embassy and the Filipino community in Israel joined the trip last Sunday. We actually were able to use two buses to their full capacity.

Along the trip, we had several stopovers – one was at the spot where we had a magnificent view of the City of Jerusalem. Seeing the Dome of the Rock again really made me want to plan another visit to Jerusalem. We also stopped at a place which had awesome desert or dune like features. There was a camel for hire to anyone wishing for a camel ride experience. AT 10 shekels for 10 or so meters of ride is definitely a price too steep, so I had to pass on the chance.

Finally we arrived at the Dead Sea before lunch. While others immediately rushed to have some swim (or floating?) at the sea, I joined the rest who stayed to prepare the food. And lots of food indeed, mostly grilled fish and chicken.

After lunch, I proceeded to have some swim. I thought that the water is somewhat oily, something that I did not notice the first time I swam there. Or is it because I applied some sunscreen lotion for protection?

A friend noted that the land on the other side of the sea is Jordan, and I immediately realized its proximity to Israel. I then actually pondered at the thought of trying to go to Jordan by swimming across the Dead Sea. Which is a total impossibility for I would not dare try to venture and float farther than just a few meters from the sea bank.

Pictures on HaCarmel Market, Tel Aviv Israel

2006-09-01T07:49:00.000-07:00

Several times I have either mentioned in my posts or written as the main topic the HaCarmel Market here in Tel Aviv Israel. Finally, this time I get to post some really nice pictures on the market, which is one of the city’s largest, most complete, and probably the liveliest and noisiest. From fresh fruits and vegetables, fine beef and poultry meat, fish, spices, breads, inexpensive clothes, house and kitchen wares, silver items, cosmetics and even CDs and DVDs – everything can be found here at HaCarmel (the Hebrew term by the way is Shuk HaCarmel).

I would say most items, especially the food, fruits and vegetables, are cheaper in the market than when you would buy them at the convenience store or supermarket.

And if you are one who likes the crowds, does not mind the throngs of market goers and the enjoys hustle-and-bustle element of the market place, then Friday is the best day to go there, albeit any day is actually a busy day.

Just remember that the market closes on late afternoon of Friday and does not open until Sunday.

Israel's Tel Aviv Beaches

2006-08-27T13:10:00.000-07:00

It is a national holiday today back home, so it means no work for us Filipinos here in Israel.

I would have stayed the whole day at home, but then I thought this is good time for me to go to the beach for some pictures.

After some pleading with my boss to come along, we went out at 5 PM, took the Bus No. 25 and got off at Allenby Street to buy a new memory card for the digital camera (a bit pricey at 250 NIS) and camera bag (139 NIS) as well.

After some shawarma and cola snack, we then walked further up the end of Allenby where the Opera Tower is located. Most pictures I have taken are on the Opera, the Herbert Samuel Street in front of it, the rows of buildings along the Herbert Samuel and beach scenes. We kind of felt awkward being in the beach apparently just to take pictures and not to enjoy some swim.

Israelis enjoy the beach so much. They just love the sun, I am sure of that. These may be the reasons why the beaches of Tel Aviv Israel are very much frequented.

People seem so contented lounging in their beach beds. Sipping their colas, or even guzzling some beer straight from the can. Many go in droves as families, from the grandpas and grandmas to the tots. Others enjoy the beach in the company of friends. Indeed, beach scenes really are great shots for posting.

More Jaffa Pics

2006-08-24T16:36:00.001-07:00

Some more pics of Jaffa Israel..

Israelis love fly fishing - any time of the day, and many of them you can see in the Jaffa Port area. Others seem to enjoy the spot in front of of the Dan International Hotel (same block with the Textile Center, where our embassy used to be).

Jaffa is also the starting point of a long bike route; I used to bike way way up to the Bnei Dan area (my ride ends at the Hayarkon Park). I say used to because unfortunately I had my bike tire go flat. And since I am rarely to ride again, I might buy a new bike anytime soon. I am thinking it is more logical to buy than to have it fixed, as my bike needs more fixing other than a flat tire.

Jaffa View of Tel Aviv

2006-08-21T08:43:00.000-07:00

A morning shot of the beach and the Tel Aviv
buildings from afar.

I was expecting some early swimmers and surfers - surprisingly there was none.

Well, except perhaps what I believe is a dog lying in the beach and seemingly didn't mind getting wet with the coming and going of the sea waves.

Jaffa Port Israel

2006-08-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

Took some nice pictures from the Jaffa Port
this morning.

My Israeli friend told me about the regular cruise going around the Jaffa area of the Meditteranean Sea. He says there is even a free ride, he just can't remember what day it is.

Anyway, these boats in the pic are such great ones right? Would love to go riding on any one of them (as long as they're seaworthy!).

Ilana Goor Museum, Jaffa Israel

2006-08-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

On my walk to Jaffa Port this morning, I passed by this rather imposing apartment-like building, the
Ilana Goor Museum, along the Louis Pasteur
Street.

Its marker says that Ilana Goor was originally a Tel Aviv hostel which received Jewish pilgrims going to the Holy Land using the Jaffa to Jerusalem route.

In the year 1949, a particular area on the building served as a synagogue for Lybian Jews.

In 1995, it became Ilana Goor Museum.

Great Lighting Accents

2006-08-19T02:56:00.000-07:00

In one of our visits at the Ace Hardware
in Hayarkon, area of Tel Aviv, I chanced upon this box of solar garden lights.

I found them cheap (at NIS 100 a box - one box contains 4 lights), so despite our Jaffa Tel Aviv apartment not having a garden, I bought 2 boxes.

No garden? I have my living room to decorate with these lights which I place among the pots and ornamental plants (see picture) while the rest can be found in the balcony.

Quite nice accents they are, especially at night when the emit a soft bluish white glow, complementing my incandescent lamps.

Jaffa Israel: Elza Bar in Pishpeshim

2006-08-16T06:37:00.000-07:00

Another picture I took at the Flea Market, Jaffa
Israel.

This is Elza Bar, a small sort of cafe - mainly offers coffee and juice.

It is located in the best spot of Pishpeshim - right in the middle of the Flea Market.

So, once you had your fill of great buys, you can make a stop at Elza Bar for some rest and refreshments.