We worked in the morning and then met up for lunch in the afternoon. Jonathan talked in his grandmother's Jewish New York accent for about an hour, while preparing his lunch. It was so funny, he stayed in character the whole time, just perfect. I don't remember laughing that hard since I have been away from the states. He then headed off to feed some dogs and I relaxed for a while and then made some food for dinner.
Jonathan reappeared after I was cleaning up. He tasted my yam and pear mixture and said it tasted like Thanksgiving and he was going to make more right now, the exact same thing. He pulled out a yam, cut it (without peeling is, difference #1). Then he cut it into huge pieces (difference #2), took out a green apple (difference #3...you get the point). He said the apple will allow him to eat a cold pear as a snack later. He added cinnimon and sugar to the mixture. Then he added some flour. Basically, he kept looking in the cabinets and adding more and more stuff, including cream (which was in the fridge not cabinet). It smelled awesome but tasted more like a compote then what I made. Then he whipped out some cocoa powder, cream and sugar and mad himself a little chocolate syrup type sauce. With my idea he put it into the oven and then sat for 10 minutes. Added the chocolate on top and some really really REALLY old fig jam and put it back in the oven. He was thinking about cooking it for 3 hours, but I told him I did not think there was a need to do that. I talked him down for the 1 hour to 15 minutes and then he took it out.
While it rested on the stove he went to clean the dishes, which were everywhere. I mean this is a small kitchen but when you start to concoct things it just gets horribly messy. The sink got clogged and he went to jiggle the hose. Oh the sink has a water pipeline going in and just a plastic tube leading the used water into the garden. Anyway, when he did this the tube popped out and there was water all over the kitchen floor. He got that put back in and pulled out the bathroom squeegy. He decided the kitchen floor should be mopped and took two cups of water and threw it on the floor and then poured some dishsoup on the ground. He said this is how he cleans when there is a lack of cleaning supplies. It made me laugh - I mean I don't think this is something I would have thought to do, at least not in my own house-but I should have known, this is not my house (only one sharp knife, which is an old old steak knife and barely cuts?!) this is the farm.
After he cleaned the floor he tried to fix the sink again, from outside this time. He said that he usually gigles it from outside and the fact it came out inside proves that he should continue the giggling outside...However, this caused the pipe to fall out inside again, no I did not help. The sink was not clogged when I used it and man it was dirty and gross! I let him work it for a while and then he saw Amir's brother at the other house. He got him brother and the two of them, ,ike plumbers, got down on their backs looking at the sink pipes. The determined taht the rubber piece was missing and now it is causing a leak, even when the pipes are put together. We put a plastic container under the sink and Jonathan dove into his Thanksgiving Dream.
It smelled so good, it was unbelievable. I thought he should join Israel's test kitchen if they had one since coming up with something that good with such few ingredients uses real talent. I mean really it is crazy the number (or lack there of) items we have. It is good though, it causes me to rethink what to make, switch things up, how to alter the flavor of the same ingredients, make a different texture, etc. All I know is that when I get home, I will be spoiled, royally. I tasted some of his dessert (which should have just been a side dish orginally) and it was good. The fact that he added flour to it made it taste doughy though, no worries he loved it and ate it up.
I went to bed a couple of hours after than while Jonathan stayed up to watch the Simpsons. I was awoken by massive rain, seconds later Jonathan was up too. He sat up and I knew he was going to head out to cover the mud bricks. I couldnt help though, I had no sneakers to get wet, I would slide in my flip flops, there is no light, I would trip in a ditch, all ofmy clothes were hanging on the clothes line outside, probabbly more wet now then when they left the washer and I had nothign to change into. Jonathan said I could help if I wanted and I said "with that comment, I pass." As soon as he returned the rain stopped. Then the car alarm went off. When that finally stopped, the rooster began its 4am wake up call (at least he is letting me sleep a little later than before).
It has been just so weird but rediculously comical, enjoying my dorm-esq life again.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Sea Glass and Food
(Yes, I guess the next few blogs talk a lot about food, but when you have so little to work with and so little to do, food becomes the experiment and entertainment of the day - it is a good thing there are three meals to amuse you a day!)
So today was pretty quiet. I watered the seeds, which are mini little things as well as all of the newwest seeds that I planted, despite only one dill seed growing out of hundreds of dill and other things. I then filled all of the blue pots with soil and replanted some plants from small pots to the bigger blue ones. I did this while Jonathan rearranged the nursery by herbs, medicinal herbs, fruits, vegitables, flowers/plants (glad I got out of THAT job!). Then I made a sign for herbs to show Amir. It is mud and sea glass is used to form the Hebrew letters. I finished my day by making sweet potato and pear with sugar and doing a load of laundry. I tried to make a beet thing that would be good but it tasted like beets, gross. I gave the beet, sugar and cocoa mixture to Jonathan.
It was still early though so I sat while Jonathan cut up about 6 eggplants, 2 onions, 4 cloves of garlic, a head of cauliflower, and lots of thymne and rosemary. All while he spoke with a New York Jewish accent telling me about back in the day, don't turnout like your father's side of the family who married cousins and all sorts of stuff. It was super amusing.
While working Jonathan plays Hebrew podcasts. You would think some of this would stick, but I really need to write things down to get it. I repeat what they say though and Jonathan says that my accent is superb. If only my French were as good.
So today was pretty quiet. I watered the seeds, which are mini little things as well as all of the newwest seeds that I planted, despite only one dill seed growing out of hundreds of dill and other things. I then filled all of the blue pots with soil and replanted some plants from small pots to the bigger blue ones. I did this while Jonathan rearranged the nursery by herbs, medicinal herbs, fruits, vegitables, flowers/plants (glad I got out of THAT job!). Then I made a sign for herbs to show Amir. It is mud and sea glass is used to form the Hebrew letters. I finished my day by making sweet potato and pear with sugar and doing a load of laundry. I tried to make a beet thing that would be good but it tasted like beets, gross. I gave the beet, sugar and cocoa mixture to Jonathan.
It was still early though so I sat while Jonathan cut up about 6 eggplants, 2 onions, 4 cloves of garlic, a head of cauliflower, and lots of thymne and rosemary. All while he spoke with a New York Jewish accent telling me about back in the day, don't turnout like your father's side of the family who married cousins and all sorts of stuff. It was super amusing.
While working Jonathan plays Hebrew podcasts. You would think some of this would stick, but I really need to write things down to get it. I repeat what they say though and Jonathan says that my accent is superb. If only my French were as good.
Tel Aviv and My Day Off
Today I took the morning off and headed to Tel Aviv. With the help of a super cool guy that I met, I made it to the Carmel Market. Information about the guy: don't know his name, really nice, 26, just left army after 7 years, is currently a body guard for some rich guy in Rishpon, going to law school, does not want to become a lawyer. Did you know 1 out of every 10 people in Tel Aviv is a lawyer? Crazy! Anyway, if I had more time I would have gotten his information and tried to set up my sister. No pen though and just vague thoughts of where he told me explore.
I made it to my second bus and got off at the market. It was a lot dungier than I thought it would be. I guess it makes sense though since people say it is like an Arab market. Not that those are dungy, just that they have a more authentic feel if you know what I mean. I tried to get some tahini for Fanny and Christian and wound up with some red spice that they said to put into hummus. I will send it but I know it is not what they wanted...plus it was super expensive! I grabbed a bottle of water and some pastries (cheese, chocolate and apple) and headed to where my free tour would depart from.
I arrived about two hours early and decided to check out the beach, despite the fact that I broke my cardinal rule and did not bring my bathing suite or towel...I know. I sat in the sand and got my feet wet until the damp sand made my butt wet; then I stood. A homeless guy undressed beside me (left boxers on, thank you) and went into the ocean with a rag. It was early and this was his bath time. I thought about buying him some soap but then wound up not as there was not a store nearby. He was cute and hiked up the legs of his boxers to help them dry perhaps? He light up a cigerette and I headed out.
While in the water I saw a tourist information spot and headed over. I grabbed a map of Tel Aviv and then went to the meeting spot. Nobody showed up; no people for the tour or to lead the tour. I was upset and said forget it and went to go home. It was silly to do that though and so I wandered some more. I picked up some toothpaste and then a falafel. Then I headed to the buses. I literally caught the bus as I walked to the station and wound up at the main station. I then got directions to my seond bus, but wound up taking the sharut instead. I got home in one hour and changed into work clothes.
I immediately began sweating and going into the greenhouse did not help. I watered the seedlings very carefully, as to not drown them (looked like some had already been drowned...) and after 15 minutes of an evil sauna I headed to the hammock to cool and relax.
For dinner I was taught how to make eggdrop soup and tried it out. SO COOL! It never connected to me how to make it and it is just awesome the texture you get at the end. I shall definitely remember this for furture use.
I found a place to purchase a camera and the price is right. I think I will get it in the next couple of days. Also, unfortunately, we are missing a dove. One of the cats decided to play a little too hard. I guess we can all say a prayer for it along with the duck and rabbit that have left before I had arrived.
I made it to my second bus and got off at the market. It was a lot dungier than I thought it would be. I guess it makes sense though since people say it is like an Arab market. Not that those are dungy, just that they have a more authentic feel if you know what I mean. I tried to get some tahini for Fanny and Christian and wound up with some red spice that they said to put into hummus. I will send it but I know it is not what they wanted...plus it was super expensive! I grabbed a bottle of water and some pastries (cheese, chocolate and apple) and headed to where my free tour would depart from.
I arrived about two hours early and decided to check out the beach, despite the fact that I broke my cardinal rule and did not bring my bathing suite or towel...I know. I sat in the sand and got my feet wet until the damp sand made my butt wet; then I stood. A homeless guy undressed beside me (left boxers on, thank you) and went into the ocean with a rag. It was early and this was his bath time. I thought about buying him some soap but then wound up not as there was not a store nearby. He was cute and hiked up the legs of his boxers to help them dry perhaps? He light up a cigerette and I headed out.
While in the water I saw a tourist information spot and headed over. I grabbed a map of Tel Aviv and then went to the meeting spot. Nobody showed up; no people for the tour or to lead the tour. I was upset and said forget it and went to go home. It was silly to do that though and so I wandered some more. I picked up some toothpaste and then a falafel. Then I headed to the buses. I literally caught the bus as I walked to the station and wound up at the main station. I then got directions to my seond bus, but wound up taking the sharut instead. I got home in one hour and changed into work clothes.
I immediately began sweating and going into the greenhouse did not help. I watered the seedlings very carefully, as to not drown them (looked like some had already been drowned...) and after 15 minutes of an evil sauna I headed to the hammock to cool and relax.
For dinner I was taught how to make eggdrop soup and tried it out. SO COOL! It never connected to me how to make it and it is just awesome the texture you get at the end. I shall definitely remember this for furture use.
I found a place to purchase a camera and the price is right. I think I will get it in the next couple of days. Also, unfortunately, we are missing a dove. One of the cats decided to play a little too hard. I guess we can all say a prayer for it along with the duck and rabbit that have left before I had arrived.
Quick Fill In
So I have not written in a few days and that is due to the fact that my computer is still dead and the converter is still at Jonathan's friend's house. I have been busy though keeping up with the watering and brick making. I have to say, I really like making bricks by foot. Don't get me wrong, it is not something that I would begin to do in the states but since they need it here it is something to amuse me. Jonathan thinks that the bricks will be finished in December, but with help perhaps earlier. He would like to lay the foundation and when the bricks are drying, work on building and when the building is drying make the bricks. It sounds like a good plan but we have to see what Amir thinks.
I have collected lots of sea glass, although not as much as I need to make signs. I have enough to spell lettuce, herbs and something else in Hebrew; now I need to put it in a mud brick so it is ready for Amir to gawk at. I will return to the beach in a couple days as there are too many guys there and I would rather go with someone.
I have collected lots of sea glass, although not as much as I need to make signs. I have enough to spell lettuce, herbs and something else in Hebrew; now I need to put it in a mud brick so it is ready for Amir to gawk at. I will return to the beach in a couple days as there are too many guys there and I would rather go with someone.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Sunday in Tel Aviv
So since we had Friday and Saturday off, Sunday is the start of our work week. It makes sense since it is the start of the week and all. I was able to sleep in a bit which was crazy good. I did not hear the rooster this morning, not sure if he sang or not but I heard nothing, door open and all. Oh yea, we sleep next to the chicken pen with the door open.
I got out of bed around 7 and started work around 8. I weeded the last bed and am so glad that I am done for now. I have begun to enjoy picking the weeds that I hate the most. They are flat to the ground and prickly and just evil really. I like to pick them though and get the root as a kind of revenge for them leaving invisible pricks in my fingers.
I then started to remove empty pots from the nursery but Jonathan came out and told me that I did not have to. I helped him to make a new flower bed. We lined up the sticks and then made a ditch. I am not going to lie, this was torture. I do not have good upper body strength so the hoe did not help much. I was given a shovel and with flip flops, again I felt I was not doing anything. It reminded me of the time that I went to Alabama to work on a house for Habitat for Humanity and I was teamed up with Justinian and I would put the nail in, hit it twice and then when it would go now more with one whack he got it all the way in. Good team work to make up for my inability to hammer with enough force.
Jonathan saw my torture, which is more or less just me feeling that I am not helping. I mean I am working and barely anything is getting done. I tried to think of it as my arms and back day at the gym but that helped none. He told me that I could rake so I raked away. When I was finished I was then shown how to make dirt bricks for the mud house that they are going to make so that Amir can sell his produce. I made about 6 bricks in 2 hours by getting red clay/dirt filling a wheelbarrow and then filling that with water to turn it to mud. Then I got sand and cut straw. I moved some mud to a big barrel and got in, stepping in it. I added some sand and straw and then continued to stomp. When I was done I filled rectangular flower pots with the concoction and turned it onto a wooden flat to dry in the sun.
After that it was time for me to be done for the day. I like getting up early and finishing around 12-1 in the afternoon, it is a good life to work and then actually have time to enjoy the day. I headed to the kitchen and for an hour cooked in a tiny spot cauliflower, sweet potatoes, carrots, eggplants and onions. Then I picked some fresh oregano, rosemary and basil and headed back to the kitchen. I mixed the rosemary with the eggplant and the oregano, put salt in the sweet potato and carrot mixture, began the rice, cut up tomatoes, added pepper to the cauliflower which the lid was not on so it poured out and then mixed all of the veggies together (minus the tomatoes. I made a tomato and basil side salad and voila I was done. It was a delicious meal to end a hard working Sunday.
I got out of bed around 7 and started work around 8. I weeded the last bed and am so glad that I am done for now. I have begun to enjoy picking the weeds that I hate the most. They are flat to the ground and prickly and just evil really. I like to pick them though and get the root as a kind of revenge for them leaving invisible pricks in my fingers.
I then started to remove empty pots from the nursery but Jonathan came out and told me that I did not have to. I helped him to make a new flower bed. We lined up the sticks and then made a ditch. I am not going to lie, this was torture. I do not have good upper body strength so the hoe did not help much. I was given a shovel and with flip flops, again I felt I was not doing anything. It reminded me of the time that I went to Alabama to work on a house for Habitat for Humanity and I was teamed up with Justinian and I would put the nail in, hit it twice and then when it would go now more with one whack he got it all the way in. Good team work to make up for my inability to hammer with enough force.
Jonathan saw my torture, which is more or less just me feeling that I am not helping. I mean I am working and barely anything is getting done. I tried to think of it as my arms and back day at the gym but that helped none. He told me that I could rake so I raked away. When I was finished I was then shown how to make dirt bricks for the mud house that they are going to make so that Amir can sell his produce. I made about 6 bricks in 2 hours by getting red clay/dirt filling a wheelbarrow and then filling that with water to turn it to mud. Then I got sand and cut straw. I moved some mud to a big barrel and got in, stepping in it. I added some sand and straw and then continued to stomp. When I was done I filled rectangular flower pots with the concoction and turned it onto a wooden flat to dry in the sun.
After that it was time for me to be done for the day. I like getting up early and finishing around 12-1 in the afternoon, it is a good life to work and then actually have time to enjoy the day. I headed to the kitchen and for an hour cooked in a tiny spot cauliflower, sweet potatoes, carrots, eggplants and onions. Then I picked some fresh oregano, rosemary and basil and headed back to the kitchen. I mixed the rosemary with the eggplant and the oregano, put salt in the sweet potato and carrot mixture, began the rice, cut up tomatoes, added pepper to the cauliflower which the lid was not on so it poured out and then mixed all of the veggies together (minus the tomatoes. I made a tomato and basil side salad and voila I was done. It was a delicious meal to end a hard working Sunday.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Dinner in Tel Aviv
After I got back from the beach I just hung around. Amir brought hummus from somewhere with pita. It was okay hummus, I guess I just say that because it was like nothing I had ever eaten before; lots of different spices.
After Jonathan and Megan got back from their excursion at the beach, Jonathan told me that he was going into Tel Aviv to meet his (basically) step-brother and asked if I wanted to come. I said yes, which surprised him (I guess since I had been saying no to going places up until this point). I was filled in with how different they were and we headed for the bus.
Well at that moment, Shabbat had ended and all of the buses were running again, what this means is that every bus was packed. We waited for a bus or sharut (spelling) which is a mini bus,more like taxi) for about 45 minutes and then just split a cab. It was definitely expensive but it finally got us there. We arrived at the hotel 30 minutes late and got a note to meet his brother somewhere else. We caught another cab and headed up to the top floor. It was Jonathan, myself, his step-brother, his step-brothers travel buddy, and a travel friend they met in Israel. Basically the three of them love to travel and they keep their eye out for great deal and snatch them up. They all got a $99 flight from San Fran or somewhere on the East Coast to Israel, which is pretty sweet.
Anyway, the hotel that the one guy was staying at was very classy. We were asked if we wanted anything to drink and Jonathan asked if we had to pay; when we were told it was free he grabbed some wine and I just asked for water. I felt a little out of place between the people we met and their personalities and the place we were and me, I felt like some country bumpkin who won the lottery and just felt out of place to wherever they went (you know what I mean?). Anyway, Jonathan was looking for a spigot or a pitcher for water and could not find any. He opened the door for the "help" to ask but nobody was there. It made me laugh and feel so much more comfortable since the place had bottled water for me, in the fridge next to the beer.
We chatted for a while and then headed out to find food. The place that we went to was closed (end of Shabbat) and we kept walking. We came across a couple and the travel guy (Willie) asked them a good place to eat; they told us to follow him. We got to the door that was packed and they said that they were booked. The couple had a couple of words with the woman at the door and they told us 3 minutes. We headed in and it was like a classy sports bar that played concert videos and not sports. It was a good atmosphere and pretty cheap. The name: King Georges. We were give the following menus: 1 English, 2 French, 1 German. The last person waited and the rest of us tried to figure out what we were ordering.
I got the chicken wings as for the last three weeks I have been craving some Frank's in a horrible way. When I realized that they did not serve cheese on their burgers it hit me "kosher you fool!" I asked about the blue cheese or Ranch and was told that I would get neither. I had no idea how I would eat these but was hoping for celery. My wings were not hot wings, despite the hot sauce comment on the menu. It was covered in a sweet sauce so I did not need any dipping sauce but it was not what I expected.
After dinner we said our goodbyes and headed home. We had issues getting a sharut back; Jonathan even chased on that stopped and when we got close it went and then stopped and when we got close it went. He flipped the guy off so I am sure that did not help. 20+ minutes later we caught one and got home and headed to bed around 12. I was promised that it is not usually this hard to get to and from the center.
After Jonathan and Megan got back from their excursion at the beach, Jonathan told me that he was going into Tel Aviv to meet his (basically) step-brother and asked if I wanted to come. I said yes, which surprised him (I guess since I had been saying no to going places up until this point). I was filled in with how different they were and we headed for the bus.
Well at that moment, Shabbat had ended and all of the buses were running again, what this means is that every bus was packed. We waited for a bus or sharut (spelling) which is a mini bus,more like taxi) for about 45 minutes and then just split a cab. It was definitely expensive but it finally got us there. We arrived at the hotel 30 minutes late and got a note to meet his brother somewhere else. We caught another cab and headed up to the top floor. It was Jonathan, myself, his step-brother, his step-brothers travel buddy, and a travel friend they met in Israel. Basically the three of them love to travel and they keep their eye out for great deal and snatch them up. They all got a $99 flight from San Fran or somewhere on the East Coast to Israel, which is pretty sweet.
Anyway, the hotel that the one guy was staying at was very classy. We were asked if we wanted anything to drink and Jonathan asked if we had to pay; when we were told it was free he grabbed some wine and I just asked for water. I felt a little out of place between the people we met and their personalities and the place we were and me, I felt like some country bumpkin who won the lottery and just felt out of place to wherever they went (you know what I mean?). Anyway, Jonathan was looking for a spigot or a pitcher for water and could not find any. He opened the door for the "help" to ask but nobody was there. It made me laugh and feel so much more comfortable since the place had bottled water for me, in the fridge next to the beer.
We chatted for a while and then headed out to find food. The place that we went to was closed (end of Shabbat) and we kept walking. We came across a couple and the travel guy (Willie) asked them a good place to eat; they told us to follow him. We got to the door that was packed and they said that they were booked. The couple had a couple of words with the woman at the door and they told us 3 minutes. We headed in and it was like a classy sports bar that played concert videos and not sports. It was a good atmosphere and pretty cheap. The name: King Georges. We were give the following menus: 1 English, 2 French, 1 German. The last person waited and the rest of us tried to figure out what we were ordering.
I got the chicken wings as for the last three weeks I have been craving some Frank's in a horrible way. When I realized that they did not serve cheese on their burgers it hit me "kosher you fool!" I asked about the blue cheese or Ranch and was told that I would get neither. I had no idea how I would eat these but was hoping for celery. My wings were not hot wings, despite the hot sauce comment on the menu. It was covered in a sweet sauce so I did not need any dipping sauce but it was not what I expected.
After dinner we said our goodbyes and headed home. We had issues getting a sharut back; Jonathan even chased on that stopped and when we got close it went and then stopped and when we got close it went. He flipped the guy off so I am sure that did not help. 20+ minutes later we caught one and got home and headed to bed around 12. I was promised that it is not usually this hard to get to and from the center.
A Sunny Saturday
So I woke up at 3 but got out of bed at 6. I ate breakfast and took in some clothes and then at 7:30 I headed to the beach. I got there at 8 with a fresh bottle of cold water and some snacks. I walked around on the cliffs for a while and then found a good spot overlooking the shipwreck and lots of fishermen.
When the sun started to shine brightly I headed to the beach. I went to the left and decided to start collecting sea glass for an arts and crafts project that I shall start. I do not think I will be able to bring the project back to the states with me though, as it will be too heavy, which is sad.
I walked for about an hour and then turned around. I quickly found the nude section that Jonathan was telling me about (basically the whole thing is nude, but the right of where I got on is where I saw people taking advantage of it). The first guy was with a girl who was clothed. They had a tent set up and were drinking their freshly brewed coffee. The next man that I saw offered for me to sit next to him...I passed on that offer and kept walking. I walked until the beach left me with two options; walk through the water or walk on the rocks. I decided this was a good place to set up my camp.
I enjoyed the warmth of the sun and then the cool water. I snacked and hung out until it was getting a bit warm. At 11 I headed out and got home at 12. I am still working on the camera situation so bare with me and know that the cliffs are beautiful and the water was wonderful.
Amusing tid bit: when I was walking out of the water the second time, a wave hit me and between that causing me to be unbalanced and the stoney section that I was walking over....I fell. Good times had by all. It made me happy to be back in the warmth and out of the colder areas of Germany and France (France was not cold but it was definitely not warm any more).
When the sun started to shine brightly I headed to the beach. I went to the left and decided to start collecting sea glass for an arts and crafts project that I shall start. I do not think I will be able to bring the project back to the states with me though, as it will be too heavy, which is sad.
I walked for about an hour and then turned around. I quickly found the nude section that Jonathan was telling me about (basically the whole thing is nude, but the right of where I got on is where I saw people taking advantage of it). The first guy was with a girl who was clothed. They had a tent set up and were drinking their freshly brewed coffee. The next man that I saw offered for me to sit next to him...I passed on that offer and kept walking. I walked until the beach left me with two options; walk through the water or walk on the rocks. I decided this was a good place to set up my camp.
I enjoyed the warmth of the sun and then the cool water. I snacked and hung out until it was getting a bit warm. At 11 I headed out and got home at 12. I am still working on the camera situation so bare with me and know that the cliffs are beautiful and the water was wonderful.
Amusing tid bit: when I was walking out of the water the second time, a wave hit me and between that causing me to be unbalanced and the stoney section that I was walking over....I fell. Good times had by all. It made me happy to be back in the warmth and out of the colder areas of Germany and France (France was not cold but it was definitely not warm any more).
Friday, October 22, 2010
Farm Updates
So I am officially on farm time. Some people might say that this is good, but waking up at 3am when it is dark out is just lame; I cannot even get up and start working. I lay in bed until 7 then get moving. Today I weeded until 10 and Jonathan woke up and told me that we do not work on Friday or Saturday. Well, what is done is done. I headed to the kitchen to start making lunch. Yes, it was early but I had been up for a long while.
I cooked up some carrots and sweet potato with onion and mixed it in with some basmati rice and a little basil for garnish...yum. Then I made some sweet potato fries with the left over potato. Since I have the day off I think I will do laundry. By the time that I will be done with my lunch it will be too hot to do anything else. I think tomorrow I will go to the beach all day tomorrow. Pack a lunch and head out before it is hot. Maybe even come back before I am dieing.
Farm life: Not too bad now that I see how things work. Very laid back and chill. There is a drum which I think I will learn to play while I am here. I made a friend...Sylvester. He is a grey cat that follows me everywhere; even runs in front of me when I am going somewhere. When I am weeding, he runs in front of my hand as I go to pick something so that my hand brushes his back. He rolls over and wants me to play, which I refuse to do. It is funny though how whenever I sit, he finds a comfy floor or table to lay on.
I also have found my favorite chicken. Jonathan cannot tell them apart but there is one that I can tell apart from the others by his long featherless neck...I named him Chantaclear. He is all about the food and is always by you when you are cooking or eating - worse than the dogs.
Battle Wounds: so I got a couple of mosquito bites throughout my European travel and other than almost having a bull horn scar in my behind I was left as I was found. I have been to the farm for less than a week and have more wounds than I can count. I have scratched arms and legs due to moving pineapple plants (which I HATE! This means that I will increase my consumption of pineapple as I now would like to seek revenge). I have ant and fly bites on my feet as well. On my left foot I got bit by something, I am assuming a spider, but it is way swollen. When you look at my ankle, you cannot even see the bone. When you compare the two ankles side by side it is like they are from different people. Not really a big deal other than it waking me up in the middle of the night because it is so itchy or that it hurts to
I cooked up some carrots and sweet potato with onion and mixed it in with some basmati rice and a little basil for garnish...yum. Then I made some sweet potato fries with the left over potato. Since I have the day off I think I will do laundry. By the time that I will be done with my lunch it will be too hot to do anything else. I think tomorrow I will go to the beach all day tomorrow. Pack a lunch and head out before it is hot. Maybe even come back before I am dieing.
Farm life: Not too bad now that I see how things work. Very laid back and chill. There is a drum which I think I will learn to play while I am here. I made a friend...Sylvester. He is a grey cat that follows me everywhere; even runs in front of me when I am going somewhere. When I am weeding, he runs in front of my hand as I go to pick something so that my hand brushes his back. He rolls over and wants me to play, which I refuse to do. It is funny though how whenever I sit, he finds a comfy floor or table to lay on.
I also have found my favorite chicken. Jonathan cannot tell them apart but there is one that I can tell apart from the others by his long featherless neck...I named him Chantaclear. He is all about the food and is always by you when you are cooking or eating - worse than the dogs.
Battle Wounds: so I got a couple of mosquito bites throughout my European travel and other than almost having a bull horn scar in my behind I was left as I was found. I have been to the farm for less than a week and have more wounds than I can count. I have scratched arms and legs due to moving pineapple plants (which I HATE! This means that I will increase my consumption of pineapple as I now would like to seek revenge). I have ant and fly bites on my feet as well. On my left foot I got bit by something, I am assuming a spider, but it is way swollen. When you look at my ankle, you cannot even see the bone. When you compare the two ankles side by side it is like they are from different people. Not really a big deal other than it waking me up in the middle of the night because it is so itchy or that it hurts to
Thursday, October 21, 2010
The Store and the Beach...kind of
Yesterday I planted about 135x15 seeds. It was a lot but it was good to get it out of the way. I planted broccoli, onion, dill, beets, and some package that was only in Hebrew. After that I was happy to be done. It was a quiet day and Amir made some pasta for lunch. I had the rest of the day off and decided to take a walk to the grocery store. It was a decent size. I got a bottle of water and a bottle of Sprite (with the heat, I was craving Sprite and Coke each time I went to the fridge). I picked up some shampoo and some tomatoes. I had a simple sandwich with a tomato salad.
Today I woke up early (thanks to the 3am wake up call rooster) and began weeding. I weeded all through the onions, lettuce, peppers, eggplant, beets, asparagus, and some other items that I could not identify. It was getting hot and I kept getting water hoping that it would be enough to keep me hydrated in the heat.
Then I planted strawberries, parsley, cauliflower and something that I do not know. It was so gross and I really wanted to shower but decided to head to the beach. So with a wonderfully drawn map from Jonathan, I began my walk. Amir said 7 minutes, Jonathan said 30; the result: 45. But I did not really know where I was going and I was walking slowly. Along the way I passed land that a guy makes Earth Art on. I will get a camera to show you. It was cool and I was glad for it since my directions to the beach lead me to dirt roads and the art was used for landmarks; right at totem pole, left and boobies, etc.
I could see the water from the distance and it reminded me of my pictures from Hawaii. There are all cliffs and the directions that I got should have lead me to the water…but the path I found was STEEP. It was hot and I just decided to go for it. Let’s just say that this was not a path that I would ever take my family on. Honestly, don’t know how I made it down without breaking something…not to mention the whole time I feared stepped on some sand animal’s home and being bitten (only come across one poisonous creature in Israel thus far…that I know of).
As I was making my oh slow decent to the beach I saw a man like stroll on down another path. I was so shocked that he had an easy path and I did not! I made it down to a sign that said “Danger, stay away from cliff” as I continued I was met by three more of these signs…ah yes I guess this was not the path Jonathan meant for me to take. I took note of the correct path and went to the water!
It was so nice and cool but the sun was setting and I was nervous about getting wet, not drying, getting back before it was dark, etc etc. Yes, I know, worry wart. I went in up to my thighs and admired the shipwreck that was in front of me. I did not stay long after that as I noticed there were only men on the beach and again, it was getting dark.
I headed back using the path I saw the man taking. It was so easy, it was great. There are all sorts of hiking trails but I did not want to be on a trail, I wanted to go home! Luckily for me, the boobie art was in sight and I got back on track. Along the dusty trail Amir pulled up. He asked how the waves were and then headed to the water. I totally would have gone and hitched a ride with him if I knew he was going!
I stopped at the convenience store, picked up another bottle of water and an ice cream. Despite being told Israel has “the best ice cream” I think it just tastes dang good since it is to hot outside. Not sure though, maybe elsewhere is better ice cream. As for the water; they say that you can drink the water but I got sick the last time I was in Israel and I was warned not to drink it. I found something that said you can drink it but beware if you have a sensitive stomach. I have been drinking water from Amir’s sink and I am thinking that is the only tap water that I will drink. I get the bottled water so that I do not over dose on the regular water, just to make me feel better.
I headed home and made dinner. Correction to the animal list: there are 5 dogs, 7+ cats, 1 duck, 10 chickens, 1 rooster, 2 pigeons who think that they are chickens, and lots of frogs.
Today I woke up early (thanks to the 3am wake up call rooster) and began weeding. I weeded all through the onions, lettuce, peppers, eggplant, beets, asparagus, and some other items that I could not identify. It was getting hot and I kept getting water hoping that it would be enough to keep me hydrated in the heat.
Then I planted strawberries, parsley, cauliflower and something that I do not know. It was so gross and I really wanted to shower but decided to head to the beach. So with a wonderfully drawn map from Jonathan, I began my walk. Amir said 7 minutes, Jonathan said 30; the result: 45. But I did not really know where I was going and I was walking slowly. Along the way I passed land that a guy makes Earth Art on. I will get a camera to show you. It was cool and I was glad for it since my directions to the beach lead me to dirt roads and the art was used for landmarks; right at totem pole, left and boobies, etc.
I could see the water from the distance and it reminded me of my pictures from Hawaii. There are all cliffs and the directions that I got should have lead me to the water…but the path I found was STEEP. It was hot and I just decided to go for it. Let’s just say that this was not a path that I would ever take my family on. Honestly, don’t know how I made it down without breaking something…not to mention the whole time I feared stepped on some sand animal’s home and being bitten (only come across one poisonous creature in Israel thus far…that I know of).
As I was making my oh slow decent to the beach I saw a man like stroll on down another path. I was so shocked that he had an easy path and I did not! I made it down to a sign that said “Danger, stay away from cliff” as I continued I was met by three more of these signs…ah yes I guess this was not the path Jonathan meant for me to take. I took note of the correct path and went to the water!
It was so nice and cool but the sun was setting and I was nervous about getting wet, not drying, getting back before it was dark, etc etc. Yes, I know, worry wart. I went in up to my thighs and admired the shipwreck that was in front of me. I did not stay long after that as I noticed there were only men on the beach and again, it was getting dark.
I headed back using the path I saw the man taking. It was so easy, it was great. There are all sorts of hiking trails but I did not want to be on a trail, I wanted to go home! Luckily for me, the boobie art was in sight and I got back on track. Along the dusty trail Amir pulled up. He asked how the waves were and then headed to the water. I totally would have gone and hitched a ride with him if I knew he was going!
I stopped at the convenience store, picked up another bottle of water and an ice cream. Despite being told Israel has “the best ice cream” I think it just tastes dang good since it is to hot outside. Not sure though, maybe elsewhere is better ice cream. As for the water; they say that you can drink the water but I got sick the last time I was in Israel and I was warned not to drink it. I found something that said you can drink it but beware if you have a sensitive stomach. I have been drinking water from Amir’s sink and I am thinking that is the only tap water that I will drink. I get the bottled water so that I do not over dose on the regular water, just to make me feel better.
I headed home and made dinner. Correction to the animal list: there are 5 dogs, 7+ cats, 1 duck, 10 chickens, 1 rooster, 2 pigeons who think that they are chickens, and lots of frogs.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
A First Day to Remember
So the farm seems kind of cool but it is very small. There are however, 10 chickens about 4 cats (outdoor thank you), 2 dogs, don't know how many ducks (they bought them), goats will be here on the 26th. I think that I will be doing a lot of similar work to when I was at Fanny and Christian's. I am okay with that.
The place is a little boyish. What do I mean by that? I am sleeping in a boxcar. The bathroom is in a separate box car and the floor has been squegeed but not cleaned in I don't know how long. The wet has made part of the walls rot and mold. The kitchen is very small but has all of the basics.
So, my arrival of the farm was greeted with a quick tour and introduction to Jonathan. I was told to relax for about an hour but after that Amir never returned. I helped Jonathan sweep out one of the green houses so that it looked presentable for any customers who many walk through. It is filled with all kinds of herbs. I took a break and ate some more Prince cookies. I was glad that I bought some in the airport!
I them helped Jonathan begin to cut the plastic on one of the planting beds. Amir told us we would plant strawberries there but that weeding was more important for now. The sun was so hot and I had gone too long without my hat; I had a headache. Amir and Jonathan were going into Tel Aviv to do some personal business. I was asked to turn on the water at 4:00 - 4:20. I said sure and set my alarm as it was only 1:00.
After they left I grabbed some lunch. The fridge is stocked with vegetables but not a lot of stuff to help make the veggies into a good dish. I relaxed for a while on a hammock where I swung, but was just touching the ground. By the end of it, I am pretty sure my butt was on the ground. I turned on the water and then wedded two of the beds.
It was getting dark so I wasted some time on the internet. Then on my Sodoku book. Then...I had nothing to do. I took a shower and really just wanted to clean the shower and the floor. In fact, I just wanted to clean in general, I was going to be here for a month and this place needed some woman lovin' and a good scrub down! Only problem: no cleaning supplies.
Basically, I was alone from 1pm until 7am the next day. My roommate never came back so I slept with the door open and ear plugs in to block the noise of the highway. I had no sheets or blanket as I was told that they would give it to me later when I first arrived and they never came back. I piled on the clothing and then in the middle of the night laid my wet towel on me. The good news: my towel is now nice and dry.
I woke up about every hour and looked to see if Jonathan was back - nope. At 5am the rooster began his morning call. I got up at 6 and wasted time. I ate my last Prince cookie and hoped that when people arrived they would eat some breakfast before beginning to work.
The place is a little boyish. What do I mean by that? I am sleeping in a boxcar. The bathroom is in a separate box car and the floor has been squegeed but not cleaned in I don't know how long. The wet has made part of the walls rot and mold. The kitchen is very small but has all of the basics.
So, my arrival of the farm was greeted with a quick tour and introduction to Jonathan. I was told to relax for about an hour but after that Amir never returned. I helped Jonathan sweep out one of the green houses so that it looked presentable for any customers who many walk through. It is filled with all kinds of herbs. I took a break and ate some more Prince cookies. I was glad that I bought some in the airport!
I them helped Jonathan begin to cut the plastic on one of the planting beds. Amir told us we would plant strawberries there but that weeding was more important for now. The sun was so hot and I had gone too long without my hat; I had a headache. Amir and Jonathan were going into Tel Aviv to do some personal business. I was asked to turn on the water at 4:00 - 4:20. I said sure and set my alarm as it was only 1:00.
After they left I grabbed some lunch. The fridge is stocked with vegetables but not a lot of stuff to help make the veggies into a good dish. I relaxed for a while on a hammock where I swung, but was just touching the ground. By the end of it, I am pretty sure my butt was on the ground. I turned on the water and then wedded two of the beds.
It was getting dark so I wasted some time on the internet. Then on my Sodoku book. Then...I had nothing to do. I took a shower and really just wanted to clean the shower and the floor. In fact, I just wanted to clean in general, I was going to be here for a month and this place needed some woman lovin' and a good scrub down! Only problem: no cleaning supplies.
Basically, I was alone from 1pm until 7am the next day. My roommate never came back so I slept with the door open and ear plugs in to block the noise of the highway. I had no sheets or blanket as I was told that they would give it to me later when I first arrived and they never came back. I piled on the clothing and then in the middle of the night laid my wet towel on me. The good news: my towel is now nice and dry.
I woke up about every hour and looked to see if Jonathan was back - nope. At 5am the rooster began his morning call. I got up at 6 and wasted time. I ate my last Prince cookie and hoped that when people arrived they would eat some breakfast before beginning to work.
Getting to the Farm
So I made it to the farm! I woke up way early and waited until 8:30 for check out. The place I stayed was really pretty and I wish that I could have stayed for longer (you know, perhaps 24 hours or something). Anyways, I was only able to find where to check out because I saw someone who was up and asked. The checkout place was Sergio’s house across the street. I went to check out and he was so nice. He helped me figure out how to get from the main bus terminal to the stop that I needed. He called two bus places and told me that this was the first time that someone actually picked up when he called (in his entire life). I thanked him and headed out, as I was walking he asked if I knew where I was going and I said yes.
I had written walking directions down but honestly, no I had no idea where I was going, where I was, or what I was doing…at all! The first person I asked led me to the right street. The second person lead me that street further down. The last person lead me to the bus that I needed to take to get to the bus station. He said we would pretend I was his girlfriend to get the bus (?). The bus stopped and he gave the driver where I needed to go.
On the bus I went to pay and the guy thought it was strange that I did not sit down and just pass the money up. He told me it was 5 but after I gave him a 20 and got only change back I realized he meant 15. Another man on the bus was amused by the situation and helped me as he was getting off at the same spot. This guy was a bit creepy…
We went into the main bus terminal (which if he had not lead me in, I would not have gone in, it did not look like a bus station). I needed to go through some guy checking my bag. I opened it, hoping it would close. Then he wanted me to open my suitcase. It was heavy as heck and I was glad he lifted it. He just poked around, not sure if it was how I looked or the line that was forming behind me. He did not question any of my heavy wrapped goods that were on the bottom of the suitcase (it would have been a pain to get them out!).
The creepy guy walked with me and asked for my number. I said I did not have a phone (not sure if this is a good thing to say when people ask but it was the middle of the day and lots of people around). He said okay and I went towards the ticket booth. The lady was a complete “I hate my job and life” stereotype fit and when I asked for a ticket she told me to walk to the other end of the terminal. I did and asked at the security booth who told me that I needed to just pay the bus driver.
The buses were running to where I needed every 30 minutes and just my luck, the bus just pulled up. I put my luggage underneath the bus and paid and sat. The entire time of the time the driver, a young guy, was talking to some older guy; showing him his bus route, the money he had, and talking about the ticket machine. I do not remember ever being in one lane, except for when he dropped people off at the side of the road. Around 40 minutes later (the time my trip should have taken) I reminded him I was there and he said it was coming up.
It was around the same time that I started to notice that many of the bus stops were just on the side of the highway. Nothing around. Nothing. Now, this was a problem as a) my cell phone has no more money on it as London ate up my time b) Amir has no idea I am here c) I have no idea where the farm is. Lucky for me the stop had a phone next to it and a little grocery store nearby. I went to the phone to use up the change that I had been purposely saving for this and saw it only took cards. I went into the store and they said that they did not sell phone cards and that I had to go to the post office down the road.
Off I went in heat that I had forgotten about, a crazy heavy book bag and luggage. Along the way some girl stopped and said something to me. I thought she was asking for directions and I shrugged and shook my head no. I made it to the post office right behind this girl. She said something (seemed a bit nasty) in Hebrew to me. When I did not respond she said something else. I told her that I did not speak Hebrew and she apologized saying that she had just offered me a ride. I thanked her and told her that I was good. I bought my phone card (the lady said it was short, only 20 minutes) and headed to the phone. After about 3 minutes of trying to figure out what to do and how it worked I reached Amir (thank god I had enough battery on my computer to get the number!) He said that he would be there in 5 minutes.
5 minutes later, there he was. He was very nice and immediately showed me the farm. Pomegranate trees, chickens, his grandmother’s house, his parent’s house, the fruit trees, the planting beds, the compost, the hot house, and Jonathan; the other volunteer. For one week it will just be us. He has been here for 4 months. He lived in the states until he was a teenager, headed to Holland for a while, went to college in Michigan and then came to Israel. He would like to start a life here and this is just getting him started.
I had written walking directions down but honestly, no I had no idea where I was going, where I was, or what I was doing…at all! The first person I asked led me to the right street. The second person lead me that street further down. The last person lead me to the bus that I needed to take to get to the bus station. He said we would pretend I was his girlfriend to get the bus (?). The bus stopped and he gave the driver where I needed to go.
On the bus I went to pay and the guy thought it was strange that I did not sit down and just pass the money up. He told me it was 5 but after I gave him a 20 and got only change back I realized he meant 15. Another man on the bus was amused by the situation and helped me as he was getting off at the same spot. This guy was a bit creepy…
We went into the main bus terminal (which if he had not lead me in, I would not have gone in, it did not look like a bus station). I needed to go through some guy checking my bag. I opened it, hoping it would close. Then he wanted me to open my suitcase. It was heavy as heck and I was glad he lifted it. He just poked around, not sure if it was how I looked or the line that was forming behind me. He did not question any of my heavy wrapped goods that were on the bottom of the suitcase (it would have been a pain to get them out!).
The creepy guy walked with me and asked for my number. I said I did not have a phone (not sure if this is a good thing to say when people ask but it was the middle of the day and lots of people around). He said okay and I went towards the ticket booth. The lady was a complete “I hate my job and life” stereotype fit and when I asked for a ticket she told me to walk to the other end of the terminal. I did and asked at the security booth who told me that I needed to just pay the bus driver.
The buses were running to where I needed every 30 minutes and just my luck, the bus just pulled up. I put my luggage underneath the bus and paid and sat. The entire time of the time the driver, a young guy, was talking to some older guy; showing him his bus route, the money he had, and talking about the ticket machine. I do not remember ever being in one lane, except for when he dropped people off at the side of the road. Around 40 minutes later (the time my trip should have taken) I reminded him I was there and he said it was coming up.
It was around the same time that I started to notice that many of the bus stops were just on the side of the highway. Nothing around. Nothing. Now, this was a problem as a) my cell phone has no more money on it as London ate up my time b) Amir has no idea I am here c) I have no idea where the farm is. Lucky for me the stop had a phone next to it and a little grocery store nearby. I went to the phone to use up the change that I had been purposely saving for this and saw it only took cards. I went into the store and they said that they did not sell phone cards and that I had to go to the post office down the road.
Off I went in heat that I had forgotten about, a crazy heavy book bag and luggage. Along the way some girl stopped and said something to me. I thought she was asking for directions and I shrugged and shook my head no. I made it to the post office right behind this girl. She said something (seemed a bit nasty) in Hebrew to me. When I did not respond she said something else. I told her that I did not speak Hebrew and she apologized saying that she had just offered me a ride. I thanked her and told her that I was good. I bought my phone card (the lady said it was short, only 20 minutes) and headed to the phone. After about 3 minutes of trying to figure out what to do and how it worked I reached Amir (thank god I had enough battery on my computer to get the number!) He said that he would be there in 5 minutes.
5 minutes later, there he was. He was very nice and immediately showed me the farm. Pomegranate trees, chickens, his grandmother’s house, his parent’s house, the fruit trees, the planting beds, the compost, the hot house, and Jonathan; the other volunteer. For one week it will just be us. He has been here for 4 months. He lived in the states until he was a teenager, headed to Holland for a while, went to college in Michigan and then came to Israel. He would like to start a life here and this is just getting him started.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Detective
Okay, I am going to be really honest, I am not perfect but I follow instructions (when heard and understood) and directions (when remembered). This is the second time that I have gotten off of a flight and needed to catch a connecting flight and I wound up outside of the airport! No idea what the heck is going on. Anyway, I got off of my flight in Vienna, which is already upsetting. This is the second time that I have been in Austria (train first time) and I have yet to be able to see Austria. One day I will return, hopefully with my mother, but still ARR!
Okay, so I get off of my flight, go through passport control and then I am at baggage claim. I ask the first person I can find where to go for a connecting flight and she said “oh it is too late, you have to leave and reenter, go left, left, left.” It is too late? I swear there was nowhere to go other than the path that I took! Whatever. I turned left, left, left and wound up where I saw signs for Terminal 1a, 1b, and 2. That is great but my plane is leaving from terminal 3. I ask the kind polizie with his giant gun (I am getting ready for Israel) where Terminal 3 is. He said there was no terminal 3 with a smile. I thought he was joking, but oh no, he was serious. He pointed me in a direction and I went.
I wound up at a new passport control and went through, worried that now I would have to go through security again, and get rid of the bottle of water that I just bought and possibly be late. I ask the lady at passport control as the monitor screen did not even have my flight listed on the departres. She said that I could enter here and stamped my passport. Okay, no stamps in France, Monaco, Italy, Germany, but two stamps in Austria…and I cannot even say that I have been here! I get inside and ask another person, they also looked at my boarding pass like it had three heads and then circled my gate number and said D28, it is straight ahead.
I walk and I arrive. Did I have to go through security? Where was the check point? Did I leave the airport or not? Am I even at the right place? All of these questions are going through my head as I am sitting here, waiting for someone to be at a counter so that I can ask them. Please let me catch my flight….
No worries the check in was where I was and it was super small check point but I am at the gate waiting with a new friend. He spent about two months in China and loved it. He told me I should have taken the train to the main train stop and then gotten a taxi, like I was looking to do, but honestly I am just happy I had some way to get to the hotel and check in and get in.
The plane ride was good, I got to watch Sex in the City 2, something I would never have seen otherwise. Then I got off the plane, went through passport checkpoint; no stamp in my book (not good as I need proof for London that I was out of the country!) then I headed to get my luggage which looks like someone took out a lot of frustration on, and then I found my taxi. Made it to the hotel and I am ready for bed with an almost dead computer and a electric converter that does not work in Israel. My new friend gave me places to go and see and emergency contact information in case the kibbutz does not work out for me. Let the adventure begin!
Okay, so I get off of my flight, go through passport control and then I am at baggage claim. I ask the first person I can find where to go for a connecting flight and she said “oh it is too late, you have to leave and reenter, go left, left, left.” It is too late? I swear there was nowhere to go other than the path that I took! Whatever. I turned left, left, left and wound up where I saw signs for Terminal 1a, 1b, and 2. That is great but my plane is leaving from terminal 3. I ask the kind polizie with his giant gun (I am getting ready for Israel) where Terminal 3 is. He said there was no terminal 3 with a smile. I thought he was joking, but oh no, he was serious. He pointed me in a direction and I went.
I wound up at a new passport control and went through, worried that now I would have to go through security again, and get rid of the bottle of water that I just bought and possibly be late. I ask the lady at passport control as the monitor screen did not even have my flight listed on the departres. She said that I could enter here and stamped my passport. Okay, no stamps in France, Monaco, Italy, Germany, but two stamps in Austria…and I cannot even say that I have been here! I get inside and ask another person, they also looked at my boarding pass like it had three heads and then circled my gate number and said D28, it is straight ahead.
I walk and I arrive. Did I have to go through security? Where was the check point? Did I leave the airport or not? Am I even at the right place? All of these questions are going through my head as I am sitting here, waiting for someone to be at a counter so that I can ask them. Please let me catch my flight….
No worries the check in was where I was and it was super small check point but I am at the gate waiting with a new friend. He spent about two months in China and loved it. He told me I should have taken the train to the main train stop and then gotten a taxi, like I was looking to do, but honestly I am just happy I had some way to get to the hotel and check in and get in.
The plane ride was good, I got to watch Sex in the City 2, something I would never have seen otherwise. Then I got off the plane, went through passport checkpoint; no stamp in my book (not good as I need proof for London that I was out of the country!) then I headed to get my luggage which looks like someone took out a lot of frustration on, and then I found my taxi. Made it to the hotel and I am ready for bed with an almost dead computer and a electric converter that does not work in Israel. My new friend gave me places to go and see and emergency contact information in case the kibbutz does not work out for me. Let the adventure begin!
Goodbye London
So it was a quick visit and I really did not see…anything. It was okay though, I needed to rest and to get situated. I woke up and headed to breakfast with my roommates. I met a guy from Montana who was traveling with his sister. I said my goodbyes to my roommates (minus Mr. French) and left my information for them to befriend me on Facebook. Connie told me to plan a trip to Japan and Jefferson said that Justin and I should come to Brazil; both of those places are on my “to visit” list.
I left a little earlier than I needed to but figured, better early then late. I got my train ticket and even some more English pounds. I have no bank that I can get no fee from taking money out in Israel so I figured this way, I can exchange money if need be. Even though my credit cards say that you can use them abroad, that is bull and none of them work. You need a European credit card with the little hologram on the front. No worries, it has worked out fine for me up until this point (but travelers beware).
There were lots of delays and cancellations for the underground trains but mine was not affected. I got into the airport and headed to my terminal. After I found the terminal I headed to section K to check in, hoping I could despite it being so early. I asked the lady at the front and she told me that it was BMI and not Austrian even though my ticket said Austrian Air. I turned around and headed to section B. I was happy that I was so early and none of this stressed me out. I checked in at a self service desk and went to the desk to check my bag.
Yes, the whole walk to the underground and time in the underground I was doing a little praying that my bag was okay. I stuffed it this morning, my book bag was too heavy otherwise! I put it on the scale…it could not be over 20kg…20.2 (which I think it just has to be under 21) and there was no problem. I was so happy and then thought... I hope I do not find anything good in Israel to buy.
Security was easy and I headed to the waiting area as my flight did not have a gate yet. Glad I was early and my bag was of acceptable weight…and that going to the USA it can be 20kg too!
I left a little earlier than I needed to but figured, better early then late. I got my train ticket and even some more English pounds. I have no bank that I can get no fee from taking money out in Israel so I figured this way, I can exchange money if need be. Even though my credit cards say that you can use them abroad, that is bull and none of them work. You need a European credit card with the little hologram on the front. No worries, it has worked out fine for me up until this point (but travelers beware).
There were lots of delays and cancellations for the underground trains but mine was not affected. I got into the airport and headed to my terminal. After I found the terminal I headed to section K to check in, hoping I could despite it being so early. I asked the lady at the front and she told me that it was BMI and not Austrian even though my ticket said Austrian Air. I turned around and headed to section B. I was happy that I was so early and none of this stressed me out. I checked in at a self service desk and went to the desk to check my bag.
Yes, the whole walk to the underground and time in the underground I was doing a little praying that my bag was okay. I stuffed it this morning, my book bag was too heavy otherwise! I put it on the scale…it could not be over 20kg…20.2 (which I think it just has to be under 21) and there was no problem. I was so happy and then thought... I hope I do not find anything good in Israel to buy.
Security was easy and I headed to the waiting area as my flight did not have a gate yet. Glad I was early and my bag was of acceptable weight…and that going to the USA it can be 20kg too!
Nimes to London
So Julie and Patrice woke up and we had a quick breakfast. I was told we needed to leave at 7 and was ready. I was concerned when nobody was stirring at 6:30,6:45…I started to make some noise. They were both up at 7 and it turns out Patrice said 7 since Julie is always late, but we really needed to leave at 7:20, he is so clever.
I made it to the airport and they walked me in. We saw a scale and checked the weight of my luggage. Usually I have no problems with this but between the Pitanque balls, my cicada and my bottle of olive oil…my bag was heavy. Patrice picked it up last night and said it felt about 17/18 and I needed it to be 15. I made some adjustments and this morning he said that it was better (of course) but he did not seem like it was okay. We checked on the scale and he was right…I was over. I got my weight to 15.8 and it was good. My book bag was stuffed and super heavy. I had problems closing it as the zipper is not working and with all of the stuff, it was a lot. Anyway, I got it shut and we said our goodbyes with hope that I would not have to open my bag.
Of course I had to open my bag though to take out my laptop. I did it with ease. The guy at the x-ray machine had a question about my cicada and I had to take that out…it was at the bottom of my book bag. I took it out and the two people at the x-ray machine admired how beautiful it was. Then they proceeded to make cicada sounds while I repacked my bag. They lady said “we made you mess it all up.” I just smiled and worked the broken zippers, the lady helped me; she was so nice! I was glad that nobody was behind me and when it was all done she said “For Christmas bring another bag.” I thanked her and went onto the gate.
My plane was 1 hour late. People were upset but I was happy since it was the last flight I know of that left for London. The rest were cancelled due to the strike. Be as late as you want plane…as long as I get there today! The plane came and we all boarded. At immigration I took a long time. I guess I had my head down when they passed out immigration cards and so I needed to do that. I grabbed my passport with ease but where was I staying?! Oh snap…I have the name and address of the hostel but in my bag. I had to unpack it and repack it again.
I walked to baggage claim and was unsure where to go. Some guy who worked there looked at me and said “Nimes?” I thought it was a funny question as he asked me, I guess it was because of the look on my face but I said yes and he pointed to my luggage. It was the only luggage left in one area…of course! I grabbed my bag and headed to the chairs. I decided that I should get some pounds and I am glad that I did! I had to take a bus, then a train, then the underground. Everyone was very nice though and told me what I needed to do as I had done no research and had no idea where I needed to go.
I made it to the hostel and checked in. I then found a bank, grabbed a hotdog from a street vendor and walked around. I headed back to the hostel and met a second roommate (the first was Connie, from Japan) and this was Jefferson (from Brazil). We went out to dinner at an Italian restaurant, splitting a pizza with anchovies, capers and olives and a salad. We both picked off the anchovies. After great conversation we headed back and I met my final roommate. He is from France and older and I am not a fan. He basically told me that I should have gone to other places like Spain and Morocco and that I should go to Greece. He also told me that I should be prepared to be bombed when I go to Israel. He went on telling me about how there are two kinds of “Isralians” those who are open minded and love diversity and those who are the complete opposite. There is no middle ground. He then told me how he is moving from New Zealand to London and looking for a flat before his wife and (soon to be child) come.
I am all about people doing and seeing what they want. If I am happy then don’t tell me that that I should have seen other things. Plus, who the heck says to watch out for being bombed when I am planning to go somewhere? Just rude. I made it clear with my lack of conversation after that, that I did not want to talk and he left. I was happy to see him leave and plan to be asleep when he comes back.
I made it to the airport and they walked me in. We saw a scale and checked the weight of my luggage. Usually I have no problems with this but between the Pitanque balls, my cicada and my bottle of olive oil…my bag was heavy. Patrice picked it up last night and said it felt about 17/18 and I needed it to be 15. I made some adjustments and this morning he said that it was better (of course) but he did not seem like it was okay. We checked on the scale and he was right…I was over. I got my weight to 15.8 and it was good. My book bag was stuffed and super heavy. I had problems closing it as the zipper is not working and with all of the stuff, it was a lot. Anyway, I got it shut and we said our goodbyes with hope that I would not have to open my bag.
Of course I had to open my bag though to take out my laptop. I did it with ease. The guy at the x-ray machine had a question about my cicada and I had to take that out…it was at the bottom of my book bag. I took it out and the two people at the x-ray machine admired how beautiful it was. Then they proceeded to make cicada sounds while I repacked my bag. They lady said “we made you mess it all up.” I just smiled and worked the broken zippers, the lady helped me; she was so nice! I was glad that nobody was behind me and when it was all done she said “For Christmas bring another bag.” I thanked her and went onto the gate.
My plane was 1 hour late. People were upset but I was happy since it was the last flight I know of that left for London. The rest were cancelled due to the strike. Be as late as you want plane…as long as I get there today! The plane came and we all boarded. At immigration I took a long time. I guess I had my head down when they passed out immigration cards and so I needed to do that. I grabbed my passport with ease but where was I staying?! Oh snap…I have the name and address of the hostel but in my bag. I had to unpack it and repack it again.
I walked to baggage claim and was unsure where to go. Some guy who worked there looked at me and said “Nimes?” I thought it was a funny question as he asked me, I guess it was because of the look on my face but I said yes and he pointed to my luggage. It was the only luggage left in one area…of course! I grabbed my bag and headed to the chairs. I decided that I should get some pounds and I am glad that I did! I had to take a bus, then a train, then the underground. Everyone was very nice though and told me what I needed to do as I had done no research and had no idea where I needed to go.
I made it to the hostel and checked in. I then found a bank, grabbed a hotdog from a street vendor and walked around. I headed back to the hostel and met a second roommate (the first was Connie, from Japan) and this was Jefferson (from Brazil). We went out to dinner at an Italian restaurant, splitting a pizza with anchovies, capers and olives and a salad. We both picked off the anchovies. After great conversation we headed back and I met my final roommate. He is from France and older and I am not a fan. He basically told me that I should have gone to other places like Spain and Morocco and that I should go to Greece. He also told me that I should be prepared to be bombed when I go to Israel. He went on telling me about how there are two kinds of “Isralians” those who are open minded and love diversity and those who are the complete opposite. There is no middle ground. He then told me how he is moving from New Zealand to London and looking for a flat before his wife and (soon to be child) come.
I am all about people doing and seeing what they want. If I am happy then don’t tell me that that I should have seen other things. Plus, who the heck says to watch out for being bombed when I am planning to go somewhere? Just rude. I made it clear with my lack of conversation after that, that I did not want to talk and he left. I was happy to see him leave and plan to be asleep when he comes back.
Christmas in October
Today we are to visit Patrice’s parents. We started today like we start all Saturdays, slowly. We headed out around 11 and got to his parents’ house around 12. His grandmother was sitting there, she is about 86 and super cute. During lunch I found out she had 13 siblings, thirteen!! They decided to try and name them, that was quite amusing to see. Unfortunately only about 9 or 10 were named after renaming for about 10 minutes. The rest were forgotten with time. Only about 7 are still living and they all live in the southwest (she is in the southeast). Anyway…. We started with our apertifs. I took mint syrup and water while homemade lemon wine, grapefruit wine and then of course pastis were had by others.
We had a conversation about olive oil and how the south of France has amazing Extra Virgin Olive Oil. I was given a try of some that was made from the olives of Patrice’s parents. It was not my cup of tea, it tasted like…olives! Apparently this was made with green olives so it was very strong. The best olive oil comes from black olives though. I never did make it to the olive oil plant but I have learned a lot about olives and olive oil. After munching on provincial olives and crackers we then headed to the table. It was again like Christmas…a meal with truffles! We had an omelet with truffles. I had read about it in one of my books and it made me happy to say that I had tried it; kind of a round about with where I started. Anyway, it was so good! I asked what else was in the omelet as it tasted like more then just egg and mushrooms, but that was the flavor of the mushroom, it was good.
We then had fresh spinach with olive oil, pepper, salt and truffles. That was yummy too. I tried to really taste the food but it was so hard to find a good way to describe the flavor of it. It was unique but good for sure…a special treat. We had very old wine, the sweetest and the strongest that you could find. I decided to be polite and take the sweetest as I did not want to go near the strongest. It was sweet, but still very strong. It burned when it went down (it was white). I did not mention that they should try Manachevitz if they want some sweet wine but it mentioned it in my head to them.
Next was the main dish. We had veal with Paris mushroom (similar to button). They were served in puffed pastry and had green olives in it. It was the first time that I have ever had green olives and said they were acceptable. I do not know about having this dish with the olives more than twice a year, but the dish was superb. Now it was time for the cheese. There were about four different types of cheese. I decided to take a little piece of each to say that I had tried them. Patrice was watching me like a hawk to see my expressions after each one. I saved the strongest for last to try and sneak it past him. I tried some blue cheese, goat cheese and some others (sorry don’t remember the names). The last cheese that I had was round and looked like it was melted Brie. I was assured that it was not Brie and is strong. Sometimes after you go skiing you get this cheese melted on pasta and it fills you up. It was so disgusting I cannot even tell you. In fact, even the Compte tasted horrible tonight, just way too strong, all of them! All I could do was think of my mom and how she would be in heaven. The stinkier the better in her book and believe you me, these were stinky! I told Patrice, I do not know how you can talk to Julie after she eats the melted Brie looking cheese and he said that he does not. He tells her that she can buy it and eat it but she has to eat it outside, humorous Patrice.
I was full but needed to get the taste of those feet cheeses out of my mouth. I was brought some honey and given some wine, both which I turned down. The bread helped but then desert sealed the deal. I enjoyed a Pignoli pastry and was filled with delight.
After lunch we headed out. The girls (Patrice’s sister who joined us for desert and Julie) brought their purses so I brought my book bag. They said that I could leave it, but I had no idea where we were going, I might need some money or my ID, so I brought it. We walked around town, stopping at some apartments that Patrice owns and is fixing up and getting ready to rent out. Then we went to the castle and the mill…the oil mill that is. Apparently Patrice’s parents are friends with the owners and they prepared a special tour for me. The brought me into the cave and showed me all of the equipment. With Julie’s translations and the guy’s hand movements I was able to follow along. It was super cool and at the end the guy gave me a bottle of his olive oil! It was so nice of him! When I got back Patrice’s parents offered to give me a liter of their olive oil as well but I turned it down. I have no idea how I will make the weight at the airport with all of my goodies. We bubble wrapped the olive oil and then Patrice got some containers of gasoline for his car as St. Remy is all out of gas and the strikes are not done yet.
We stopped at two other towns and at Patrice’s friend’s house for drinks. His friend was in Florida for 3 months and told me I was not an American when I turned down alcohol and said that I did not smoke cigarettes or weed. He explained how American girls are blood with big boobs and can outdrink him easily. He was surprised that Americans were not fat and out of shape like the news makes it seem. He shared his pictures with us and then we headed home. Dinner at 10 and then bed.
We had a conversation about olive oil and how the south of France has amazing Extra Virgin Olive Oil. I was given a try of some that was made from the olives of Patrice’s parents. It was not my cup of tea, it tasted like…olives! Apparently this was made with green olives so it was very strong. The best olive oil comes from black olives though. I never did make it to the olive oil plant but I have learned a lot about olives and olive oil. After munching on provincial olives and crackers we then headed to the table. It was again like Christmas…a meal with truffles! We had an omelet with truffles. I had read about it in one of my books and it made me happy to say that I had tried it; kind of a round about with where I started. Anyway, it was so good! I asked what else was in the omelet as it tasted like more then just egg and mushrooms, but that was the flavor of the mushroom, it was good.
We then had fresh spinach with olive oil, pepper, salt and truffles. That was yummy too. I tried to really taste the food but it was so hard to find a good way to describe the flavor of it. It was unique but good for sure…a special treat. We had very old wine, the sweetest and the strongest that you could find. I decided to be polite and take the sweetest as I did not want to go near the strongest. It was sweet, but still very strong. It burned when it went down (it was white). I did not mention that they should try Manachevitz if they want some sweet wine but it mentioned it in my head to them.
Next was the main dish. We had veal with Paris mushroom (similar to button). They were served in puffed pastry and had green olives in it. It was the first time that I have ever had green olives and said they were acceptable. I do not know about having this dish with the olives more than twice a year, but the dish was superb. Now it was time for the cheese. There were about four different types of cheese. I decided to take a little piece of each to say that I had tried them. Patrice was watching me like a hawk to see my expressions after each one. I saved the strongest for last to try and sneak it past him. I tried some blue cheese, goat cheese and some others (sorry don’t remember the names). The last cheese that I had was round and looked like it was melted Brie. I was assured that it was not Brie and is strong. Sometimes after you go skiing you get this cheese melted on pasta and it fills you up. It was so disgusting I cannot even tell you. In fact, even the Compte tasted horrible tonight, just way too strong, all of them! All I could do was think of my mom and how she would be in heaven. The stinkier the better in her book and believe you me, these were stinky! I told Patrice, I do not know how you can talk to Julie after she eats the melted Brie looking cheese and he said that he does not. He tells her that she can buy it and eat it but she has to eat it outside, humorous Patrice.
I was full but needed to get the taste of those feet cheeses out of my mouth. I was brought some honey and given some wine, both which I turned down. The bread helped but then desert sealed the deal. I enjoyed a Pignoli pastry and was filled with delight.
After lunch we headed out. The girls (Patrice’s sister who joined us for desert and Julie) brought their purses so I brought my book bag. They said that I could leave it, but I had no idea where we were going, I might need some money or my ID, so I brought it. We walked around town, stopping at some apartments that Patrice owns and is fixing up and getting ready to rent out. Then we went to the castle and the mill…the oil mill that is. Apparently Patrice’s parents are friends with the owners and they prepared a special tour for me. The brought me into the cave and showed me all of the equipment. With Julie’s translations and the guy’s hand movements I was able to follow along. It was super cool and at the end the guy gave me a bottle of his olive oil! It was so nice of him! When I got back Patrice’s parents offered to give me a liter of their olive oil as well but I turned it down. I have no idea how I will make the weight at the airport with all of my goodies. We bubble wrapped the olive oil and then Patrice got some containers of gasoline for his car as St. Remy is all out of gas and the strikes are not done yet.
We stopped at two other towns and at Patrice’s friend’s house for drinks. His friend was in Florida for 3 months and told me I was not an American when I turned down alcohol and said that I did not smoke cigarettes or weed. He explained how American girls are blood with big boobs and can outdrink him easily. He was surprised that Americans were not fat and out of shape like the news makes it seem. He shared his pictures with us and then we headed home. Dinner at 10 and then bed.
Montpieller (still can't pronounce it right...)
Today it was nice out but I was nervous about Israel and getting my hotel and everything situated. I spent the day researching and contacting people. By the end of the day, I felt good. The next day I headed to Montpieller. Now normally this would be easy, take a train and BAM you are there. However, the strikes are still continuing so we had to research lots of things. There was one train from Tarascon to Nimes and one train from Nimes to Montpieller. I went for it. I got to the train station bought my tickets and waited for my bus as there was no train; just a bus. The bus was 20 minutes EARLY (I was glad that I was waiting in the cold for the bus). I got onto the bus and the driver said that my ticket was no good.
Three other people joined in and talking but luckily there was a young girl there who translated. They said that the ticket that the station sold me was not good on this bus and that I needed to get a new ticket from him. An old lady offered to pay for my ticket, but I had money and paid. Everyone was very upset and said that when I returned tonight that I needed to get my money back from the train station. I got to Nimes and waited for my train. I caught it without a problem and was off.
I arrived and the town reminded me a bit of Paris. Lots of young people though, a bit hip, more city-like. I walked and took in some sites taking pictures with Julie’s camera as mine stopped working. I saw a large group of students and found out that today the students were protesting for the adults to continue the strike. In fact, Julie’s cousin who is a teacher went home early since none of his students showed up, that is pretty sweet. Anyway, I got some pictures of the protesters and thought about joining in but there were police around and I did not want to get into any trouble. I continued my tour with the train tour.
Yes, I was skeptical after Arles but this was very good. Showed me many places and great information. Afterwards, I grabbed a light lunch (I picked up a crepe with jelly when I arrived). I made conversation with the waitress who is planning to go to the USA next year and then mapped out where I wanted to go. Honestly, there was so much to see but I knew I would not get to see a lot of it. I decided to walk around and get a closer look at many of the places I saw on the train tour. I did not have time to go to the zoo or aquarium…next time. I stopped and grabbed some ice cream before I left; violet and some kind of white chocolate. Julie was all about the violet ice cream and so I was not sure what to expect, one whole scoop was too much but it was okay. I do not think that I would get it again.
It was super cool and nice and then I headed home. The train that I had wanted to take did not exist and so I took the next one, which was delayed for 20 minutes. This caused me to miss my connecting bus in Nimes. I had no idea about the next bus and Julie said not to move and that her and Patrice were coming. It is an hour away, after they worked all day. It was so nice of them – two hours!
We got home and Lucielle came over for dinner. We had some drinks and chips and then pasta. Dinner was the cheesecake that Julie and I made the night before. It was close to NY cheesecake but not exactly the same. We winged it with using butter biscuits for the crust and fromage blanch for the cheese. It was still good though. It was a long day with lots of travel, but I was very happy that I got to see Montpieller before I left.
Three other people joined in and talking but luckily there was a young girl there who translated. They said that the ticket that the station sold me was not good on this bus and that I needed to get a new ticket from him. An old lady offered to pay for my ticket, but I had money and paid. Everyone was very upset and said that when I returned tonight that I needed to get my money back from the train station. I got to Nimes and waited for my train. I caught it without a problem and was off.
I arrived and the town reminded me a bit of Paris. Lots of young people though, a bit hip, more city-like. I walked and took in some sites taking pictures with Julie’s camera as mine stopped working. I saw a large group of students and found out that today the students were protesting for the adults to continue the strike. In fact, Julie’s cousin who is a teacher went home early since none of his students showed up, that is pretty sweet. Anyway, I got some pictures of the protesters and thought about joining in but there were police around and I did not want to get into any trouble. I continued my tour with the train tour.
Yes, I was skeptical after Arles but this was very good. Showed me many places and great information. Afterwards, I grabbed a light lunch (I picked up a crepe with jelly when I arrived). I made conversation with the waitress who is planning to go to the USA next year and then mapped out where I wanted to go. Honestly, there was so much to see but I knew I would not get to see a lot of it. I decided to walk around and get a closer look at many of the places I saw on the train tour. I did not have time to go to the zoo or aquarium…next time. I stopped and grabbed some ice cream before I left; violet and some kind of white chocolate. Julie was all about the violet ice cream and so I was not sure what to expect, one whole scoop was too much but it was okay. I do not think that I would get it again.
It was super cool and nice and then I headed home. The train that I had wanted to take did not exist and so I took the next one, which was delayed for 20 minutes. This caused me to miss my connecting bus in Nimes. I had no idea about the next bus and Julie said not to move and that her and Patrice were coming. It is an hour away, after they worked all day. It was so nice of them – two hours!
We got home and Lucielle came over for dinner. We had some drinks and chips and then pasta. Dinner was the cheesecake that Julie and I made the night before. It was close to NY cheesecake but not exactly the same. We winged it with using butter biscuits for the crust and fromage blanch for the cheese. It was still good though. It was a long day with lots of travel, but I was very happy that I got to see Montpieller before I left.
Show me your tablet of chocolate
In America when a man has some good looking abs we say he has got a 6-pack. When he is a bit too heavy in the belly, we say he has a beer belly or beer gut. I never thought Americans were so into beer until I heard what the French called these two. When a man has some washboard abs they call it a bar of chocolate. When he has a bit too much fat, they call it fondue. I guess it makes sense since the French are into their chocolate and other goodies.
We were talking about music and David Guetta came up. I have no idea who she was talking about as she pronounced it Daveed Gata. Sounded a bit like alligator without the r and a bit like geetar (accented guitar). It was just as well since they laughed when they heard my pronunciation. Anyway, David Guetta worked with Flo Rider (Ryder?) on an album. I was very impressed that I realized she was talking about him when she said Florida.
At dinner I was trying to explain something to Patrice (who I try to speak French too, but am often discouraged). Anyway, I needed a word and they told me what it was. I could not help but to laugh as it sounded like “fart.” Now, it really is not that funny of a word, but you know in middle school it is the word to say, perhaps that rubbed off on me with the fact that they kept saying it, one at a time, together, looking it up in the dictionary, saying it again and again. It was just humorous. I refused to finish my sentence after that. This did lead to the conversation about “excited” in French. If a person says “Je excite” it is basically saying that they are horny. When Americans go around saying they are excited to meet you and all sorts of things, it makes the French look at them with one eyebrow up.
We were talking about music and David Guetta came up. I have no idea who she was talking about as she pronounced it Daveed Gata. Sounded a bit like alligator without the r and a bit like geetar (accented guitar). It was just as well since they laughed when they heard my pronunciation. Anyway, David Guetta worked with Flo Rider (Ryder?) on an album. I was very impressed that I realized she was talking about him when she said Florida.
At dinner I was trying to explain something to Patrice (who I try to speak French too, but am often discouraged). Anyway, I needed a word and they told me what it was. I could not help but to laugh as it sounded like “fart.” Now, it really is not that funny of a word, but you know in middle school it is the word to say, perhaps that rubbed off on me with the fact that they kept saying it, one at a time, together, looking it up in the dictionary, saying it again and again. It was just humorous. I refused to finish my sentence after that. This did lead to the conversation about “excited” in French. If a person says “Je excite” it is basically saying that they are horny. When Americans go around saying they are excited to meet you and all sorts of things, it makes the French look at them with one eyebrow up.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Obstacles to GET to Israel...
So you know how I have been going on and on with this whole big mess of Israel? Well it all makes sense now. I am not a crazy spiritual, voodoo person but I do believe that things happen for a reason. So I bought my ticket from Nimes to London and London to Israel. Then I found out I was flying into the wrong airport in London and so I had to fly into London a day early in order to make my flight at the other airport in London. It was a pain but if I did not change my flight to a day earlier then I would not have made it to London as the strike in France has shut down all flights tomorrow.
Now you might be thinking, well if the farmer got back to you earlier and you bought the cheaper ticket, then you could have flown out of Paris! Yea, but that is no good as Paris stopped their flights I think yesterday due to no gas for the planes.
All this time I thought that all of these obstacles were telling me not to go to Israel, but really, they were to help me get to Israel... :) London for Thanksgiving, here I come (can't wait to make Jess's Thanksgiving all American).
Now you might be thinking, well if the farmer got back to you earlier and you bought the cheaper ticket, then you could have flown out of Paris! Yea, but that is no good as Paris stopped their flights I think yesterday due to no gas for the planes.
All this time I thought that all of these obstacles were telling me not to go to Israel, but really, they were to help me get to Israel... :) London for Thanksgiving, here I come (can't wait to make Jess's Thanksgiving all American).
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Eden House TLV, Tel Aviv
Maybe it was not the smartest idea money wise, but I am at the point where I have just done what is easiest for Israel. I was in touch with the farmer and since I would miss the last train into the train station by him, he recommended me get a hotel.
This was fine by me as not waking up at the butt crack of dawn after just arriving sounded like a good idea. Problem: no trains where would I stay? I looked at many many many places to figure out a hostel that was within walking distance from the center of Tel Aviv, where the train would go that late at night. Two problems: 1) do I really want to walk at night, in a new place, new language, with my bags, alone? 2) none of the hostels were within walking distance. I tried to get information from people who have traveled and lived in Israel but nothing really helped. I did not ask to stay with family as it would be 2am on a workday.
I found a guesthouse that was close to the center of Tel Aviv. My plan: Catch a train into the center of town, get a cab to the hotel. After I booked my hotel I saw that check in was only until 22:30. Really?! I emailed them asking for any sort of help as it is within 7 days of my trip and I would not be reimbursed any money for cancelling.
I was emailed back within a few hours from the lovely owner. She told me about the train times from the airport not running after a certain time. She said that she could arrange her taxi driver to pick me up from the airport and he has the key to the hotel or if I get to the hotel, the taxi driver could let me in. I am going to be honest, the taxi will cost as much as the room but I am going with what is easiest and what I feel will be safest. At 1:30am I am not going to want to get into some sketchy taxi and hope that they know where they are going.
I emailed her with my "THANK YOU THANK YOU please arrange a pick up at the airport" and am so glad it is all planned out. I sure hope that Israel is good and I sure hope that Thanksgiving will be worth it as this has been the most difficult part of my trip...by far!!
This was fine by me as not waking up at the butt crack of dawn after just arriving sounded like a good idea. Problem: no trains where would I stay? I looked at many many many places to figure out a hostel that was within walking distance from the center of Tel Aviv, where the train would go that late at night. Two problems: 1) do I really want to walk at night, in a new place, new language, with my bags, alone? 2) none of the hostels were within walking distance. I tried to get information from people who have traveled and lived in Israel but nothing really helped. I did not ask to stay with family as it would be 2am on a workday.
I found a guesthouse that was close to the center of Tel Aviv. My plan: Catch a train into the center of town, get a cab to the hotel. After I booked my hotel I saw that check in was only until 22:30. Really?! I emailed them asking for any sort of help as it is within 7 days of my trip and I would not be reimbursed any money for cancelling.
I was emailed back within a few hours from the lovely owner. She told me about the train times from the airport not running after a certain time. She said that she could arrange her taxi driver to pick me up from the airport and he has the key to the hotel or if I get to the hotel, the taxi driver could let me in. I am going to be honest, the taxi will cost as much as the room but I am going with what is easiest and what I feel will be safest. At 1:30am I am not going to want to get into some sketchy taxi and hope that they know where they are going.
I emailed her with my "THANK YOU THANK YOU please arrange a pick up at the airport" and am so glad it is all planned out. I sure hope that Israel is good and I sure hope that Thanksgiving will be worth it as this has been the most difficult part of my trip...by far!!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
L’Isle sur Sorgue
When I got off I began to walk around. I decided it was a little past one and I should eat before the restaurants closed. I found one place that was known for seafood and next to a canal of water and fountain. I ordered mussels with white wine, onions and leeks and fries. I enjoyed a very leisurely lunch and only got up since everyone else was gone and they looked like they were closing until dinner.
As I walked away I found an ice cream place that I would return to when I needed a snack. I headed through the streets and looked at some of their stores. They are basically the same stores that I have seen everywhere else. I found another canal and went to sit by it but it was not a good spot. I found a better spot in the sun and with a bench. I enjoyed my time for a while. Okay, maybe I should be exploring the town, but it was small and there is not a lot to see and I have no camera and it was one of those days when you just want to do nothing; especially after chasing the bus and trying to figure out what “train” to take, when to get off, and deal with the man next to me. I was happy to just sit.
After a while I headed back into the streets and checked out all of the shops. These shops seemed to have all of the same items that I have seen in a hundred other stores. One of the shops that I came across was a chocolatier. It oozed warm chocolate as I walked by and I could not escape. I entered and had a goofy grin on my face as I said bonjour to the store clerk and the artisan. I carefully read each label trying to figure out if I really wanted to purchase anything. The lady at the counter told me there were samples, but I turned them down; the intoxicated smells were enough. I got to the rows of fresh chocolate: dark chocolate with lavender, chocolate with marzipan, nougat covered in white chocolate flavored with orange or citric. I could resist no longer and asked for a bag. I carefully pointed out the four chocolates that I would like. I was asked if the bag should be sealed, with that ridiculous smile returning, I said no. I headed for the door and a chocolate.
As I walked away I found an ice cream place that I would return to when I needed a snack. I headed through the streets and looked at some of their stores. They are basically the same stores that I have seen everywhere else. I found another canal and went to sit by it but it was not a good spot. I found a better spot in the sun and with a bench. I enjoyed my time for a while. Okay, maybe I should be exploring the town, but it was small and there is not a lot to see and I have no camera and it was one of those days when you just want to do nothing; especially after chasing the bus and trying to figure out what “train” to take, when to get off, and deal with the man next to me. I was happy to just sit.
After a while I headed back into the streets and checked out all of the shops. These shops seemed to have all of the same items that I have seen in a hundred other stores. One of the shops that I came across was a chocolatier. It oozed warm chocolate as I walked by and I could not escape. I entered and had a goofy grin on my face as I said bonjour to the store clerk and the artisan. I carefully read each label trying to figure out if I really wanted to purchase anything. The lady at the counter told me there were samples, but I turned them down; the intoxicated smells were enough. I got to the rows of fresh chocolate: dark chocolate with lavender, chocolate with marzipan, nougat covered in white chocolate flavored with orange or citric. I could resist no longer and asked for a bag. I carefully pointed out the four chocolates that I would like. I was asked if the bag should be sealed, with that ridiculous smile returning, I said no. I headed for the door and a chocolate.
The Bus Ride to L’Islesur Sorgue
While waiting for the bus, many people were coming up to me and asking if the bus in front of us was the one to Marseille. I answered some people but sometimes they asked the question with a lot of words and I was not sure if they were asking something else. One guy was deaf and that was just a bad situation, luckily the guy sitting next to me just answered for me a couple of time – thank you!
Before my bus loaded this guy asked if I was going to Marsielle. I said yes, as that was the bus that I would be taking. He then asked me the cost. I thought it was a weird questions so I asked “what” and he picked up that I did not speak French. When he learned that I spoke English he was ridiculously excited. He told me that he was from an island between Africa and Madagascar; there are four islands inbetween the two and he lives on one of them. He was all about speaking English and told me that whenever he meets someone who can, he tries to speak with them. He learned in school but would like to become better as he is not very strong in it.
Everyone was lined up for the bus and the deaf man was in the front. He was knocking on the doors and the bus driver, who was a woman, opened the doors saying “can’t you give me two minutes?! Not two minutes? I need to speak with the control officer and you are here trying to get on, two minutes! I need to speak with the control officer, excuse me. EXCUSE ME.” Finally the guy moved over a little so she could get off of the bus but man it was a ncie little scene to watch. I am sure between the trains being cancelled and her trying a new route it was a long day for her.
Everyone boarded and the man I was speaking to before was waving me to come by him. I avoided that but then when I got on the bus I needed to sit with him as there was not another place to sit and he had saved a seat for me, great. The ride was very interesting as the man sitting next to me offered the following to me 1) his phone number 2) to buy me a phone 3) to show me around Marseille 4) for me to live with him in Marseille. I truly believe that he was just a really nice guy who was happy to speak English, but he did creep me out a bit. I was happy to get off before him. Our conversations included me staying with my sister in France (don’t know how he came up with that), me being a teacher and him being a chef, how long his trip was, and if I was happy speaking with him.
The driver was nice enough to tell me when to get off and I was very happy to get off. I walked into the train station as I did not want the guy to see where I was going. Okay – so it was dumb, he was still on the bus, but still it is what I did. I waited for the bus to leave and then asked the man at the ticket window where the tourist information office was. He pointed me in the direction and I was off.
Before my bus loaded this guy asked if I was going to Marsielle. I said yes, as that was the bus that I would be taking. He then asked me the cost. I thought it was a weird questions so I asked “what” and he picked up that I did not speak French. When he learned that I spoke English he was ridiculously excited. He told me that he was from an island between Africa and Madagascar; there are four islands inbetween the two and he lives on one of them. He was all about speaking English and told me that whenever he meets someone who can, he tries to speak with them. He learned in school but would like to become better as he is not very strong in it.
Everyone was lined up for the bus and the deaf man was in the front. He was knocking on the doors and the bus driver, who was a woman, opened the doors saying “can’t you give me two minutes?! Not two minutes? I need to speak with the control officer and you are here trying to get on, two minutes! I need to speak with the control officer, excuse me. EXCUSE ME.” Finally the guy moved over a little so she could get off of the bus but man it was a ncie little scene to watch. I am sure between the trains being cancelled and her trying a new route it was a long day for her.
Everyone boarded and the man I was speaking to before was waving me to come by him. I avoided that but then when I got on the bus I needed to sit with him as there was not another place to sit and he had saved a seat for me, great. The ride was very interesting as the man sitting next to me offered the following to me 1) his phone number 2) to buy me a phone 3) to show me around Marseille 4) for me to live with him in Marseille. I truly believe that he was just a really nice guy who was happy to speak English, but he did creep me out a bit. I was happy to get off before him. Our conversations included me staying with my sister in France (don’t know how he came up with that), me being a teacher and him being a chef, how long his trip was, and if I was happy speaking with him.
The driver was nice enough to tell me when to get off and I was very happy to get off. I walked into the train station as I did not want the guy to see where I was going. Okay – so it was dumb, he was still on the bus, but still it is what I did. I waited for the bus to leave and then asked the man at the ticket window where the tourist information office was. He pointed me in the direction and I was off.
Hello Again Avignon
There is supposed to be another strike today but as of dinner it was not on for sure. We had soup and then headed off to bed. In the morning Julie was rushing around like crazy. I was trying to make sure that I had all of the information (name of the bus stop I will be dropped off at, which stop to get off at, the name of the town I will go to, which stop it will be on the train, times for the transportation that I wants and backup times as well as costs and time of trip). I saved lots of stuff on my computer and we were off a bit late (what else is new). We got to the area of the bus stop but did not see it. We drove past it and then saw the bus drive by. Julie said not to worry and tailed the bus until the next bus stop, which was three away as nobody was at the previous stops.
I got onto the bus with what appeared to be high school kids. On the bus, all high school looking kids. You know, dress, leaning into their boyfriend/girlfriend, book bags, etc. I looked at my ticket and it said Avignon but not the gare as the final stop. I hoped that I was not being taken to some school. At the next stop, more kids and two adults, who both looked like teachers; I am sure it is just my imagination…We did stop at a couple of high schools but the final stop was the gare in Avignon. I was happy and got off.
Julie asked if I had a map of Avignon and I said yes. It was true, I did, in my bag, at home. I had been to Avignon enough to get the jist of the city. I headed to the train station and bought my ticket from the machine. Apparently the ticket I got was not to the city that I wanted…that is 4km away. No idea about that but I am hoping I will be able to get where I need to be. I checked with the man walking around and it turns out that because of the strike, there are no trains and I will have to take a bus. He showed me where the bus will be and smiled with the fact that I knew “c’est bon.”
I headed into the walled town and bought more minutes for my phone. Patrice works near the town that I am going and may be able to pick me up at the end of the day. Then I got some money from the bank, picked up a postcard for my sister, purchased a baguette, and headed off. I went back to the wall by the theater that had crazy paintings on it and figured I should take some more pictures as I liked the feedback that I had received with my previous pictures. I took out my camera, fully charged battery and all, and turned on my camera. It did not go on, so I pushed it again…nothing. I guess the reason my camera stopped so suddenly the other day is because my camera is broken. Not really sure why it took two days from the point of dropping it for there to be a problem, but none the less, it is a problem. I will have to get the information to get another good camera ASAP.
I got onto the bus with what appeared to be high school kids. On the bus, all high school looking kids. You know, dress, leaning into their boyfriend/girlfriend, book bags, etc. I looked at my ticket and it said Avignon but not the gare as the final stop. I hoped that I was not being taken to some school. At the next stop, more kids and two adults, who both looked like teachers; I am sure it is just my imagination…We did stop at a couple of high schools but the final stop was the gare in Avignon. I was happy and got off.
Julie asked if I had a map of Avignon and I said yes. It was true, I did, in my bag, at home. I had been to Avignon enough to get the jist of the city. I headed to the train station and bought my ticket from the machine. Apparently the ticket I got was not to the city that I wanted…that is 4km away. No idea about that but I am hoping I will be able to get where I need to be. I checked with the man walking around and it turns out that because of the strike, there are no trains and I will have to take a bus. He showed me where the bus will be and smiled with the fact that I knew “c’est bon.”
I headed into the walled town and bought more minutes for my phone. Patrice works near the town that I am going and may be able to pick me up at the end of the day. Then I got some money from the bank, picked up a postcard for my sister, purchased a baguette, and headed off. I went back to the wall by the theater that had crazy paintings on it and figured I should take some more pictures as I liked the feedback that I had received with my previous pictures. I took out my camera, fully charged battery and all, and turned on my camera. It did not go on, so I pushed it again…nothing. I guess the reason my camera stopped so suddenly the other day is because my camera is broken. Not really sure why it took two days from the point of dropping it for there to be a problem, but none the less, it is a problem. I will have to get the information to get another good camera ASAP.
Eygalieres
There is a strike today which means that all public transportation is shut down and even some of the main roads. We decided that I should visit Eygalieres (not to be confused with the nearby Eyguieres)and after lunch we headed there. I was dropped off by a school and headed up, towards the town. Not really sure why, but I saw this tiny little pathway and decided to take it; hoping it was not private property. I wound up at the top of a “mountain” with beautiful views of the city.
There was a clock tower that did a wonderful job of telling time on time.
There were some remains of what I assume was a church.
And there was some little hut. It was super cool and had a nice little place to camp out, although nobody had camped there for years I am sure as it was closed and locked up.
I took many pictures of the view and did what I thought was a pretty good job of using the timer and getting some shots of myself. After one 20 second delay and 10 shots, I turned off my camera. I found another cool spot and my camera would not turn on. I did not remember the battery saying that it was getting low, but what do I know? I packed it away and enjoyed the sun. I laid on a rock over looking the Alps and town and soaked up the sun.
After an hour or two I headed down to the city. I got myself a little pastry and munched away. Then I was going to head to where I was dropped off as there was a park nearby but I saw some men playing Pitanque. I headed over and slowly approached. I sat down on a stone and watched. They were playing in teams of 3 and some guys were okay, one was good and one was bad. The good player, who I named Arnie, sat down when it was not his turn. He asked me if I had balls, or if I knew how to play. I was not sure which he asked so I answered both questions. After he gave me a weird look, I told him I only spoke a little French.
I watched the old men play for about an hour. During this time another man tried to speak with me, but it did not go so well. I was asked if I wanted to play by Arnie, but I declined as I suck and they were playing 6 at a time! Also during this time, Arnie held out his hand and there was a little dog made of wire on it. He said “a dog” and pushed it to me. I said my thank yous and took it. I am not really sure why he had the dog, if he made it, was carrying it in his pocket, found it, or what, but it was amusing. After the next round I thanked the old men for letting me watch and headed out.
There was a clock tower that did a wonderful job of telling time on time.
There were some remains of what I assume was a church.
And there was some little hut. It was super cool and had a nice little place to camp out, although nobody had camped there for years I am sure as it was closed and locked up.
I took many pictures of the view and did what I thought was a pretty good job of using the timer and getting some shots of myself. After one 20 second delay and 10 shots, I turned off my camera. I found another cool spot and my camera would not turn on. I did not remember the battery saying that it was getting low, but what do I know? I packed it away and enjoyed the sun. I laid on a rock over looking the Alps and town and soaked up the sun.
After an hour or two I headed down to the city. I got myself a little pastry and munched away. Then I was going to head to where I was dropped off as there was a park nearby but I saw some men playing Pitanque. I headed over and slowly approached. I sat down on a stone and watched. They were playing in teams of 3 and some guys were okay, one was good and one was bad. The good player, who I named Arnie, sat down when it was not his turn. He asked me if I had balls, or if I knew how to play. I was not sure which he asked so I answered both questions. After he gave me a weird look, I told him I only spoke a little French.
I watched the old men play for about an hour. During this time another man tried to speak with me, but it did not go so well. I was asked if I wanted to play by Arnie, but I declined as I suck and they were playing 6 at a time! Also during this time, Arnie held out his hand and there was a little dog made of wire on it. He said “a dog” and pushed it to me. I said my thank yous and took it. I am not really sure why he had the dog, if he made it, was carrying it in his pocket, found it, or what, but it was amusing. After the next round I thanked the old men for letting me watch and headed out.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Les Baux Part Deux and Apple Pie
We woke up to rain! When I say we woke up to rain...I really mean we woke up, headed downstairs, looked out the window and went "rain?!" Anyway, due to the weather we decided I should stay home in the morning and then head out in the afternoon, hoping it would clear up. I spent my morning look up videos from a famous French guy Remy Gaillard; Julie likes him and so do I. He does stupid things that make me laugh.
At lunch, Julie and I ate the remaining lasagna her mother gave us and then headed out. It had stopped raining but everything was very very wet. Julie left me off at the gate of the city of Les Baux and I was off. I headed up and did my rounds of pictures and gifts. It was nice knowing exactly what shots I wanted and what gifts I wanted, since I had already been there.
I took pictures of the new museum for their little nativity scenes.
Provence is known for these little dolls.
I then got some pictures of the streets.
I got two gifts that are breakable. One was wrapped in bubble wrap. I am still a bit worried that even after I find room, that it may get smooched and break. The other one is just really heavy. Between that and the boules for Pitanque I am going to have a heavy bag!
After that I headed to the Cathedral d'Images. Now, it was a bit expensive to get in 7,50 but I figured it was expensive for a reason. I read every single sign when entering. This is something that most people just skip, they just go for the exhibit, but you can learn so much with all of the information they give you! Plus, I had two and a half hours that I needed to spend in this place, I needed to make it last.
This is an art exhibit about Australia. It was taken by a French man ans his Chinese wife who have spent 12 months within the last 5 years in Australia. All of the photos, video, and sounds are from his recordings. The Cathedral d'Images used to be an old stone quarry but now is used to exhibit different pieces of art.
I walked inside and it was dark. On the stone wall there was a projection of information on the man and it changed between information and pictures of him. Then I headed in. It was a smaller space (for a museum type building) but on every wall and the floor there were projections. Some walls had pictures, some video. Every couple of minutes the pictures would change and the videos would go to different walls. One minute you are surrounded by waterfalls, then next birds flying away and then kangaroos and then Aborigines people. The whole time you had the sounds or music surrounding you in this stone place. I have to say, it was amazing. If you are ever in Provence, I highly, highly recommend you visit (although I cannot promise the next exhibit will be as cool.
I do not want to go to Australia from the exhibit but I do love how the whole thing was. I mean LOVE IT. I was stunned at first and just stood at the entrance trying to take it in. I ranked it as cool as swimming in the Bioluminescent Bay in Puerto Rico. Looking back, perhaps it was not that cool, but it was pretty awesome; not like any art exhibit I have been to before. I kept walking, trying to find the perfect spot, to see as many of the walls as I could. I found an awesome place, but this old German man thought it was funny to whistle and make owl sounds. I gave him a nasty look and walked away (really?! A 25 year old has more manners than you?)
The exhibit was on repeat for about every 30 minutes. I wish it was longer, but thinking about all of the tapes and video that must have been used and gone through, I understood why it was not real long. I looked at some of the clips a second time and then headed out. I saw some information on how the Cathedral used to be for getting stones and then found some artwork from the Australia area and another video room. It was the 1 hour and 24 minute long preview for the artists adventures in Australia. What I learned was even though every 10 minutes it cut to "this is just a viewing, you can purchase the whole video of 1 hour and 24 minutes in the boutique" it really was the whole video. I sat for the hour and a half and was very content.
When I got out, it was still early and so on my way back to Les Baux. While walking back I found a trail. I was very happy as Les Baux is in the mountains and the last time I walked around I thought about how cool it would be to hike some of them. It was a steepish start and I loved how I was climbing right next to the cathedral and could hear the music from inside. I was definitely on a path, but it looked as though it had not been traveling in a while. Many of the bushes were growing into the trail.
I found some old tracks. I am thinking then were used for when this was a stone quarry but honestly, I have no real idea about it.
I climbed until I got to a building. I thought I heard voices and I was sure that I was in someone's backyard! I continued on slowly but it wound up just being an electrical house. I decided I needed a better view and went to climb some rocks. I literally did some rock climbing. I got some great shots of Les Baux and set up my camera to take some pictures of me. They were bad pictures though as I was high up, near a cliff, and it was wet. I was holding on for dear life and the pictures showed it.
I needed to get down from my rock-boulder now. No idea how to...I was hoping my jeans would not rip and that I would not have to sit in a puddle of water to get down. I quickly realized that those were nothing when I saw I had climbed over some thorny shrubs. Getting up, I just stepped on them, getting down, my whole body slide across them, but I got down; success!
I continued on and saw some other views of the Alps. I think it is so difficult to take good pictures of mountains. I mean unless you are far away, it is just hard! They are so big and you don't know what the focus point of your picture should be. I tried but failed in getting good shots. I then tried to get some self shots and set up my camera again. I changed the delay from 8 seconds to 20 and set it for 5 pictures. By the time i got to my spot and posed, I had just missed the 5th picture. I did not try again as it was too difficult, but it was fun. I loved my hike but needed to head back.
The hike down was ridiculously difficult for me. All I could think was, yea my parents would love this hike...no they could not get down... Perhaps one day I will show them the Alps a different way.
I had a little bit of time so I picked up a peach lollipop from the candy store and headed down the the parking lot to wait for Julie. Julie came to get me and then we went to the fruit stand to get some fruits and veggies. I picked up some apples for the American Apple Pie that I was going to make. They do not have Red Delicious Apples in France, like Julie said she had never heard of them! I did not want to use the other kinds that I knew and they had about three kinds I had not heard of. I wound up with Gala's and hoped they would be okay.
We got home and while Patrice made dinner, Julie and I made an apple pie. She was surprised at how easy it was and how it did not call for any large amount of butter. I explained how I just taste the apples to figure out if I have enough cinnamon and sugar and let her taste it with me. Julie had pastry dough in the fridge and took it out and lined the pie dish with it. I asked about the second one and she said, no just one. French pies are tarts and only use one crust. I found a quick recipe with butter for a pie crust and we made it.
We made a lattice top for the pie and put it into the oven. Julie was so happy and copied the recipes for the dough and the apple pie. After dinner we tried it. I was happy with the Gala apples and the sugar/cinnamon ratio but I did not like the crust. Since we used two different kinds, the bottom one was browning too quickly and so I covered it with foil. Even though the lattice top was cooked, it did not look cooked, plus it tasted like it needed some salt or sugar or something. Julie loved it anyways and was in pie heaven.
OH! So I totally forgot to mention that when I was eating dinner at Julie's father's house, he asked me to sing the national anthem. I turned him down and he insisted saying that he would sing the French one first. He stood up and put his hand on his heart and sang and wonderful song with Julie. Patrice just sat there. When he was done he looked at me like...YOUR TURN! So I stayed seated and did a very quick and small part of the national anthem, although I have been told before that the American National Anthem is beautiful while they feel that the French and other ones are ugly. I mean the French one is all about the people cutting off the king's head...
At lunch, Julie and I ate the remaining lasagna her mother gave us and then headed out. It had stopped raining but everything was very very wet. Julie left me off at the gate of the city of Les Baux and I was off. I headed up and did my rounds of pictures and gifts. It was nice knowing exactly what shots I wanted and what gifts I wanted, since I had already been there.
I took pictures of the new museum for their little nativity scenes.
Provence is known for these little dolls.
I then got some pictures of the streets.
I got two gifts that are breakable. One was wrapped in bubble wrap. I am still a bit worried that even after I find room, that it may get smooched and break. The other one is just really heavy. Between that and the boules for Pitanque I am going to have a heavy bag!
After that I headed to the Cathedral d'Images. Now, it was a bit expensive to get in 7,50 but I figured it was expensive for a reason. I read every single sign when entering. This is something that most people just skip, they just go for the exhibit, but you can learn so much with all of the information they give you! Plus, I had two and a half hours that I needed to spend in this place, I needed to make it last.
This is an art exhibit about Australia. It was taken by a French man ans his Chinese wife who have spent 12 months within the last 5 years in Australia. All of the photos, video, and sounds are from his recordings. The Cathedral d'Images used to be an old stone quarry but now is used to exhibit different pieces of art.
I walked inside and it was dark. On the stone wall there was a projection of information on the man and it changed between information and pictures of him. Then I headed in. It was a smaller space (for a museum type building) but on every wall and the floor there were projections. Some walls had pictures, some video. Every couple of minutes the pictures would change and the videos would go to different walls. One minute you are surrounded by waterfalls, then next birds flying away and then kangaroos and then Aborigines people. The whole time you had the sounds or music surrounding you in this stone place. I have to say, it was amazing. If you are ever in Provence, I highly, highly recommend you visit (although I cannot promise the next exhibit will be as cool.
I do not want to go to Australia from the exhibit but I do love how the whole thing was. I mean LOVE IT. I was stunned at first and just stood at the entrance trying to take it in. I ranked it as cool as swimming in the Bioluminescent Bay in Puerto Rico. Looking back, perhaps it was not that cool, but it was pretty awesome; not like any art exhibit I have been to before. I kept walking, trying to find the perfect spot, to see as many of the walls as I could. I found an awesome place, but this old German man thought it was funny to whistle and make owl sounds. I gave him a nasty look and walked away (really?! A 25 year old has more manners than you?)
The exhibit was on repeat for about every 30 minutes. I wish it was longer, but thinking about all of the tapes and video that must have been used and gone through, I understood why it was not real long. I looked at some of the clips a second time and then headed out. I saw some information on how the Cathedral used to be for getting stones and then found some artwork from the Australia area and another video room. It was the 1 hour and 24 minute long preview for the artists adventures in Australia. What I learned was even though every 10 minutes it cut to "this is just a viewing, you can purchase the whole video of 1 hour and 24 minutes in the boutique" it really was the whole video. I sat for the hour and a half and was very content.
When I got out, it was still early and so on my way back to Les Baux. While walking back I found a trail. I was very happy as Les Baux is in the mountains and the last time I walked around I thought about how cool it would be to hike some of them. It was a steepish start and I loved how I was climbing right next to the cathedral and could hear the music from inside. I was definitely on a path, but it looked as though it had not been traveling in a while. Many of the bushes were growing into the trail.
I found some old tracks. I am thinking then were used for when this was a stone quarry but honestly, I have no real idea about it.
I climbed until I got to a building. I thought I heard voices and I was sure that I was in someone's backyard! I continued on slowly but it wound up just being an electrical house. I decided I needed a better view and went to climb some rocks. I literally did some rock climbing. I got some great shots of Les Baux and set up my camera to take some pictures of me. They were bad pictures though as I was high up, near a cliff, and it was wet. I was holding on for dear life and the pictures showed it.
I needed to get down from my rock-boulder now. No idea how to...I was hoping my jeans would not rip and that I would not have to sit in a puddle of water to get down. I quickly realized that those were nothing when I saw I had climbed over some thorny shrubs. Getting up, I just stepped on them, getting down, my whole body slide across them, but I got down; success!
I continued on and saw some other views of the Alps. I think it is so difficult to take good pictures of mountains. I mean unless you are far away, it is just hard! They are so big and you don't know what the focus point of your picture should be. I tried but failed in getting good shots. I then tried to get some self shots and set up my camera again. I changed the delay from 8 seconds to 20 and set it for 5 pictures. By the time i got to my spot and posed, I had just missed the 5th picture. I did not try again as it was too difficult, but it was fun. I loved my hike but needed to head back.
The hike down was ridiculously difficult for me. All I could think was, yea my parents would love this hike...no they could not get down... Perhaps one day I will show them the Alps a different way.
I had a little bit of time so I picked up a peach lollipop from the candy store and headed down the the parking lot to wait for Julie. Julie came to get me and then we went to the fruit stand to get some fruits and veggies. I picked up some apples for the American Apple Pie that I was going to make. They do not have Red Delicious Apples in France, like Julie said she had never heard of them! I did not want to use the other kinds that I knew and they had about three kinds I had not heard of. I wound up with Gala's and hoped they would be okay.
We got home and while Patrice made dinner, Julie and I made an apple pie. She was surprised at how easy it was and how it did not call for any large amount of butter. I explained how I just taste the apples to figure out if I have enough cinnamon and sugar and let her taste it with me. Julie had pastry dough in the fridge and took it out and lined the pie dish with it. I asked about the second one and she said, no just one. French pies are tarts and only use one crust. I found a quick recipe with butter for a pie crust and we made it.
We made a lattice top for the pie and put it into the oven. Julie was so happy and copied the recipes for the dough and the apple pie. After dinner we tried it. I was happy with the Gala apples and the sugar/cinnamon ratio but I did not like the crust. Since we used two different kinds, the bottom one was browning too quickly and so I covered it with foil. Even though the lattice top was cooked, it did not look cooked, plus it tasted like it needed some salt or sugar or something. Julie loved it anyways and was in pie heaven.
OH! So I totally forgot to mention that when I was eating dinner at Julie's father's house, he asked me to sing the national anthem. I turned him down and he insisted saying that he would sing the French one first. He stood up and put his hand on his heart and sang and wonderful song with Julie. Patrice just sat there. When he was done he looked at me like...YOUR TURN! So I stayed seated and did a very quick and small part of the national anthem, although I have been told before that the American National Anthem is beautiful while they feel that the French and other ones are ugly. I mean the French one is all about the people cutting off the king's head...
Monday, October 11, 2010
To Sainte Victoire or Not to Sainte Victoire?
We woke up earlier than expected (7) since we went to bed so late (1). Anyway, we were tired but ready to go. We chatted for a while over more delicious breads from the bakery and then headed to see Julie's grandmother.
We walked in the door and she was holding a basket with chocolate telling us to take. It was like Halloween, I tried not to laugh. Her grandmother is SO cute! Teeny tiny but full of life. They spoke for a bit and then grabbed some persimmons for Julie's mom and we headed off. I was guessing that her grandmother was 80, turns out she is 89...basically 89. Insane! She seemed to be doing well though and it was good that Julie got to see her.
It was time to meet Julie's mother. We arrived to a little barking dog (the one Thelma used to have). It was an acceptable dog where I was not scared. We said our hellos and headed inside. They offered some drinks for before lunch (common) but I passed. We had fois gras, nuts and cherry tomatoes to start. After talking for a bit, we all sat down to homemade lasagna! It was very good. Apparently, Julie's mother was going to make me a regional specialty, but it had pork in it, so she went with this instead. It was very good. While we were eating, it began to get very very windy and rain was flying into the windows. We still had hope that it would clear up.
After the lasagna there was salad. I figured I would try it. There were tomatoes and cucumbers in it...but it was made with endive. I do not think I have ever had endive before, despite having seen it many times, I do not like it! I guess since it looks a bit like romaine hearts that it what I was expecting...silly Stacey! Anyways, I was told not to finish it so cucumbers and tomatoes it was!
Next was dessert. There was chocolate cake and raspberry tart. I figured I would go with the raspberry tart. The piece was huge, so no chocolate cake for me. The raspberry tart was AMAZING! So fresh and good I cannot really find any words to describe it other then "yum!"
After lunch we decided to head out as the rain had stopped. It was still cloudy but we could deal with that. We wound up at Sainte Victoire, which is a huge mountain. It was beautiful! When we arrived the winds were out of control, literally pushing us this way and that. We headed into the museum for safety.
The museum was all about donkeys. I mean ALL about it. There were what looked like hundreds of donkeys, some carved from wood, some beaded, some made of plaster. There were signs about the teeth, eyes, and nose of donkeys. It was a bit weird. I asked what the deal was but nobody could really answer me. I found a little case talking about dinosaur eggs and that was it. Weird. Anyway, we walked around and then headed out.
It was not good weather to go to the look out point like Julie's mother had wanted to see, so we decided to head back to Aix. I do not think we wound up in Aix, but we did arrive on Cezanne's Road. There were lots of pictures and beautiful views. This was a great place for hiking and we decided to try one. I found a 30minute one and figured that was the best, since it was getting cold with the wind. We read the information on the trails and in English it said you were prohibited to go when it was very windy. It was not written in French and they said I should pretend I did not see that, I was okay with that. I do not think her mother was though as we wound up turning around. I was okay with turning around...it was not a good day for a hike.
We headed back to Julie's mother's house where Julie had some tea. She has been sniffling up a storm and her throat has begun to hurt. I had a piece of chocolate cake and around 7 we all said our goodbyes.
We walked in the door and she was holding a basket with chocolate telling us to take. It was like Halloween, I tried not to laugh. Her grandmother is SO cute! Teeny tiny but full of life. They spoke for a bit and then grabbed some persimmons for Julie's mom and we headed off. I was guessing that her grandmother was 80, turns out she is 89...basically 89. Insane! She seemed to be doing well though and it was good that Julie got to see her.
It was time to meet Julie's mother. We arrived to a little barking dog (the one Thelma used to have). It was an acceptable dog where I was not scared. We said our hellos and headed inside. They offered some drinks for before lunch (common) but I passed. We had fois gras, nuts and cherry tomatoes to start. After talking for a bit, we all sat down to homemade lasagna! It was very good. Apparently, Julie's mother was going to make me a regional specialty, but it had pork in it, so she went with this instead. It was very good. While we were eating, it began to get very very windy and rain was flying into the windows. We still had hope that it would clear up.
After the lasagna there was salad. I figured I would try it. There were tomatoes and cucumbers in it...but it was made with endive. I do not think I have ever had endive before, despite having seen it many times, I do not like it! I guess since it looks a bit like romaine hearts that it what I was expecting...silly Stacey! Anyways, I was told not to finish it so cucumbers and tomatoes it was!
Next was dessert. There was chocolate cake and raspberry tart. I figured I would go with the raspberry tart. The piece was huge, so no chocolate cake for me. The raspberry tart was AMAZING! So fresh and good I cannot really find any words to describe it other then "yum!"
After lunch we decided to head out as the rain had stopped. It was still cloudy but we could deal with that. We wound up at Sainte Victoire, which is a huge mountain. It was beautiful! When we arrived the winds were out of control, literally pushing us this way and that. We headed into the museum for safety.
The museum was all about donkeys. I mean ALL about it. There were what looked like hundreds of donkeys, some carved from wood, some beaded, some made of plaster. There were signs about the teeth, eyes, and nose of donkeys. It was a bit weird. I asked what the deal was but nobody could really answer me. I found a little case talking about dinosaur eggs and that was it. Weird. Anyway, we walked around and then headed out.
It was not good weather to go to the look out point like Julie's mother had wanted to see, so we decided to head back to Aix. I do not think we wound up in Aix, but we did arrive on Cezanne's Road. There were lots of pictures and beautiful views. This was a great place for hiking and we decided to try one. I found a 30minute one and figured that was the best, since it was getting cold with the wind. We read the information on the trails and in English it said you were prohibited to go when it was very windy. It was not written in French and they said I should pretend I did not see that, I was okay with that. I do not think her mother was though as we wound up turning around. I was okay with turning around...it was not a good day for a hike.
We headed back to Julie's mother's house where Julie had some tea. She has been sniffling up a storm and her throat has begun to hurt. I had a piece of chocolate cake and around 7 we all said our goodbyes.
Another French Meal
Around 8:00pm we arrived at Julie’s father’s house. He had two cats and we would be spending the night. I am not going to lie, I took a second to check how much Benedril I had with me. There was no carpeting though and they threw the cats outside so I really was pretty okay. Anyway, we spoke for a short bit and then began dinner.
Now, I read all about the French taking their time with dinners and all but it was not until this week that I have really seen it. Their average dinner with friends is about 4 hours long - that is a long time! I guess you could say that in America when we have friends over we have long dinners, but not really – only if it is a party or something. Anyway, it is nice to just sit around and talk with the food.
We started off with some champagne and fresh fois gras. Julie’s father has been sick with Lyme’s and so between us visiting and him being out of the hospital and feeling well, I guess he thought he should go all out and celebrate. Dinner was definitely a celebration. Apparently, this fois gras was the best kind I could have ever had. Her father went to the farmer and got it at a place who purposely does what needs to be done to the ducks to get perfection at the end. Although it did not taste as bad or irony as the other ones that I have tried…it still was not anything great. I guess it is one of those things you need to get used to. I had a couple of pieces of bread with it and then stopped. There was also fresh green olives stuffed with anchovies and some stuffed with almonds. Surprisingly, the ones with anchovies were a lot better. There was also some type of cheese puff looking thing. I have no idea what it was despite asking and tasting it. It was not good or bad, more or less just air.
After our first course, the main meal came out. It was a regional specialty; duck confit. I think I have tried it in the USA but it was totally different. This was duck legs that were delicious. I have no idea how he made them but dang…it was good. We had homemade french fries, fresh bread and red wine to accompany the main course and of course some wonderful dinner conversation.
After the main meal the cheese was brought out. There were about 4 kinds. I tried Bubery (sp?). It was like a very very strong Brie, I was not a fan. I was told to stop eating it and just have a sip of wine to give me the idea of why wine and cheese go together. I took a sip of the wine and it did nothing but make me continue to dislike wine. Might as well try it while I am here!
After the cheese we all agreed that we needed something to get the taste out of our mouths. The ice cream came out. There were about three kinds, but I chose a quarter size biscuit instead, I was full! After that the aperitif’s came out. Now, I have tried pastis, which is for before the meal but these drinks are the same idea, help you digest the food. There were about seven bottles that came out. One with a pear in it, one that was homemade from a friend with plants found in the mountains (total moonshine) and some other stuff. I smelled them and passed. They brought out sugar cubes and told me to pick a drink to try, by putting it in the sugar cube, it would help it go down as it burns by itself. I continued to pass.
While cleaning up I thanked Julie for everything. I am sure some of me talking was the alcohol, but I really did mean it. Having her take me to meet her friends and family has been just amazing. I hope to be able to do the same for people who visit the USA and really wish that people knew ways to open their doors to people more. I mean the number of great people I know in the US is crazy and most of them would love to meet people and host them for a little while, but I think it is just hard to get involved. I really hope to be able to do this when I get back as I think getting to know the culture and people is better than anything else. I really am grateful. An hour later, we were all exhausted and headed off to bed. It was an unbelievably delicious meal and a wonderful day.
Now, I read all about the French taking their time with dinners and all but it was not until this week that I have really seen it. Their average dinner with friends is about 4 hours long - that is a long time! I guess you could say that in America when we have friends over we have long dinners, but not really – only if it is a party or something. Anyway, it is nice to just sit around and talk with the food.
We started off with some champagne and fresh fois gras. Julie’s father has been sick with Lyme’s and so between us visiting and him being out of the hospital and feeling well, I guess he thought he should go all out and celebrate. Dinner was definitely a celebration. Apparently, this fois gras was the best kind I could have ever had. Her father went to the farmer and got it at a place who purposely does what needs to be done to the ducks to get perfection at the end. Although it did not taste as bad or irony as the other ones that I have tried…it still was not anything great. I guess it is one of those things you need to get used to. I had a couple of pieces of bread with it and then stopped. There was also fresh green olives stuffed with anchovies and some stuffed with almonds. Surprisingly, the ones with anchovies were a lot better. There was also some type of cheese puff looking thing. I have no idea what it was despite asking and tasting it. It was not good or bad, more or less just air.
After our first course, the main meal came out. It was a regional specialty; duck confit. I think I have tried it in the USA but it was totally different. This was duck legs that were delicious. I have no idea how he made them but dang…it was good. We had homemade french fries, fresh bread and red wine to accompany the main course and of course some wonderful dinner conversation.
After the main meal the cheese was brought out. There were about 4 kinds. I tried Bubery (sp?). It was like a very very strong Brie, I was not a fan. I was told to stop eating it and just have a sip of wine to give me the idea of why wine and cheese go together. I took a sip of the wine and it did nothing but make me continue to dislike wine. Might as well try it while I am here!
After the cheese we all agreed that we needed something to get the taste out of our mouths. The ice cream came out. There were about three kinds, but I chose a quarter size biscuit instead, I was full! After that the aperitif’s came out. Now, I have tried pastis, which is for before the meal but these drinks are the same idea, help you digest the food. There were about seven bottles that came out. One with a pear in it, one that was homemade from a friend with plants found in the mountains (total moonshine) and some other stuff. I smelled them and passed. They brought out sugar cubes and told me to pick a drink to try, by putting it in the sugar cube, it would help it go down as it burns by itself. I continued to pass.
While cleaning up I thanked Julie for everything. I am sure some of me talking was the alcohol, but I really did mean it. Having her take me to meet her friends and family has been just amazing. I hope to be able to do the same for people who visit the USA and really wish that people knew ways to open their doors to people more. I mean the number of great people I know in the US is crazy and most of them would love to meet people and host them for a little while, but I think it is just hard to get involved. I really hope to be able to do this when I get back as I think getting to know the culture and people is better than anything else. I really am grateful. An hour later, we were all exhausted and headed off to bed. It was an unbelievably delicious meal and a wonderful day.
To Marseille…I Think
Due to our late night, we all woke up. Patrice was kind enough to head out and pick up some croissants and other breakfast pastries for breakfast. He warmed them up, but I was talking to him and he was trying so hard to understand what I was saying (in French) that the goodies got a little too much heat. They were good though, I just scraped mine off a little bit. We hung out for the afternoon and then enjoyed a pasta lunch and headed out. From what I heard, we were headed to Marseille! I love the water <3
About 45 minutes into our trip, Patrice received a phone call from work and pulled over to the side of the road. Julie was worried that he would have to go back and fix whatever the problem was; this would lead to us not being able to go to Marseille. During the 30 minute phone conversation, Julie and I had a short English lesson and then we got the go ahead to head on towards Marseille.
We wound up going to a little town across some body of water from Marseille. We picked up one of Julie’s friends and headed to the water. It was very windy and cloudy, but just beautiful. I guess the Southern French are not a fan of the wind because it can make things so cold, but honestly, it was not cold just like a warm fall day, right before a storm…lots of wind! We got to take pictures of the harbor and the sea with shots of a lighthouse. It really was a nice little stroll around. We could see Marseille in the distance, it was sunny there...and not here, in Carry de Rouett (but it was still beautiful!)
We headed back to the car and then kept walking and wound up at a little café looking at the harbor. We all ordered waffles; Julie and I got hot chocolate on ours, her friend got whipped cream and Patrice got chestnut cream. We were all happy with what we received and it was a nice way to spend some more talking. I did not understand her friend…at all and she did not understand me at all. I tried to say something to her but when I speak French, I am very nervous and embarrassed and so I speak quietly. Her friend had problems hearing so between my low voice and the horrible accent we just smiled at each other.
After we went to drive Julie’s friend home and stopped by her parent’s house. They were very nice and her father looked and seemed Greek to me. I found out later he was Sicilian. We sat around talking for a bit and saw pictures of her giant dog, who they are training to be a water rescue dog. It was cool.
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