Three Points

Some people have mentioned to me that from the tone of my blog, it would appear that I am not enjoying my time in Israel. I would just like to set the record straight.

I am enjoying my time abroad in Israel. The social scene is fantastic (as if anyone was really concerned about that). Changes are always difficult, especially when moving to a new country. That in mind, I felt that the need to share the ridiculousness that is Israeli life with my fellow friends and family in America.  Some of these stories are just too good to keep to myself. You have to have a sense of humor to live here, otherwise you will never survive.

With that said, I would just like to “discuss” a couple of issues:

1. Yesterday, during class, I need a sugar boost so I went to the vending machines put in 2 schnekels (a schnekel is a 2 cent coin, basically) and naturally, the machine did not work. No matter, I decided to get my TWO coins back. I pushed the return change button, and what do you know… 4 coins came out. To which I just started laughing. It seems as though even the vending machines here can take a simple task and complicate it even more.

2. Israelis and their cell phones. Yes, if you’ve ever been to Israeli that annoying and loud obnoxious “music” is generally someone’s cell phone ring. To be honest, it’s probably mine (if you happen to be with me). However, what really gets me are those Israelis (arsim to be specific — sorry there is no explanation of an arse, think ‘thug’) who use their cell phones as an instrument to play music. Kind of like an ipod. Only with an ipod, you need headphones to listen. With a cell phone, all you need is volume and an annoying, generally offensive song, with the attitude to match of course. It seems as though buying headphones is too complicated for some, so they would rather subject other passengers and passerbyers to their music.

I was on the train on my way home, and I had the “pleasure” of listening to 4 different songs, all different types of music, all within a 5 ft radius. Wasn’t I lucky? Oh, by the way, don’t be THAT person who tells them to turn off the music. It never ends well. You’ve got to pick and choose your battles here.

3. Direct Deposit. Why don’t Israelis have it? I got paid today (YAY!) only now I must head over to the bank (YAY!!) to deposit my check. When I asked my boss  (who happens to be French) why he couldn’t just use direct deposit, his reponse “This is Israel” (aka. TII — a common phrase). I’m just so looking forward to heading to the bank this weekend, ya’ll have no idea!!