Art in Varied Forms

An Accidental Pleasure
So tired was I from the past week that I fell asleep on the #8 bus to Jerusalem's Central Bus Station. That's pretty sad since the ride is vomit-inducing in its short duration. Nevertheless, I missed the stop by a few seconds, which necessitated a decent hike back to the station, due to the configuration of the route and where the next stop was located. At first slightly perturbed, I was then enlightened after quickly realizing that I would have my first opportunity to traverse Jerusalem's new Chord Bridge. I think the bridge, designed by architect Santiago Calatrava, is an incredible exhibition of beauty and introduces a new life and modernism to Jerusalem, while still incorporating Jerusalem limestone to retain the character of the city. Despite my happy-go-lucky outlook, can you imagine that there are neigh sayers against such a masterpiece of beauty? Oh but they do exist! From budgetary frustrations, traffic congestion and city imagery (ie, does the bridge really fit in this place), there are many who disagree with that the bridge, as cool as it may be, should have the design it does in the place it occupies for the amount of trouble and money it cost. Complainers aside, I'm an ardent supporter.


Israeli Fashion
Arriving in Tel Aviv was as nice as ever. The weather was just hot enough to overwhelm me but I couldn't resist looking forward to the night ahead and the beach the following day. I met up with Yoni, a good friend just from March when he was the guide on the MBA trip I led here, and hung out with him for the night. Over dinner we watched some tv and the news, which was a cultural experience that was rolled into a number of laughs for me. The anchor, Yonit Levi, was reminiscent of a supermodel. What really cracked me up, though, was that the weather report was conducted by a guy in a polo shirt and jeans! Not that I think he has to or needs to dress up, but it's just a departure from the full buttoned-up suit and tie that I'm used to.

I took a short nap to recharge, put on some different clothes and went to get Yoni to get our way to the bars. He did have a drink ready for me but did not let me go out in my own clothes, saying something disparaging about my wardrobe. He got together a 'Tel Avivi' chic outfit for me and wouldn't let me refuse...so here it is. It was actually pretty comfortable and in the end agreeable with me, but it did feel weird going out to the bars in shorts. We went to a bar on Ben Yehuda Street called Eliezer and stayed there the whole night, having a good time catching up and meeting some of his friends there.


Shabbat Strikes Again
Without Shabbat plans in Tel Aviv and with a sincerely compelling offer from my friend Rafi and his girlfriend Ma'ayan, I hitched a ride to Jerusalem for the rest of the weekend, leaving my beloved beach for another weekend's pleasure. It turns out that my decision was a great one - they had a number of great people over that I enjoyed hanging out with and also prepared quite a feast for us all. I mixed such a combination of flavors that was so pleasing to the taste buds. Thanks for the invitation - I'll look forward to more of these meals with good friends soon!