Much to my surprise, I have spouted forth my opinions in 46 posts on this blog. In looking back on them, I must admit that -- although my boyfriend thinks I can't say it -- I was wrong. Of course, I didn't lie to you, but upon further analysis and reflection, I can see that I should adjust my attitude, which I have been told to do many times in the past (mostly by teachers). Here are just a few things about which I was mistaken:
- Tel Aviv is not at all like Athens as the bars do not have the much-needed discounted "Aquarium Nights" and the streets are severely lacking in burrito buggies. (And this shall be the sign to you)
- Tim's messiah-like beard did not land him a job in ESL teaching, telecommuting or tour guiding, but he did almost grow awe-inspiring dreadlocks. (Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called)
- After being told not to walk on our lawn at all, we encouraged Sage to pee on the birdbath. (He abode two whole years in his own hired dwelling)
- Israel is the farthest thing from consistent, unless you count everyone believing consistently that everything should be how he or she wants it, no matter how inconsistent those desires are. (Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroyeth much good)
- Not only do people drive Hummers, but they have the audacity to block two gas pumps at a time with them. (The camel, for though it chews cud, it does not divide the hoof; it is unclean to you)
- The doctors here are hardly put upon; they gladly work late into the evening to be able to milk insurance companies for writing illegible prescriptions for medicines that won't be in stock at the pharmacy for the next three months. (A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones)
- Road construction appears to be done merely for the recreational needs of the workers, not to aid in easing traffic congestion (unless you call closing down a highway lane for two years helpful). (There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men)
- The school campus lost its astounding effect on me after bad drainage, tainted water, loose roof tiles, and slippery stairways helped inspire a salary cut. (Now it will spring forth ... I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, a river in the desert)
- Although the buses might have regular and efficient routes, you have to be a Mossad agent to find out the timetables and stops. (This is the best of the land ... because it is holy to the Lord)
- The cycle of conflict is a wider gyre than I would've thought; not only does the circle of offensive-defensive continue, but the school has started over at step one: hiring more people and approving more projects even though the debt is unresolved. (There shall they offer sacrifices of righteousness: For they shall suck the abundance of the seas)
So let this be list of corrections to my experiences here. After two years here, I feel I have a better sense of Israel, but if I stayed two more, I'm sure I would have an even longer list. Indeed, history sometimes should be revised. But I know history will prove me right when I say that I will miss these things:
- Smelling those flowers that bloom only at night, with the heavy scent of SweeTarts
- Wearing flip-flops and/or shorts to school without getting a single sideways glance
- Drinking the ubiquitous mocha milks and iced coffees, and not one a Frappacino
- Swimming in the pool at the school, even if it meant my students seeing me in a swimsuit
- Eating boureka and falafel, perennial favorite morning and afternoon snacks, respectively
- Biking on the highway to Tel Aviv on Saturday, when the roads are quiet
- Having my sun roof wide open in December
- Downing weekly beers at the beach, where buying one Tuborg gets you a free pass to drink your own cooler brews for the rest of the night
- Renewing my caffeine addiction with offerings from the free coffee maker
- Parking on the sidewalk simply because everybody else does
- Loading up on extremely fresh and cheap produce, especially on 50%-off day at StopMart
- Seeing (but not breathing) the eerie brown fog and clouds created by the khamaseen
- Being close enough to Europe that it can be a three-day weekend getaway
And most important, making new friends -- who will let me couch-surf in their own future far-flung homes.
