It is a long time have not had time or internet access to blog here and it seems hard to start again after such a long break.
Meanwhile i was in Eilat for 2 weeks, and : it was beautiful and energizing to spend such a long time in my tent on a quiet campsite in a more than enjoyable climate.
See my Flickr and Youtube channels for material...
Now i am back to Tel-Aviv for already 5 days and will fly back to Vienna in 3 days.
In this last phase i had planned to do all the shopping and Jewish/Israeli CDs are on the top of the list.
It happened that i had to go to Jerusalem to find what i wanted. I bought two CDs by Chilik Frank, who plays incredibly soulful Chassidic Klezmer Clarinet, that touches my Heart and feet on every track as well as an Album of Oy Division an excellent Yiddish group.
As if it was arranged by the heavens, i independently of each other met the two people i know best in Jerusalem and hopefully reestablished the contact between them: Brinda the beauty from Mauritius who used to work in the hebron Hostel, and her friend Rafael, the messianic Jew from India.
I also met a young Israeli soldier playing incredibly well on his antique Ud ...
The real show of course started when i stopped filming ...
At the same time on this anniversary of two such tragic events as the November Pogrom 70 Years ago and the murdering of Yitzhak Rabin, 13 years ago, there were some riots in the old city, this time among differing Christian sects ...
Needless to say that i also visited the Kotel and it was touching as ever.
As i just had entered the old city through the New Gate (Sha'ar Chadash) i met a Lady from UK, that asked me where the Dome of the Rock was- she got obviously lost, i said I go to the Western Wall, where also the ramp up the Temple Mount can be found, so we went there together, chatting about this and that ...
Sonntag, 9. November 2008
Dienstag, 21. Oktober 2008
The dark side of the beach
The beaches in Tel Aviv are wonderful. Showers, lavatories, no pets allowed ...
But: Some people do not understand that "No animals allowed" does mean, that they are not allowed to bring their dogs to the beach. I witnessed this already a couple of times and also tried to explain what my concerns were, but they just ignored me completely or pretended not to understand ...
I also was the witness of a theft on the beach this morning. The thief even caught my attention by his indecisive behavior, even when i SAW him walking away with two backpacks, my positive-thinking-mind still thought, well he probably spent the night on the beach and was contemplating if he should go to some other place, then made a quick decision took all of his belongings (2 backpacks) and left the scene.
Half an hour later i hear some british tourists complaining about their stolen bags ...
I somehow felt guilty for not acting at all, but hey, the guy looked like he just left the army, well trained, sunglasses and hat.
But: Some people do not understand that "No animals allowed" does mean, that they are not allowed to bring their dogs to the beach. I witnessed this already a couple of times and also tried to explain what my concerns were, but they just ignored me completely or pretended not to understand ...
I also was the witness of a theft on the beach this morning. The thief even caught my attention by his indecisive behavior, even when i SAW him walking away with two backpacks, my positive-thinking-mind still thought, well he probably spent the night on the beach and was contemplating if he should go to some other place, then made a quick decision took all of his belongings (2 backpacks) and left the scene.
Half an hour later i hear some british tourists complaining about their stolen bags ...
I somehow felt guilty for not acting at all, but hey, the guy looked like he just left the army, well trained, sunglasses and hat.
Sonntag, 19. Oktober 2008
More from Carmel Market and the Piano Situation
Today i made another clip on Carmel maket. Bedouin women baking bread the old style. They also use it for some kind of wrap, similar to the turkish goezleme.
Here is the clip:
I then went to the Dizengoff Center a huge and i mean huge shopping mall.
Sofar i only made one clip. The cheapest fresh upright piano in the country.
It sells for around 9000 NIS.
I later went to a big piano shop on Dizengoff Boulevard and the used pianos start from 4000 NIS.
Anyway here is the clip from Dizengoff Center:
Better and more explicit clips of other stores and the incredible architecture of this mall shall follow, once i found my way around ...
Here is the clip:
I then went to the Dizengoff Center a huge and i mean huge shopping mall.
Sofar i only made one clip. The cheapest fresh upright piano in the country.
It sells for around 9000 NIS.
I later went to a big piano shop on Dizengoff Boulevard and the used pianos start from 4000 NIS.
Anyway here is the clip from Dizengoff Center:
Better and more explicit clips of other stores and the incredible architecture of this mall shall follow, once i found my way around ...
Mittwoch, 15. Oktober 2008
Russian Camels from Carmel Market
Today i again visited the Carmel Market in Tel Aviv. I recorded parts of my walk, here is the video:
I happened to purchase a pack of Camel Filter Cigarettes obviously produced for the rusian market, made in Switzerland. The price was 13 NIS, while you usually have to pay 16 NIS for a Soft Pack of Israeli Camels ...
I happened to purchase a pack of Camel Filter Cigarettes obviously produced for the rusian market, made in Switzerland. The price was 13 NIS, while you usually have to pay 16 NIS for a Soft Pack of Israeli Camels ...
The Bad Boy and the Magic Mezuzah
I finally made some time to write about the happenings of last night.
The story from my point of view starts in the afternoon. I entered the room and found a new guy sleeping on one of the top bunk beds.
No luggage visible, dirty feet, red face.
I let him sleep and also took a nap. The temperature was around 29 centigrade with very high humidity the weather report spoke of "felt 31 centigrades" ...
After getting up and enjoying a cup of coffee on our balcony, i realized as i walked back into the room, that the stranger also woke up and greeted him with a calm "Hi" and a smile. oh, no reaction. He just stared at me. I went to the lavatory and as i was just out of the door, i hear him jumping out of his bed and making some expression, that i could not understand but sounded like swearing or cursing. "At me ??" I thought, but did not pay any further attention, as in a hostel there are permanently people moving in or out, some very tired because of traveling or other reasons, my policy is to just let them be until a moment arrives to maybe have some conversation.
A while later i met James, the friendly guy from Australia in the lobby that also stays in our room and asked him if he already met our new roommate, which he denied. He wanted to get up early to reach the Jordanian border before noon.
I went to bed after a nice walk at around 23:00, James already was asleep.
I woke up at 2:50 by this new guy standing in the room talkig rubbish, obviously to himself. As i set myself up and looked at him silently, somehow expecting him to say an apology or at least a "hello" of some sort, he just made a confused to aggressive impression. I felt a strong wave of negative energy, which i partly blamed on the full moon and my high protein intake the day before.
Wordless i got up and went down to the reception to make sure, this guy is not some kind of stranger that smuggled himself into the hostel and they are in posession of his identity details - for all cases.
Avi, the receptionist of duty was very undestanding and went upstairs to tell him to be quiet.
I waited some minutes, in the lobby where only one Japanese guy was sitting with his laptop unable to light the cigarette i had brought with me.
As i returned to the room, Avi was on his way downstairs saying all is cool, the stranger whose name was Simon will be quiet now.
Good. But i was on max alert as being disturbed in my sleep is something that really pisses me off, as some of you may know.
So i went to the balcony to finally smoke a Camel in order to relax and sleep afterwards.
Simon came out as well asking for a lite. I asked where he came from, He said "Belgium" so i said, "Dont you greet people in Belgium", "Sure we do" he replied.
While we had a small conversation, him apologizing me explaining, that all is cool as long as there is some kind of communication and respect, he extinguished his one third smoked cigarette just to ask for it to be lit again.
Patiently i lit it, but already got a little tense and made sure he understands, that there is no messing around with me, although i tried to be friendly.
We decided to go to sleep, and as i was lying down, trying to relax, he jumped up again, cursing and starting to "look for something" with his hands among my stuff.
I jumped out of bed again. By that time James also was up and Simon left the room, saying "Ok, i leave ...".
On the balcony, smoking, James said he had locked the door the only possible way : from inside .
Not being sure if this would solve our problem for the rest of the night, we decided to go downstairs and consult Avi about this misbehaviour.
Avi said that Simon apparently left and he will not let him in again.
At this moment, something dropped just in front of the hostels main entrance.
We thought, now Simon is pissed and throws things against the glass door.
As i looked closer i saw that nobody threw anything.
It was the MEZUZAH, that had jumped off the door post.
Avi went out and fixed it again, murmuring "I will not let him in again." .
James and I went upstairs and after some time fell a sleep knowing that Avi would by no means let the guy in again, specially not after the mezuzah "speaking".
I woke up by hearing James saying "That guy, he took my camera ..." !
We found the empty bread box used to stash James' 2000 USD Camera later in an empty neigbouring room.
Simon who had left his sandals behind returned in the early afternoon with a bandaged arm, that was supposedly broken in a fight near Mugraby Hostel on Allenby as James found out while searching for traces of Simon and/or the Camera.
He claimed his passport was stolen, picked up his sandals and was made to leave immediately by the managment.
We tried to follow him, but being both unexperienced with close observation lost him quite fast.
I am pretty sure that he has something like a base in the close neighbourhood, maybe an abandoned building.
After having lost his track, we decided to examine one of the possible houses, that looked like they were easy to enter, although most doors and windows had been closed with bricks.
We went up an outdoor stairway, found a hallway cluttered with empty water bottles. I decided to go up front to take a glance at the room that appeared to be at the end.
As i made it to there, not without making some noises, i saw a scared lady sitting in a somewhat furnished room, aged maybe 45-50.
I quickly apologized and we left the ground as quick as possible.
Now James is a real cool, friendly and positive guy and decided not to be worried about the Camera and the lost Data, but to be happy nobody was injured except this weirdo himself and he already thinks of buying a better camera once back to Australia ...
Despite the negative energy i immediately felt emerging from Simon, we cannot be sure that he HAS taken the camera as there are other people around and James did NOT lock it up as suggested, which sureley WAS a mistake.
So remember when traveling and when residing in a fixed place, that it is YOUR responsibility to protect your belongings and your friends and family, as there are negative energies around all over and Murphy's Law is valid even in this beautiful country of Israel...
The story from my point of view starts in the afternoon. I entered the room and found a new guy sleeping on one of the top bunk beds.
No luggage visible, dirty feet, red face.
I let him sleep and also took a nap. The temperature was around 29 centigrade with very high humidity the weather report spoke of "felt 31 centigrades" ...
After getting up and enjoying a cup of coffee on our balcony, i realized as i walked back into the room, that the stranger also woke up and greeted him with a calm "Hi" and a smile. oh, no reaction. He just stared at me. I went to the lavatory and as i was just out of the door, i hear him jumping out of his bed and making some expression, that i could not understand but sounded like swearing or cursing. "At me ??" I thought, but did not pay any further attention, as in a hostel there are permanently people moving in or out, some very tired because of traveling or other reasons, my policy is to just let them be until a moment arrives to maybe have some conversation.
A while later i met James, the friendly guy from Australia in the lobby that also stays in our room and asked him if he already met our new roommate, which he denied. He wanted to get up early to reach the Jordanian border before noon.
I went to bed after a nice walk at around 23:00, James already was asleep.
I woke up at 2:50 by this new guy standing in the room talkig rubbish, obviously to himself. As i set myself up and looked at him silently, somehow expecting him to say an apology or at least a "hello" of some sort, he just made a confused to aggressive impression. I felt a strong wave of negative energy, which i partly blamed on the full moon and my high protein intake the day before.
Wordless i got up and went down to the reception to make sure, this guy is not some kind of stranger that smuggled himself into the hostel and they are in posession of his identity details - for all cases.
Avi, the receptionist of duty was very undestanding and went upstairs to tell him to be quiet.
I waited some minutes, in the lobby where only one Japanese guy was sitting with his laptop unable to light the cigarette i had brought with me.
As i returned to the room, Avi was on his way downstairs saying all is cool, the stranger whose name was Simon will be quiet now.
Good. But i was on max alert as being disturbed in my sleep is something that really pisses me off, as some of you may know.
So i went to the balcony to finally smoke a Camel in order to relax and sleep afterwards.
Simon came out as well asking for a lite. I asked where he came from, He said "Belgium" so i said, "Dont you greet people in Belgium", "Sure we do" he replied.
While we had a small conversation, him apologizing me explaining, that all is cool as long as there is some kind of communication and respect, he extinguished his one third smoked cigarette just to ask for it to be lit again.
Patiently i lit it, but already got a little tense and made sure he understands, that there is no messing around with me, although i tried to be friendly.
We decided to go to sleep, and as i was lying down, trying to relax, he jumped up again, cursing and starting to "look for something" with his hands among my stuff.
I jumped out of bed again. By that time James also was up and Simon left the room, saying "Ok, i leave ...".
On the balcony, smoking, James said he had locked the door the only possible way : from inside .
Not being sure if this would solve our problem for the rest of the night, we decided to go downstairs and consult Avi about this misbehaviour.
Avi said that Simon apparently left and he will not let him in again.
At this moment, something dropped just in front of the hostels main entrance.
We thought, now Simon is pissed and throws things against the glass door.
As i looked closer i saw that nobody threw anything.
It was the MEZUZAH, that had jumped off the door post.
Avi went out and fixed it again, murmuring "I will not let him in again." .
James and I went upstairs and after some time fell a sleep knowing that Avi would by no means let the guy in again, specially not after the mezuzah "speaking".
I woke up by hearing James saying "That guy, he took my camera ..." !
We found the empty bread box used to stash James' 2000 USD Camera later in an empty neigbouring room.
Simon who had left his sandals behind returned in the early afternoon with a bandaged arm, that was supposedly broken in a fight near Mugraby Hostel on Allenby as James found out while searching for traces of Simon and/or the Camera.
He claimed his passport was stolen, picked up his sandals and was made to leave immediately by the managment.
We tried to follow him, but being both unexperienced with close observation lost him quite fast.
I am pretty sure that he has something like a base in the close neighbourhood, maybe an abandoned building.
After having lost his track, we decided to examine one of the possible houses, that looked like they were easy to enter, although most doors and windows had been closed with bricks.
We went up an outdoor stairway, found a hallway cluttered with empty water bottles. I decided to go up front to take a glance at the room that appeared to be at the end.
As i made it to there, not without making some noises, i saw a scared lady sitting in a somewhat furnished room, aged maybe 45-50.
I quickly apologized and we left the ground as quick as possible.
Now James is a real cool, friendly and positive guy and decided not to be worried about the Camera and the lost Data, but to be happy nobody was injured except this weirdo himself and he already thinks of buying a better camera once back to Australia ...
Despite the negative energy i immediately felt emerging from Simon, we cannot be sure that he HAS taken the camera as there are other people around and James did NOT lock it up as suggested, which sureley WAS a mistake.
So remember when traveling and when residing in a fixed place, that it is YOUR responsibility to protect your belongings and your friends and family, as there are negative energies around all over and Murphy's Law is valid even in this beautiful country of Israel...
Dienstag, 14. Oktober 2008
Holidays and travelers stories ...
Today was the first day of Sukkoth, the annual celebration of the 40 years the children of Israel spent in the desert in temporary huts after escaping slavery in egypt.
Many people spend their time outdoors or in nicely decorated ritual huts with a loose roof, built specially for this purpose. Most restaurants and supermarkets are open though.
I myself plan to go to the Negev at least for a night while this week long celebration. Let us see if i can make up my mind, life in Tel Aviv is so relaxed and cool ...
Today i had a longer chat with James, a guy from Australia. We met three weeks ago here at momoshostel.com in Tel Aviv and he actually told me about the Hebron Hostel in Jerusalem, that i spent a week in.
He has been traveling for almost a year now with a special Around the World Ticket, that would cost him 1800 USD per continent, providing 5 Flights in each continent - any distance.
He spent most of his time in South America though and i had to ask why, what was so fascinating about that part of the world, to spend 8 months out of 12 there ...
He showed me a couple of breathtaking Panorama Pictures he took while hiking in the nature there and i was quite impressed by the sheer beauty i saw. Beyond description, i immediately understood why this part of the world can take some time if you enjoy nature !
Ok, he is 23, so walking with donkeys for a couple of days, to finally climb 10 hours up a mountain, take a picture and climb down 6 more hours and all that several thousand meters above sea level is still more easily manageable ...
He also told me stories about the Carneval in Rio, and Macchu Picchu and that he would not have had time for the Amazonas or its delta ...
But, the maybe most exotic part of our conversation may still be the story of the San Pedro Prison in La Paz.
I will not go into details here, a book has been written about this institution and i heard a first hand report from someone who was there a few months ago and said it is common use even for tourists to bribe the guards and sort of visit the prison and its inmates ...
Here is the link to the site of the book : http://www.marchingpowder.com/
Get an impression yourself ...
Apart from that, i enjoy the kosher food here and the gym equipment and the beauties and the beach ....
Many people spend their time outdoors or in nicely decorated ritual huts with a loose roof, built specially for this purpose. Most restaurants and supermarkets are open though.
I myself plan to go to the Negev at least for a night while this week long celebration. Let us see if i can make up my mind, life in Tel Aviv is so relaxed and cool ...
Today i had a longer chat with James, a guy from Australia. We met three weeks ago here at momoshostel.com in Tel Aviv and he actually told me about the Hebron Hostel in Jerusalem, that i spent a week in.
He has been traveling for almost a year now with a special Around the World Ticket, that would cost him 1800 USD per continent, providing 5 Flights in each continent - any distance.
He spent most of his time in South America though and i had to ask why, what was so fascinating about that part of the world, to spend 8 months out of 12 there ...
He showed me a couple of breathtaking Panorama Pictures he took while hiking in the nature there and i was quite impressed by the sheer beauty i saw. Beyond description, i immediately understood why this part of the world can take some time if you enjoy nature !
Ok, he is 23, so walking with donkeys for a couple of days, to finally climb 10 hours up a mountain, take a picture and climb down 6 more hours and all that several thousand meters above sea level is still more easily manageable ...
He also told me stories about the Carneval in Rio, and Macchu Picchu and that he would not have had time for the Amazonas or its delta ...
But, the maybe most exotic part of our conversation may still be the story of the San Pedro Prison in La Paz.
I will not go into details here, a book has been written about this institution and i heard a first hand report from someone who was there a few months ago and said it is common use even for tourists to bribe the guards and sort of visit the prison and its inmates ...
Here is the link to the site of the book : http://www.marchingpowder.com/
Get an impression yourself ...
Apart from that, i enjoy the kosher food here and the gym equipment and the beauties and the beach ....
Samstag, 11. Oktober 2008
News from Home ...
Although this blog was not meant to comment on media news, i cannot but write a few sentences on the major subject of the headlines i get from my country of origin: Austria.
The life journey of the worst inciter, the father of the austrian extreme-right abruptly ended last night in a car crash.
I think that any jubilation at the death of a human being is inappropriate, but apart from feeling sorry for his family, i do not exactly feel sad either. everything has its purpose, has its reason ...
There will be no more praising of the Third Reichs methods, no hidden antisemitic clues that excite the old and young Nazis coming from this mouth anymore. Not that i felt like celebrating, it just came to my mind tonight, that i did not bring any of the Cuban Cigars (Cohiba Siglo VI) i saved for special occasions and also did not buy one although i passed by an open Cigar Shop on Ben Yehuda Street.
But, i really had to laugh at peoples reactions. His followers speaking of "Weltuntergang" (the end of the world) and Assassination and Conspiracies ...
Oh my, they lost their "Fuehrer" and it seems he simply lost control of his car on a pretty straight road while driving more than twice as fast as allowed ...
In fact one has to worry that the extreme right which was split into two parties and together earned 28% of all votes in the last elections a few weaks ago, now will reunite ...
So i made an extra round of exercises on the great free Gym equipment on Gordon Beach and took this image of a grafitti which reads "Am Israel hai"="The people of Israel LIVE":
The life journey of the worst inciter, the father of the austrian extreme-right abruptly ended last night in a car crash.
I think that any jubilation at the death of a human being is inappropriate, but apart from feeling sorry for his family, i do not exactly feel sad either. everything has its purpose, has its reason ...
There will be no more praising of the Third Reichs methods, no hidden antisemitic clues that excite the old and young Nazis coming from this mouth anymore. Not that i felt like celebrating, it just came to my mind tonight, that i did not bring any of the Cuban Cigars (Cohiba Siglo VI) i saved for special occasions and also did not buy one although i passed by an open Cigar Shop on Ben Yehuda Street.
But, i really had to laugh at peoples reactions. His followers speaking of "Weltuntergang" (the end of the world) and Assassination and Conspiracies ...
Oh my, they lost their "Fuehrer" and it seems he simply lost control of his car on a pretty straight road while driving more than twice as fast as allowed ...
In fact one has to worry that the extreme right which was split into two parties and together earned 28% of all votes in the last elections a few weaks ago, now will reunite ...
So i made an extra round of exercises on the great free Gym equipment on Gordon Beach and took this image of a grafitti which reads "Am Israel hai"="The people of Israel LIVE":
Freitag, 10. Oktober 2008
Yom Kippur
Yesterday was Yom Kippur, the highest and most observed jewish holiday.
It starts like all holidays the evening before at sunset. Yom Kippur ends the 10 days of repentance that started with Rosh haShanah (New Year). Observant Jews do not eat nor drink nor use cosmetics until after sunset the next day.
Here in Tel Aviv, where most AM:PM shops are open 24 hours even on Shabat, everything was closed, and for 25 hours there was no car in the street, no taxi, no bus.
The evening of Yom Kippur i walked through Dizengoff Blvd and was amazed to see the usually so busy street filled with people, most dressed in white, cheerfully singing, smiling, children playing, youths on roller blades, songs could be heard from the synagogues.
Nobody dared to smoke.
The only traffic were ambulances and occasional police cars, without horns and very slow...
I never before experienced such a general feeling of spirituality, joy and peacefulness.
I also was fasting and not smoking cigarettes for the whole period, meditating most of the time in my bunk bed.
After sunset i went to my favorite Showarma place on Allenby Street and overate of course ...
Everybody probably did so as i was not the only one with a broad smile holding my belly and joyfully smoking one after the other on the street...
Reading of the riots in Akko today really makes me sad and leaves a bitter taste after this beautiful experience of this Yom Kippur in Tel Aviv ...
It starts like all holidays the evening before at sunset. Yom Kippur ends the 10 days of repentance that started with Rosh haShanah (New Year). Observant Jews do not eat nor drink nor use cosmetics until after sunset the next day.
Here in Tel Aviv, where most AM:PM shops are open 24 hours even on Shabat, everything was closed, and for 25 hours there was no car in the street, no taxi, no bus.
The evening of Yom Kippur i walked through Dizengoff Blvd and was amazed to see the usually so busy street filled with people, most dressed in white, cheerfully singing, smiling, children playing, youths on roller blades, songs could be heard from the synagogues.
Nobody dared to smoke.
The only traffic were ambulances and occasional police cars, without horns and very slow...
I never before experienced such a general feeling of spirituality, joy and peacefulness.
I also was fasting and not smoking cigarettes for the whole period, meditating most of the time in my bunk bed.
After sunset i went to my favorite Showarma place on Allenby Street and overate of course ...
Everybody probably did so as i was not the only one with a broad smile holding my belly and joyfully smoking one after the other on the street...
Reading of the riots in Akko today really makes me sad and leaves a bitter taste after this beautiful experience of this Yom Kippur in Tel Aviv ...
Donnerstag, 9. Oktober 2008
It is Pomegranate Season Now !
It is pomegranate season and the freshly squeezed juice is available virtually everywhere.
The taste and effect is beyond description ...
This alone is a reason to visit this beautiful land:
A small glass (0.33 Liter) is between 10 and 15 NIS, so you can really afford drinking it ...
And the effect :
The taste and effect is beyond description ...
This alone is a reason to visit this beautiful land:
A small glass (0.33 Liter) is between 10 and 15 NIS, so you can really afford drinking it ...
And the effect :
Dienstag, 7. Oktober 2008
Back in Tel Aviv
So now i am in Tel Aviv again, back to Momos Hostel in Ben Yehuda street 28.
I have to admit, i do not remember feeling so nice and well anytime or anyplace before in my life.
I moved into room 22 on he second floor, which also has a balcony and is in fact right above room 17 that i spent my first days in Israel in.
The showers and facilities are in a much better condition and there is what seems to be a permanent resident, that is very calm.
I plan to stay here at least over Yom Kippur and maybe Succoth.
I picked up some tourist Information today and see very interresting events coming up, like Folk dancing, Simhat torah celebrations, markets, fairs and Museums.
And there is the also the beach.
Today i discovered some public training equipment, that i really enjoy to use ...
The weather is not as hot right now but still lovely ...
I could rent an accordion in the shop down the street for 250 NIS a month and play some on Dizengoff Blvd. ... Maybe after Yom Kippur, but i still do not know what to do with it in case i should decide to travel.
I also do not know if I like to go to Galilea at all, or will just make one more move to Eilat.
The experience of jerusalem reduced my appetite for areas with too many Arabs.
I love Tel Aviv, it is really cool ....
I have to admit, i do not remember feeling so nice and well anytime or anyplace before in my life.
I moved into room 22 on he second floor, which also has a balcony and is in fact right above room 17 that i spent my first days in Israel in.
The showers and facilities are in a much better condition and there is what seems to be a permanent resident, that is very calm.
I plan to stay here at least over Yom Kippur and maybe Succoth.
I picked up some tourist Information today and see very interresting events coming up, like Folk dancing, Simhat torah celebrations, markets, fairs and Museums.
And there is the also the beach.
Today i discovered some public training equipment, that i really enjoy to use ...
The weather is not as hot right now but still lovely ...
I could rent an accordion in the shop down the street for 250 NIS a month and play some on Dizengoff Blvd. ... Maybe after Yom Kippur, but i still do not know what to do with it in case i should decide to travel.
I also do not know if I like to go to Galilea at all, or will just make one more move to Eilat.
The experience of jerusalem reduced my appetite for areas with too many Arabs.
I love Tel Aviv, it is really cool ....
Out of Jerusalem
It seems like a long time i posted the last time. What happened in this time ?
Jerusalem is a very spiritual city in some ways. All over there are people faithful and believing, praying, singing, chanting. Also there is another side, there is a secular scene as well, just not as visible at the surface and i am not talking of arab businessmen that try to sell their stuff to innocent tourists at outrageous prices.
It was on the last shabbat, that i had decided to go to a place called Birman to attend the Jam Session that was supposed to take place there.
In the hostel I was woken up rather early by roomates, the obligatory churchbells and the singing prayers of some christians passing by. I went out as there was no sense in staying and watch Ash and his crew cleaning the place (they really keep it tidy and proper). Now on Shabbat in West Jerusalem Everything is really closed. No people on the street except obvious tourists, like me.
I hung out in the area around the King George-Jaffa Road-Ben Yeahuda Triangle close to Birman waiting for the place to open.
As soon as the sun would set, life came back, seats were moved back in front of the cafes, shops opened one after the other, and people began to fill the street...
More and more and more, suddenly there were street musicians, and good ones !
I met Brinda the nice lady from London that volunteered in the hostel and a friend of hers, Raphael, a Jew from India who became a member of the Messianic movement.
Those messianic Jews believe that Jesus of Nazareth WAS the messiah, but are leading a jewish lifestyle apart from that. They keep clean and kosher, observe Shabbat and other jewish holidays and so on ...
He just came from his congregation and said that some of his fellow believers will soon come out and sing. Messianic Jews sing and pray in Hebrew ...
I was amazed to see like 20 Koreans stand in the pedestrian zone of Jerusalem and enthusiastically sing about Jesus in Hebrew.
I left the next day.
Also the Jam Session at Birmans turned out to feature very young and very well trained locals that played some kind of intellectual Jazz that had a somewhat tiring effect on me.
As i walked back to the hostel, the crowd on the street had even grown bigger.
There was even a Djembe group of some 12 people drumming their heart out on the street.
Cafes were packed with people.
Jerusalem is suc an intense place with that many extreme contrasts, and i have not visited most of the places ...
I may return at a later time ...
Jerusalem is a very spiritual city in some ways. All over there are people faithful and believing, praying, singing, chanting. Also there is another side, there is a secular scene as well, just not as visible at the surface and i am not talking of arab businessmen that try to sell their stuff to innocent tourists at outrageous prices.
It was on the last shabbat, that i had decided to go to a place called Birman to attend the Jam Session that was supposed to take place there.
In the hostel I was woken up rather early by roomates, the obligatory churchbells and the singing prayers of some christians passing by. I went out as there was no sense in staying and watch Ash and his crew cleaning the place (they really keep it tidy and proper). Now on Shabbat in West Jerusalem Everything is really closed. No people on the street except obvious tourists, like me.
I hung out in the area around the King George-Jaffa Road-Ben Yeahuda Triangle close to Birman waiting for the place to open.
As soon as the sun would set, life came back, seats were moved back in front of the cafes, shops opened one after the other, and people began to fill the street...
More and more and more, suddenly there were street musicians, and good ones !
I met Brinda the nice lady from London that volunteered in the hostel and a friend of hers, Raphael, a Jew from India who became a member of the Messianic movement.
Those messianic Jews believe that Jesus of Nazareth WAS the messiah, but are leading a jewish lifestyle apart from that. They keep clean and kosher, observe Shabbat and other jewish holidays and so on ...
He just came from his congregation and said that some of his fellow believers will soon come out and sing. Messianic Jews sing and pray in Hebrew ...
I was amazed to see like 20 Koreans stand in the pedestrian zone of Jerusalem and enthusiastically sing about Jesus in Hebrew.
I left the next day.
Also the Jam Session at Birmans turned out to feature very young and very well trained locals that played some kind of intellectual Jazz that had a somewhat tiring effect on me.
As i walked back to the hostel, the crowd on the street had even grown bigger.
There was even a Djembe group of some 12 people drumming their heart out on the street.
Cafes were packed with people.
Jerusalem is suc an intense place with that many extreme contrasts, and i have not visited most of the places ...
I may return at a later time ...
Donnerstag, 2. Oktober 2008
Roots Vibrations in Jerusalem
Last night i went to the "EMOTION" Club in Jerusalem to attend a concert of Kwesi Selassie ...
I had to spend 70 NIS at the door but thought it might be worth it to get connections and have an impression how the Afro Music scene is in like in Israel.
This was around 08:30 PM and they were still checking sound.
I got the number of the tour manager from DJ Rasta Zion and also a hint for a local cafe with a piano.
The group was great with sax and trumpet and the crowd was cheering.
Good sound, good vibe, some african brethren - I felt at home.
Unfortunately the Hebron Hostel closes its doors at 01:00 AM so i had to leave even before the first set was finished.
The coffeeshops in central Jerusalem were filled with people as they were open agian after two days of closing because of Rosh haShanah celebration.
It is a shame, i thought as i had to walk back into the Old City Walls.
As i approached Masses of people were getting out of several Buses and moved through Jaffa Gate. They made a left on Christian Quarter Street and i continued eastward but also turned left later to reach my hostel, crossing a smelly and filthy neighbourhood compared to central Jerusalem ...
I had to spend 70 NIS at the door but thought it might be worth it to get connections and have an impression how the Afro Music scene is in like in Israel.This was around 08:30 PM and they were still checking sound.
I got the number of the tour manager from DJ Rasta Zion and also a hint for a local cafe with a piano.
The group was great with sax and trumpet and the crowd was cheering.
Good sound, good vibe, some african brethren - I felt at home.
Unfortunately the Hebron Hostel closes its doors at 01:00 AM so i had to leave even before the first set was finished.
The coffeeshops in central Jerusalem were filled with people as they were open agian after two days of closing because of Rosh haShanah celebration.
It is a shame, i thought as i had to walk back into the Old City Walls.
As i approached Masses of people were getting out of several Buses and moved through Jaffa Gate. They made a left on Christian Quarter Street and i continued eastward but also turned left later to reach my hostel, crossing a smelly and filthy neighbourhood compared to central Jerusalem ...
Dienstag, 30. September 2008
Sufi chanting and processions
Yesterday i visited the Kotel. I was very moved and sucked up the vibration for like half an hour. I made some pictures and recorded a few clips.
After a can of fish on Mount Zion, i decided to walk a little into West Jerusalem and passed by the King David Hotel, where Sharif, the Taxi driver was hanging out in front trying to get customers as usual.
I hope i made it clear, that i cannot visit Jericho, the Dead Sea and Massada in one day, even though he is driving a Mercedes with aircondition and makes me a very special price ....
By that time everything was closed as is today because of Rosh haShanah. Only a few shops in the Muslim and the Christian Quarter in the Old City are open.
I then went to bed early and enjoyed the quietness of my 6 bed room with only one other traveler.
As i may have mentioned earlier, the room has a window and as i was about to start my relaxation cycle at around 18:30 i realized that somewhere close in the neighborhood a group of Sufis were chanting.
It lasted about two hours that i spent in deep relaxation on my bed unable to read or think anything else but dissolve in the perpetual repetition of their singing.
I woke up by the cry of the rooster. Incredible in such a crowded city.
After getting up i walked around the quarter i lived in and tried to find some coffee, no luck - have not had any up to now.
Standing in front of Mikes Center and sipping an XL Energydrink suddenly a procession of Christian maybe from Spain or Italy passed by.
I realize now, this is a very common happening around this part of town close to the Via Dolorosa.
I then walked all the way to Mount Herzl, visited his , Yitzhak Rabins and Golda Meirs graves among other Israeli statespersons.
Then back through a ghost town with no open shops or restaurants and am back in the Old City now ...
Almost all day long the Sufis chant (Zikhr) was running around my head and I wonder what i will hear tonite.
Oh, i forgot to mention the occasional churchbells, whose harmonious sounds are really outstanding ! I never heard Churchbells before that sound so nice.
Another christian group is passing ... singing and praying and carrying the obligatory wooden cross ....
I am in Jerusalem.
After a can of fish on Mount Zion, i decided to walk a little into West Jerusalem and passed by the King David Hotel, where Sharif, the Taxi driver was hanging out in front trying to get customers as usual.
I hope i made it clear, that i cannot visit Jericho, the Dead Sea and Massada in one day, even though he is driving a Mercedes with aircondition and makes me a very special price ....
By that time everything was closed as is today because of Rosh haShanah. Only a few shops in the Muslim and the Christian Quarter in the Old City are open.
I then went to bed early and enjoyed the quietness of my 6 bed room with only one other traveler.
As i may have mentioned earlier, the room has a window and as i was about to start my relaxation cycle at around 18:30 i realized that somewhere close in the neighborhood a group of Sufis were chanting.
It lasted about two hours that i spent in deep relaxation on my bed unable to read or think anything else but dissolve in the perpetual repetition of their singing.
I woke up by the cry of the rooster. Incredible in such a crowded city.
After getting up i walked around the quarter i lived in and tried to find some coffee, no luck - have not had any up to now.
Standing in front of Mikes Center and sipping an XL Energydrink suddenly a procession of Christian maybe from Spain or Italy passed by.
I realize now, this is a very common happening around this part of town close to the Via Dolorosa.
I then walked all the way to Mount Herzl, visited his , Yitzhak Rabins and Golda Meirs graves among other Israeli statespersons.
Then back through a ghost town with no open shops or restaurants and am back in the Old City now ...
Almost all day long the Sufis chant (Zikhr) was running around my head and I wonder what i will hear tonite.
Oh, i forgot to mention the occasional churchbells, whose harmonious sounds are really outstanding ! I never heard Churchbells before that sound so nice.
Another christian group is passing ... singing and praying and carrying the obligatory wooden cross ....
I am in Jerusalem.
Montag, 29. September 2008
The Last day of 5768 in Jerusalem
I finally got some really good fried eggs with salad in the cafe of the hostel. The people tried to be very friendly and so was i. The food returned my good spirit and i soldered the frame of my eyeglasses.
As expected sleeping with so many people in a room, with only a tiny opening in the ceiling was not such a nice experience.
For tonight i booked me into a 6 bed room for 35 NIS that has a real window !
I strolled through the Jewish Quarter and hey, what a difference. Clean. Tidy. Quiet. Civilized and inviting. Totally different from the Quarter i stay in, where i saw a fat rat this morning, as i searched for coffee.
Nevertheless, i think people are trying to be friendly and make a business. Still the muslims appear really stressed. I was again invited into some shop to have coffee and look at their stuff.
The guy was cool in a way, spoke good english, showed me the roof walk above the busy bazaar and i gave him 10 NIS and picked up some postcards.
I still wonder how to approach the Temple Mount ...
Uploaded my Fotos to Flicker
As expected sleeping with so many people in a room, with only a tiny opening in the ceiling was not such a nice experience.
For tonight i booked me into a 6 bed room for 35 NIS that has a real window !
I strolled through the Jewish Quarter and hey, what a difference. Clean. Tidy. Quiet. Civilized and inviting. Totally different from the Quarter i stay in, where i saw a fat rat this morning, as i searched for coffee.
Nevertheless, i think people are trying to be friendly and make a business. Still the muslims appear really stressed. I was again invited into some shop to have coffee and look at their stuff.
The guy was cool in a way, spoke good english, showed me the roof walk above the busy bazaar and i gave him 10 NIS and picked up some postcards.
I still wonder how to approach the Temple Mount ...
Uploaded my Fotos to Flicker
Sonntag, 28. September 2008
Children games ...
It was easy to find Hebron Hostel as it really is a few steps from Mikes Center where i had to go again after a walk in the area around the Christian Quarter and the Via Dolorosa...
To explain the situation: Tomorrow the jewish high holidays start with Rosh haShanah and the day after the muslim fasting month of Ramadan will end.
I started my walk around sunset after a short nap in the hostel and it was the time the muslims had their meals after fasting all day long.
I cannot say what is normal here, but there was military all over the place heavily armed, partly guarding synagogues or important crossroads, which in this area the old city of Jerusalem are tiny stone paved roads.
The palestinian kids after having had their dinner were in a playful mood and it seems that toy guns are their favourites. They were running around yelling and shooting at each other. As i came close to two young IDF soldiers, i was just about to think: yeah those guys are cool, laughing and joking with the noisy kids as one of the boys maybe 8 Years old points his toy gun at the head of one of the soldiers. Their mood suddenly changed and the kids ran away.
I was close to tears, and still am. The scene was shocking, maybe for all of us and shows how easily the situation here can escalate.
A movie came to my mind that i saw recently, about children (i do not remember exactly where) bringing their toy guns to be publicly burned as an act of disarmament.
Being in Jerusalem, i feel like praying for peace.
Could be the change from Tel Aviv's sea level to the height of about 800 meters or i don't know what. The last days in Momos hostel in Tel Aviv were relaxed and my roomates were really cool, we had interresting discussions everyday and the vibe was altogether friendly welcoming and cosy.
I did not make it to the Kotel, the Western Wall of Mount Moriah tonight and feel like hiding in some place. In the hostel (managed by arabs) i share the room with 15 other travellers but the raw stone walls give a certain feeling of security, so i may well go there and spend the evening reading or improving my hebrew.
Also my glasses need soldering again pretty soon ...
I also need to get some food but feel repulsed by whatever i see in the nevertheless colourful oriental bazaar like streets herearound. Hunger and reason will win this battle. Oh how i loved the kosher shawarma in Allenby Street.
To explain the situation: Tomorrow the jewish high holidays start with Rosh haShanah and the day after the muslim fasting month of Ramadan will end.
I started my walk around sunset after a short nap in the hostel and it was the time the muslims had their meals after fasting all day long.
I cannot say what is normal here, but there was military all over the place heavily armed, partly guarding synagogues or important crossroads, which in this area the old city of Jerusalem are tiny stone paved roads.
The palestinian kids after having had their dinner were in a playful mood and it seems that toy guns are their favourites. They were running around yelling and shooting at each other. As i came close to two young IDF soldiers, i was just about to think: yeah those guys are cool, laughing and joking with the noisy kids as one of the boys maybe 8 Years old points his toy gun at the head of one of the soldiers. Their mood suddenly changed and the kids ran away.
I was close to tears, and still am. The scene was shocking, maybe for all of us and shows how easily the situation here can escalate.
A movie came to my mind that i saw recently, about children (i do not remember exactly where) bringing their toy guns to be publicly burned as an act of disarmament.
Being in Jerusalem, i feel like praying for peace.
Could be the change from Tel Aviv's sea level to the height of about 800 meters or i don't know what. The last days in Momos hostel in Tel Aviv were relaxed and my roomates were really cool, we had interresting discussions everyday and the vibe was altogether friendly welcoming and cosy.
I did not make it to the Kotel, the Western Wall of Mount Moriah tonight and feel like hiding in some place. In the hostel (managed by arabs) i share the room with 15 other travellers but the raw stone walls give a certain feeling of security, so i may well go there and spend the evening reading or improving my hebrew.
Also my glasses need soldering again pretty soon ...
I also need to get some food but feel repulsed by whatever i see in the nevertheless colourful oriental bazaar like streets herearound. Hunger and reason will win this battle. Oh how i loved the kosher shawarma in Allenby Street.
Arrived at Jerusalem
I arrived in Jerusalem at around 14:00 , took the bus number 20 from the Central Bus-station and got out too early it seems or walked the wrong way and got lost immediately.
I found myself with the help of a nice Israeli couple to be exactly on Mount Zion.
While they suggested to enter the old city through the nearby Zion Gate i decided to follow the invitation of a Taxi driver named Sharif to drive me to Jaffa Gate.
On the way he offered to drive me to Hebron, Jericho, or anywhere and be my guide etc. Just as i escaped hist car, a man who called himself Abraham approached and wanted to guide me. I declined he still wanted me to show "his brothers" shop ... once there i was invited for cofe which i could not decline then the sales procedures started.
The price for a Magen David in Silver went down from 250 NIS to 70 NIS, i still had to decline and insisted that i have to have at least a shower after all that traveling and got away.
So i entered the old city and yes indeed its overwhelming.
Uncountable small shops selling virtually everything, crowded as hell and because you cannot see the sky and it is all small and narrow there is no real chance to keep orientation.
Guided by my intuition only i made it to "Mikes Place" where i sit now in a small and somehow comfortable Internet cell writing this Post.
The Hebron Hostel should be only a few steps away and this is where James a fellow traveller from Australia that i met in Tel Aviv spent some days for 35 NIS a night.
Sitting here is a relieve after all that crazy fuzz and those masses of people out there.
Since the rest rooms at the Bus Terminal were closed for some reason, i still need to use the toilet badly, but can manage for another half hour or so.
I found myself with the help of a nice Israeli couple to be exactly on Mount Zion.
While they suggested to enter the old city through the nearby Zion Gate i decided to follow the invitation of a Taxi driver named Sharif to drive me to Jaffa Gate.
On the way he offered to drive me to Hebron, Jericho, or anywhere and be my guide etc. Just as i escaped hist car, a man who called himself Abraham approached and wanted to guide me. I declined he still wanted me to show "his brothers" shop ... once there i was invited for cofe which i could not decline then the sales procedures started.
The price for a Magen David in Silver went down from 250 NIS to 70 NIS, i still had to decline and insisted that i have to have at least a shower after all that traveling and got away.
So i entered the old city and yes indeed its overwhelming.
Uncountable small shops selling virtually everything, crowded as hell and because you cannot see the sky and it is all small and narrow there is no real chance to keep orientation.
Guided by my intuition only i made it to "Mikes Place" where i sit now in a small and somehow comfortable Internet cell writing this Post.
The Hebron Hostel should be only a few steps away and this is where James a fellow traveller from Australia that i met in Tel Aviv spent some days for 35 NIS a night.
Sitting here is a relieve after all that crazy fuzz and those masses of people out there.
Since the rest rooms at the Bus Terminal were closed for some reason, i still need to use the toilet badly, but can manage for another half hour or so.
Samstag, 27. September 2008
Tel Aviv and Jaffa
Today is my fourth day in Tel Aviv and i will travel to Jerusalem tomorrow to spend Rosh haShanah there and plan to stay until Yom Kippur.
Tel Aviv is a wonderful and modern city. Even today on Shabbat the AM-PM 24 hours markets are open as well as several coffeehouses. Normal shops are closed of course.
Yesterday i walked to Jaffa, and had a look at the old town. There are for sure beautiful sights and so, but if you walk a little awaz from the beaten track, it becomes quite dirty and unfriendly unless you make a genuine arab appearance which i do not ...
Staying in Tel Aviv at momoshostel.com is cool though more expensive than the Lonely Planet said , i actually pay 68 NIS a night which is a little more than 13 EUR at current exchange rates ...
Howsoever, the staff is really friendly, the location is central as well as close to the beautiful beach and i generally feel well there.
I opened an account on youtube and hope to upload some Clips i shot with the mobile once i bring my laptop online again. You should be able to find it at http://www.youtube.com/lg5769 , but it will take some days until i can put some content there.
Tel Aviv is a wonderful and modern city. Even today on Shabbat the AM-PM 24 hours markets are open as well as several coffeehouses. Normal shops are closed of course.
Yesterday i walked to Jaffa, and had a look at the old town. There are for sure beautiful sights and so, but if you walk a little awaz from the beaten track, it becomes quite dirty and unfriendly unless you make a genuine arab appearance which i do not ...
Staying in Tel Aviv at momoshostel.com is cool though more expensive than the Lonely Planet said , i actually pay 68 NIS a night which is a little more than 13 EUR at current exchange rates ...
Howsoever, the staff is really friendly, the location is central as well as close to the beautiful beach and i generally feel well there.
I opened an account on youtube and hope to upload some Clips i shot with the mobile once i bring my laptop online again. You should be able to find it at http://www.youtube.com/lg5769 , but it will take some days until i can put some content there.
My new Cellcom Israel SIM Card
I bought a Cellcom SIM Card with 50 NIS Credit for 120 NIS just a few steps south of Momos.
I can be reached now from all over the world under
+972 (0) 526 59 60 40
As i wanted to place a long distance call today, i figured that i could not and have to activate this service (with my PIN 2) by dialling *778 and following the instructions. Unfortunately the voice menu is in hebrew and and do not understand enough to safely unlock this feature, so i will need assistance, which should not be a problem as i find Israelis to be very helpful and friendly.
I can be reached now from all over the world under
+972 (0) 526 59 60 40
As i wanted to place a long distance call today, i figured that i could not and have to activate this service (with my PIN 2) by dialling *778 and following the instructions. Unfortunately the voice menu is in hebrew and and do not understand enough to safely unlock this feature, so i will need assistance, which should not be a problem as i find Israelis to be very helpful and friendly.
Dienstag, 23. September 2008
Leaving for Zion
I decided to write this post as i am about to leave my appartment in Vienna to go to the airport. My plane leaves at 20:40. By 1:20 i shall arrive at Ben Gurion International airport.
Next i will pack this 500MHz Laptop.
I am excited and nervous as can be and hope i did not forget anything and will leave my flat in a safe condition for the next couple of weeks.
I purchased a used Nokia 3110 classic with a 1.3 Megapixel camera and plan to take some pictures on the way, just right now i am too nervous to think of anything, like creating a youtube account and so on. But i hope this will happen in the next couple of days.
Next i will pack this 500MHz Laptop.
I am excited and nervous as can be and hope i did not forget anything and will leave my flat in a safe condition for the next couple of weeks.
I purchased a used Nokia 3110 classic with a 1.3 Megapixel camera and plan to take some pictures on the way, just right now i am too nervous to think of anything, like creating a youtube account and so on. But i hope this will happen in the next couple of days.
Samstag, 30. August 2008
Initial Blog Post
This is my first post into this newly created Blog.
Why this Blog ?
As the uncertainty in my life seems to increase every moment, it seems a good idea to have an internet presence that is independent of my self hosted domain world.eu.org, as i do not know how much longer i will be able to fund my current life situation including the broadband connection.
Life as free musician has become unacceptable in Vienna for some years as a result of extreme right-wingers (Haider-Party) being elected into the government and also infiltrating the "Social Security" structures etc. .
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