April 3rd- The Whole Gang's In Town

Once again I woke up early, sleeping just feels secondary right now because there is so much to do and see. I moved into the living room and set up my computer and sat down to a bowl of some of the best granola I have ever had. Jeremy went off to class, but returned not too long after because it ended up getting canceled. This gave us a chance to go walk around before Jeremy’s third guest arrived. Jeremy, Deborah, and I headed down to the Ha’carmel market to walk around and get some food.
The market was buzzing with action and you could find anything you desired, whether it was fresh produce and fish or clothes and toys. Jeremy picked up some whole wheat pitas because he will not eat the white ones since they contain a lot of sugar. We walked around looking for somewhere to sit down and eat. Jeremy led us off of the market’s main strip and turned down a side street. Down a couple blocks was a place similar to the restaurant that Jeremy and I found in Jaffa. It was off of the main drag and filled the table with plates. We got some of the typical dishes, like hummus, salads, and falafel, but also ordered a plate of shakshuka. Shakshuka is a blend of tomatoes, onions, and seasonings served in a skillet and is heated up to cook eggs that are cracked and cooked over the blend of veggies. It hardens a little and can be cut into slices like a pie and tastes incredible.
With full bellies we headed back to Jeremy’s so that he and Deborah could head over to the airport and pick up their friend Allie. To kill a little time before leaving for the airport, Jeremy and I played a couple quick games of sheshbesh (backgammon). I stayed behind and began the book Catch-22. Jeremy has a wonderful porch off of his room that faces the street and I decided to bring the nargila outside and sunbathe while I read.
Jeremy and crew returned after a little while and Allie had her mind set on some falafel (she had been traveling for over 24 hours). Deborah chose to stay behind and take a nap, so Jeremy, Allie and I went on a quick falafel mission (as most of you know, I rarely turn down an opportunity to enjoy fine cuisine). Jeremy took us to a wonderful eatery where the falafel balls were prepared fresh for each customer. The shop owner did it all, he not only prepared a variety of different types of falafel balls for our sandwiches, but served them in warm, whole wheat pitas. They were exploding with goodness and a taster for each part of your palette. I rarely find myself hungry during the day because after each time I eat, I am so stuffed that I can barely move (severe itis).
It was late in the afternoon and we were all feeling worn out, so we met Jeremy’s girlfriend, Yafit, for some coffee. We all sat around, sharing conversation and all benefited from the caffeine boost. Although the last thing I needed was more food, we had to make another stop at the falafel stand (it’s just that good). We brought the food back to Jeremy’s and got ready to paint the town. Now that all of us had made it to Israel, it was only right that we go out for some drinks. First, we had some cocktails at Jeremy’s apartment and then Yafit wanted to take us to a bar called Friends.
The bar was about a fifteen minute walk away and super dark inside (apparently typical of bars in Tel-Aviv). Our bartender was a tall Israeli that spoke very good english due to some collegiate studies in the states. Ofir used to be a volleyball player at Pepperdine, transferred to Duke, then to NYU, only to come home before graduating due to a shoulder injury. He was very good at his job, rarely letting my drink empty out. We spent the whole night drinking like fish and closed the place down. Most of you know that I am not a heavy drinker, but my inhibitions were taken from me at customs when I entered the country.
I was quite drunk and it made the walk home enjoyable. We walked past the corner store where the day before I befriended the store keeper in my search for a cell phone. I jogged across the street to thank him for helping me out and conversed for a little while. Aaron gave me a couple of bottles of water, which was much appreciated on the our stroll home. We made it back to Jeremy’s and all got ready for bed. Thus far, everyday has kept me moving and come bedtime all it takes is for me to go to sleep is my head making contact with the pillow.