Holy land

Wind from the mideast

2006-09-08T11:37:00.000+03:00

8-09-2006,

Last time I wrote was 3 months ago. I'm terribly sorry for neglecting the Blog for so long. Don't get me wrong, things were happening here, bet they were! We had a first year ending (93 GPA), a war, a trip to china, a new roommate who came in, one birthday and some extras…
Step by step then: as every person who wishes to get his or her degree, I had to take tests before starting my summer vacation. It was a pretty short period, and I had to take all the exams without failing, since I had a planned trip to china, and I couldn't take any other exams after the last one. Well, I did my best and all turned out fine, promising me a scholarship for next year as well, and saving a great deal of money. About a week or so after the finals, I went to china for a business trip, working as a guide and translator (business card said: business coordinator, but what the hack is that? ;)), for a company dealing with security products. The trip was a very unique experience, both useful and fun. We have even had a few days to travel about in Hainan Island, which is the local Hawaii… We've also been in Shen Zhen, Hong Kong and ZhongShan. Most fascinating of all was Shenzhen of course, which not so long ago has been a small and poor fisherman's village, and nowadays it is one of the biggest and most striving trade centers for electronics worldwide. Amazing markets, where you can buy mountains of components, from chips and plastics to the whole thing, be it a cell phone, an alarm system or a safe. Anything you want- you got it. We visited different factories and met with people from different companies. The city itself is very young, with the obviously most dominant group age being people in their mid twenties. All in all it was a great experience, and I kept seeing how fast china is running between the world's fingers. Wonder how long this will last.
The war: Israel was at war with Hezbollah in case someone didn't hear (if you were kept in isolation, or have flown to space lately it might be possible).It wasn't pleasant at all. I'm sure both sides suffered, and again we weep for the oh-so unnecessary deaths, invoked by man's stupidity. But war is also a temporary thing, and this is what we should all remember. No matter how deadly a war is, at the end there is always light and hope, because things are constantly changing. Don't get me wrong, I have no illusion what so ever as for this region, but with no hope, we can pack our stuff right now, and send our regards to the 70 virgins.
Birthday: my 24th birthday went without too much noise, as it should. 2 cycles of the Chinese Zodiac, and dog's year is here again. So I met some friends, which was nice, and even got a "Zen garden" I can play with, if I'm pondering or something…
New roommate: my new roommate is from Uruguay, a very nice guy, who came here to settle a few months ago. Keeping the house filled with singing everyday, and it seems like good luck for me.
Enlightenment: I just found out a few days ago, what an idiom I've seen before in Chinese means. And that made me really happy. It says "from 3 people walking, at least one can be my teacher". Nice huh?
So my friends, I wish you all a pleasant weekend, I'm doing more than well as you can read, and just take care.

Until the next pleasure,
Tal

Trip to the security fence

2006-05-09T13:24:00.000+03:00

Today we went for a study trip to the separation fence Israel is building. Telling you the truth, the fence in most of its parts isn't that much of a wall at all. It is 90% looped barbed fence, that is used as a deterrent. Most of it is not that wall we see on the news. There are soldiers there doing their job. Some fields have moved to an Israeli territory now, but in most parts, the Palestinians who own the lands are allowed to keep working their land. Security wise, this fence has factually saved hundreds of lives already, and I think that with proper compensation, saving lives is to be more valued than freedom of movement, even in a democracy. The fence is well monitored by sensors and cameras, screens manned by soldiers who defend their houses. Hopefully one day when there is peace, we can take this fence down and live in good neighborliness. Until that day comes, civilians must be protected.

Weekend in Jerusalem

2006-05-09T13:16:00.000+03:00

I went to Jerusalem last weekend, and stayed over with a friend of mine, who lives in the dorms of the Hebrew university over there. Jerusalem is really a interesting place, and I haven't been there for 3 years. Going there Thursday night, a classmate drove a car. His family came from the U.S and settled in Jerusalem for Zionist reasons. That evening after he dropped me off, I went up to the dorms, enjoying the fresh air and the lovely sight of the city. That evening we sat with some friends of Sharon, which were going to travel in china. The atmosphere in the dorms is very nice, almost like an "open door policy" in some of the rooms, people coming in and out, lively atmosphere. When we all became a bit tired the guests were gently told that sleeping became a first priority, and we went to sleep.

The next day, Jerusalem was dressing up for Shabbat (Jewish day of rest, between sundown on Friday evening to sundown Saturday evening). You could see the streets full with people buying last minute groceries for the weekend, preparing their bodies and souls for the sacred day. In No town in Israel, and probably in no town in the world that day is reflected in a more distinguished way. We went to the city center, meeting two very interesting Japanese students on the way. One is studying here for a year and works for NGO's, the other is half American and half Japanese, which came for other reasons. We went through the city center; full with foreigners (in general it seemed to me that Hebrew isn't really the first language in the city. We encountered a "Falungong" demonstration against china, and all this on our way to the only Korean restaurant in Israel. "Korea house" is a very nice and quite place to dine. The waitress was a nice Korean girl that wants to travel the Mediterranean, and works in Israel to save some money. This nice lunch was followed buy a trip to the busy market, where peddlers got rid of the last stock of foods they had, all in "clearing" prices of course.

In the evening Shabbat came in, and the streets were quite. We went for a very "Jewish" meal for students, where we sat with other people, eating due to the generosity of the landlord. The table was surrounded with students, half Israelis and half from abroad, and during the meal we had some very interesting discussions. After the dinner, we sat in the dorms, meeting a few other interesting people. One of them is a lecturer at the university, and he speaks fluently 15 different languages.
After another sweet night, the last day we went to the old city of Jerusalem. The place is a very weird mixture of people, and as we went to the Muslim area, my friend wasn't feeling so comfortable. There have been cases in the past, so it is good to keep your eyes and ears open. We met another friend of Sharon, and kept our journey through the streets of the holiest piece of land on earth. We saw the church of Nativity where Jesus is claimed to have been resurrected. The place is full with pilgrims, and a lot of inter-church tense could be felt between the different cults or streams of Christianity that exist there. All of them are trying to monopolize Jesus… We kept on going through different places, visiting a very acoustic water crevice, and ending up eating hummus. After all that, we went through the most religious neighborhood in Jerusalem. People who live here, but speak Yiddish and want almost nothing to do with the state they live in. A tiring and fascinating weekend it was. I really needed something like that, and I've had enough of Jerusalem, at least for a month or so

Memorial Days

2006-05-02T13:28:00.000+03:00

For some this is Labor Day week. For people in Israel, this week is to commemorate the memory of soldiers who died in the wars throughout the years. Soldier who defended Israel in it's hard times, and without them the state of Israel would probably not exist as we know it today. This day comes a week after the holocaust memorial day, and a day before the Independence Day. Symbolic indeed is the tie, between the commemoration of the horrible event where half of the jewish people were massacred, to the commemoration of those who survived, came to settle in Israel, and fought for their existence on this quarrel land.
Ceremonies are all over Israel. In the radio, my grandma (who is one of the only parents to soldiers who died during the Independence Day who still lives) spoke about her son, the uncle I never got to know.

What do we commemorate? is it the past? or maybe it is the hope for a better future to come?

These days are also days of uncertainty for me. Soon, as expected, the time to make decisions about my future is due. All said before, but when it really comes to knock on your door, a decision can be quite a hassle. I will write again, when things get clearer. They eventually will.

Deep down there, it's the same old story folks...

2006-04-14T13:06:00.000+03:00

Passover is really great fun. Sunday we went up the mountain as promised. My nephews were brave enough to climb the whole way up, and when we got to the peak we got to hear the traditional ceremony for the 28 soldiers. After the ceremony we went to a lovely park, in which there is a very ancient Pistachia (kind of tree). It is very big and impressive, and I'm sure if it was in china it would long ago be a "wedding tree" or a "lucky tree" or something like that, and people would actually be charged to look at it or take pictures with it. But, it's Israel, and best case the tree doesn't get burned down somehow…

The following day, I met with some friends, went to the beach. My roommate came over to my house, and stayed with us. That evening I had a chance to meet some of my best friends which I haven't seen for a few months, and it was very nice and kind of nostalgic. The day after was the big "Seder", the family meal we have during Passover, which was very familiar indeed: great food, great people and nice environment turned out as a very successful Passover.

Not that I wasted the day before the Seder of course, traveling around the old city of Akko with a good friend of mine and his friend who came for a visit from Belgium. I had Lots of fun, but now its time to put some efforts in my studies, and so it is that I must say, bye for now.

Boys and me

2006-04-09T01:23:00.000+03:00

Before Shabbat dinner

2006-04-09T01:22:00.000+03:00

Bon appetit!

2006-04-09T01:19:00.000+03:00

When it is, it isn't not here.

2006-04-09T01:14:00.000+03:00

Finally, vacation! Not that I was doing so badly until now, but it is always fun! I made vegetarian sushi with a friend last weekend, which was great fun. Rolling and everything, it even turned out pretty good! What else? I got all my final grades for the term, putting me with a promising 96 average to open the next term with. A few days ago I met a very interesting girl, a friend of my Korean friend. She has a family were both adopting parents are Jewish, while she was born in Korea. The story turns much more interesting when she decides to come to Israel, but here is where I will stop.

I went to a friend's house yesterday, having a big dinner with some good friends of mine. After that we went to a local pub, and they went on for a night club, while I stayed home. Today we went to the beach, playing cards on a lovely beach accompanied by a lovely weather. You think that was it? Wrong! I took another friend of mine, along with my dog and we went for a walk in a park I never knew existed, next to my home, and in the evening I went with yet another friend to another beach, for some Indian tea and some philosophical talks. It was a busy day, to be continued tomorrow.

Tomorrow morning we go for some hiking. We will hike in a place called Metzudat Koach (a.k.a. Nebi Yusha). This fortress and observation point is located in the upper Galilee north of Israel. The Metzudat Koach Memorial commemorates 28 soldiers who died in the war of Independence fighting to gain control of this strategic spot in April and May of 1948. One of the soldiers who died there was my uncle, and that is why we go up this mountain, the way the warriors went (just without 50 kg of equipment, and without the modern stairs they installed for us), every year. My grandmother, 99 years old, is the only mother of these soldiers who is still alive today. There is more to come, decisions to be made- perhaps even this month.

The simple way

2006-03-29T21:31:00.000+02:00

Elections went by. The senior party had a surprising success. Maybe it is yet another testimony for the failure of society to deal with what bothers its citizens. The leading party won, but will have a rough time pulling a government all together as usual.

As for me, time keeps going. In a week or so I'll have my spring vacation, hopefully get to travel around for a while (not that I lack traveling, but its always nice to travel). A few days ago, we ate in a Chinese restaurant with our teacher. It didn't remind me of the Chinese food I had in china, but on the other hand it is Israel right?

Anyways, though school is interesting, nothing exceptional is happening, and life is quite plane and simple, as it should be perhaps, for now.

Suddenly spring is here

2006-03-24T16:05:00.000+02:00

I didn't write for a while. I've been busy with school, and that's why I have nothing interesting to say I guess. Don't get me wrong, school is great. I enjoy my studies very much, and I find a lot of interest in most of the subjects. We also started a new course in contemporary china, where we see movies and talk about streams of thought in ancient china, compared with today's thinking. As you can imagine, this lesson is sheer pleasure for me! Election Day is closing by; I can't say I'm really excited about it. I think Israel is about to go through a rough period in the next 2-3 years; maybe more so because of inside struggle than outside. But Israel will come through, it always does. What else? Spring is here, some days are nice some less. Change is indeed in the air. Both of my roommates are traveling now: one of them went to a debate contest in Germany, while the other is covering the elections in Jerusalem, a few weeks before he returns to see his parents in the US. All my exams are over, and surprisingly enough, I feel as if I've almost finished a year of studies…

Be well,

PURIM

2006-03-14T15:04:00.000+02:00

Well it's been a while, but I'm back in business now. Back to studies, and other stuff. In the picture you can see my roommate wearing a skirt. No it's not another freaky Israeli "thing" nor is my roommate a transvestite (not as far as I know at least). The reason he's wearing what he does is that today in Israel we celebrate Purim (a lesser Jewish festival held in spring to commemorate the defeat of Haman's plot to massacre the Jews as recorded in the book of Esther.) In short, this is when you can wear costumes and go around with them, without being arrested by the police. Wearing costumes is a fascinating tradition isn't it? I wonder where it came from.

When do people want to change? Do they want to become their raw model for a day? Maybe one wants to become a super-person, another chooses animal. Maybe some choose to become something else they can never be?

I didn't wear any costume this year. This year I'm trying to take some of the costumes off. Costumes I've been probably wearing all my life, without even noticing. I hope that one day I can really wear a costume that I chose, knowing that underneath it there is nothing else but pure me.

The days are becoming nicer here. Winter is leaving us, and in turn we get the fall, probably the greatest season in Israel. It is a month full with shedding of leaves and migrating birds, lovely weather and family reunions. Times of change these are.

It feels as if some decisions will fall soon, as all things do.

Besides, Purim is when we eat "Haman's ears", extremely delicious triangle-shaped cookies with various fillings. Yummy!

Take Care,

Back From the army

2006-03-09T18:47:00.000+02:00

No it's not me in the picture in case you were wondering, but since I didn't take any pictures, that will do for now. I'm back, safe and sound, as expected (Since I didn't do anything dangerous). I'll keep the updates on once I'm back on the track with my studies,

Take Care for now,

Tal.

Origamy?!

2006-02-18T10:43:00.000+02:00

Dave&Sara

2006-02-18T10:35:00.000+02:00

He's not religious but he wears the "Kipa" for Sabbath. She was actually much more religious in the past.

A Big Dinner

2006-02-18T10:31:00.000+02:00

Yesterday in the middle of our test period, we had a Shabbat dinner over at our place. I would never have dreamt we could fit 30 people in, but…we did! People from Sweden, England, France, South Africa, us, Israel and other places all gathered around the tables.

Around 6 P.M people started coming, and the place was packed up as if it was someone's wedding or "bar mitzvah". People brought a lot of food, including my mom, who dropped by to say hey. I think she was a bit disappointed all the food she made me would be eaten by the hungry mob, but I was able to save the pie she made in the fridge since there was enough food anyways.
We had quite a few religious people over, therefore some of the food had to be "kosher" (a certain Jewish tradition as for how and if food can be eaten). Since religious Jews are not allowed to cook or do anything else on Shabbat, we had to make one of the non Jewish guests of ours a "Sabbath goy". Basically it means that since she's not Jewish she can work on Sabbath if she's getting paid. Therefore, she was symbolically paid, and she warmed the food that was meant for the religious guys. Weird? Interesting? Anyways, that's the way it is when it comes to religious Jews I guess. Some of my friends came over for the event as well, hope they didn't feel to uncomfortable being in a bit "too Jewish" of an atmosphere.
After all the food had been consumed ;), some people stayed over, speaking about all kinds of stuff, including politics, in which I haven't been involved for a long while.

The day before that I went to the court again. Again unpaid salaries matters. I think this time she won the claim, and will get her money as she should.

Anyways, the following week will be crowded with tests for me, and after this week I'll go to the army for two weeks, a short reserve service. Wish me luck.

That's all folks, Take care.

We all change, one way or another

2006-02-11T10:06:00.000+02:00

Yesterday evening I met a very interesting girl. Her name is Cloee, she was born in brazil, raised in France and lived in new York for the last 8 years. Now, she lives in Israel, studying in the same university as I do, and turning 18 this year…Quite amazing isn't it? Anyways, I've been busy studying as usual, and looking for a job. The rest of my time I spend sleeping and eating, as I probably should.
Israel is getting ready for the elections; although it seems to me the public debate over politics isn't as heated as in the past. I think people are a bit tired of politics nowadays; we just need some mental rest, that's it. Well, that's about all there is for this weekend folks, hope everybody's fine.

This "3 generations" picture that I like so much, was taken in Kunming, China.

Sharing another great moment...

2006-02-08T15:08:00.000+02:00

Some chance to practice calligraphy (Instead of studying for my tests...)

2006-02-05T22:49:00.000+02:00

Chinese dance

2006-02-05T22:44:00.000+02:00

Chinese new year- Chun jie kuai le!

2006-02-05T22:36:00.000+02:00

Ironically enough, the first time I get to celebrate spring festival is in Israel. Not to say that it wasn't great! We had great performances, Chinese songs and dancing, even the ambassador's wife did a Tai-Ji thing which was very graceful. The girl in the picture is an amazing dancer who performed, and she also became kind of famous in Israel after she performed in a new dancing T.V show. Enjoy year of the dog, it's here to make us all good!

Could you imagine that people actually do that for fun?

2006-02-04T12:14:00.000+02:00

Another Trip before the Exams

2006-02-04T12:07:00.000+02:00

This is it. Final exams are here, and it was exactly the time to take a trip to Israel's Arava area. Basically we're talking about the desert again, but it's more lively and full of greenhouses producing flowers and other agricultural products. The university's president didn't join us the last minute since his wife got pneumonia, and we all wished him good luck in his new way, politics. He might well be the next ministry of education in Israel. We had reppeling in the dessert, and great food all along. There was even rain which is quite a rarity in this part of Israel! In the next few days, I will have some events, including the Chinese new year that will be held place in Tel-Aviv university together with Chinese students and in the presence of the Chinese ambassador. Right after that, I will have a few interviews and start the final exams. After which I will go to "Miluim" which is my military reserve army.
I will try to write more in between, but if I don't, everybody have the best few weeks, and we'll keep in touch. Some decisions might be in sight, I will try to choose wisely.

Sabbath

2006-01-28T16:45:00.000+02:00

"A day of religious observance and abstinence from work, kept by Jews from Friday evening to Saturday evening, and by most Christians on Sunday". This is the first time I had a 'proper' Jewish sabbath ceremony in a long time. The people in the picture are people from our university, most of them come from the united states. Some of them are wearing a 'kipa' which is a kind of cap Jewish people wear in order to remind themselves there is a god above them.

A new baby in town

2006-01-28T16:42:00.000+02:00

Not mine of course!
This is the new born Noam, the fresh grandson of a very good friend of ours. Here I'm holding him in my hands, just until I can hold my real cousin of course.

Is That So?

2006-01-26T22:57:00.000+02:00

Court is adjourned!

2006-01-26T22:06:00.000+02:00

Today was an exciting day for me. I went for the first time to the court. The lawyer appeared, and so did 3 Chinese from Fu Jian who has been staying in Israel fro over 4 year now. Their hands were so tired, if you could say that on hands. The defendants were a contractor and a manpower company which failed to pay the money to the workers. They forged signatures as far as I understood, and just didn't give the workers what they've honestly earned. Money does blind people. A simple thing was very noticeable- the defendant was extremely fat. The Chinese workers were not. He had money, they did not. He had a lawyer, and they had a volunteer to translate and a lawyer that works for a special hot-line for workers.
The trial was postponed due to a confusion about hearing times, and we almost went back home before the lawyer caught me on the stairs before leaving the building. The trial was to take place. Most of the time I didn't translate, and the lawyers fought between them. Besides that, there was no agreement, and another hearing is to take place, in a month from now. After the trial I went to the central bus station, where I found the other face of Tel-Aviv. There was a whole street with Chinese commodity, Chinese cellular phones advertising and even Chinese T.V. it was something I tell you, you wouldn't even guess its Israel.

Later on, in the university we had a lecture with one of the best lawyers from the United States, MR. Alan Dershowitz. This man is simply brilliant, and he speaks very well about Israel. Telling the truth, not trying to justify what shouldn't be justified, but on the other hand also not apologizing for the right Israel has to exist as a country, and for its' people to live in peace. He answered all the questions, and we even got a copy of his book "The case for Israel" as a gift in the end.

Why not actually?

2006-01-25T15:59:00.000+02:00

Yesterday I stayed with a good friend of mine, and we had a very nice talk. She's about to finish her studies, and before starting the "real life" she wants to go for a trip in the far-east. I hope all will come the way she wants it.
Tomorrow I will go to the court, to translate for 3 Chinese workers suing an employer. This is the first time I'll be in court doing an active part, luckily I'm no on the accused side. What has been keeping me busy lately? Numerous things, mostly school but some others as well. Tests are getting nearer, and all the dead lines for assays we should hand in are approaching as well. That said, I still have my freedom, and I'm able to study some Chinese and Japanese while I have time, and update this weblog! The Herzlia conference, which in recent years became an event where politicians give big declarations and a lot of great speeches are made, is ending today. The conference is held is being held in a hotel, and organized by the university I study at. Some of the students go there to hear the lectures, I don't have a suit and tie, and so I gave up this time. Being in Israel over three months now, I feel that I lost some of the focus I had while abroad. It's weird, and I'm not exactly sure how to define it, but I'll try. Think that you are studying a new language, a third one. You now have your mother tongue, and another language. If you mastered the second language well, you'll have little or no difficulties mastering the third language without getting confused, alas, if you haven't mastered the second language well enough, you'll probably find yourself making up a new language, or a mix of nonsense sentences. That in short, is what's happening to me, in a way.

Well nothing more I can tell this time, I just wish all is well, and also wish to hear what my friends abroad are up to, untill the next pleasure...

El Familia

2006-01-21T10:24:00.000+02:00

Don't get confused- I'm on the right. To the left is my older brother.
the others are my grandma, mother, aunt, cousin and his 3 kids.

How does a one handed clap sound?

2006-01-19T22:14:00.000+02:00

2006–01–16,

Today the weather got a bit better after a stormy night. I'm dealing fine with school, but it seems that many of the Israeli students I study with dislike me. I can imagine it's nothing bad that I do, but more of a reflection of me not being as sociable as expected, or commune the way I'm expected to. I can deal with it, although of course the ideal is to get everyone to be in good terms with you. This is probably the outcome of a certain way of living one chooses for himself, often misinterpreted as snobbism etc.

2006–01–19,

The week went by so fast, can't believe I'm home again.
A Chinese delegation came to our school this week, from one of the big universities in Beijing. Unfortunately I didn't get to meet them, not sure yet if it was on purpose, but, it took me 5 minutes to get over it. Petty arguments are for others to bear.

Other than that, I started collecting papers for an application I'm working on, and helped my roommate in his Hebrew studies.

I also stepped in dog stool twice the last two days, after years without doing it. Can anyone tell me what does it mean?

We had our presentation on e-mail harvesting Wednesday, which wasn't too bad, and lately I feel like more of a part in the student's community. Some of them realized that I'm not snobbish, but rather calm and simple.

Old City Of Akko

2006-01-17T09:58:00.000+02:00

After Eating hummus (for which we've waited for over an hour) here we are taking a walk in the streets of the old city of Akko, next to the beach.

The time will come for you too.

2006-01-14T12:10:00.000+02:00

We all have that feeling from time to time, that it's just not it yet. Everyone has its own hopes, those he cares for, those he doesn't. We tend to forget in times, that most of the things we care for now we won't give a second thought in a short while from now. it doesn't even matter how short this short while will be. Last week had past even faster than the week before. University is interesting still, more and more work of course, but still nothing one couldn't handle. I've had a meeting with Chinese students in Israel, an activity arranged by the Israel-China friendship organization. It was nice, and we got to know some very talented Chinese students, some of them study in Israeli universities, in HEBREW. That's something I'd tell you that!Besides, weather is somewhat gloomy in the last few days. Cold outside, warm in bed, nothing that actually makes you feel like getting up for school :). Saturday I went with friends from the army for a nice lunch in Acre, eating hummus again, waiting in line for 1 hour (!!!). This small place in the middle of the crowded market is probably the most successful restaurant I've ever seen, and it only serves 3 dished, which are actually practically the same dish. and you know what, the simple it is the better. I also cut my long "Samson" hair, and will upload a picture when I can. That's it for now, should get more familiar with my accounting book now... Just the best, keep it calm, Tal Gal-On

Time to say goodbye

2006-01-05T15:23:00.000+02:00

Well, the winter is trying to get here; it just doesn't seem to work too well for it (not too much rain around, and generally pretty hot).
Maybe it's the change of seasons, maybe something else, but again Israel's prime minister has suffered yet another stroke. It seems to me that something is about to happen in the area again, and I'm not sure how positive it'll be.

Besides that, I've been doing volunteer work again, and I'm almost one of the team, getting deeper involved.

My friends from the construction site are leaving soon, and I had to say goodbye to them. I saw an old Chinese movie with them, had some tea, took a picture and some addresses (I've got some extra villages to visit next time I'm in china) and walked away.

Again, there are times to say goodbye. Nothing too serious this time, but for every time you say goodbye- just be happy for the times you had together, don't be sorry for those you won't have(hey, if something never happened, what's the use being sorry for it?). It's good to enjoy something when you can, but it's also very important to know how to let go, no hard feelings, no holding back, no regrets, and just let go.

Did anyone mention chinese?

2005-12-29T13:13:00.000+02:00

China is here

2005-12-29T12:29:00.000+02:00

The picture above is from a convention held every year by former residents of Jewish communities in china (On the stage is a friend of mine getting a scholarship, and those who give it to him are former Israeli embassadors in China and the embassador for the PRC in Israel).Mainly form Harbin; those communities had lived in china for a decade or so, after running away from Russia, eventually ending up in Israel and other places in the world.They have an interesting story, documented nowadays in books, and also studied by a university in Harbin which had an institute for the research of Judaism.Every year they give scholarships to the now already 3 generation of those Jewish people, and to Chinese students coming to Israel to pursue their studies in Israel.I met a seemingly very talented Chinese guy, who's been leaving here for 6 years now, studying agricultural engineering.Only two days ago, i accidentally ran into a lecture by a guy who goes by the name "Tarzan". He was a soldier in one of the elite units in Israel's army, and also in the Israel security agency. He went to do the same journey as the soldiers of the red army, also called "the long journey", during which many soldiers where killed, and where Mao Zi Dong won the Chinese people.The slides were fascinating, the crew and him went to places normally which are not in reach for the normal travelers, and he encountered rarely preserved authentic cultures.
Small events:*After the convention, my friend and I went to a Hanukkah party of the international school, which was full of surprises and different people from all over the world. One ought to do some "mingling" once in a while, even though I try to refrain from too much alcohol these days.
* I went to interview my mom's cousin for an assignment we have in school. He deals with aqua-culture, and he's a very interesting man, experienced in allot of aspects of cross cultural communications.
*We had a convention of Sap systems in IDC. It is a very big software company, where as one of its biggest executives is a very talented Israeli guy, also honored "man of the year" in Forbes magazine. His name is Shay Agassi and he is also a talented speaker I must say, who gives a good impression in general. He named all the future trends in computers, so that we can stay wired…

Hanukkah is in the house (what are you talking about?!)

2005-12-26T08:50:00.000+02:00

Weekend was oh so cold. We've even had hail over here. I was raining cats and dogs, not much of a going out feeling (which is fine for me these days, especially when visiting my parent's cozy house).
I think every weekend I go home I gain 2 extra Kg., maybe it balances with my student life (actually, I eat so much everyday as well, apparently I'm going to get fat one of these days).

On Saturday I went to eat hummus with a good friend of mine in the old city of acre. The views were great and the air fantabulous (I just found out that this word exists, would you see that…). We were Even able to spot some tourists over there, not afraid of the news (eventually, when things become the norm, I guess people just tend to…well, get used to it).

I'm studying Japanese more seriously lately, which doesn't leave me with too much free time, (so no thoughts of having a girlfriend runs in mind these days). That leaves me with a peaceful mind for studies, which is actually exactly what I crave for these days.

"Hanukkah" (Festival of Lights, Jewish festival which lasts for eight days and commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrians and the rededication of the Temple) is here, our substitute for Christmas (or vice versa), and it's…well it isn't Christmas that's for sure.

What it definitely is is one of those holidays which just fit exactly to the time when they're celebrated (what does that mean? Well, some things you ought to figure out yourself my dear friend).

The New Year also joyously accompanies the last holidays, and I really hope this year would be a year of self fulfillment and great pleasure too everyone. Wish we all find the way that treats us best.

"Working 9-5", or much more(?!)

2005-12-20T11:00:00.000+02:00

2005–12–19, Going for the regular grocery shopping- I saw some construction workers. Assuming they were Chinese, I started talking to them, and found that they were here for 4 years already. Apparently, they sign a contract for 5 years with the company that gets them here, and takes them a long time to earn the money to cover trip expenses. Surprisingly though, (at least in my opinion) was to hear that the Israelis were treating them well. They were not extremely happy, but on the other hand- who would be happy to work in hard labor in a country not his own, away from his family ( the answer is probably not to many people).They were from Fujian, some around 30 years old, another guy was older. They invited me to drink tea with them, and a few hours later I actually came of course.Talking with them was very interesting, and I also discovered many things I had no idea existed in Israel: like a thriving Chinese community with its own news paper, own shops and even a street which is fully Chinese in Tel-Aviv (like a small china town). I also discovered there are much more foreign Chinese workers here than I've assumed before (20,000-30,000). We drank tea together, which was very nice, and I've heard a little of their life here. Most of them come with no basic skills what so ever, and study the work from others. They have families at home which they wish to support of course, and they are looking forward to go back.One of them just came this year, and he will have to wait 4 more years to see his family. Going back will just be too expensive. Again, life goes into proportion doesn't it?2005–12–20, After being a bit exhausted from a long day at school (accounting lesson is nothing you want to try at home, trust me on that one!), I went Monday night to a place called "kav –Laoved" (means: line for the worker). It's a volunteering for workers organization base in Tel-Aviv.What can I tell you? Again you go into proportions. People whose concern is being caught by immigration police for having invalid visa, concerned they'll not be able to pay the huge amounts they were charged over there just to come here. Can you imagine Such a burden? I remember people being troubled sometimes in china for the visa, and they would only have to pay a fine for overstaying their visa. I was really happy that I could assist them using my Chinese.People from all over China: Fujian, Jiangsu, Liaoning, Shandong and many more. All are hard working, with the huge majority of man, mainly construction workers. Frankly speaking, I'm sure that the rights they are supposed to have here are of the best in the world for foreign workers. The problem is, many times as it seems, those rights are over-ran by unaware, or otherwise uncaring employers. Therefore, this non-profit organization helps foreign workers to get what they deserve, by law (A thing I actually kind of doubt they would have had in china for as far as the Chinese government is concerned with workers rights). Anyways, the experience was very interesting, I met some very interesting Israeli people (one of them works in Honk-Kong, foreign company), and in general I'm sure I'll go again as I have the chance and the time to spare.

Truly madly deeply (naïve?)

2005-12-14T19:41:00.000+02:00

All of a sudden, I'm really feeling like a student; Assignments, works, classmates & academic freedom are just a part of it. Truly a tremendous feeling it is, suddenly you go to school by free choice, no one really forces you to do it, but you just get up every morning and you go. Isn't that great?

In our cross cultural communication class, we've had our last session, where we interviewed a very interesting business man.
Currently he owns a naïve art gallery in Tel-Aviv, but before that, he traveled to over 60 different countries as a lawyer dealing with international law.
As expected he found the Chinese most intriguing and most challenging to negotiate and deal with.
He even told us of one time he negotiated, and when all seemed stuck, (when the Chinese demanded much more than the Israeli delegation could give) he told them a story about a small red hand, which had to do all by itself. (Anyone interested in hearing?)
He said that after he told the stories, the Chinese were satisfied, and the negotiation went on much smoother.
I was interested after class to hear how he was able to tell them all that stories, and he said they went through 2(!!) translators. I just wonder if the hand was still red when the story got to the Chinese delegation...

"To be OR .." no, you know what, just to be.

2005-12-10T11:05:00.000+02:00

For the whole month, weather here has been so perfect for trips. Thing is, I ought to start studying at one stage or another (a thing I enjoy very much lately), therefore you probably won't be seeing to many new trip photos in the near future (although I wouldn't sign on it).

I find some things to be so different now, comparing with the perspective I had 2 years ago. The way people behave, the things they want to achieve, and why- all seems clearer than ever. No, I didn't try any exotic new drug or "cocktail" while in the east, but I do tend to look at things in a clearer way (at least that's the way I feel).

Israel's politics is heating up for the coming elections (about 3 month from now), and the last sayings from the Iranian leader ("move Israel to Europe", "wipe Israel off the map") just make the whole thing an even greater of a fiesta.

Besides, life is peaceful, for me at least. Sometimes it seems that if you just let things go by, and don't get bothered by them, things can be so much calmer. Not to say being indifferent, just being more sound, objective and attentive for the details and the reasons of what is happening, makes the whole difference in most cases.

Last week there was a 250,000 people demonstration in favor of democracy in Hong-Kong. People from the mainland (in most parts) didn't even hear about it, although outside of china it was a big thing. Constraints on media are indeed a very controversial issue this days, but say what you say, it's a big country- and you don't make democracy in 1 day (q.v Iraq) plus the fact that Hong –Kong in terms of population's education level and political awareness is far from resembling in other region in the mainland.

Well, that's it for now. I guess that's some food for thought (at least for me). Have the best week you guys, study a new thing everyday!

I'm an inverted banana!

2005-12-05T20:55:00.000+02:00

2005–12–04,

Today my roommate (David, the one on the picture) said to me that in Canada they would call me an inverted banana.
Those of you not familiar with the banana term used for overseas Chinese (a major clue had been given right now), it refers to Chinese looking people with western mentality.
Apparently, me on the other hand is a western looking person, who's practicing his Chinese and drawing "Han zi" (Chinese characters) all day long.
You know what? Oddly enough, I feel quite comfortable with my new nickname/definition ;)

Already a month and a half away from Asia (assuming you've never really believed Israel is a part of Asia, even when it was playing in the Asian soccer tournaments),
But things still seem quite fresh.
I'm keeping track of my Chinese, and though I'm neither in china nor in Taiwan anymore, I study Chinese and even make daily progress.

This weekend was dedicated to my family, and meeting my cousin's kids was happy as usual. Kids become smarter every year you know, and they are so familiar with computers, just unbelievable.
My family members are having a harder time accepting this new emerging generation of "computerized" kids, but I think that with the right orientation, this new age of instant knowledge at the click of a mouse could be a great step into the future.

Some of my friends came to our house over the weekend, as well as my Canadian roommate who came over, and met my Canadian neighbors (are you catching on some pattern here? Is Israel the next destination for immigrants from Canada?!). The weekend is also the biggest calorie trap, and although I'm not fat, those meals you eat on the weekends here are quite hazardous I'd tell you that!

Wishing us all the best week, study at least 1 new thing every day (make yourself do it), keep smiling- someone will always smile back!

"Thou will hear the dessert calling..."

2005-12-01T21:43:00.000+02:00

This time, yet another great picture from the trip we had to the dessert. So impressive its this place in my opinion. So many stories those mountains have to tell.

First transaltion/ minister of education(?)/ambassador club

I handed in my first translation job in Israel (Hebrew-Chinese). Very small company profile, but it's something to begin with. The job horizons start to shape and it seems like things will get there some way or another.
Even spoke to a classmate today, who works for a company which thinks of doing software localization in China, asked for my advice and possibly my future services.

Meanwhile, the cross-cultural communication class taught us about collectivist and individualist cultures, and gave us useful tips of becoming aware of those cultural differences, and handling them while negotiating etc.

The president of our university announced this week that he will be leaving the university, and is going to a new political party headed by our prime minister Ariel Sharon. He was offered to be the minister of education in the new government to be (if and when the new party will have won the elections).
I ran into him on the campus, said hello and wished him good luck. He even told me how much he enjoyed the trip to the dessert.

And yet another new exciting project in our school hits the road: "The ambassador's club" featuring 13 different lectures, from people in the media, and from around the world, dealing with the harsh on-going world criticism on Israel, and with some anti-Semitism in their universities.
Anyway, for the first lecture they brought an enthusiastic student activist who showed us a very scary riot that occurred some year ago in a disputed university in Canada. Quite scary I'd tell you that! Hopefully, the world will get become more patient, to everyone.

Meeting old friends& A German conference

2005-11-28T19:58:00.000+02:00

{That is my classroom, and of course, some of my classmates- most of whom are not really busy with listening as you might have noticed... }

Today night, after having a very nice "Sabbath" dinner with our friends in Herzlia, I went to a house warming party in a friend's house.
The whole thing was very nice, and I even met 2 other friends from the army whom I haven't seen for a while.
Both of them where abroad, one was studying in Japan (Japanese); the other was teaching English in Beijing and studying Chinese as well.

Yesterday we had a very interesting conference, where many distinguished scholars from Germany& Israel came to our university. "Universality of human rights" was the topic, and some of the sessions dealt with torture, the right for life (abortion etc.) and with crimes against humanity. The conference was lead by a former ambassador of Israel in Benin (a country which I've learned about only recently, meeting a French-teacher from that country in Taiwan).

The whole thing was founded by the Volkswagen corporation, and therefore many notes were made about the importance of it's relation with the "German innovation center" in IDC (my university), and another university in Düsseldorf.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The day after, I spoke to my Chinese teacher, and it seems I'm going to have a hard time being a teaching assistant, since although the teacher is very eager to have me as one; the university isn't currently willing to provide T.A for language courses…

We both agreed to slowly try and find a way through.

"Bulbus" rocks; Negev

2005-11-25T17:41:00.000+02:00

A voice from the dessert

2005-11-25T17:28:00.000+02:00

2005–11–24,
Yesterday I went with a good friend of mine for coffee, and going back home, I introduce my roommates to him, and we went out with them for a "nargila"(hookah, smoking bottle) which is very popular in Israel, and apparently in the states too.

Today morning I went to a lecture about existentialism which explains how philosophers such as Nitsche and other see the existence of human beings in our world.
The teacher herself is a very interesting character, reminded me a bit of the "soothsay" teacher in Harry Potter.

She told us about his truths, and his philosophy, but there was one disturbing thing for me: with all his truth, he was apparently one of the most miserable people out there- so where is the truth becoming helpful? How do you become happy? As I see it, a man who brings up a truth, and does not make a solution out if it, doesn't achieve the goal.

2005–11–25,

Coming back from the nice trip we had to the Negev, I was pretty exhausted.
Last night, we started our trip to the Israeli dessert, the Negev, and on that night we went to a place called "wadi havarim", which is mostly surrounded by limestone, and the whole area at night is bright just by the star light.
Oh there were so many stars I'd tell you, at least like a million of them! And we even saw 3 shooting stars. I wonder where they go.

The dessert must be the most impressive place in Israel; perfect for meditation I'd tell you that! We saw an underwater reservoir, which was awesome, and in which some birds were sleeping as we came disturbing.
The hiking went on till around 1 A.m, when we went to our hostel, at "sede boker" (a small Israeli sort of village). It's also the place where Israel's first prime minister Ben Gurion lived, and started realizing his dream of a flourishing dessert.
Not like other's as he told others to go and make the dessert flourish, he took his family and moved to the dessert himself!

We went sleeping after hanging around a bit, playing the guitar, singing and drinking hot "Sahleb" (some kind of plant you can make a nice drink of, the drink at least is called Sahleb) and tea.

We did some further hiking in the morning, not skipping meals at every possible time of the day.
With us there was the staff of our school, and also the president of our school, a man with many accomplishments.

After some hours without sleep, I'll finish here, and till I upload some pictures,
Have a great weekend you guys!

Moving along the path

2005-11-22T22:36:00.000+02:00

I finally moved to my new apartment. Of course, I found out that yet another one of my best friends moved to live near by as well. Getting more surprising everyday.
My roommates seem really nice, and one of them is a reporter.one like to play basket-ball .My room is very nice, and although there was no electricity when I came in (are we in china yet?), when I came back home again it was fixed.
I also went to register for a another trip to the "Negev"( south of Israel), which I think is going to be very nice.

2005–11–22,
Yesterday two interesting things happened. One is speaking to a guy who's started doing business in china (trying to import, not sure if he could find buyers).
He was also mentioning that his friend lives in Kunming (the place where I was staying while in china) and makes a nice living out of playing in a band over there.
The other thing was secretaries of the school where I study, whom greeted me with "ni hao" which was a bit surprising!

Today I had a nice day starting with a Chinese class, where I spoke again with the lecturer, and helped some of the other students whom were struggling with the Chinese characters.
Other than that, had a nice class in business communication, where I found that Israel is one of the most low power distance culture in the world (meaning everybody are equal, no one is above others- or in other words, really impolite I guess ;) ).
Besides, I'm getting familiar with my classmates, some of which are really nice and interesting people. One was even a taxi driver in Sweden before coming to our university.

Sunset over our hiking spot...

2005-11-19T14:49:00.000+02:00

My brother and Bony

2005-11-19T14:45:00.000+02:00

Hiking with my brother

2005-11-19T14:34:00.000+02:00

Today I went for hiking with my brother and my dog, in the nature- only 15 minutes from our house! The sunset was great, and the smell of nature was also fantastic.

I found myself an apartment with 2 American roommates, 1 of whom I haven't met yet.
It’s really close to the university, and the price is reasonable for that area.
What else? School is nice, I have to recall the math I did 5 years ago, which isn’t too bad, but not too easy as well, since it's also in English, which although isn't a big problem for me, still isn't my native tongue.

Besides, I didn't go to a New Year party for the students, feeling I'm better of at my home, hanging out with my family, studying Chinese (which I find myself more and more enchanted by with every day passing by) and other stuff.

I'm trying to find myself a proper job, and although I didn't get anything yet, I'm optimistic about the future to come.

Hanging out

2005-11-15T11:26:00.000+02:00

The weekend was extremely good, I met many friends, and we even went to a nice place called "animal's farm".
It's a bar and I ordered a non-alcoholic drink (coffee) in a bar for the first time. It was nice.
I also started to do some studies (beside languages), and besides the professional terms of each subject, it's not too bad.

I'm getting used to studies, and even though I thought I missed the dead line of handing in an assignment, I found out it was a mistake of the lecturer whom posted a wrong message.

Finding an apartment is almost finished (I hope), and if all goes well, by next week I'll have moved to a new place.

I've been to a Chinese class today which was awesome, quite exciting.
Since I skipped the beginner's class while I was in china, I've actually studies a few thing in this class, and our teacher (wei zheng wei), seems really nice.
I doubt if I'm going to stick in for next classes, but being a tutor or a teaching assistant sound all right.
Our teacher is from Beijing and has left china in 1987, when he did his PHD in England, and then moved to Israel, and has been living here for more than 10 years now.

I've been working on some other projects as well, but it'll take time till there is something to show I assume.
I meet many interesting people, all with different stories. I find all the differences between Chinese and Israeli students, some for better, some not.
I met this girl who studied in Korea for 4 years, a thing I found fascinating, and many more.

I would appreciate comments people, although I'm not in China or Taiwan any more!

Take care,

G.L.T

Gone with the wind

2005-11-10T17:52:00.000+02:00

Look, they even gave us a shirt ;)
By the way, I uploaded some new pictures , take a look:
http://gaoluntao.myphotoalbum.com/view_album.php?set_albumName=album02

Time, time goes by.

2005-11-10T17:44:00.000+02:00

It's already been a week, and man time goes fast.
Last week was actually the first week of studies, and looking back, though a bit busy, it went by pretty smooth.
The teachers are really great; some of the topics (like cross cultural relationship) are great and the atmosphere is pretty good as well. The trouble is with the food, which is not as cheap as in china or Taiwan, and also not as good in my opinion…
Besides, I'm still busy looking for a job and for an apartment and it seems I'm making some progress in both searches. I'd tell you that, with the price of the rent for a pretty lousy apartment here, I could rent some small palace in China and a nice place in Taiwan as well… but, that's how it goes.

Yesterday I spent some time with my friends at a coffee shop. All of them are people who traveled quite a bit, some have started studying like me, some are still looking for better things to do.

I'm spending considerable time on Chinese studies, hoping I will not let it go. I'm also trying to keep the job offers coming from that direction other than any different directions.

The weekend I'll spend with my dad, who's left here after my mom went to visit and see her new born granddaughter.
That's all for today, have a great weekend!

Dead Sea

2005-11-04T16:04:00.000+02:00

The Dead Sea is dying

2005-11-04T15:54:00.000+02:00

I came back from a trip to Judean dessert yesterday.
The trip itself was great. Starting on Wednesday morning, we gathered on our way to Jerusalem, and a place called "Burma road", where we had some Ice breaking activities. Climbing ropes, free style archery etc. all was fun, and contributed a lot to the atmosphere.
From there we drove to the Dead Sea, through the great landscape of the holiest city in the world Jerusalem.
The Dead Sea and the landscape of the red Sodom mountains on the Jordanian side is breathtaking .The more frustrating side is that the Dead Sea is dying itself, since too many companies are interested in the minerals at the bottom; and no one does real effort of refilling it with water. Days will tell…

We went to the mount of Masada(using the cable car, lazy us): Masada was Herod's royal citadel and later the last outpost of Zealots during the Jewish Revolt. The citadel was a site of the most dramatic and symbolic act in Jewish history, where rebels chose mass suicide rather than submit to Roman capture.

After that, we went directly to a Bedouin (member of the Bedouin people; pertaining to Bedouins which are desert dwelling nomadic tribes) tent, riding camels for 30 seconds (the Bedouins left at the tourists who get so enthusiastic of 30 seconds ride).

We had traditional tea and coffee, and even Bedouin bread with eat. Later on we've had a great dinner, on pillows, in the tent.

The evening show was so powerful. They brought 2 musicians which could basically play and instrument there is, and could also dance "Capoeira" (a system of physical discipline and movement originating among Brazilian slaves).
They had so much energy in their performance and they swept the whole crowd with them
It was awesome.

Later on we enjoyed the stars and the tranquility of the dessert, which is probably one of the most owe inspiring places in Israel.

The following day, we went on bike riding between rocks of the dessert, found ourselves in a dark cave, and went on to take a bath in the Dead Sea.

The sea was cool, 33% of it is salt, what makes it very…salty…
There was also mud there, as the pictures obviously would reflect.

Going home was great, but not before I spoke to a group of over-seas Taiwanese who came to visit Israel. It was great fun practicing my Chinese again I'd tell you that!

End of introduction week

2005-11-04T15:45:00.000+02:00

In the morning we had a very good lecture about Israel, and politics within it. The guy, Neil, was a very eloquent speaker, and kept the show alive and kicking for 3 hours.
He spoke of the Jewish nation, the holocaust and its impression on daily life society, and he also spoke of the disengagement which happened while I wasn't here, which was interesting by itself. He even gave us a small gift at the end.

Trying to find a job (well at least starting to ask about it), and starting to look for an apartment, that's what I've had done for the rest of that day, at least till the evening when I went back home.

Meeting Avshalom, on the street corner was a nice coincidence.
He's the neighbor, and also Shula's (the woman whom in her house I'm staying) brother. They had a nostalgic conversation about old days, how people used to work hard, and cherish the moment; While today as they say, nothing is simple anymore, not pure.

We heard Greek music, and they were drinking vodka and lemon juice together, which made them happy (or a bit drunk, depends which way you look).

All in all, a nice ending to the introduction week, which will , in a sweet way, end with a field trip as promised , tomorrow and the day after.

A Student again

2005-10-31T11:52:00.000+02:00

Well, that's it. I'm a student now, a real one, in a real university (I think).The first 2 days being kind of fun, meeting lots of new people. even had my own placement test in English here.A bit weird to take my own English placement test after teaching English in one way or another for almost 2 years now.
The people are fun to be with and interesting too. we've got people from 44 different countries here, to most of whom being a Jewish is the linkage to Israel (although not all the students here are Jewish so I've found out, which is a nice thing to know).
Outrageously careless, I forgot to take my camera here, and hope to have it transferred by a friend, so that I could take some pictures for you guys.
We're also going on a trip the day after tomorrow (do you ever study over there?), to some of the greatest places in Israel.

That's all for now folks.

Here we go again

2005-10-27T16:00:00.000+02:00

Yesterday, another bombing happened. This time it was in Hadera, a town about 40 minutes away from my home town.
Not surprised I am, that's for sure. But it just makes you wonder, when people indiscriminately kill innocent citizen because they want to say something to they government, where have we gone that wrong?

But, this is reality here, and I had no illusions whatsoever that it's going to be different.

Today I went to meet a good friend of mine, telling me all about her experience as a dancer and a singer in the Dead-Sea hotels. Once again, I discovered how many stories I brought with me from the far east, how many good experiences I've been through, how many interesting people I've met, and most of all, how much I've studied all along the way.

These days are the vacation before university starts, although I think the studies aren't going to be too laborious after all.

The picture by the way, is of the Bahai temple in Haifa, you could see it from my house on a clear day.

That's the way it is

2005-10-26T10:40:00.000+02:00

Today was family day again, and we went to my mom's cousin Dan, Whom I call uncle although he isn't really my uncle. Makes it Chinese in a way doesn’t it?

He lives in "Zichron Ya'akov" which is a settlement founded by the late Baron Edmond de Rothshild, who is one of the people whom influenced most of all on Israel's coming into being.

Anyway, we went there with Sue and Marty, whom today I found out were led to Israel by their inner voice, or the sound of god (nothing schizophrenic they assured us).
We had a very interesting conversation, and I've learned about their former occupations in Canada, and also heard yet some more of my uncle Dan's fascinating stories concerning his work as an aquatic biologist in developing countries.

Another great story was about a "cult", with German origins, who believes when the world is to be doomed, Israel would be the only place that survives (hum… well…). They love Israel, and try to help and support it. They also built a factory near the town of Jenin between Israel and Palestine, so that if rockets are fired into Israel, they are the ones who are hit first.
I understood that they are modest and humble people, living their daily life, helping their surroundings, producing for the well being of the public, and making great pretzels (!)
They also have communities in Germany and Canada.

Later on this evening, yet another close and very talented friend of mine (pleased to have lots of those), came to visit. He's in the army for a while, and will stay for several more years, since he's a brilliant electric engineer. He is also studying for an M.A in business administration these days, and doing well. We spoke a bit of China and prospects for the future, and all in all it was just good to see him.

By the way, I upload new pictures every once in a while to the following link, so feel free to watch.
http://gaoluntao.myphotoalbum.com/view_album.php?set_albumName=album01

"Air Bonny"/Haifa beach

2005-10-24T22:31:00.000+02:00

And so it is, just like you said it would be...

2005-10-24T11:44:00.000+02:00

2005–10–23,
Today our new Canadian neighbors Sue and Marty came over. They love Israel, and though some years ago I might have asked "why?" I now fully understand.

In the afternoon I went with my dad and my dog (Bony, with a distant brother called Klyde) to the beach, which was never cleaner (5 minutes from my house), and took a walk along the coast line, with great visibility all the way up to Lebanon in the south, and the Bahai(monotheistic religion founded in the 19th century as a development of "Babism", emphasizing the essential oneness of humankind and of all religions and seeking world peace) temple up Mount Carmel to the south-west.

Other than that I met some more friends of mine, and went to a coffee shop next my house, rediscovering the term "TIP", after almost 2 years where it didn't exist.

2005–10–24,

After a few years, I decided to put my wardrobe in order. The task wasn't easy at all, but finding out piles and piles of clothes I haven't use for years. I decided that something has to be done. And so it was, about 50% of the clothes are no longer in there.

It's amazing how sentimental we get when it comes to a piece of cloth even get attached to it, but now I find myself different, much more willing to "let go", realizing that unless I'd really have to, I'm not going to buy any more clothes again (And it's not a threat!).

Today evening I went to see a lovely Chinese movie called: "a letter from an anonymous woman".<一個陌生女人的來信> Well made, hard to miss the Chinese approach (on every aspect).
Later on we met my parent's friends Raya& Amnon, the latter being a person who influenced allot the beginning of my Asian journey.

After seeing some movies from china (his and mine), my best friend Naor came to see me. He asked his army commander for permission to fly home (he serves in Eilat which is most southern town in Israel, and quite far away from our home town in the north), and obviously got it as well.

With Sharon

2005-10-23T09:57:00.000+02:00

Hello everybody

2005-10-23T09:53:00.000+02:00

Keep it coming, I can handle it

2005-10-23T00:21:00.000+02:00

Today again I met many people, and talked with many on the phone, including my 2 brothers in the USA.
I feel very comfortable now here, spending some time studying Chinese, and some with the family.

I am experiencing a very weird change in me these days. I really got to liking Chinese characters.
I love writing them, and I use a special paper my friend Orelie gave me before I left, to practice calligraphy.
Simply amazing how lovely those characters seem sometimes. Although I'm not the greatest painter, and although I was always a bit anti-writing when I was in China, I really got to like it now.
The peace of mind it gives you is comparable to none. Sometimes it seems that you have to move to a different place, just to find out what you have had under your nose all the time.
I also don't think Israel is such a bad place to live in anymore, guess it's something I have to thank Taiwan for as well.

Today evening, a very good friend of mine came to visit. He made his own trip, almost 1 year in South America, and then work in Europe, and also came back loaded with experience.
We spoke for several hours, about what both of us had been to (including a long and elaborate theological discussion), and stopped only since he had to go back with the car.

Hummus "Said"

2005-10-22T14:02:00.000+02:00

Get by with a little help from my friends...

2005-10-22T13:52:00.000+02:00

Today we did go to eat hummus finally.
Many of my friends from the army came, and we went to Acre together.
The city was abundant with tourists, the food stands were every-were, and the market place was livelier than ever.
I must admit I kind of felt like a tourist for a bit…J

After a very big meal, where the great taste came back to me, we went to my friend's house in a Kibbutz (a communal farming settlement in Israel). There were: Cows, fruits, and all just within 5 minutes of the big city!

Later that evening I went up to Carmel mount again, for the weekly visiting of my grandma. That is when our family gathers, with my cousin, his kids, my family and sometimes my aunt (but she's abroad now, and so are my brothers).

After the meal, we went to the film festival, where live bands where playing, and the atmosphere was great.
The movie itself wasn't too bad either ("the truth lies").
My friends called me to go out that night, but I thought it was time to call it a day, especially since the time difference is still not fully in place.

There are some photos from the last 2 days, (it seemed like a week to me), any questions or comments are more than welcome!

http://gaoluntao.myphotoalbum.com/view_album.php?set_albumName=album01

when grandma sees me

2005-10-21T07:43:00.000+02:00

Well, I'm not sure whether it's the mental preparation I did before leaving Asia, or the warm welcoming my parents gave me when I came back, but folks, as surprising as it might seem- Israel never seemed so peaceful before.

The food I got used to in no time, (not a hard task AT ALL considering the fact my mom is cooking for me now).

My first day was quite busy I might say, although the pace of life here is quite different, and in a big contrast with the one in Asia.
I went up to "Mount Carmel", which is just next to my home town. The great weather (17-24C) and the lovely blue skies contributed to the beauty of the harbor views reflected from the Carmel.
The movie festival is taking place these days, and Haifa is full of visitors. There are also quite a few Asian movies this year, and I'll go to one of the movies tomorrow.

I went to see my 97 years old grandmother. She was so excited, and couldn't stop holding my hand. She thought she will never see me again when I left, and realizing she was wrong, her face were shining all the way.

My friends found out that I'm back, and almost all of them called to say welcome home, and some will even come tomorrow from afar to spend some time in Acre, eat some famous Israeli-Arab hummus.

In the evening something peculiar happened. I met a friend of mine whom I haven't seen for 8 years (!!!).he was a very talented musician with his own band, and guess what? He still is! The only thing is that no he actually makes a living out of it, and he is also our new neighbor, life is really fascinating.

Holidays in Israel now, which means many people are travelling either in or out of Israel, and many festivals around!

Israel, feels like I've never left you

2005-10-20T10:21:00.000+02:00

"All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go.
I'm standing here outside your door,I hate to wake you up to say goodbye, but the dawn is breaking this early morn, the taxi is waiting, is blowing his horn...".
"I'm leaving on a jet plane,don't know when I'll be back again..."

After crazy last 2 weeks in Taiwan (and an especially exciting and unforgettable last day), Partying and going out every day, participating in a speech contest, meeting great people- I headed back to The Holy-land.

The person who took me to the airport was none other then a teacher whom I've met just 2 weeks ago, and whom already decided I should take part in a documentary she's filming.
Taiwanese people are really great.

In the 3 different flights I took, I've met some interesting people, even some nice friends from Malaysia.
The long and tiring flights took almost 24 hours in total, and man, I was quite happy to board the train north, to my house- where my dad came to take me from the train station.

My dog was very excited to see me, and my room is tidy with a new bed in it.

The weather is great, out backyard is blooming, and it is really different in here.
suddenly no people are on the street, all is quite, and ironic as it sound- It's absolutely peaceful now.

The air is great and being able to drink water without boiling them first is a great convenience.