Tel Aviv -- No signs of Xmas hereDec 25, 2011
|
|
| Odd to realize it's Xmas Day and not a tree, song, garland or chubby santa ringing a bell. Instead, Hanukkah menorah's as far as the eye can see. Every single home window, store window, many rooftops of cars, every City park, and even police stations all have a menorah in the window. Our hotel lobby (like every single hotel lobby in Israel) has a menorah. Each night at sunset, many people gather around it, light the candles, say the blessing, then eat sygoniot (sp) which are delicious jelly donuts. Today, Eric's long lost family came to Tel Aviv to show us around. We drove into different areas. All along the sea the winds and surf were heavy. Splashing water over the sides of the walking paths. We think the wind and water are water. The Israeli's find both cold. Everyone we meet tells us the water is too cold and forget about going in. We dip our toes in the Med. Sea and love the temperature. Today is the 2nd time we asked an Israeli where something is and they not only tell you, but walk you over to it. Eric and Jennifer asked about a restaurant, and a lady walking her dog escorted us 8 blocks in her opposite direction to show us. I told her that would never happen in NYC and she smiled and replied "Of course, but this is Israel" and so I guess she is right. I lived in NYC for 10 years and have given many tourists a hand with directions. Best case scenario, I would point or walk a few steps. Never would I walk them 8 - 10 blocks to personally show them the address. Not even sure I would do it know after coming to Israel. But, maybe at least I will consider doing it. Maybe. Today we heard stories from Romania that Eric never knew. Like how is father/uncle's rescued an American pilot whose plane crashed (maybe but facts are unclear) and they were all arrested and almost killed with the pilot. Eric's Uncle Carlo was wealthy and connnected and he bribed folks to free Eric's dad and uncles. Or how his dad filled suitcases with family gold (they were very weathly in Romania) and buried it in the mountains of Romania. Or the story of Eric's great Aunt who replaced the gold in her teeth with diamonds and then had them covered so she could smuggle them out of Romania. Carlo had arranged for the entire family to leave (via paying have funds to bribe folks at the top) and they all were to go together on the train and stay as a family. The train stopped at some point and they were ordered off. Carlo asked the soldiers if they wanted their gold watches. Soldiers took the watches and in return, the Weissmann family was allowed to reboard the train and continue their escape out of the country. Tomorrow, Monday December 26, we will drive to Elat for a three night stay before heading back to USA on 30th. |
Advertisement 
|
