Reporting from Israel: December 11

Today we decided to drive to Tel-Aviv where each Tuesday there is an amazing art show at the center of the city in a neighborhood called Nachclat Benyamin.

Since you probably already know my love for playing the guitar, I could not resist this great piece of “a guitarist” artwork, made out of forks and spoons, of which I became the proud owner:

(Guitar player)

I struck up a great conversation with this retired teacher who left his teaching position of 30 years to start carving wood faces. We discussed the challenges of making ends meet as a teacher in Israel, and his love and passion for his new profession while being able to live quite well now. It was interesting to hear him quote some of my favorite Mark Twain quotes in Hebrew. This time nothing was lost in the translation:

(Teacher becomes a wood carver)

(Wood carving work)

We walked around, engaging in some great conversations with the artists while investing in the local economy. We then sat down for a tasty lunch of Israeli sandwiches, salads and coffee. Did I mention yet that Israel probably has the best coffee I have ever tasted? Perhaps a close second may be the one I had in Italy several years ago:

(Hafuch Chazak or Strong upside down coffee or simply a latte)

I then ran into an Arab woman who was baking Pita bread. It looked and smelled so awesome, but I just had my lunch. When she noticed me taking her pictures she demanded I buy some of her bread as well:

(Arab woman baking Pita)

(Arab Woman demanding I buy the Pita)

When it comes to clowns, they seem to be able to speak a universal language. This clown was walking around mesmerizing the kids with his stories and making balloon animals:

(Clown)

I met Iris, an artist, who makes beautiful stained glass. The Chanukah dreidels caught my attention among the coasters and lamps she makes. It was a good financial day for Iris and I have a lot to carry back now to the U.S.

(Stained Glass)

(Dreidels)