Lizrael Update

Lizrael Update: babbling about the expat life since 2004

  • Calling all Orange customers –

    If you’re an Orange user, your calls between 9:30pm-3am can be free from Dec 7 – Dec 13. Dial *3322 from your Orange phone. Press 1 for Hebrew, and then after the explanation when you get more choices, press 1. There will be another message which will then cut off, and you’re done. (Thanks, BY)

  • My TV and me.

    Since cable TV magically started channeling through to our apartment (not so magic, really; we just hooked up the TV and there it was) we’ve begun to morph into couch potatoes, Israeli style. The usual American TV-show suspects (Friends, Seinfeld) repeat way too often (you’ll see the same episode aired four times in 48 hours)…

  • New olim, don't read this.

    It’s nearly two years since I made aliyah. There are a lot of things about the experience I’m over at this point. Some highlights of what I’m over: – ‘Making aliyah’– The intrigue of being a secular Israeli– Being called by my Hebrew name– Speaking English in the street– Visiting the States– Maps of Israel–…

  • Another thing about living in a Mizrachi neighborhood.

    The thing about living in a Mizrachi neighborhood is… everyone looks like Benny Sela.

  • Ode to Britney. That's right: Britney.

    You know how I know I’m growing up? I don’t convulse or throw-up-in-my-mouth-a-little at the thought of Justin Timberlake. Now, wait – before you write me off – it does make sense. Surely, a lot of people know they’re growing up when they get over silly pop culture, but I wasn’t so much like a…

  • You know you're married when…

    You know you’re married when you get hit on by the hottest guy and the first person you call to gush about it is… your husband.

  • Doggy etiquette.

    I didn’t have a dog in the States, but I knew (or assumed) enough about doggy etiquette by watching Americans in my area walk their dogs. Americans:– Hold their dogs on a shorter leash when passing by other people and dogs.– Rarely let their dogs run loose unless in a dog-specific park.– Are careful about…

  • Matbucha chicken.

    Last night, matbucha chicken was created in my very own kitchen. The recipe: – 4 chicken breasts that have been sitting in the freezer– 6 tomatoes that are almost rotten and need to be used– A colourful spice rack– 1 husband (or housemate) who loves to experiment in cooking Mmmm.

  • 'Tis the season.

    Like back in the old country, the Israeli shopping centers are gearing up for the oncoming holiday season (it’s just minus all the green and red). Get ready to light up, folks.

  • Art show opening in Jerusalem.

    Joy Langer‘s art show: A chance to see some incredibly original art;A chance to meet a friendly, experienced artist;A pretty cool down-to-earth place to take a date;Something to do on a lazy Friday afternoon… Here are the details: Joy Langer Putting The Pieces Together Opening Reception Friday December 1st, 2006, 12:30pm Closing Date: 27.12.06 Liquid…

  • Strike too.

    Today, on strike day: two, the paper said that the government employees are striking because they haven’t been paid – in one month, three, and even twelve. Well, that sucks, and I’d strike too. Which means one painfully, frustratingly obvious thing: The government is SELFISH. And it can be as socialist as it wants, but…

  • Social pressure.

    I am not at Misrad Klita (Absorption office) right now. Everyone with a government paycheck is on strike. Why? Because now they have to bank (and get screwed) like the rest of us. SELFISH! I get it’s a socialist country, but it doesn’t seem very social that we, the people, should get screwed both ways.

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