Bus Ride to Dizengoff Street and Falafel/Coffee Delight

After attending Ulpan today I boarded a bus headed to Dizengoff Center, an area that I have come to love for its flair, shops, busyness and bus access.  Sitting on the bus I was approached in Hebrew, by a young woman, approximately 22, who looked lost.  She asked me for directions to Ben Yehuda Street.  In my broken Hebrew, I suggested that she ask the bus driver, because although I knew the street, I wanted to make sure she got the right information.  As we were speaking, other passengers heard our conversation, and all of a sudden five different folks started giving her directions, each raising their voice and assuring her that they knew the way.  Try to imagine five individuals talking to her, all at the same time, and contradicting each other.  The girl looked at me in despair, and then focused her attention on the oldest passenger, a man who really seemed to know what he was talking about.  Everyone wants to help, give advice, and knows better than the other.  The intention is what truly counts!  I am sure the girl got to her destination after all. You see, this kind of incident can happen only in Israel.

On Diezenfoff and Frishman I found a terrific place to get a mouth-watering falafel for 22 NIS = $7.45 Cdn.  I can assure you that after you eat it you won't be hungry for several hours. The place is always packed.  People line up all day to sink their teeth into a freshly fried falafel. Some eat it on the spot and a few secure an awkward seat in one of two picnic tables situated between the lineup. The diverse clientele does not seem to mind the lack of comfort and privacy. Today I bought a falafel plate "to go" for 22 NIS (6 fresh falafel balls that melt in your mouth, assorted salads, hummus, tahina, pitta, hot sauce, and on the house sides, like pickled cabbage, carrots, peppers and cucumbers).  I then took my delicious tray across the street, where I discovered a French cafe called "Zomer."  Outside the small cafe is a private seating area in the shade, where I make myself at home sitting at one of the round tables that offer an oasis for the many lovers of fresh baking and good coffee. The owner and staff, two young boys, already know me, and allow me to sit there for hours while doing homework, reading, or simply reflecting on my day.  First, I devour my falafel, and then proceed to order my drink. I do not seem to be the only one with chutzpah to bring food from elsewhere, but the boys are fine with it.  They know that at the end, I pay my dues.  Today I sat there for several hours, busy with my paperwork and phone calls, until I saw the sun starting to set.  I then boarded bus #239 that drops me off at the corner of my apartment building. I note that this housing arrangement is coming to an end, and as of June 1st I will have a new and more permanent home. Stay tuned.

Shabbat Shalom and a restful weekend for my dear ones across the oceans.