tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22895084364965991782026-05-24T05:26:16.422-07:00Life in Israel - the boring, the scary, the strange, the funny and extra-ordinary things that you can only find in the Holy Land!Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-58787157182096739822024-09-21T05:02:00.000-07:002024-10-04T05:27:03.789-07:00

Yesterday evening after work, my family and I went swimming at our nearest beach.Our nearest beach is Nasholim beach. One of the most amazing beaches in the world, it has everything a sea-lover might wish for.Small and large sea coves to explore, baby fish that you can either chase between the rocks or allow to nibble on your dead skin, a huge collection of sea shells and waves that are often

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-2862340709175457422023-09-23T07:55:00.002-07:002024-09-21T07:34:19.280-07:00

The square shape of the bourekas tells us that they are filled with a potato fillingOne does not have to spend a long time in Israel to get your first introduction to a boureka. These savory stuffed pastries are everywhereYou'll find them for breakfast in hotel dining halls, in countless bakeries and coffee shops, on picnics and even at restaurants that only serve bourekas. They are often eaten

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-15125295681979320792022-09-24T00:44:00.002-07:002024-09-21T07:33:08.543-07:00

This morning as I walked past the high school next to our apartment, it was obvious that my 10-minute zen walk was ruined.For two gorgeous months I had the neighbourhood to myself. Strolling all by myself to work, thinking about nothing. It was just too late in the morning for the joggers and dog walkers but still early enough not to arrive too sweaty at the office.Then one Thursday morning my

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com0Israel31.046051 34.851612-1.9804560574022858 -0.30463799999999708 64.07255805740229 70.007862tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-47976946071194472022022-01-09T06:01:00.009-08:002024-09-21T07:34:57.119-07:00

Those tailor fitted trousers doesn't just 'happen'There' re many things that I didn't know about living in Israel. The big things you more or less expect. Such as the seasons being upside down from those in the Southern Hemisphere. and thatChristmas day is just a regular work day here in Israel.It is however the small things that you don't know that makes you feel that life in Israel is a

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-80994786349737948182021-05-23T00:05:00.004-07:002021-05-23T00:05:32.943-07:00

Screenshot taken from i24News.comIsrael's Independence Day is actually celebrated over two days. On the first day we remember all the fallen soldiers who died since Israel declared its first independence in 1948. Officially it is called the 'Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers of the Wars of Israel and Victims of Actions of Terrorism'.This day is somber and sad and I always cry my eyes out when

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-49249322242939206592021-04-09T06:06:00.008-07:002021-04-09T06:22:35.079-07:00

There are many Jewish holidays but Passover is the big one. It is not only the longest Jewish holiday (7 days) but is also the holiday with the most happenings. Street fairs, special museum exhibits, festivals and   hundreds of family-centered activities are organized for Passover every year.Passover also has the best time-slot. It takes place right in the beginning of the spring which

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-23926718531026172802021-02-15T22:52:00.003-08:002021-04-09T06:19:47.614-07:00

 During the winter months in Israel, as soon we had a bit of rain, the fields are covered in  green khubeza plants. The word fields are actually not 100% correct. Khubezawill grow anywhere. Empty lots, forgotten plant containers, refuse heaps or in any patch of upturned earth.They grow close to the earth and turn the dry Israeli landscape into an unexpected emerald green. Their

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-81123493018357815332021-01-13T22:38:00.002-08:002021-04-09T06:19:24.981-07:00

Photo credit: Steven CornfieldYesterday (9 January 2020) Bibi, the prime minister of Israel and our health minister got their second vaccine against the coronavirus. Once again the event was broadcasted live on television. They got their first vaccination three weeks ago. The idea was to show everyone that the vaccine is safe and people shouldn't be scared to take it. One can however

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-28843140068497278722020-12-19T09:22:00.014-08:002021-04-09T06:18:28.676-07:00

Brass with silver inlay from the Ayyubid or Mamluk period (14th century, Egypt or Syria)I haven't been in a museum for a long time.This #$% corona virus has not only made nearly everyone 'untouchable' but has also robbed us from enjoying ancient art!One of the most amazing, and little celebrated, joys of life is to stand in front of a glass cage in a museum. In my humble opinion of course 😊.&

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-84525093626181160322020-12-05T12:20:00.006-08:002024-09-17T04:44:40.694-07:00

Rain is so precious and anticipated here in Israel. Our long hot summers parch the land, man and beast. It's not just the heat - the hot winds from the Arabian peninsula squeeze the last drops of life out of any living organism and cover everything with a thick layer of dust.It is no wonder that by the end of September, we start looking at the skies. Our very souls thirst for rain by then.

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com0Israel31.046051 34.8516122.735817163821153 -0.30463799999999708 59.356284836178844 70.007862tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-76394904462509912882020-11-01T23:00:00.022-08:002024-09-21T07:43:32.808-07:00

Photo credit: James HawkinsWe do not pull on our sweaters just yet. It’s more the scent of fresh wine and the squeals of wild boar that signal autumn’s arrival in Israel. Here, the weather has two modes: rain and not rain. When it rains in Israel, it’s cold. The rest of the time, we either boil in the heat or simmer under it. Our summers technically last nine months, and they’re not what

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-541933345105802182020-10-11T02:48:00.009-07:002020-12-21T23:35:23.869-08:00

 We are in a second lockdown in Israel and it is much worse than the first one.During the first lockdown, even though we were all very worried, we were happy to protect the compromised and stay at home. Our infection and death rates were of the lowest in the world. Israel was praised all over the world for taking such swift action in these uncertain times.And yet, here we are again in a

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com1Israel31.046051 34.8516122.735817163821153 -0.30463799999999708 59.356284836178844 70.007862tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-50866895587723703722020-10-04T05:04:00.011-07:002020-12-21T23:36:02.611-08:00

The days are still hot in Israel. Very hot. We barely survive from one heatwave to the next and the air conditioning units hum in the background 24/7. The only time we dare to go walk or run is either early in the mornings or in the evenings, long after the sun has set.Not that there is much to see outside - the land is scorched and dry. Only the long dead weeds are still visible in the fields

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com0Israel31.046051 34.8516122.735817163821153 -0.30463799999999708 59.356284836178844 70.007862tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-7664496597004634922020-09-09T11:41:00.006-07:002020-12-21T23:36:57.656-08:00

The country of Israel is small. It is actually quite tiny if you compare it to other countries. We are even smaller than countries such as Cuba, Ireland, Moldova and Puerto Rico. It is more or less the same size as New Jersey in the USA or the Kruger National Park in South Africa. As a South African, I used to wonder where all the people live ( 8 million) because I know the Kruger National

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-7797931702189296602020-08-28T06:19:00.031-07:002020-12-21T23:39:40.429-08:00

In a northern-ish corner of the Old City in Jerusalem, not far from the Damascus Gate and right at the edge of the Via Dolorosa, hides the Austrian Hospice of the Holy Family in Jerusalem. Outside the gates of the hospice, you find yourself in hustle and bustle of the Muslim quarter. Inside the hospice you will feel as though you have time-travelled to 19th century Europe.I first thought that I

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-51210710700756531282020-07-19T03:43:00.006-07:002020-12-21T23:40:36.631-08:00

Israeli watermelon have been modified to have soft edible white pips It is not an exaggeration to say that Israelis are hot-tempered and love to argue. It is sort of a national sport here. It is actually surprising that in such a small country, so many people find so much to argue about. Apart from the usual suspects such as politics, religion and parking spots, the people of Israel can

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-13411683150093591772020-07-10T07:59:00.007-07:002020-12-21T23:42:15.080-08:00

The sea is blue but it is not really SUMMER in Israel. Summers in Israel always used to be special for me. The entire country feels as though it has entered vacation mode even though most of us are still working. This is the time when new ice cream flavours are announced - you can never eat enough ice cream to cool off properly in our summer heat!  I am always amused at how fond

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-24602852229804996342020-06-30T02:31:00.009-07:002020-12-21T23:47:28.164-08:00

That is correct, we have a small wildflower here in Israel called the Blood of the Maccabees. I agree that this is quite a macabre name for such a cute little flower. However there is a long history behind this local wildflower and its unusual name.  Which actual sums up nearly anything of interest in Israel - the ancient history of this land continually soaks into our everyday lives.

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-79629974279140594372020-05-05T03:24:00.016-07:002020-12-22T22:35:16.028-08:00

Every year in Israel, exactly one week before we celebrate Independence Day, we remember all the people who have died in the Holocaust. From sunset the previous day until the first three stars show up in the sky the next day, the entire country is in mourning. Restaurants, theatres and coffee shops are closed. Most of the television channels are paused while the others play Holocaust

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-47642101994006305282020-03-07T22:04:00.004-08:002020-12-22T22:43:23.806-08:00

I wish that public smoking would be banned already If you have read any of my blog posts, you must have realized that this South African has learned to love the land of Israel and all the crazy Israelis inside it. It took awhile, probably because it took me so long to learn Hebrew, but it has become a place I call home. A tourist may think that the locals are kinda rude, I think that

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-6021065982673275722020-02-22T22:25:00.006-08:002020-12-22T22:42:00.655-08:00

Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash What happens in your country when a waiter drops a tray in a packed restaurant and everything on the tray shatters to pieces? Is there an awkward silence? Does everyone avert their eyes from the embarrassed waiter as he quickly sweeps up all the broken pieces? Maybe there are a few softly muttered curses from him or the floor manager..? Do you know what

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-26358500967194569022020-02-13T12:30:00.004-08:002020-12-22T22:53:14.468-08:00

Ramat haNadiv is a small nature reserve nestling close to my town, Zichron Yaakov, in the northern-ish part of Israel. The reserve was established in 1965, and is actually a burial place for the Baron Edmund Rothschild and his wife Ada. The baron supported the early settlers in the area with money and advice from the leading scientists of the day.  That is also why the park is called

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-68455690905862229842019-12-30T21:41:00.032-08:002020-12-22T22:58:04.201-08:00

In the attractive and characteristic neighbourhood of Rehavia in Jerusalem, not far from the president's residence, there is this a small museum called the Museum For Islamic Art.  It is a gorgeous museum filled with amazing artifacts. Personally though I think that the museum should be called the Museum of Eastern Art. Most of the artifacts pre-date Islam and/or originate from non-Arab

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-62286671868429256052019-12-12T11:55:00.003-08:002020-09-09T12:02:13.096-07:00

This is NOT queue in Israel, it is waay to calm and orderly If you visit Israel as a tourist, or are a new immigrant you may get the conclusion that Israelis do not have the queue-standing gene. They just seem to stand around in a bunch and then use their elbows to move forward when the train or bus arrives or when going through a building's security entrance. This is one part of

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2289508436496599178.post-10222189243629395562019-12-08T22:51:00.000-08:002020-02-13T12:45:30.280-08:00

As a South African living in Israel, I cannot help but constantly compare the two countries. Of course there are many differences but one of the major similarities is our dependence on rain water.  And since most of South Africa (though not the Cape area) gets its rain during the summer months and Israel gets its rain during the winter months, we are waiting for the rainy season at

Marina Shemeshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15088686298448918419noreply@blogger.com0