Learning to Love Olives

Batman Returns {Yonatan}

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 17:03:00 +0000

Five Stars and The Moon

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 10:36:00 +0000

Last week we were at an all-night concert in the Negev Desert. It was a promotion for Diet Coke titled, Five Stars and The Moon. It was unique in that only 200 people could reserve and each had their own private tent, message and dinner was middle-eastern served in a communal tent. We danced the night away and breakfast was served breakfast the next morning. It must of been the combination of the cool morning desert air and a slight hang-over, but the omelette was one of the best i've tasted complete with a turkish coffee. We had a great time together and with friends.

{situated in the desert}

Today's Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:43:00 +0000

Source: imgfave.com via Genny on Pinterest

The Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 03:31:00 +0000

I always book my dentist appointments when I'm in Canada, for no other reason than routine. If there is one pain I enjoy, it's teeth cleaning. The entire trip satisfies me really, the sterile white office, the comfortable big chair, the soft tunes of the 90's, the free toothbrush and accessory bag in the end and of course my clean white teeth.

This year, however, we will not be in Canada and I took my first trip to the dentist here in Israel. Next time, I'll wait! Why am I still shocked to enter a medical office in a bomb shelter, why! Upon being called into the office, I had to twist and contort my body around the exceptionally awkward 'excavator' type chair just to sit down. The dental hygienist then placed a seemingly small tissue on my upper chest, attached the suction tool to my tongue and placed the water spritzer tool under that. She began cleaning, drilling, torturing and while my tongue was being suctioned off, my face was being drenched from the spraying water.

If that was not unfortunate enough, I brought in my two little boys. I didn't want to bother getting a babysitter for just one hour and didn't think it was an issue. The entire "cleaning" process took about 30 minutes and they didn't move, not even a flinch. My boys sat there in utter disbelief, with their mouths closed! The usual unanswerable questions popped up in Hebrew as well, "do you floss, how often do you brush, how is your life...." and of course with blood dripping, water spraying, suction moving, I was unable to answer even "huuu haaa" but she kept on asking! Finally, I was able to spit and when I looked over at my boys, I said, "see, that didn't hurt a bit!" The next day my eldest managed to remind me that he never wanted to be or see a dentist in his life! Oh dear.

Source: foreverinlovewith.tumblr.com via Jo on Pinterest

Our New Neighbors ::

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 22:31:00 +0000

We have new neighbors, in our backyard that is. A whale and a fish are new additions to our little neighborhood and the kids just love them. Created by Raphael Assraf, a kibbutz resident on the Galilee and a landscape designer by profession. Raphael is known for his clay sculptures, theatre masks, giant puppets and oil paintings. He works with children across the country.

Thank you for our wonderful new friends!

For more information about Raphael Assraf and his work, please visit his website by clicking Here

Preparing for Back to School

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 22:03:00 +0000

Made in Israel and I just love it!

Tel Aviv Map Wallet | Designed by Efratul

Haifa Map Wallet | Designed by Efratul

Jerusalem Map Wallet | Designed by Efratul

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:53:00 +0000

A Thought Before Immigrating to Israel :: a post from my notebook

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 21:44:00 +0000

I always carry my Prayer for Travelers. My own prayer to travel is wrapped around every letter. My red over-sized suitcase get packed and unpacked and when will it fly? I heard Hebrew in the terminal today and I dropped everything to follow, only my swivel chair welded to the floor held me back. This timeless terminal, where my day is your night and silence could mean disappointment or a goodnight's sleep. I go through the motions, "Good afternoon ladies and gentleman, Harbour Air flight 204 to downtown Vancouver is now ready for boarding. Could ALL passengers ...." and I proceed in auto-pilot and gasp for air. I breath better in Israel. Passengers check-in and I wait to check-out. I haven't been the same since I left you.

Source: etsy.com via Rachel on Pinterest

My Dream Home :: Israel

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:52:00 +0000

I love interior design - i always have. I used to have a pile of plastic boxes filled with magazine cut-outs of rooms, paint colors, spaces and places I loved, and all fashion and home related articles. If only I had Pinterest back then to store everything on, I would still have my collection today. Over the years my many boxes shrunk to one and now none and I'm beginning to re-collect online, as a sort of hobby.

I came across a home recently in Israel that seemed to pop right out of my dreams and it's close to perfect. Spacious for little boys, simple, clutter free, designed wonderfully and LIGHT!

Location: Yad Hanna (a kibbutz just north of Tel Aviv)
Owners: "Messy" married couple with 2 young children
Design: by IM Design
Home: 190 m²

Welome Home ::

Source: bvd.co.il via Genny on Pinterest

I found these photos and article from a great Israeli design site called bvd

If you would like to follow me on Pinterest Click Here

Yarn Shop in Ra'anana Israel

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 21:39:00 +0000

Source: flickr.com via Melodie on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Genny on Pinterest

just for keepers

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:01:00 +0000

Hartzi, age 1 1/2 ...

Favorite youtube is ...

Yonatan, 3 1/2 ...

Favorite youtube is ...

Happy Anniversary!

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Sat, 13 Aug 2011 22:02:00 +0000

In honor of our wedding anniversary this week - a few photos from our special day.

Kala | wedding hall

we meet for the first time

our Chuppa outside

guests

putting the veil over my face

after our vows

Reception Hall before our guests arrive

"I can conquer anything

with one hand

as long as you are

holding the other"

Happy Anniversary

Eilat, Israel

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 14:43:00 +0000

We recently spent four days in Eilat, located in the Negev Desert of Southern Israel on the Red Sea. It's home to over 45,000 people and during the summer months the population more than doubles. It is a popular vacation destination for Israeli's and tourists all year around. We try to take the boys at least once a year. There is an airport in Eilat with regular flights but we always prefer to drive and enjoy having the car once we arrive.

The city is host to beautiful public beaches, nature and marine reserves, a dolphin reef, parks, scuba diving, water sports, shopping, street entertainment, numerous hotels and restaurants, an exciting nightlife, skydiving, jeep or camel treks and for a little get-away this little city seems endless. We always leave wanting more and always come home satisfied.

[ A few photos from our trip ]

we enter the Negev Desert on our drive to Eilat

our stop-over on the drive to Eilat included camels and animals

with a muzzle and awful noises Yonatan didn't want to get too close!
The charge to ride this snarly stinky animal was 50nis!
Ok - perhaps the novelty has worn off a bit for us:)

Hartzi stayed even further away from the Camel:)

relaxation or not?

they thought it was a dinosaur at first!

quite beautiful actually

[ we arrive to Eilat ]

finally the Eilat Airport

Hotels in sight and an oasis in the desert

in town

our Hotel in the distance, The Hilton Queen Sheba

Yonatan's reaction to our arrival! Yessshhh!

Hilton Hotel

our hotel is just seconds from shopping and beaches

[ The Hilton Pool ]

after check-in it was straight to the pool

Hartzi

[ shows and events were held every night ]

Tal Mosseri | Singing and dancing for kids

[ Night along the beach promenade ]

artists in uniform

novelty seekers or just crazy people inside this ball that gets tossed up into the sky!

street shopping at night was still going strong at 12:45am

everything and religion on the streets

packed

[ out and about the next day ]

[ our trip through Ice Space ]

they provide the gear:)

even socks

getting ready for -7 inside

-7 inside and 40 degrees outside

Polar Bear Ice Sculpture

a display inside the ice

Canada here I come:)

[ it was so hot we took the boys swimming at night ]

little restaurant on the beach

the water was so warm

[ Dolphin Reef Eilat ]

For more information about the Dolphin Reef in Eilat please click Here

[ our last bite to eat before our trip home ]

bye bye

[ bye bye Eilat and see you soon ]

Orchid Hotel, Eilat Israel

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:22:00 +0000

Orchid Hotel | rooftops

A vacation with two little boys, it's very important to chose the right hotel. The one with the water-slide, jungle gym and kiddies pool is usually our first pick. This trip to Eilat we spent two nights at the Queen Sheba Hilton hotel. A popular choice and centrally located, we enjoyed the pool and the evening shows. The last two nights we were connected with a room at the Orchid Hotel Eilat and we decided to switch for a change. I'm so glad we did!

I had the most relaxing time just drinking a beer on the balcony of our private hut and looking out over the Red Sea. From the moment in the lobby observing the indoor fish pond to taking a golf car ride to our outdoor hut and then swimming with the boys at night, we had a real vacation at this Far Eastern style hotel. For us, it suited perfectly. Here are a few photos from our trip and a few more I found to enjoy.

Orchid Hotel | staircase to rooms which are all outdoor huts

Orchid Hotel | pool and dining-room in the background

the upper loft in our room

Night-time table tennis | Yonatan is on the left and he played awesome!

he is getting so big!

[a few more pictures]

Orchid Hotel | fish pond

Orchid Hotel from a distance

If you would like any more information about the Orchid Hotel you can contact me or visit the website in English and Hebrew - click Here

More to come on our trip from Eilat:)

freedom flies

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 19:27:00 +0000

The beginning of August and mid-way through summer. It's hot, dreadfully and wonderfully hot. We are on vacation and recently the days are beginning to blend. I am trying to keep my little boys busy enough and yet not too busy so they are asleep in their beds at nap time and bed time.

I was home-schooled until the age of 13. My Mom educated the four of us at home until we decided individually that we wanted to begin public school. For my parents, home education wasn't a fade from their hippy days, rather they strived for stronger education values and at the same time did not want to hinder us if we chose a more social dwelling in a public environment. I remember when our studies came to an end each afternoon my Mom would let us run around the house crazy to get rid of our sitting legs - she ran with us too. We had an imagination carpet to tell stories and created a theatre to perform. We studied based on our strengths and we played even stronger.

My sister's rabbit, Bonnie, was a wonderful pet and the wooden fort my Dad built was my mansion in the backyard. We had a veggie garden, dirt that made clay dishes, a swing, and we always seemed to have a wonderful next door neighbor and an awful one. They both fed our imaginations. It was the geese that horrified us the most when we got stuck in muddy water and between our driveways end and the blackberry bushes we lived out our childhood. I promised to play another game of "lions" with my brother but then suddenly we grew up!

All of this came up over coffee with myself this morning and I was inspired. As a parent my days are blending but for my boys it's just the beginning of their own wonder and existence. Perhaps just to be at home is all that is required to enjoy the little things and little ones.

All of my precious memories and days spent with my boys are only mine now - I realized - they will have their very own. Oh I pray for a little wisdom to guide them each in their own way. Today they decided to fly a kite and it was very fitting for me:)

Yonatan, almost 4

Har-Tzion (Hartzi), almost 2

Words I love:

Source: talitaxx.tumblr.com via Irene on Pinterest

Gai Beach | Tiberias

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 12:35:00 +0000

Gai Beach | Water Park

Gai Beach, Tiberias, was one of our little adventures last week. My Mother-in-law's work place organized the trip for employees and family. It's been awhile since I visited the Galilee and a field trip with Safta (Grandma) was long over-due.

What a blast we had! Gai Beach has a water slide park, wave pool, kids water park, beach and hotel.

I could hardly contain my own excitement upon entering the facility and I headed directly towards the first kiddie slide with my two eager little boys ... well, my youngest is always hesitant about everything at first and with good reason I suppose! My first attempt turned out to be a black and blue bruise on my behind after mis-judging the speed verses landing! With my youngest on my lap he suddenly found himself underwater momentarily and while we both came up from 3 feet of water gasping for air my eldest gave a look of disbelief....are you ok? Ok, so he didn't want to go again and sitting for the next week was painful for me but even despite our little incident it was the most fun any kid or adult could have in one day!

We spent hours sliding, swimming, eating, playing, and we went back and forth frequently between the beach and the water park.

Thanks for so much FUN Safta!

with Safta:))

For more information you can leave me a comment or visit the website Gai Beach Hotel

A review on Gai Beach:
Trip Advisor:
"Amazing" - We didn't stay at the hotel, but spent the day at the attached waterpark. It was awesome!!! I was there with 5 kids ages 10, 8, 6, 4 and 1, lawn chairs and shade everywhere, you can take the plastic chairs INTO the pools, laid back Israeli style so the lifeguards let you go down the slides any way you want, kinneret beach front, mini pool area for the little ones, wave pool, it was amazing. i'm american from ny but I speak fluent hebrew so i guess it helps. no kosher certificate at the food and open on shabbos, but plenty of kosher ice creams, ices and drinks to get, and you can bring in your own food too. Really a highlight of our trip!!!

Surfing the Akko waves

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:53:00 +0000

I can report that 38 degrees is almost too hot and the warm sea water gives no relief! Our eldest son loves "surfing" the HUGE waves, while our little guy prefers dry ground. Summer is here in Israel! More to come on our little adventures through our summer vacation!

a cool Goldstar beer would be delightful ... with ice pleeease;)

Never Say Never

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:08:00 +0000

the advertisement for my dance classes coming this September

I was three and I knew I would be a ballerina. At 11 years of age I was accepted into a professional ballet school and at 15 I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to study dance in Belgium. I was gifted with dance. It was a natural talent but what never comes naturally is the drive and determination to keep going. It is a force of will that makes a superstar in any aspect of life and when my career suddenly ended I did not have the heart or the patience to teach others what took me years to learn. I would never be a dance teacher.

It did not end entirely, I took guest classes here and there, performed and taught on occasion. After I immigrated to Israel I thought that I'd left the dance world forever in North America. I focused on Pilates, studied, put in hours at the office and extra hours greeting delegation guests at a hotel and wondering what I actually love to do.

After my first son was born I returned to teaching dance but quit reluctantly. It was less hours and a better wage and I found no reason to return other than that - until recently. I replaced a dance instructor while she was on maternity leave and I found myself enjoying the drive to the studio and seemingly loving my home even more when I returned! The girls began learning and by the end of the season they had a dance routine.

They say in Israel, there is no such thing as a Win-Win situation. In a society where so many aspects could be a threat, it is survival of the fittest. It sounds a little harsh but when push comes to shove it's amazing what we force ourselves to do and end up succeeding. All things compared my little accomplishments seem rather small but in all things relative it was a win for me - I just received my first big job as a dance teacher and I begin this September. I will run the dance studio with classes in Ballet, Jazz and Modern. I have a lot to do until then but I'm looking forward to being a ballerina again!

In addition, we have been in the middle of moving, year end events and work projects. Life got so hectic this past month, this is my first blog entry in one month! Thanks for your support and kind words, wondering if we are all OK ... and yes thank you we are well and settled! Everything seems back to normal sitting here writing while my boys are screaming at each other hungry and thirsty and waiting for attention!! I'm kidding, it's not that bad ... but it is back to normal;) See you soon!

life is like a pair of converse all-star shoes

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Tue, 17 May 2011 19:11:00 +0000

I had thoughts of getting older, but it never bother me until my birthday. What came over me, to this day I have no idea, but I locked myself in the closet and cried my sorrows away, I was 13.

I know what your thinking, I must be a disaster now, right! Well, that was 17 years ago and the truth is, I've never looked back, until today. An uneventful trip to our family doctor this morning for a vitamin supplement turned nostalgic. I anticipated something when the doctor eyed me tip to toe, "i see you're are 30? it's time for a full check-up". Suddenly, my face felt dry and wrinkled and that pain in my back began to proliferate! Of all people, Joseph Pilates (invented Pilates) came to mind, "you're only as old as your spine", or something like that.

Sorry to all my friends that I've been comforting lately during their depressing thoughts about getting older, including my husband who every day tries to find a grey hair! I have no idea why! I REALLY do believe that age has absolutely nothing to do with ANYTHING of importance, but today, the world got the better of me.

Thank goodness apartments in Israel don't have closets and my wardrobe is just a little too packed! I did find my converse 'all-star' shoes in there though and it occurred to me .... life is like a pair of 'all-star' shoes, the older they get, the better;)

Source: goodmorningandgoodnight.com via Ellie on Pinterest

Israeli Markets | Akko (Acre)

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Tue, 17 May 2011 11:48:00 +0000

Akko is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Israel. Located on the Mediterranean Sea just north of Haifa, it is a rare blend of East and West and a unique meeting place of art and religion. Akko is one of the most important cities of the ancient world - it's fortresses, citadels, churches and mosques reveil it's history. A wonderful tourist destination, Akko is certainly one of the most special places in Israel and in the world.

Today, Akko is home to over 50,000 people - Jews, Muslims and Christians. Just beyond the "old city" walls a modern city thrives with museums, beaches, restaurants, hotels and life in the fast lane as usual. Currently under construction, the largest Mall in the north of Israel is being built near to Akko's city center.

Here are a few pictures of our trip through the Market in the old city of Akko.

an entrance gate to the Old City of Akko

"California" ... a little west-coast in the old city!

the famous falafel

Falafel stop in Akko

seafood on sale

just caught

material shop in the old city

the hooka, known in Israel as "Nargila"

a collectors item?

not sure if i would touch that!

[from coffee to cutlery and some unidentifiable things, you can find it all at the Akko Market]

where Humas is born

sugar cane

outdoor market path

spice shop

fishing shop

Akko, old city residence

The Clock tower of "Khan al umdan" constructed during the Ottoman period

[find time next time you visit and you will love it]

our neigborhood | Shabbat

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Mon, 16 May 2011 21:02:00 +0000

Every so often we spend our Shabbat (Saturday) at home. In this instance I usually devise a plan that revolves around a good nap... for me. It's not easy keeping my one and a half year old awake until the late afternoon. I suppose my last thoughts before I lose my sanity are, yes, I can do it and I always do! My plan this time was a little wander through the closed neighborhood to burn off some energy. We noticed some things that we never did before and drank hot-chocolate for the first time in a long time. In the end, I napped.

closed pizza store

not even a cat!

i never even noticed the local coffee shop tables and pass by almost daily!

a kid with a plan!

during the weekdays every chair is occupied All day ... it's a very busy ice cream shop

empty side streets look so bare

Yes, Death is Dangerous!

mmmm, hot chocolate at 'Aroma'

"is that CHOCOLATE?!"

Aroma - 24/7

little man syndrome!

what a blast!

Viviane Nathan Photography | Handmade Israel

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Sun, 15 May 2011 18:46:00 +0000

Viviane Nathan

Viviane Nathan was born in Uruguay, grew up in Switzerland and Panama and now lives in Israel. She writes, "I think the camera is a powerful tool that enables me to share my visions with the rest of the world. My inspiration comes from human beings and their interactions with each other, from nature and the world we inhabit".

I have followed Viviane's work as she travels through Israel and I love how she is able to capture those moments and places that I would just pass by. It's those familiar places that is truly home and she captures it to be remembered.

[please click on the title below each photography to view the original by Viviane Nathan]

Viviane Nathan Photography | Ben Yehuda st. Jerusalem

Viviane Nathan Photography | Nachlaot, Jerusalem

Viviane Nathan Photography | old city, Jerusalem

Viviane Nathan Photography | door in Neveh Tzedek, Tel Aviv

Viviane Nathan Photography | blue shutters in Jerusalem

Viviane Nathan Photography | Western Wall, Jerusalem

Viviane Nathan Photography | the market in Jerusalem before it opens

Viviane Nathan Photography | Haifa beach

Browsing through her online shop I enjoyed not only her images but reading the stories of why and where she took each photograph.

To view Viviane Nathan's full collection visit her personal website at

Viviane Nathan

Viviane Nathan's Photography can also be viewed and purchased online at (click each link below):

The Colours of Life by Viviane Nathan

Fine Art America | Viviane Nathan

Viviane Nathan is on facebook too!

The Colours of Life | facebook

Contact her personally

nathan.viviane[at]yahoo.com

[I hope you enjoy her collection as much as I do!]

Children learn about Israel's Independence Day

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Sun, 15 May 2011 08:44:00 +0000

Last week Israel celebrated 63 years with fireworks, festivals and concerts through the streets. My eldest son has been waiting for Independence day since last year's fireworks and although the party is over, he is still singing, "white and blue, white and blue, my colors, my beautiful land". This morning on the way to his daycare, he wasn't the only one singing this tune!

[blue and white, my colors]

Memorial Day | Israel

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Tue, 10 May 2011 08:55:00 +0000

Memorial Day

A total of 22, 867 soldiers have fallen in battle or died during service over the course of Israel's history (63 years). Over the past year 183 soldiers joined that list. Currently, 4,999 women living in Israel have lost a husband to war, according to the Defense Minister. There are 2,543 Israeli children who lost a parent in service and 3,252 couples and 4,315 individual parents who have lost a child.

In total, 18,361 people are currently defined as bereaved relatives of the first degree, a number which does not include the siblings of fallen soldiers.

Memorial Day also commemorates civilians murdered by terrorists. A total of 2,443 Israeli civilians have been murdered by terrorists since 1950; 13 were killed over the course of the past year.

to you, whom i love

i cannot seperate you from this land

although I may survive with one

I pray to G-d

with both.

[Honoring Soldiers that have lost their lives for Israel]

watching the Ceremony

background - hundreds stand beside their loved ones grave

From sunset to sunset, Memorial Day is the official day that we honor our fallen soldiers. On sunset the second day, we celebrate our country's Independence and the lives that give us our freedom.

[The statistics provided in this post were taken from Israel National News]

Visual Media | Handmade Israel

noreply@blogger.com (genny) — Sun, 08 May 2011 20:40:00 +0000

Photo from Nadav Zofi

The soon-to-be graduates of Minshar School of Art in Tel Aviv, are now completing their final projects. Talent is an under-statement when such creativity is sought after for National projects, business campaigns and advertising long before graduation. Their amazing talent and work is represented in the videos below.

Tel Aviv Love Winter by Nadav Zofi

For more of Nadav's work see his fantastic blog here

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Minshar" is the final project of Visual Media student, Roby Haviv

Creative director: Roby Haviv

Video: Nadav Zofi

ENJOY!