Only in Israel does the woman behind the counter at the post office believe it to be normal to ask to borrow something that you are about to mail off.
It was time to return my rented cell phone and charger, but before I could do so, the post woman realized that the charger could very well be a perfect fit for her cell phone. Unfortunately, she had misplaced her own charger the night before and had not had the time to go and buy another before starting work. Fortunately for her, I came along. She asked to take a look at my rented charger, proceeded to take her cell phone out, and fit the charger into the cell phone. Looking at her strangely she asked, "Do you mind, I'll just charge my cell phone fore 10 minutes, and trust me, I will then place the charger in the package and mail it off." I replied with a hesitant, "sure, but I'll be seated until it's sent off."
5.16.2011
1.26.2011
Patient's Love Records
After having been checked, probed, and proded by the 50-something Israeli male doctor, he came to the conclusion that I had a case of a "very bad cold". Well, of course, this surely means I am under severe pain and am, therefore, helpless in taking care of myself. So, the first question the doctor asks is, "Who's the lucky guy who get's to take care of you tonight?" Obviously thrown off by this innappropriate question, I responded with nothing but and uncomfortable smile and head bow. After such a cold response, the doctor at once realized his question was possibly a lawsuit waiting to happen.
12.19.2010
Two for the Price of One
Only in Israel is a movie theater exit simultaneously the entrance and exit to a nightclub.
The movie ended, and we headed toward the exit. The exit was a winding staircase that, instead of leading back into the lobby of the movie theater, led directly outside. As we arrived to the end of the staircase, we noticed a crowd of young, attractive Israelis waiting impatiently behind a barracade, harrasing the bouncer and selector in front of them. At once I realized we had not only exited a theater, but were also leaving the entrance and exit to a popular nightclub on Dizengoff. My question was whether or not these clubgoers were under the impression that we were leaving the club.
The movie ended, and we headed toward the exit. The exit was a winding staircase that, instead of leading back into the lobby of the movie theater, led directly outside. As we arrived to the end of the staircase, we noticed a crowd of young, attractive Israelis waiting impatiently behind a barracade, harrasing the bouncer and selector in front of them. At once I realized we had not only exited a theater, but were also leaving the entrance and exit to a popular nightclub on Dizengoff. My question was whether or not these clubgoers were under the impression that we were leaving the club.
10.10.2010
Name Calling
Only in Israel are you sunbathing on the Mediterranean beach only to be startled by the voice of an anything-but-tactful lifeguard singling out the unruly beachgoers.
Being that the Tel Aviv beach is overflowing with people both on the sand and in the water, there must be a convenient manner for the lifeguards to grab the attention of the particular person they are trying to correct. This includes shouting over the megaphone statements such as, "You, the donkey in the black shorts..." or when speaking to a young boy regarding the trouble he is in for being unsafe in the water, "I just overheard what your father told you, and it sounds like you should really listen to him because if not, oyvavoylecha." People watching and lifeguard listening equals pure entertainment at the beach.
Being that the Tel Aviv beach is overflowing with people both on the sand and in the water, there must be a convenient manner for the lifeguards to grab the attention of the particular person they are trying to correct. This includes shouting over the megaphone statements such as, "You, the donkey in the black shorts..." or when speaking to a young boy regarding the trouble he is in for being unsafe in the water, "I just overheard what your father told you, and it sounds like you should really listen to him because if not, oyvavoylecha." People watching and lifeguard listening equals pure entertainment at the beach.
9.14.2010
Drum Roll Please
Only in Israel are you jogging at gym when an unexpected drum circle forms in front of you and the sound of drums begins to resonate.
It seems as though it was a coordinated surprise put on by the manager of the gym in order to entertain the workout-goers. Well, not surprisingly, those working out barely acknowledged the drum players. Rather, earphones remained in ears, workouts were carried on, and a scattering of smiles and sneers were directed toward the players. I, on the other handed, wanted nothing more than to break out in dance to the beat of the drums. Instead, however, I only dreamt of such things. I respectfully removed my earphones to give the drum players a bit of deserving attention.
It seems as though it was a coordinated surprise put on by the manager of the gym in order to entertain the workout-goers. Well, not surprisingly, those working out barely acknowledged the drum players. Rather, earphones remained in ears, workouts were carried on, and a scattering of smiles and sneers were directed toward the players. I, on the other handed, wanted nothing more than to break out in dance to the beat of the drums. Instead, however, I only dreamt of such things. I respectfully removed my earphones to give the drum players a bit of deserving attention.
8.24.2010
No Meter Running
Only in Israel do taxi drivers oftentimes refuse the business because they would rather not activate the fare meter.
Many cabdrivers would rather offer you a price made up on the spot (usually of higher price thanwould be payed if the meter was running instead) than have activate the meter, receive the fair amount of money, and have to pay the legal taxes for which a cab driver is required.
Many cabdrivers would rather offer you a price made up on the spot (usually of higher price thanwould be payed if the meter was running instead) than have activate the meter, receive the fair amount of money, and have to pay the legal taxes for which a cab driver is required.
8.08.2010
Only in Israel are you en route to your nearest bank branch when all of a sudden you notice that both pedestrian and vehicle traffic are at a stop, and that there are barricades and police cars surrounding the area around the bank. Only then do you notice the intricate-looking robot carefuly examining an unidentified bag left on a bench.
A girl on her bike stopped beside me and asked, "Oh, is it an unidentified bag?" in an annoyed tone of voice, obviously having experienced such an event multiple times. Those around me seemed bothered by the need to wait in safety while this possibly bomb-filled bag was checked. I, on the other hand, was rather grateful for the precautionary search.
A girl on her bike stopped beside me and asked, "Oh, is it an unidentified bag?" in an annoyed tone of voice, obviously having experienced such an event multiple times. Those around me seemed bothered by the need to wait in safety while this possibly bomb-filled bag was checked. I, on the other hand, was rather grateful for the precautionary search.
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