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.

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.

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.

Shots on the Horizon

Only in Israel are you attending a beautiful outdoor wedding only to hear sporadic outbursts of (practice run) gunfire shots coming from the navy seal base nearby.
Please keep in mind that the wedding ceremony and reception were on the seashore and that I was mistaking the gunfire for music. I would also like to note that I was not afraid....it sounded far in the distance.

Construction Zone

Only in Israel do people move construction barricades in order for their spouses to be able to park in a construction zone.
There is a serious lack of parking availability in Tel Aviv but that's no excuse for potentially having your car bulldozed.

Playing Doctor

Only in Israel are you at the hospital and asked by the nurse if you want to get an iv put in or not. I was not aware that I had a degree in Medicine.
After the iv was haphazardly removed, I was released from the hospital with blood and liquids dripping down my arm.

Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Only in Israel are you welcomed back to the country with hugs and kisses from your friendly owners of your past frequented convenience store and shwarma stand.
I would like to point out that they are both Israeli men in their 50s. I was also asked by one of the shuk salesmen and a home-goods store owner where I had been for the past year and why I had not come to visit them.