Greetings from Tel Aviv

Well I have been here in Israel for a week and I am sure you are all clamoring to hear what I have been up to. I fully realize that my last post was extremely underwhelming and for that I apologize. Rather than do one of those ultra precise narratives that I am prone to do I thought I would turn to another literary crutch that I rely on now and again, that of course being my FAQ. I will also insert some pictures I have take to this point so you can see as well as read about my time here. Here we go.

Q: Where do you live?

A: I live in Tel Aviv. But that isn't all, I literally live two blocks from the beach. I didn't think I would ever live any closer to the beach than I did in Malibu, but I live even closer than that now. I'm in a sweet apartment with two other guys from Pepperdine. Because I am engaged and they realized I would be on the phone they were kind enough to give me my own room.

Q: What have you done so far?

A: We spent the first four days in Jerusalem touring. We went to many of the Holy Sites including the Church of the Nativity, and the Western Wall. We did a tremendous amount of walking. Each day I was completely exhausted, this coupled with jet lag and weird sleeping hours made things interesting, but it really wasn't too bad. In addition we met with a few Israeli's who talked about the unique geo political climate that is this part of the Middle East. I've also finished two books, ate a bunch of ice cream, and had dinner at the home of an American family living in Israel.

 Q. How's Shannon?

A. I think she is okay. We have pretty well adjusted to the time difference. Thanks to Skpe we talk everyday, usually around the time I get home from work. Sometimes the phone connection isn't great but we manage. We had a lot of fun looking at our engagement pictures. Now we just need to agree on one to put in the invitations. I bought her a Nativity when we were in Bethlehem and she is sending me a box this weekend.

Q:Have you found the church yet?

A: Indeed I have. I called the Jerusalem Center and they gave me the number of the Branch President in Tel Aviv. Now it is just a matter of me getting in touch with him. I was quite relieved to find out that they have a branch in Tel Aviv and that I wouldn't have to travel all the way up to Jerusalem for church.

Q: Wait, are you supposed to be working?

A: Yes it is not all fun in games, when I am not enjoying the Mediterranean Climate, I am at work at the Israeli Football Association. I am working with the team planning next year's UEFA Under 21 tournament that Israel is hosting next year. We've met with UEFA folks down from Switzerland this week (got to use my Swedish ) to discuss ticketing, signage, catering, and volunteers. I was pleased that they let me sit in all the meetings and even contribute to the discussion. It turns out my DC and Lakers cred is totally worth something. When I'm not in those meetings I have been working on a logistics planning document, that is very time consuming, but I should be done with that next week.
 

Q: So all you do is work and tour and talk on the phone?

A: Nope. I also watch soccer. Germany has won both of its games, and I go to the beach. Did I mention that it's only two blocks from my apartment. I have gone after work the past two days. I am going to spend the whole day there tomorrow.  Because again it is only two blocks away.

Q:What is the most different thing?

A: Well certainly the language. While everyone here seems to speak English not everything is translated to English. It's hard to recognize my name for example when it is written in Hebrew. I have to have someone at lunch point out to me which one is mine.  At least in Sweden you could match the letters and look it up in your dictionary. Here I look at a menu and have no idea. I have to have someone order for me, or I look at the ingredients which are often translated.

Q: What's unusual about Israel?

A: No question, CATS. Apparently cats are not pets. Dogs are but cats are just strays. There are stray cats everywhere. They are all skinny and ugly. They are not cute cats. I think Jennifer Phillips would still love them but I don't know anyone else who would. Also they show ESPN and Fox News so what little TV I do watch it is usually that but since the hours are so unaligned I don't really watch much TV (that was for Dan Nelson).

Q: Are you eating?

A: Yes, but I am not loving Israeli food. While Tel Aviv feels exactly like Europe that food is a little more Middle East. I haven't eaten much beef, and zero pork (duh) but the chicken is pretty good. I haven't had McDonald's but that may change tonight.

Q: Is there any indication that Israeli's in general love Saved By The Bell?

A: While there haven't been any overt displays of Bayside pride, this is a civilized nation and it is only a matter of time before I find the evidence of there love of Zack and the gang.

Q: How bout those Angels?
A: I have been dutifully repping the Angels while I've been here. My Angel cap is all but ubiquitous. I have also started waking up early around 5:30 AM and watching the games on the west coast as they are happening on the evening there. I was pumped to take 2-3 from the Dodgers.

Q: Anything bug you?
A: Yeah.

Q: Like what?
A: That while I am work America is basically asleep. That means no one is on GChat, there is no new news, no Facebook updates. It's funny because my news feed during the day is filled with people from Europe, but that isn't many.

Q: You done yet?
A: Yeah, I guess so.

So there you go. I hope that updates you a bit on my situation. Please send me emails, and comments so I feel connected. Come visit me.