Head in the Bucket

We were once again woken at 5.45 by Nurse doom and gloom, offf bad nights sleep for My Beloved and for myself, we need home. I drove My Beloved into the shower and waited whilst he cleaned himself up, is this what old age is going to be like? Making sure all areas are soaped and dried before getting dressed whilst bending in front of an old man with more on his mind that getting dressed!!!!


Physio with Yani equals hard work for the Beloved, whilst I on the other hand get to lounge about the department watching with interest whilst the patients are put on steps, bosi balls and ballet rails.


I left just after My Beloved had his physio so I could get showered and make lunch and supper, soup was made and chicken surprise for supper, the surprise will be if its at all tasty as it was a little bit of this and a little bit of that, with a dirty great big banana sized dried chillie thrown in. I wandered back to the hospital after a quick trip to the bank, the sweet shop and the bakers for a lovely roll to go with My Beloved's soup. I myself didn't want bread, as my bread head this morning upon waking is very uncomfortable and bread makes one grouchy and miserable, I wonder how old I will be before I stop trying bread and just give in to the fact that its really not good for me.


My wonderful landlord called and said we had a new set of elbow crutches at Yad Sarah and he would go pick them up for us, he collected the ones that needed returning and drove down for them, We met him back outside when he returned.  


My Beloved is suffering what he refers to as the worst hangover of his life, quite surprising really when you think how many he has inflicted upon himself, how can this be the worst when no alcohol has passed his lips since Wednesday last, of course this could be due to his liver revolting.... We actually think it is either the liquid pain relief he is receiving or something else we haven't worked out yet, as this head has been building for three days now, culminating in dark glasses in the room and holding his head with both hands to try and stop the pain and nausea.  He also said he thought maybe his body was rejecting his implant, doh its not a bloody heart transplant or a kidney My Beloved its a metal hip.


My Beloved was extremely grumpy when Mr K arrived with paperwork to be checked, he had trouble reading due to the blurry vision, and the fact that the font was so small I would have needed a magnifying glass with my glasses to see it didn't help.


Two lots of tablets later and the head started to clear, the grumpiness dissipated and normal Geordie humour resumed. I left the hospital around 6pm to collect our supper from the house, and it was tasty considering my throw it all together cooking habit.  We ate our supper at the bedside unit and then settled down to watch the Strike Back DVD's, we throughly enjoyed the first episode and we are now half way thorough the second episode.


Its time for bed again, I'm not rating this separate bed malarky, cant wait to get home and share a bed again, my little bed is way to far away for a snuggle in this place.

trying to read the computer whilst holding his sore head

Getting stronger

So today we started with physio at 8am Yani was waiting to put My Beloved through his paces, not an easy task when the old legs didn't want to co-operate, but perceverance and bloody mindedness won, quads were exercised and small step ups on a wooden block were done.


I took myself home showered and changed, and then Itzhak took me to Yad Sarah to collect the equipment we would need for leaving the hospital, there was a bit of an issue with a gentleman about ownership of elbow crutches as he had been promised them over the phone and they were the only ones left, I conceded and came away with a walking frame, old fashioned crutches, a grabber and a big fat cushion for the sofa. Itzhak had used his card as a guarantee for the equipment we had borrowed, what a lovely landlord we have.


Nelly was at home when we arrived so I walked up the supermarket with her, I needed a few supplies and then grabbed some lovely sandwiches from Gals bakery for lunch.  I walked back to the hospital and to My Beloved who was waiting for me.


Our afternoon was spent watching NCIS on the computer, we have now run out of episodes, but all is not lost when you have Mr. Willllllsooooon on your team.  Dina and Yevgeny had visited the night before and bought loads of goodies, Russian chocolate, My Beloved's favourite, DVD's - Strike back series 1-2, and Leverage series 1, all manner of fruit and Russian jam.


Mark and the boys turned up for a visit early evening, then it was an early night for us, we were both knackered.  My Beloved is improving daily and as long as I feed him on a regular basis he doesn't get too obnoxious.........


Itzhak drove me back to the house

ELISHA HOSPITAL - TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT

Thursday 24th May 2012


The hardest thing I have had to do since we have been together was leave My Beloved in the Hospital, not even in a private room as previously arranged, this will get sorted tomorrow.

This Leg please Mr Surgeon

Operation meant to be 6am but looks like its gonna be 10.30am, I had to buy him supplies as he was starving, poor lad will waste away....The big male Russian nurse appears to be one of the few members of late shift staff to speak our clacker lacker language.


Friday 25th May 2012


After a restless night at the house whilst My Beloved was at the hospital I walked down at 7am, he was already prepped up and on the drip, but the Geordie humour was still apparent. Having spoken to the reception and been told there were no private rooms we resigned ourselves to public torture.


My Beloved was taken down to the pre op room and we waited for the next step, luckily for us the nursing staff down there were speakers of English, eventually My Beloved was wheeled away at 10.30 and I waited in the hospital for his return, eventually Dr Levin called me in and explained the procedure and that all was well with My Beloved and his hip, next I was taken in to see a very white Geordie drunk as a skunk on morphine, we were eventually wheeled up to our room, a lovely Private one the Dr. had organised for us, no more three in a room the size of a NHS bathroom for us. My Beloved then informed me he had woken during the operation and had been asked if he was ok, he said NO I would love a cigarette!!!

I gave up explaining to My Beloved what the Doctor had said about his operation as the retention span of a drugged up Geordie is nil.


We both spent the night in the hospital in our own room, just like being on holiday, everyone is foreign and the sun is shining, and the food is dire.

Flat out and sedated just the way I like him

Two screws removed from his femur

Awake

Shabbat 26th May 2012



Not a great nights sleep for either of us, I was on the put you up in My Beloved's room and My Beloved was flat on his back unable to sleep. 


Bed bath = one rather large Russian being told to go forth and multiply, he was obviously a shoveler of coal in a previous life, his tactile approach to My Beloved did not go down well.  


Natalie popped in for a visit and helped us with the Hebrew, Eli popped in with Knaffi to keep My Beloved's strength up, we will both be piglets by the time we leave here with all the food I bring in and the snacky bits I think My Beloved would like to eat and share...

View across the port from our hospital window

And we can even see the office

Sunday 27th May 2012


Epidural removed from spine, and another bed bath given, the cleaner saw me walking to the other ward for hot water for our coffee and showed me where the one in our ward was, what a good hearted woman, another good hearted lady was in with her young daughter the day My Beloved had his operation and she offered me food, and when I decline she insisted I take a drink of juice from her, an Indian gentleman who was sharing the first room we were in asks daily about My Beloved's health and I return that good naturedness by asking about his knee replacement.


We have had phone calls from friends in Israel to check on My Beloved's health, Itzhak and Nelly have offered to spot me should I need to leave for a few hours, and today offered me food as I went home when the guys from work came for a visit.


We now have the getting off the bed and into the chair down to an art form between the two of us, which means My Beloved is now able to fill his lungs with Israeli air.


Dr. Levin is very happy with My Beloved's progress, and said he will be back tomorrow and that physiotherapy will also start tomorrow, but as My Beloved will tell you the exercises I have been making him do you would think he had already been to the physio...


Monday 28th May 2012


Today was the day for physiotherapy, we arrived and Yani met us and then we were off, walker provided and My Beloved is up and about, gently of course, then it was bed practice in and out, that done it was toilet practice, I'm sure he came into this hospital knowing how to toilet himself, but the lesson was done and then it was leg exercises. Yani explained a few things for us, like we have to buy all the equipment necessary for going home, jezzzzz next time someone moans about the NHS they need to remember there are people out there and here that pay for everything, in Israel everyone has to pay insurance I suppose it's a little like the US, no insurance no treatment.


Izthak and Nelly have been watering the garden whilst I have been at the hospital with My Beloved, and have just told me where we can get the equipment we need for the house, and you only make a donation, Itzhak will find out the times and take me to the facility, I love having great neighbours, but its even better when they are great landlords.


Tonight we called the Little Prince's because we have not told them or the family about My Beloved's operation, so My Beloved called them to let them know he was in hospital but that all is well, and there is nothing to worry about.


Sorry to all our family and friends for not informing you of the impending operation but we didn't want anyone to worry.

My Furnace Oven

I eventually rolled out of bed around 9am offft it was not an easy task, personally I blame Celia for the amount of wine we drank last night, she on the other hand denies any accountability!


Steiner was on hand with a boiled kettle and breakfast beverages should I require them, their little pooch wasn't speaking to anyone as it obviously has figured out that it's Mummy and Daddy are taking off for a holiday without him, and his turned up Japanese nose was haughtily higher than usual.


Celia and I decided to head home as the wind was whipping up the sand, so Steiner dropped us at the station, well almost as we spotted a mall and decided to take a peep around the shops, but firstly iced coffee and croissants were required.


We browsed the shops and then the supermarket, 30 minutes after taking our ticket at the meat counter the butcher who must have been about 90 served us, we had help from a lady with the Hebrew and our meat was purchased, then it was time to head to the train station and Haifa.


I decided to casserole the beef and threw it all together and put it in the furnace, I have no reason to call it an oven as everything that comes out is burnt to a crisp... I will be investing in a furnace thermometer very soon, its either that or its micro meals for the rest of our days.


My Beloved eventually arrived home sometime after 8pm and as we were so tired from our exploits last night decided we would just chill out at home after our burnt offerings.


SABBATICAL 


I Will be taking a few days off from blogging as of tomorrow but I will be keeping a diary of our escapades for when I return, watch this space you just never know what you might read........ :)

Easy day chilling at the beach

We left the apartment at 6.30am heading off to Herzliya, My Beloved has meetings all day and I have an appointment with the sun bed.


We arrived at the office and decided to take coffee together, some of My Beloved's work chumps were already drinking so we joined them, within ten minutes the party got bigger and the tables were adjusted. The Big Chief arrived having walked from his hotel, it was a mish mash of crazies from all over the world.


I left them chatting after my drink and headed off to start my blog and hit the beach.  The sun was scorchio again, and I could feel it biting into my back, I wrapped my sarong around my shoulders jumped on the bus and was dropped at the Marina, I found myself a good spot and settled in for the day.


Celia was coming to meet me and eventually arrived around 1.30pm. Having been unable to find a hotel for our stay we were invited to stay with work colleagues of My Beloved's, Celia too was invited, poor Buzz had to stay in Haifa as he had far to much work going on at the base.


We sunned ourselves for a couple of hours before heading to the shopping centre, Steiner would collect us from the centre once he had done a few errands, we were collected and transported to his house which is just at the back of the Dan Accadia, we were shown to our rooms, fortunately it was a large enough house that we didn't have to top and tail with Celia, My Beloved arrived just after 6pm and we all showered and changed ready for our evening out.


We spent a rowdy evening eating sushi and chatting, we were eleven people and the noise level was high, we eventually tottered home way past cinderella o'clock having consumed more than our body weight in grapes....

Acco

This morning the floors were washed, offf what a job, Celia called and we arranged to meet at Lev Hamifratz around noon. 


I then had to try and call Barclays Bank and arrange an international payment, why is banking so difficult? I only wanted to transfer money, but no I had to speak to International Barclays who informed me this could only be done online, this would be ok if I was registered, which I am, but!!!! having never used it I no longer have my pin code or know my way around the account. So I will leave that job to My Beloved.


I took the bus to Lev Hamifratz and arrived early whilst waiting some pesky little bug stung my elbow, who the hell gets stung on the  elbow? Initially I thought it was my bag digging into my skin, until I moved my arm and then got stung again, I never saw the little critter, but I hope its one of those one sting and your dead types because it bloody nipped, I squeezed the lump incase there was anything left in it, I would have sucked it but getting your elbow in your mouth is impossible even with my short arms.


Celia arrived and we decided to take the train to Acco for the day, we purchased our tickets and it was all aboard.  We arrived in Acco and took a taxi to the old town, we wandered around the stores, and market and made our way around the harbour. Acco is a rabbit warren of alleys and streets, we found a Bazaar where Celia found a gentleman who spoke Portuguese, he gave us directions to the restaurant overlooking the sea and then we were off.


We ate lunch watching the nutters on the edge of the old wall tombstoning, crazy crackers thats what they were, especially when we walked around towards them and realised some were actually jumping into a cut out in a rock, error in judgment comes to mind.

Uri signing my book

Uri Yermias - self-educated chef. In 1989 Uri opened 'Uri Buri' on the coast of Nahariyah, where she resided until 1997. In 1998 the place reopened in the lighthouse square in the old city of Acre. A beautiful Ottoman building with a high arch ceiling and a simple décor.


We walked to Uri Buri the famous Acco restaurant, made famous by the gentleman above, who is the owner and chef this man serves the most amazing seafood in Israel, and is the only man I know who can shut My Beloved up for a whole meal, mainly because he savoured every mouthful and was unable to speak, the enjoyment of his food was such that his tongue was busy tasting the delights of his meal, that it rendered it useless for speech.


Uri then offered us a lift to the train station, where in the world would you get a top chef as a taxi driver, only in Israel. We jumped on the train back to Haifa and then headed for the mall, I had a 100 shekel token burning a hole in my purse.  Three tops later and the token was spent.


My Beloved called and I directed him to the mall where he would pick me up, not an easy task, because even when he knows where he is, he is lost, it didn't help that my phone died and I then had to think like a lost Geordie and figure out where My Beloved was waiting.......

Before

After

Tiv Taam

Today I left the apartment on a mystery tour, I couldn't decided where to go so I walked up to the Carmel centre, the bus wasn't doing it for me so I decided to take the Carmelit downtown, once I arrived I walked through the streets, checking out the stores as I went, then I arrived at the train station, google decided to have a meltdown, how could he do this to me, when 1, I don't have Hebrew, 2, I have no idea where I want to go.


Eventually I figured out where I wanted the train to take me, I showed my phone to the lady at the desk and two tickets were purchased, one in, one out.  The train arrived and on I jumped, there was even a free seat for my two stop journey. Having left the house on a whim I had forgotten to apply the sun cream, and the sun was scorchio, I had to hope I had built a little immunity since arriving in January. I walked from the station, google had made an appearance again, and the map with my blue dot was guiding me in the right direction. Through the trading estate I went, and eventually came across some interesting looking shops, after looking at all the lovely coloured clothes in the stores I walked to Tiv Taam, the Russian supermarket, what I lovely store, full of all things Russian but a touch on the expensive side, across the car park was home centre, I purchased a few implements for the BBQ which I have to say is still in the wrapping it was delivered in.  Note to self we really must use that BBQ and soon.


After home centre I walked across the road and found another supermarket, and Sauvignon Blanc, two bottles for 40 shekels, of course I only purchased two for weight distribution reasons.  It was then time to head home, my bags were heavy and having waited for a bus that didn't arrive led to me being stuck in direct sunlight, I kept turning 15 degrees every few minutes so as to evenly distribute any sun burn I might attract, I crossed the very busy road, and waited for another bus, I really shouldn't have purchased a return for the train as I ended up taking the bus to Lev Hamifratz, jumping off that one and onto the 23, which took me through the tunnel and up to Carmel, I quite enjoy the fact I never quite know where these buses are going, the only thing I do know is the ones I like run through the Carmel centre, you just never know where they are going to go beforehand.


My Beloved called just as I was entering Wedgewood, so I retraced my steps and bought a take away from Giraffe for our supper, my feet were killing by this time as sensible shoes had not been a priority when I left the apartment, the vanity of trying to make my rugby players short legs look long and lean had taken its toll, I plodded to the apartment and home to My Beloved, tired, dehydrated and keeping my fingers crossed not burnt.

Para para Paradise

Hooray its Shabbat and My Beloved has the whole day off, once he had finished with his emails we sorted out beach gear and headed off for the furthest end of the Haifa beach, and although it was a not so busy as Camel beach it wasn't as nice, the beach obviously isn't cleared by the diggers and there was a lot of rubbish on the sand. 


The waters edge was the place to be, walkers and runners and people with dogs, all stomping up and down the miles and miles of sand in droves, I have been told how long this stretch of beach is, but as we all know I don't do numbers so the retention span was zilch.

Dogs should stay at home

We spoke with Bubba Mumma and caught up on the news from Turra toon, then Little Bro who was on a fishing trip with work friends, then we sunned ourselves for a couple of hours before heading to Ein Hod for a trip around the Artists Village and lunch, we had a lovely walk around the village, checking out the art, some of which I just don't get, Art is obviously in the eye of the beholder, and I wasn't beholding it at all.

After Ein Hod we had a mystery tour of the port area looking for Tiv Taam, the Russian supermarket, we din't find it, but one day we will.

We worked our way back home and readied ourselves for our evening of Korean Kuksi, Mr Mark was collected and we drove to Motzkin, collecting wine and Kinder on the way, having been told to bring a packed lunch in case I didn't like the Kuksi I was blown away by this lovely Korean dish, made with beef, coriander dill and rice noodles.

The Beef, the vegetables, the soup and the noodles, KOREAN KUKSI,
all put together = Tasty

Halfway through the evening Jason decided to listen to his favourite Coldplay track whilst watching the accompanying video, over and over and over, until the computer was removed, Jason may not speak English yet, but he will be able to sing a Coldplay track no problem.

We had a lovely evening, Dina had also made traditional bread and butter pudding, and the aroma around the house was amazing as it was baking in the oven. Eventually it was time to leave, well after Jason and I had done some painting on his easel, but I will have to teach him not to mix his colours as my grass was grungy and my sky was bluuur not blue.

Can't wait to see this beauty when it finally breaks free,
found it in the garden next to the washing line

The Grass is growing under my feet

This morning I woke with My Beloved as today we are going to Herzliyya, again.


We left the apartment and picked up Mr K and then hit the road, the drive through this morning was exceptionally quiet, and the journey was quick.  We arrived at the offices a little after 7.30am I said goodbye and went straight to the Organic shop for cheese, the block of cheese I purchased could have broken toes had it been dropped, but it will go in the freezer. Next stop the coffee shop, then the supermarket for supplies, and then it was time to deliver my goodies to the car, I called My Beloved and we put the bags in the car and I headed for the beach.


I took a mystery bus, all I knew was it would get me to the beach, but I didn't know the route, so I found a seat and watched as the streets passed by, the housing in Herzliyya is lovely, the roads are flat and tree lined and the housing is very modern, and no mountain in sight.


The bus eventually arrived at the Dan Accadia and I hopped off, still the legs are sore, and the walking is slow, I think they are trying to tell me something, like stand still stop bending and let the grass grow. Offft I hope tomorrow brings with it pain free legs and great weather, one I can guarantee the other will be a waiting game. I walked down to the beach and found myself a nice spot for the day, I paid my 30 shekels for the bed and umbrella and settled in, new sun spray applied, although using an aerosol doesn't actually mean there is any applying done, I quite like this stuff, no more rubbing up walks to get the back creamed just lay or stand and point the spray, it even works upsides down, which as you know on a normal bottle just doesn't happen, you end up contorting your body to try and get the bottle to remain upright, whilst you look like an epileptic on speed.


I spoke with the Demonic one today, she was in good humour, Reece was next he has just finished his exams at uni and should get his results in a few weeks, he also was in good humour, and going home to Banff for the weekend, hope they have sorted out that bomb situation before he gets there. Bubba Mumma was unavailable for chat, her phone went to answer machine, so that call will have to be done another day.

Lunch was taken at the beach mainly because I could not be bothered to move, so I ordered a lovely vegetable platter, and it was a beaut, My Beloved was having a great day, his energy levels were no longer being drained and things were being planned. We arranged that I would get a 30 minute warning as to his arrival at the Dan Accadia, he would be dropping off Rob and James and would pick me up. By 2.30 I had to get out of the sun it was getting so hot, and not wanting to burn I headed to the showers for a clean up.  I pressed the button of the shower, which was cold and the spray came out in all directions, the trouble was the angle of the shower head was such I had to lift my leg to hip height and put it on the wall just so the water would run over it, let me tell you the DOMs have not eased any, the only consolation was that the cubicle was such that I could lean my back against one wall whilst my leg was halfway up the other.


Cleaned and tidy My Beloved arrived and we set off home, again a quiet journey, once home and the supplies were hidden in various cupboards, we decided to eat at Japanika having not been for a while, so we booked a table and spent a lovely evening eating sushi and watching the customers of Japanika and their various food orders, no interruptions, no work, just the two of us, lush.

Oh the pain

I rolled out of bed and knew I was in trouble the minute I tried to straighten into a standing position, lowering myself onto the toilet was torture, I have no upper  body pain, its all lower, I showered and felt fine, but then I had to dress, why do my legs have to be so far from my hands, so I left the workout gear where it was and exercised naked, with the shutters down, no-one wants to see a sweaty naked woman throwing a kettlebottle around her living room.


Having realised my mistake of showering earlier I finished my workout and showered again, I'm just glad I live in a sunny climate or this tan would be going down the plug hole, trying to get the bikini on without bending in the middle or at the knees was not easy, what I should have done was undo the side ties, but that would have taken forever, so I bent through the pain. Tomorrow I fully expect not to have the use of my arms so I may have to keep the bikini on and just shower with it, it saves on washing.


Celia called and we arranged to meet at the beach, firstly Celia was heading to Eliezer for food shopping and I would meet her when she was done, so I hopped on a bus all be it slowly as it was a rather large step up and the legs hadn't eased any. I found myself a flat area of sand for my towel, and bronzed myself for a while.  


Celia called and was done with the shops but I needed to see her new purchases, now this lady knows how to shop, after showing me her new skirts and t-shirts I decided I had to get me some of them, so when we had done the beach I headed off to Eliezer, four skirts, four t-shirts and one bag 120 shekels get in, that would be just under £20 how delighted am I.  Celia Sale as she called herself is a bargain hunter and thankfully keeps me informed of new stock in our favourite shop.


I made the mistake of getting off the bus one stop early, this would have been ok if it wasn't on a hill, and the legs were working, and the humidity wasn't a touch high, I walked slowly back to the apartment, only because I physically couldn't make my legs work any faster, they were still protesting, My Beloved was already home as it was quite late before I got back, we relaxed for the evening after eating the chilli I had made, and devoured as we were both starving, this dieting malarky is crud, I'm even dreaming of food. My Beloved had a request as we got into bed, nothing perverse, he just asked if I would mind not laughing and talking in my sleep tonight as we was very tired............. I'm obviously dreaming about funny food.

Kettlebottles

Once again My Beloved was away to Herzliyya, I think we should move there, so this morning I decided that it would be good to get it on with the Kettlebells.


Having had only the largest Kettlebell transported from the UK I decided I would probably dislocate a shoulder should I try and workout with it, so I filled a 1.5l bottle with water and put the disk in the computer. I lunged and swung and lifted and kicked whilst trying not to sweat all over the shiny floor, even if one drop touched the floor the risk of scissor splits was too high, so I did my best to not flip my head and spray the living room.


Eventually the torture finished, and I was told to give myself a pat on the back, this done I was then rooted to the spot for fear of my seriously disturbed legs giving way and leaving me in a collapsed heap.


I put my Kettlebottle down and just stood at the breakfast bar until I thought it was safe to move. It took a while, but eventually I was able to go about my daily business fully confident that I wouldn't fall at the feet of a passing Israeli stranger, had I been in Turriff this would not have been an issue, there are no strangers in Turriff, plenty of strange folk but we love them all the same.........

One days work, wages=one meal

My Beloved was once again away to Herzliyya for a day in the office, the torture never ends. I woke a little later than usual and set up my blog for the day, and then stripped the bed, I do love clean sheets.


I then left for The Crowne Plaza, today I help Natalie with the guest book. I arrived and Gustavo and Sharbel were behind reception, Gustavo is complaining I am not leaving enough sun for the locals, you have to be up early to be in front of this bird.   Sharbel was his usual cheery cheeky self.  Natalie was in the business lounge so I headed up and the serious work began.


We read through the proofs and changed a few things before we had to then check a guest room to see if the phone was set up in such a way as to coincide with the directions of the guest book, the room we checked on the 10th floor has been decorated and the lovely wall paper added light to the all ready pleasant room with a view, oh how I miss the view of the port from that side of the hotel, the shower has been decorated too and the curtain removed and a glass door put in its place, beautiful, being a Happy Housewife I advised Natalie to tell the cleaners to carry lemons, this would keep the glass of the shower doors sparkling, I'm getting sadder as I get older!!!


We printed off the guest book papers, put them in order and then they were ready to be sent off to the printers.  We said our goodbyes and I walked back to the apartment happy in the knowledge I had done a couple of hours work, earned a meal for my services and had seen my favourite people, I put my laptop in the house and headed out again. 


I checked out the local indoor swimming pool which also has an outside area for sunning yourself and a gym room, the heat in the plastic roofed building was immense and its not even summer yet, the gym area was cooler, but I couldn't imagine walking from the gym to the changing room without passing out, let along try and get from the changing room door to the exit without having total heart failure, I think they need to invest in a sliding roof. I walked down HaNassi for a while taking in the sights, then had a sit in the sun at one of the coffee shops drinking soda.


Next it was the 23 down to Eliezer and check out the shops, nothing exciting was happening but whilst in one shop which will remain nameless I almost burst my bubble, waiting in line as you do being British I was hustled and bustled by locals coming from all directions, the shop is only a third of the size of Harry Orlandis in Turriff, but it didn't stop the avalanche that overpowered me, I don't get it, your there first, you wait your turn and arms are pushed over your shoulders with hands containing shekels, these hands then exchange shekels for purchases and are gone again, this happened about 4 times, I was even asked to move by one lady, well I think thats what she said, her scary stare intimidated me so much I moved for fear of being turned into stone.  Needless to say I left the shop after eventually making my needs clear with a little less enthusiasm than when I entered.

I then headed to the grocers and purchased some red and green Kohlrabi, having seen and tasted them baked yesterday with Orly I decided to experiment at home. I took the bus home and having forgotten to take my phone with me replied to all the missed calls when I arrived.  My Beloved was on his way home so I prepared supper, tonight we are having fillet cooked in a sauce of coffee wine and ginger, emmm some of my favourite flavours and tastes, the Kohlrabi was cut into thick slices and placed in a dish with olive oil and baked in the oven along with some good old cauliflower.


I had a chat with Dina before My Beloved arrived, Dina is planning on making Korean Kuksi and has invited us to share it with them, this cunning plan is so that Dina doesn't have to eat it all, she informs me that she doesn't actually like Kuksi but everyone else does, and if I was to tell people I have a Korean friend and I had never tasted Kuksi this would mean poor Dina wasn't a good friend, how funny, so  I will be trying this Korean dish sometime in the future, but have been advised to bring a packed lunch.......


My Beloved arrived home weary and hungry and I served him all the delights I had been preparing, the Kohlrabi was lush, as was the beef and we enjoyed a very pleasant meal.  The phone only rang once throughout the whole evening, but the computer was running red hot. Although facetime with Lou Lou doesn't count as a phone ringing, it more like torturous video, sorry Lou .

Wedding Anniversary Present

Today was the day I get my Anniversary present, an all day cookery course in Tel Aviv, I was very excited for my lessons, but not for the early start.


So I jumped out of bed around 6am, hit the shower, and then tried unsuccessfully to set my blog for the day, now as you know my blog is set a day behind, it was early and I had trouble remembering what I had done the previous day, let along what my name was, needless to say I threw the ipad in my bag with the intention of finishing said blog on the train. I left the house at 7am and walked to the bank then headed to the train, I was earlier than I had anticipated, so I managed to get the earlier train, the platform was crowded and when the train arrived and we all got on, so was the train, there was people everywhere and not a seat to be had, people were sitting in the aisle and in the passageways between the compartments. Needless to say I spent the whole journey on my feet, 57 minutes later and we arrived at Tel Aviv Savidor train station.


I was early so it gave me time to get my bearings, I walked to Arlozorov Street, and waited for Orly, my host for the day, whilst waiting I got chatting to a lady from Columbia who was over visiting her son, we chatted about the Columbian weather, which sounds a bit like Scotland, all seasons in one day, just not snow, and how the people of Israel have the freedom to enjoy their religion on the streets without the fear of persecution, unlike Columbia where people are apparently very fearful of wearing their Kippah.

Lehuh

Orly collected me and my adventure began, Andy from Chicago was already on the car, and we picked up Alice who hailed from New York, and Barbara from Brooklyn, and little old me a crazy mixed up English woman who was born in England and lived most of her adult life in Scotland. Our first stop was Tel Aviv market area, and we were taken to a Yemen bakery, we walked into the door and the wonderful smell of Yemeny pittas wafted out to meet us, an older gentleman was making the pittas and gave us a demonstration on how they are baked, using a gas plate and a electric cover, the result was wonderful and we were given pitta to taste. The Lehuh which I really enjoyed was a cross between a Scottish pancake on one side and an English crumpet on the other, we took photos and said goodbye to the baker and walked outside.


Next door to the bakery was a very ornate door, which turned out to be a synagogue, apparently many years before most families had their own synagogue attached to their house, because they had such large families, and this would allow the family to attend together. The synagogue was tiny with room only for around 8-10 people at a push, it was beautifully decorated and we all took photos from the outside.


Next stop a street cafe selling Hummus with everything, we found a table and Orly gave us a run down of the cafe, its history and the surrounding area, oh and the Hummus, Orly ordered for us and more pitta and Lehuh, and then the Hummus, it was drizzled with a thin sauce of lemons and tomato and it was the lightest hummus I have ever tasted, it also arrived with a thin sliced egg on the top, this is quite traditional for hummus, the green sauce that arrived with it was hot and spicy and delicious, fava beans were also ordered for dipping the pittas into. We had a lovely breakfast sitting in the alley ways of Tel Aviv market, and then it was time to hit the food market.


Orly explained the red painted floors indicated the meat section, but our first stop was the spice shop, it was wonderful to finally get explanations to the spices and mixes that I find in Israel, the influences of which come from all over the world. This is where I purchased a large tub of Tahini, Orly had informed me this was the finest Tahini that she uses in her cooking.


Next stop the fruit and veg market, Orly explained and gave us tasters of the fruits she was purchasing, I was already stuffed from the breakfast, then it was cheese stores and more vegetables. We were given tasters from the Olia olive oil store, the vinaigrettes were divine and I purchased a Coffee vinaigrette and a Komquat with garlic one, my already heavy bag was weighted down with my purchases.


Next is was the Druze lady, we watched her make the Druze bread and then it was slathered with sour cheese, tabouleh and folded, then cut into pieces for us all to try, delicious. We tasted the cherries and then green almonds, I have seen these in the market before but didn't know what they were, the skin was peeled off the almond and we tasted the skin, which can be grated into salads, and the almond inside which was soft and very tasty.


Next stop the car, we were driven to Orly's house and our cooking adventure began, we were given lovely yellow aprons as it was getting messy, then we tasted the cheese's we had purchased at the market with Baba beh savoury pastries. And then it was down to the serious business of preparing for our meal.


We broke up the cauliflower and sliced the Korabi ready for baking, and then prepared the Babousa an Egyptian cake, Babouse means 'just a kiss'.


We boned Tilapia (St. Peter's fish) with what I can only describe as giant tweezers, then the fish was finely diced, the cilantro, mint and parley were chopped to within an inch of their lives, and everything was combined with garlic, lemon zest, and shallots. The whole mixture was then kneaded to break down the fish and allow it to combine without the use of eggs. The mixture was then made into little fish kebabs ready for the pan.


We made two types hummus and added corrainder and parsley to one which turned it green, we made the tahini sauce for the fish using turmeric oil, and the salads were prepared by firstly chargrilling the eggplants, the tomatoes and peppers, removing the skin and just using the flesh. This part of the cooking process was undertaken by Orly's husband Ben, using what I can only describe as two deep frying pans with an electric element on the bottom of each, the huge eggplants took about 5 mins either side, then their rear ends were sliced to allow the juice to run out and they then cool before you peel them.


We toasted with white wine from the Carmel winery and then after all our hard work it was time to eat, the feast was set, and we sat to the table, there was enough food to feed the Israeli army laid out on the table, and I was still stuffed from the things we had been offered throughout the day.  We had a lovely meal and spoke about many things, I learnt a lot today not only about food, but once again about Jewish history, Israeli history and American Jewish history and politics. Orly and Ben were wonderful hosts and I had a thoroughly amazing day of food, good company and stories from around the globe, Barbara was previously a teacher in Brooklyn and the stories she had to tell were colourful and enjoyable, tales of school children and holidays and tennis and history.


We were all driven back into Tel Aviv, I was dropped back at the train station, and waited for my train in the sunshine of Tel Aviv around 6.30pm, My Beloved collected me from the other end and drove me home, as usual the evening was spent with My Beloved working on his computer and I caught up with my blog, as having not been able to sit and work on it this morning I was running very late.

The falafel store

The Druze lady making our tasty treat

Alyce Boning the Tilapia

Barbara and her Tilapia

Andy with the rice stuffing for the peppers

Orly and Ben Ziv our hosts for the day