A new week!

Today was such a contrast to last week. The kids were very good! There were also a few moments of quiet, so I had opportunities to consider all that I have in my life now and what I might want to plan for the future.

It was a weekday, so I was able to take the city bus home. Today, we all got a notice that the worker buses will start running in the evenings again tomorrow night. So Israeli-- get us to work, but don't even mention you're not gonna get us back home.

My landlord/attorney drove by this evening to give me the FedEx package that Jessica had sent me. Very exciting to get all my documents-- my name has officially been changed in the US as well as here.

This evening, I got off the bus at Arlan's and he walked up to my place with me. We chatted for several hours-- it was so pleasant. We both stayed up to late, but as far as I'm concerned, it was worth it!

In the news:

• more about violent riots and antifa in the US
• another lockdown may be declared in Israel because of a second wave of coronavirus cases 
• an unarmed Palestianian was shot by Israeli border police in Jerusalem today. (IsraelStreet.com, very right leaning site, describes the events thus: 

According to Arab reports, the man was a “special needs” individual who was “merely going to a special needs class” when he was spotted. That may be true, but in the past, all terrorists who have been stopped along the Gaza border and Lebanese border have been labeled “shepherds” by Hamas and Hezbollah, and many terrorists stopped in Judea and Samaria have been labeled as “developmentally challenged” by the PLO.)

In other news:

• Not a word. (We ignore so much!)

Shabbat

Early this morning, I woke from a dream... a figure of myself in a gray sea under a gray twilight sky. That was it, no action. I went back to sleep.

It has been a harrowing four days at work. Eighty percent or more of the kids were very good, but the bad ones were really bad, not merely rambunctious and pushing boundaries, but bad, and a few were downright wicked. Half the parents who come up, egg them on.

I didn't light candles last night. I actually forgot it was Shabbat!

During the night, I woke up and found myself counting down in Hebrew, because I do it all day on the slide in an attempt to keep the kids spaced apart on the slide. To avoid a repeat of that, I counted down using a mantra. I started with Sh'ma and Baruch Shem Kavod, but that felt sacrilegious.

I don't recall when I learned this Buddhist mantra, but I've always liked it. It was my hiking mantra at one time: Gate Gate Pāragate Pārasamgate Bodhi Svāhā

In the mornings, I've caught the worker bus right in front of my building, but none of the worker buses seem to be running between six and seven in the evening. John has given me a ride home every night since the hotel opened. It's out of his way, so I really appreciate it.

Tonight, he was hanging out at the beach with his wife and a couple of friends after his shift ended, so I joined them. I was really tired, but watching the sunset and chatting was a nice way to end the day. Ethan took this picture of us:

And these are the hills in Aqaba:

I will be working tomorrow. I will have Thursday off.

In the news:

• in Minneapolis a policeman strangled a man to death while three other cops simply watched-- for three minutes! I'd only heard about a riot and looting in Minneapolis, but Jessica sent me an article about riots and looting in Portland. Apparently, the same things are happening all over the US.
• in Israel, many more coronavirus cases since the end of lock-down. One high school has been shut down and others may be shut down in the near future.

Hag Shavuot Sameach

A long exhausting day-- but it was beautiful and I was working outside.

My boss, Ayoub, is a great human being and an excellent manager.

In the news:

• Some Eilatis fear that once this holiday is over, hotel occupancy will drop to zero. John thinks that may be true. He says none of the higher management seem happy about reopening.
• Jordan celebrates Independence Day

It's Shavuot, but I won't be studying all night. I need a full night's sleep! I will at least watch Rabbi Sack's video. (No, I won't. It hasn't started yet.)

Back at work

I took the #1 city bus to the beach and walked to The Dan Hotel. After eating breakfast and chatting with co-workers, I went in the Gulf to exercise. You can't see it in the pictures, but there were scores of other people walking hip-high in the water. After 40 minutes of this, I swam a few dozen strokes before sitting near the beach to dry off and read. Swimming was very difficult; I guess I haven't really regained my strength post-surgeries.

It was nice to be back and see everyone. The gulf was a shade of blue I've never seen before, and although it was very hot the breeze was fairly steady. I did stand in the water must of the day and also dunked my arms and my hat to keep cool.

Thankfully, Ayoub didn't have anyone at the pool wear the plastic face shields. He had tested one yesterday. It gave him a headache in two minutes and couldn't see through it. My friend, Alan, a waiter made the same complaints and later in the day, I saw him wearing a regular mask. 

Almost half of the kids today were really unruly. Usually, after one of the guys relieves me for an afternoon break, the kids are better behaved. Today, when I returned, Vladmir declared the kids meshugenah and practically ran away.

The behavior of about nine boys and three girls just got worse and worse. I assumed it was a post-lock-down issue, but according to my boss, "The French are the worst."

When Vladimir came to close up the slide area, the kids wouldn't take sagor (closed) for an answer. At that point, I would have blocked their way all night, but he shouted down to the lifeguard to turn the water back on and we started to send the kids down. There was further balagan because some kids decided to climb back up the slide.

Alan and I left work at the same time and walked along the tayelet together. He was going home and I was going to the regular bus stop because I don't know the correct worker bus to take to my new home and I was too tired to experiment.

Arlan had a good day, swimming and eating at Japanika. In the news, Israeli restaurant and pub owners are really worried because they can only be at partially occupancy.

There were not many cats around this evening. I was right on time, so I don't know why that was the case.

Tonight begins the 49th day of the Counting of the Omer:

We are mortal; therefore make every day count. We are fallible; therefore learn to grow from each mistake. We will not complete the journey; therefore inspire others to continue what we began.

For the first time ever, I have successfully counted all forty-nine days of the Omer!

Lock-down is really over!

I walked down to north beach today to exercise in the water and pick up my new worker-bus pass. Ayoub and Pavel were working. Later, Ayoub brought me a new bus pass and we chatted for a while.

Misedet HaMifratz (The Gulf Restaurant) almost ready for business!

 He was very proud that he'd fasted all through Ramadan. I told him, "Mazel tov!" We talked excitedly about John's and Mary Jean's expected baby. Then Ayoub warned me that at work we'll all have to be prepared for the new corona world. I wonder how hot a face screen will be when I'm up on the slide. There's no doubt that the newly-enclosed towel desk will be hot. 

The meetings Ayoub has to attend at The Dan are stressful and some of his managers are yelling at each other. There were dump trucks aimlessly navigating the beach and several inexplicable piles of dirt that worried Ayoub. He wants guests to enjoy their stay. He also pointed out something I'd noticed earlier: the umbrellas that survived the storm are in such poor shape that a strong wind will send the thatch flying across the beach. 

Ayoub hopes that coronavirus will make us all kinder people-- and pay more attention to people in Africa who have no water or food. (The world corona map shows no cases in most of Africa, but I don't know if that's a result of isolation or under-reporting; in any case, people in places like Bangladesh and Africa certainly need our help.)

When I was walking back to the bus, I saw that SunWay was open. I finished my ice-cafe and went in for an extra large burkini. (Was I just writing about the suffering in Africa and Bangladesh?)

Maya and I texted about a nice Tatar girl from her hometown. We wanted to play matchmaker for Ayoub and Galiya. We didn't immediately consider the difficulties of immigration nowadays. Such a shame, because they're both wonderful people!

In the news:

• מה פתאום
• i24 News is broadening is suddenly covering issues unrelated to corona virus, some more significant than others.
• Russian mercenaries are being pulled out from a year-long war in Libya.
• There will be no more European basketball this year. 
• Iranian oil tankers arrive in Venezuela. 
• China is trying to squash the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong.

Ayoub sent out the schedule this afternoon. I will be working tomorrow, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday! Fairly long hours, too-- but I'll have time to swim before work.

Tonight begins the 48th day of the Counting of the Omer:

Whatever your achievements, there is always a second mountain to climb, 

and it may turn out to be your greatest legacy to the future.

Post lock-down blues

I went to the outdoor gym this morning just long enough to get my heart rate up and then spent the day watching YouTube videos.

This post lock-down/pre-work period is harder on my sanity than the lock-down was.

This evening, after feeding the cats, I went to the store and spent some time strolling in the park watching families and pets. It's the third of Sivan (tonight) and the moon is a sliver in the sky.

Tonight begins the 47th day of the Omer:

To make love undying, build around it a structure of rituals.

Maya and I were texting tonight. She told me that she had received a monthly newsletter from the human rights NGO in which they mentioned my work on the document that I'd edited during Pesach.

I was going to tell you, some time ago Daniil sent over a monthly newsletter for all the NGO volunteers. He told everyone about the project you’ve been into and about the crazy amount of work you’ve done. He quoted the Committee of Ministers who apparently said they’ve never before received such a vast communication. He also shared a link to the document, and I’ve taken a look. Goodness, it’s really huge!!!!

I'm so pleased they liked my work. Hopefully, this means they will contact me again.

Rebuilding Eilat

Today is the 45th day of the Counting of the Omer:

Never be in too much of a rush to stop and come to the aid of someone in need of help.

This morning, there were no tourists and few Eilatis on the tayelet:

Some rebuilding along north beach:

The Dan Hotel's umbrellas survived the storm; its board walks did not:

I saw Alessandra's mom and sat with her for a while. Alessandra came out of the sea like Bo Derick. (I guess a more high brow reference would be Aphrodite, but Bo Derick is who came to my mind.)

I walked in the surf for a while:

Below is a view of the Dan from the water. The storm waves reached all the way to the bottom of the red "rocks" beneath the Dan's water slide.

(I peaked through the gate and saw Ayoub, Pavel, Damien, and two other men I didn't recognize, cleaning up the pool area.)

A nice place to read and enjoy the views:

On my way back to the bus stop. I window shopped for a new burkini (SunWear was closed), actually purchased two pairs of harem pants, and chatted with workers at Misedet HaMifratz (The Gulf Restaurant)-- they will reopen on Wednesday!

In the news:

• Israelis are celebrating the 20 year anniversary of the withdrawal from Lebanon. That means 14 years of (relative) peace.
• The left and right are demonstrating outside the PM's residence, so loudly they drown out i24's reporter.

Tonight begins the 46th day of the Counting of the Omer:

Make sure the story you tell is one that speaks to your highest aspirations, and tell it regularly.

It's a holiday back in the States

An early morning walk, a trip to the bakery, some Hebrew study, and then John picked me up for a morning at the beach.

There were lots of purple jelly-fish in the water. I saw one that was in danger of being washed onto the shore. I kept filling a cup with water to get it back into deeper water. A woman spoke to me later and explained that it's safe to touch these jellies (meduzah/meduzot). These don't sting as do the white ones in Tel Aviv. They are a rare visitor to Eilat.

Ethan and Ana joined us, and got to listen to a long conversation in Hebrew between Ethan and the Israeli couple.

Later, I swam out further and on the way back stopped amidst groups of meduzot. John had brought a speaker, so we listened to American music. Ethan had brought beer, so we toasted the US Memorial Day weekend. A man, originally from Wisconsin, and his children and grandchildren set up a camp site next to us. They live on a Kibbutz in the Arava. John shmoozed with the man while Ethan and I saw some more and Ana sat in the waves.

Still no word about work resuming.

Tonight begins the forty-fourth day of the Omer:

To lead is to serve. The greater your success, the harder you have to 

work to remember that you are there to serve others; they are not there to serve you.

The שרב continues...

I went out around eight, this morning and it was so hot! I got a call from the delivery service and gratefully headed home to wait for my package from the States and change into even lighter clothing. I also texted Damian about picking up my Passover bonus.

I finally had a relatively productive day! And I also watched a brilliant two-hour lecture about Solzhenitsyn, the Gulagag System, and Existentialism.

Alessandra came to visit me this evening. She stopped by Arlan's first and admired Pascal. We chatted for a long time and then walked to my place, which she hadn't seen before. We chatted until after dark.

I learned more useful Hebrew words:

לחפף l'cha'fef - to do a half-assed job (the Pa'al version of the verb means "to wash hair")
חפיפניק cha'feef'nik - someone who does a half-assed job.

It was great to have most of the gang back together again.

Neither John nor I heard from Ayoub about work.

Tonight begins the forty-third day of the counting of the Omer:

Never define yourself as a victim. There is always a choice,
and by exercising the strength to choose, we can rise above fate.

Heat wave

Dr. Rachman looked at the records of my visit to Yoseftal during Pesach. He was shocked that they released me; my bloodwork was not good. He prescribed a blood test and an ultrasound, as well as visits to Dr. Gluck and a surgeon! Oy.

Jeff spent an hour on the phone asking Hot to connect my internet and television. They raised the price, so he taught me the word, רמאות (rama’ut), which means fraud and deception.

It was hot today, and it finally got to me! (In the news; Israel's worst heat wave and much controversy about girls wearing shorts to school and not being allowed in.)

Back home, I found that the internet was working, but not the tv. Later in the evening, John discovered that the technician had plugged the cable into the wrong outlet.

We went to the beach at sunset. It was a hazy evening, which made for a nice sunset. The temperature dropped to 34C and the breeze was pleasant. I only waded out and saw purple jelly fish and some gorgeous shells, presumably occupied. I wonder if the March storm damage will ever be repaired.

Ayoub texted our group. The hotel will reopen on the 27th and he'll be calling each of us tomorrow. I hope I'll be working soon! (I have to contact Damien who still has my Passover bonus.)

Tonight begins the 42nd day of the Counting of the Omer:

Don’t wait for the world to get better. Take the initiative yourself. The world is waiting for you.

Lockdown nears its complete end

This morning, from my window, I could see a traffic jam on Harim Road! People are getting back to work!

Bus #5 took me past The Dan Hotel. I waved happily-- work may begin again in a week. 

Hot didn't open until ten o'clock, so I walked to Mercaz Big. I bought an ice cafe from Cafe Cafe and Sivan Rahav-Meir's book from Steimansky Books. People were eating at tables outside Cafe Cafe, but the indoor tables were gone. Some of the other restaurants still had their tables, but they weren't open yet, so I don't know if they planned to let people sit there.

At Hot they took our temperatures and let us in two at a time.

The woman took my old modem and gave me a receipt! (I'll call my bank in the States tonight to ensure that Hot stop charging me.) Unfortunately, there was nothing she could do about getting my internet and television working.

I texted Jeff and he said we'd call Hot together tomorrow.

On the way back, Bus #6 also passed The Dan. I got off by the Central Bus Station, hoping to get into Misrad HaPnim.

They had each person fill out a form and they took our temperatures before letting us in the post office / government offices building. We had to stand two meters apart and the entry to security was marked with red tape. It goes against the grain because in Israel you learn that people will jump the line if you leave them any space at all to do so.

There were limits on the number of people in the elevators, so I just took the stairs up to Misrad HaPnim. Two other customers explained needed an appointment to go in. I sat there, on hold, and eventually the security guard ask me something. I said I needed an appointment and showed him my phone. He wished me luck and then asked me what I needed. "Just a change of address? Come on in."

Every other seat was marked with an X and everyone was conscientious about wearing masks. I was there perhaps four minutes. My address has been changed on my Teudat Zehut (identification card).

I figured that I might as well try to get into the Macabi office or at least find out what number I needed to call to make an appointment. There, the security guard simply took my temperature and let me in. Then it was business as usual. I think the woman was saying that I needed to change my address online, but I told her I didn't have internet, and she changed the records for me. I gave her the bill from Yoseftal and she attached it to some other paperwork for processing. They she told me I need a mamogram in August and began the process of preparing an "obligation form" for Yoseftal. (It didn't occur to me that I should ask her about my August oncology appointment at Ichilov.)

Before Macabi, I stopped in the clothing store on the off chance that my pants might be ready. They weren't but I did find two light, long sleeved shirts. My wardrobe is looking rather old, so the purchases seemed justifiable.

All in all, it was a very productive morning! When that happens in Israel--it's so rare-- I get quite happy about it.

I'd say the number of people out and about in town was less than a quarter of the number I'd usually see. People may still be scared of the virus, but they may just have been avoiding the heat wave, (which, oddly, has not bothered me). This evening, there were more people in the outdoor gym than exercise equipment.

In the measly news feed on my phone: a few teachers have gotten sick.

I don't think Israelis will tolerate another lock down unless kids are at risk.

After all that good luck, I was not feeling to eager to spend the afternoon on hold with Hot. So I texted Arlan and got off the bus by his place. (The bus was packed, standing room only. So social distancing is not being universally enforced.) Arlan and I talked for a while and I brushed Pascal.

I procrastinated for about half an hour after I returned home, but then called Hot. Eventually, someone gave me the phone number of a different company to call about connecting the internet. After I call that company (HotNet), I can call Hot again to get internet. That person then transferred me to a different department to ask for my television to be reconnected. I was transferred three times, left on hold for quite a while, and then someone told me she'd call me back it three hours. (That was at 4:15 in the afternoon, so it seems unlikely.) Then I called the "other" company regarding my internet. Same hold music, same messages. I gave up after half an hour on hold and texted Jeff. We'll meet tomorrow after my doctor's appointment. Hopefully he'll have better luck.

The weather has been quite warm, in the high 40s Celsius, but it's not bothering me. Sometimes my mask is soaking wet, so that's a bit of a bother. However, because of the heat wave, the regulation to wear a mask will be lifted from today until Friday.

At first, I thought there were no cats around this evening. Their habits have just changed because of the heat. 

The evening began the 41st day of the Omer:

Listening is the greatest gift we can give to another human being. 

I've never before managed to remember to count the Omer all forty-nine days. In fact, I usually forget early in the first week. This may be a first...

Bidud is definitely over

Yesterday morning, Jeff came over with a French couple. The man fixed the tap in my bathroom sink and replaced the shower-head. (Thankfully, I had purchased the correct size.) While they were examining the water stains and mold around the window and discussing paint colors, the Hot technician arrived.

He quickly connected the modem and then told me to call Hot in half an hour and ask them to connect the internet. After the technician left, I discovered that he'd disconnected the television.

I was on hold for twenty-five minutes, but since I wanted to finish some errands before the hottest part of the day, I gave up temporarily and caught the bus to the center of town.

I stopped by Macabi Pharm, where social distancing is being neglected. I got some cash from the caspomat and went to the private pharmacy-- their records say I picked up a three month supply last month, which I certainly did not. The RavKav office isn't taking cash right now, but I was able to reload my card at CASH, the money conversion stand nearby.

I spent the rest of the day (six hours) on the phone, on hold, talking to several people, being transferred, and getting at least six different stories about why the internet and television aren't working.

It was impossible to study Hebrew while the hold music played. I tried to read aloud from Hanson's book, but even that was difficult.

I did get two pieces of good news:

• John said that the Hot office in Eilat is really good and they speak English.
• Restaurants and swimming pools, even those in hotels, will be allowed to open on May 27.

Last night, there were far fewer cats than usual. Tonight, there were a few new cats. The city vet has been threatening to collect and neuter cats; the cats are supposed to be returned to their original neighborhoods, but often aren't.

Arlan and I met in the park. I bought a drink for each of us and we sat on a bench and chatted for a long time after sunset. 

This seems an unnecessary expense

Monday night began the 40th day of the Omer:

If you seek to change someone, make sure that you are willing to help them when they need 

your help, defend them when they need your defense, and see the good in them, not just the bad.

Shabbat & Yom Rishon

On Shabbat morning, I studied Hebrew for a couple of hours and then, John picked me up for a trip to the beach. On the way there, he mentioned the beaches had been packed the day before. Mary Jean didn't come, but Ethan joined us for a while. The beaches were full of people. All the crappy boardwalks and astroturf are gone, and there was no garbage.

The water seemed icy cold, but I enjoyed watching the parrot fish and other fish through a mask. Later when the three of us talked on the beach, I dunked a few times to cool off. It was 44 degrees Celsius today.

Sadly, no pictures because I left my phone and other valuables in the car.

John and I picked up drinks at the store and Mary Jean made homemade pizzas.

Saturday night began the 38th day of the Omer:

If we truly wish to hand on our legacy to our children, 
we must teach them to love it.

This morning (Sunday), some guys cleared out all the empty boxes, discarded furniture, and bikes on my floor and in the stairwell. Jeff must have contacted the building's Va'ad after his visit yesterday.

I went to industrial area to purchase a new shower head and hose to replace the one's I'd accidentally broken. Home Center wasn't crowded, so my errand didn't take long.

In the afternoon, I watched some political videos on YouTube and read more of The Father of Us All. In the evening, after feeding the cats, I began reading a book John had loaned me, Future Tense by Rabbi Sack. An odd combination of books, I know.

Tonight begins the 39th day of the Omer:

Life is a journey, not a destination. We should constantly set ourselves 

new challenges that take us out of our comfort zone. Life is growth.

Although hotels and restaurants are still closed, lock-down is more or less over. It may be weeks or even months before I can return to work, but these posts may be coming to an end, unless I take some amazing photos or think of something engaging to write about.

Erev Shabbat

On Tuesday morning, I took my laptop to Mors, hoping they could find and fix the problem with the connection between the microphone on my computer and Rosetta Stone. I also asked them to clean up the hard drive as I really want that computer to last a few more years.

I gave up on looking for Boudica and Gray Tom, but named a few more of my regulars.

Tuesday night began the 34th day of the Omer:

Never let negative emotions distort your perceptions. To see
the world as it is, not as you are afraid it might be, let faith banish fear.

Wednesday, I exercised on my mat in the morning, but stayed inside most of the day reading. I finished The Case for Trump by Victor Davis Hanson and began reading another book of his about war, The Father of Us All.

In the news: Bibi mentioned Truman and Trump in one breath during Mike Pompeo's eight hour visit. (Someone else has been reading Victor Davis Hanson.) One interviewee on i24 News said we'd better hurry up and implement the peace plan before the election, implying that he believes that Trump won't win the US Presidential election.

Wednesday night began the 35th day of the Omer:

If you seek to learn, grow, pursue truth and find freedom, seek places
that welcome argument and respect dissenting views.

Thursday, I felt like a zombie. Except for a short walk in the morning and climbing the stairs to the fifth floor after feeding the cats, I got no other exercise. I read a lot, but was anxious about not having my computer and access to the internet.

Thursday night was 36 days of the Omer:

Life lives in the tension between our physical smallness and our spiritual greatness.
Life is short, but when we lift our eyes to heaven, we walk tall.

Friday morning, I took the bus to the center of town and picked the computer before my meeting with Jeff. He called Hot to set up an internet connection for my studio. (I've been using my neighbor's internet during the day and after 10 p.m.) It took a long time to get through to customer service, so by the time we were done and I'd mailed a postcard to Jessica, bus service was almost over. I caught the number 6 and now I know a new route home.

Jeff stopped by in the afternoon to look at things needing repairs. He's sending his handy man over on Monday morning, the same time that the Hot technician should be here.

Last night began the 37th day of the Omer:

By being what only we are, we contribute to humanity what only we can give.

Backgammon in park before windstorm