September 27, 2010
Blech, really didn't feel like leaving Israel, as I truly did enjoy the place. Crazy large food servings, prices not too outrageous, great beach, some very friendly secular people, weird cultural encounters (West Bank). The weather was hotter and humider than I would have liked, but I could have learned to find even lighter and more breathable clothing to wear. Maybe I'll go back one day.
After breakfast at the falafel place near the hostel we sat on the beach for about an hour and a half. I only spent maybe 20 minutes in the water, bobbing up and down, watching the bags sitting on the beach, feeling sorry about leaving. Otherwise, I started reading Ian McKewan's Amsterdam, as I had just finished Freedom the night before.
The cab driver to the airport was wearing a large white yarmulke, was missing a few teeth, and was excited to make chit chat.
And the airport was a pain in the neck:
1) Lots of questions again about my bar mitzvah and hebrew school and what temple I attended and why am I in Israel and why now and do I have any family in Israel and did anyone give me anything to take on the plane.
2) And waiting through the passport check line (no signs identifying lines for citizens and foreigners) and being informed when I reached the end that I was in the citizen lane and would have to switch.
3) And waiting forever behind maybe 2 people as I waited in line to purchase arak at the duty free.
Watched parts of the 2010 version of the Karate Kid, which despite semi-positive reviews, I thought was very, very bad. Then again, I watched it without the sound (I was listening to music) and the only dialogue I got was the Chinese dialogue, which was featured in subtitles.
I ate the chicken. With hummus.
And arrived at Natalia and Joe's place in Notting Hill at something like 10:00 p.m., pretty tired. Ate some very good tasting grilled lamb, a little bit of red wine, and went to sleep on the same bed on which I slept almost 3 months ago.
Pulp -- Common People
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