From Midwest to Mideast: Ma? Atah Yalda?

After a long day of learning the rules, regulations and guidelines of our program.. we headed to "Kindergarten" bar on Dizengoff for some drinks and music. Fitting, as it was a good introduction to Israeli nightlife full of American hip hop, classic rock, and euro-dance tunes. We did well to find a small bar that wasn't necessarily "tourist-y" to get a feel for our neighborhood scene.

According to the rules we learned today in our orientation, I became aware that I will not be able to manufacture and sell drugs, hitchhike to syria, or visit my palestinian friends in the Gaza strip like I had hoped. Damn the international politics! I guess some rules are made to be broken. (This is a scenario where the "sarcastic font" would be applicable). Big Momo (founder of Oranim), or "Momosaur" as I like to call him when I am well out of his earshot, came and spoke to us and encouraged us to "make jewish babies", the same rhetoric that controversially forced him to give up his birthright trips a few years back. It was cool to see him again, as he was the first Israeli that greeted me, cole, and jon 4 years ago when we came on birthright. He didn't remember me. I guess I didn't stick out amongst the 50,000+ jews from the states that he has introduced himself to. When we came on Birthright, he promised us and every other group that if we met someone on birthright that we married, he would foot the bill for the honeymoon. I get the impression that he regretted this offer, as he explained that he still got calls from couples expecting to travel to israel on his dime. This dude is serious about jews makin whoopie.

Tonight marked the night that I was first insulted by an Israeli woman. Mazel Tov for me! The bartender, who was very fond of Americans (whom are mostly unfamiliar that 20% tip here is over the top), took a shot of Jameson Whiskey with our group and insulted me cause I made a grimace face that one often makes after a shot of whiskey. She said to me "Ma? atah Yalda?" Which means "what, are you a girl?" Not only does it mean female, it literally means "child girl". She went farther than call me a woman, she called me a child girl. Oh Boy did everyone have a laugh!! Well played, bartender. Thankfully I did not burst into tears like a child girl. I didn't tip her like an American. Some phrases in Hebrew are tough to remember, but I will remember this one.. and I'm sure she will remember not to insult the likes of Dav-eed Leb if she wants to go home paid well.

First night out.. Neighborhood bar and street meat.

After I took this pic of street meat man he asked me "ehhhhhhh how ehh did my hair look?" In thick accent. I lied and said "just o.k." to his displeasure