Back to the City
We returned to Tel Aviv to continue the final and perhaps most challenging part of our training: learning how to navigate the the City by foot. Literally.
We quickly adapted to the pedestrian etiquette in Tel Aviv.
We returned to Tel Aviv to continue the final and perhaps most challenging part of our training: learning how to navigate the the City by foot. Literally.
We quickly adapted to the pedestrian etiquette in Tel Aviv.
Let’s Play Chicken!
It all comes back to Israeli love of games. The game of the road is CHICKEN! Here are the rules:
Pedestrian vs. Pedestrian--
When you are walking on the sidewalks, if you get stuck behind someone walking too slowly, simply dart around them or shove right through them. Never say s'leechah ("excuse me") to them. Not only will they have no idea why you are talking to them, but also, following a dirty look, they will go back to blocking you.
Pedestrian vs. Pedestrian--
When you are walking on the sidewalks, if you get stuck behind someone walking too slowly, simply dart around them or shove right through them. Never say s'leechah ("excuse me") to them. Not only will they have no idea why you are talking to them, but also, following a dirty look, they will go back to blocking you.
Pedestrian vs. Motorist--
When crossing the streets, you do not necessarily have the right of way. Ever. That means in all circumstances--If there are no traffic lights, no stop signs or no black and white striped street crossings--it is anyone's guess as to whether a car will stop so that you can cross the street.
You must handle this situation with finesse. Confidence is the key. When you begin to cross the street, never show that you are afraid for your life. Step off the curb and assess the situation by glancing at the road from the corner of your eyes. If there's more than a 50% chance that an approaching car will slow down, move forward with absolute confidence that you'll cross the street before the car. That boosts you chances of survival to 75%.
When crossing the streets, you do not necessarily have the right of way. Ever. That means in all circumstances--If there are no traffic lights, no stop signs or no black and white striped street crossings--it is anyone's guess as to whether a car will stop so that you can cross the street.
You must handle this situation with finesse. Confidence is the key. When you begin to cross the street, never show that you are afraid for your life. Step off the curb and assess the situation by glancing at the road from the corner of your eyes. If there's more than a 50% chance that an approaching car will slow down, move forward with absolute confidence that you'll cross the street before the car. That boosts you chances of survival to 75%.
A Fitting Goodbye
At 3 AM, hours after a sad goodbye to Marian and Marissa, we were in the backseat of a taxi on our way to the airport. In the first few minutes of the ride, we exchanged pleasantries, but then Hannah and I were too tired to continue. At 3:30 AM, our cab driver pulled over to the curb, opened the trunk and literally threw our luggage out onto the pavement. One piece landed upside down, and two landed sideways--all with their wheels hanging in the air.
Aboard the flight home, I asked the flight attendant for a glass of water when the beverage cart was nowhere in sight. When she graciously smiled and got me the water, I wanted to get down on my knees and thank her. As I passed another person in the aisles I heard a familiar phrase: "excuse me." At that point I re-incorporated "excuse me" into my lexicon. Our deprogramming had begun.
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