Hello from America!

Hello readers! Believe it or not, I am back on the “other side” of the Atlantic (for now, anyway) while I am on break. I know I haven’t written in a while (sorry about that) but not for lack of time, but because there is simply less to report. One of the hardest adjustments I’ve had to make since moving to Arad is learning how to have downtime. It was never something I had (or knew how to enjoy/appreciate) in high school; it was always school, studying, extracurricular commitments, hours of dance, more studying, some sleep, and repeat. Now, however, I find myself with odd amounts of time to myself. Unfortunately, it’s never a consecutive chunk of time to, for example, make it worthwhile to travel to Be’er Sheba (it’s about 45 minutes on a bus from Arad) or go anywhere except the Laundromat (I try to go at least once every 10 days or so. It’s a good activity), Mega Bool (again, this is not an everyday thing… unfortunately) or visit other apartments (they’re all ten to fifteen minute walks from each other. This gets old fast). That being said, we’ve learned to be creative. Here’s a list of fun(ish) things to do in Arad if you need a quick activity to occupy two hours or less:

1. Go for a walk in the “center” of town. Sit near the construction site (yes, there’s only one) near Bank Hapoalim, around the corner from the bus station (three benches) and the Laundromat, and watch the “mayors” convene for what can only be important deliberations (I try to overhear, but most conversations are in Arabic. I like to sit and watch groups of Bedouin men stroll through the center, donning their head coverings and floor-length garb even on the warmest days. They clearly run the place). While you’re there, stop by and have a falafel or kebab sandwich in the restaurant (it’s a hole in the wall. That’s what makes it delicious) near the change store and across from the (well, once of several) spice market. One of my friends volunteers there; she chops vegetables for Israeli salad and potatoes to make fries. I try to visit her (and have lunch, naturally) every once in a while.

2. Go to Mega Bool (they will pick you up if you call in advance) and try to find the best deals on meat, chicken and fresh vegetables (all Bool deals are done by the kilo. Know what you’re buying and exactly how much of it. You will be shocked).

3. With your new purchases, make dinner for friends. We try to have themed nights (Italian night, Mexican… takeout…) Make sure your guests bring something, too! Need ideas? Try quesadillas and guacamole:

Elana’s Quick Quesdadillas:
Ingredients:
Flour tortillas (two per quesadilla, one for the “bottom” and one for the “top”)
2-3 large onions, chopped
2 red peppers, chopped
Jalapenos (you decide how hot you want your dinner to be)
Shredded cheddar cheese
Oil
Salt, pepper to taste
Two cloves garlic, minced

Procedure: In a frying pan, heat oil over medium heat. Saute onions until translucent, add garlic. Salt and pepper to taste. Remove onions and place to the side. Saute red peppers; once they become soft, add peppers to onions and set aside. Re-oil the pan and place a tortilla on the bottom. Add cheese (enough to cover the tortilla), pepper/onion mixture, and jalapenos (at your discretion). Place another tortilla on top. As the cheese begins to melt, flip the quesadilla so it cooks evenly on both sides. Once both top and bottom are golden-brown and the cheese has melted, remove from the pan. To keep the first quesadillas warm while you cook the others, turn the oven on low heat and keep the quesadillas in the oven to stay hot. Once all are finished, cut into triangles (like a pizza) and serve hot, with salsa and guacamole for dipping.

Yummy Guacamole:
Ingredients:
6 avocadoes, soft and ripe
1 red onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of a lime
1 tomato, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Tabasco (optional, but delicious)

Procedure: Halve the avocadoes, remove pits (reserve at least 2 pits, throw the rest away) and remove skin. In a large mixing bowl, mash avocado and add chopped onion and garlic. Mix well, but avoid making the avocado too mushy; keep it slightly “chunky” for texture (you don’t want baby food). Add the juice of a lime, salt and pepper. If you wish, add a little Tabasco for an extra “kick.” Place chopped tomatoes on top. To keep the avocado from oxidizing quickly in the refrigerator (unless you’re eating it immediately) place the two reserved avocado pits in the guacamole and refrigerate until you’re ready to eat!


4. Make hot chocolate from scratch. This is a good activity for several reasons: a) it’s something to do that takes longer than simply spooning mix into a mug and boiling water, b) it tastes delicious and c) Tim Tam Slams will follow (see previous post).

Sandstorm-Proof Hot Chocolate:
Ingredients:
Milk (3-4 cups, based on how many you’re serving)
Boiling water
Chocolate ice cream (gelato works well, too)
2 teaspoons Instant coffee
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
2 tablespoons Sugar
Marshmallows (if you’re feeling adventurous/childish/in need of more sugar)

Procedure: In a large pot, warm milk over medium heat. When milk begins to bubble slightly, stir in chocolate ice cream (2-3 cups, based on how chocolatey you want your hot chocolate. Or just use the entire tub if it’s one of those days). When ice cream has melted, add coffee mix, cinnamon and sugar. Add 2-3 cups boiling water to the mixture. Serve in mugs and top with marshmallows. Also, have Tim Tams at the ready. Enjoy!

5. Insulate your apartment to protect against 30 mile/hour winds, sand and dirt that will inevitably end up in your bedroom. What’s best for this? Duct tape and a bath towel. Yes, we did it, and yes, it worked. Pictures to follow.

6. If you need a weekday activity between the hours of 9am and 3pm, come to the gan and help us sand/spackle. We need all the help we can get (although the walls are looking SO much better!) Or, you can play with the kids. They’re adorable!

7. Go to the mall and walk around for a little while. Once you’re there, go to Super Pharm and purchase a hot water bottle. Before going to bed, boil some water and pour it into the hot water bottle. Place it at the end of your bed, near your feet. Enjoy the best night of sleep ever.

8. Go to Muza. The food is great, the bar is fun, and the waiters/waitresses are all very nice and speak excellent English. If you’re a soccer fan (after living in Israel for a certain amount of time, you become one) then this is an especially cool place to watch a game in the company of other fanatics.

9. Have game night! Playing cards, Rummikub, and backgammon (called Shesh Besh in Israel) can be very amusing for quite some time. Serve snacks and you become a very popular apartment.

10. Blog, send email, download new music and movies you haven’t had a chance to see, and otherwise make good use of wireless Internet. It is truly a blessing.


Arad isn’t necessarily boring; it’s just not Tel Aviv, which has been a major change. I’m taking it as an opportunity to make my own fun, to spend lots of time at the gan, and to learn a new side of Israel I wouldn’t otherwise see. And the craziest part? I have less than a month to live there once vacation is over, because before I can say “Mega Bool,” I’ll be boarding a plane headed to Africa. Oy va voy!

Happy New Year (from America!)
Elana