I am in Safed, a small Israeli city 3 hours north of Jerusalem. The picture in my mind of Safed was pretty different from reality so far. The picture above is where I am staying. As a center of Jewish mysticism with hippie-ish sensibilities, I expected a city that would feel loved and welcoming and in tune with the natural state of things. You know, like Berkeley before the iphone.
Sadly, my initial impression is that the local culture is one of unhealthy food, cheap consumer goods, trash and rubble. Part of the old town is beautifully restored and full of artists’ galleries but, except for the synagogues and Hassidim, the neighborhood seems all but abandoned.
Well there’s that and I learned last night that the whole city is shutting down for Rosh Hashanah for three full days beginning tomorrow at sundown. No restaurants, no markets, no public transportation. And, unlike Jerusalem, there are no Palestinians here selling falafels and running buses. My studio apartment doesn’t have kitchen facilities — not even a fork — except for a tiny refrigerator and a small container that heats water.
Growl.
When omnivore Emily cooks vegan food, she says “I like working with constraints.” This morning after much teeth gnashing I committed myself to this approach. I started by running some errands so I would at least have a false sense of empowerment. The picture represents a cross section of my efforts. A bar of hand made olive oil soap so I wouldn’t have to use the harsh stuff in my room that you can smell down the block. A sink stopper so I can wash some of my clothes. Some nectarines representing my upcoming three days of unprepared foods. A pair of sandals because my flip flops are on their last leg (so to speak). And a new corkscrew because I can’t take the chance that the old one will bomb out on me before Sunday.
I am also trying to connect with some of the local community so maybe I can share a holiday meal or at least have someone to talk to once in awhile. More on that later….
Just you don’t think I am desperate or depressed, here are some hopeful pictures:
The nice young man with the juice bar down the street. Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice is so delicious.
Favorite photo I brought for a laugh when needed.
Favorite note I brought to cheer me up if needed — from my favorite 6 year old, who is now 22.
And I am sure that in one way or another there is something important here that I just haven’t found yet.
Camino Milagro 
Love your optimism and love the photos! I bet you can connect with a family and get an invitation. It would be a wonderful experience that is for sure! Love this blog title too. Yep, there is some power there – just gotta find it 🙂
Thanks for the encouragement Barb! This blog has become something more important to me than just me reporting in!
Kind of a down amongst the ups but there is a silver lining thingy in here somewhere – how long before the shops open?
The shops open on Sunday. Thinking the silver lining is not what I might expect….
What is important is you and your explorations, good or bad. Besides you may lose 5 lbs haha
There are two old
Yiddish Proverbs this situation brings to mind.
First (circa a 800 BC), “Be sure to hit the 7-Eleven before traveling to Safed.”
The second (circa five minutes ago) is “Oy vey es mir!”
Be strong Kimmie! At least you won’t have to eat “feel-awful’s!”
Very funny all!
Oh Kim, the ups and downs of travel! I’m curious how you will turn this lemon into lemonade… There must be some reason you were attracted to this town that hasn’t emerged yet. Cute sandals! And the olive oil soap and nectarines look perfect, too. I’ve never been to Israel, but your story reminded me of the time I was stranded at an Ecuadorian border town, trying to cross into Colombia, when it closed down for 3 days for Carnaval. The main way they celebrated was to throw miserable buckets of cold water on people as they walked through the streets.
Vic so funny-tooth note priceless-had to look up where the heck Safed was-unreasonably excited to read how you made lemonade because as we all know you will!
You have until sundown, better get some food and wine and beer! And maybe a bicycle to get around?
Oh jeez. Rosh Hashanah. So much for being Jewish. Love your travel chronicles Kimmie. I feel like I am with you. Maybe we can make that happen. What is next?