Coming back home, I noticed my skin, even though it's tanned, is much smoother, brighter, and more importantly, firmer. Tracing my photos, I truly believe that it is combination of holiday, healthy Mediteranean food, and the amazing quality of Dead Sea Mud mask.
Here I am lathered fully in the original Dead Sea black mud by Kayla beach.
On October 7, 2023, I woke up to a peaceful morning in Tel Aviv, Israel. After making a quick breakfast at our rental AirBNB, I flipped through Netflix being unfamiliar to the unit as we have just arrived back to Tel Aviv after a few days in Jerusalem. The Crown episodes were on season 2 and Olivia Colman's face mimicking the Queen, commented about how she was entering the middle age for woman.
Announcements in Hebrew language flickered across the page, annoying appearing every few mins. I dismissed them as notice being new to the TV and the foreign languages as I continued to catch up on the episodes. My brother woke-up around 9am, and we started wondering about proper brunch on a Shabbat day that is also a major Simchat Torah holiday. That's the reason we returned to Tel Aviv, figuring out that the options would have been much better being in Shabbat in this fun city. Indeed, the night before we hung out at one of the restaurant/bar/art gallery that my Israeli friend recommended around Jaffa area, caught the sunset and walked back leisurely.
I started checking the news of the day, and surprised to see the news about Hamas attack. What??!
We quickly flipped to the news current affair channel, and found CNN. It turned out that those notices on TV were from Israeli Home Defense Front that is responsible for civic defense, annoucing the wave of attack. They were still trying to understand the scope of situation. The casualty count though started from 1, then to 8, and creeps up.
We decided that since I have been awake for hours, I should venture out and get food and maybe to find some supermarket that is open so we can get some fruits and food. I strolled to immediate vicinity of our apartment on Eliat road. The Neve Tsedek neighbourhood was peaceful, a few kids were playing on the field. Morning sun was shining, really beautiful and peaceful weekend morning.
I bumped into a group and two groups of tourists with Asian faces. After saying friendly 'good morning' it is clear that they have just arrived and settling in to this artsy and nice neighbourhood. Even though it is adjacent to the Levinsky market area that we stayed at last week, the vibe is really different. I strolled silently through the silent street. Encountered a family outside the Dalia bakery 'Ah, must be a family business since they sit around outside their famous bakery and restaurant, their faces was stoic but I paid no attention since that's how faces of people in this Middle Eastern area, I have learned. They might be friendly, and willing to help, but they just don't showed it on their faces, any smiles or pleasures...
I checked my GPS, and passed a small street where a group of four were gathering, on the road chatting. I checked the path towards the beach, then turned back. I was trying to get a Jhanuk place that has a good review. As it was a traditional jewish food eaten on a Shabbat morning, I thought it would be a fitting food to try on this holiday morning.
I wonder around, until finally the guy on the group, turned and said "We are selling Jyanuk here".
"Ah, perfect, I am looking for your place."
He gestured towards an open door, which leads the living room of a living quarter, complete with a table with a pot of Jyanuk and condiments.
"Did you know what's happening here?"
I was shocked a little bit, not expecting this small talk that immediately referred to the news.
"Um, yes we saw.."
"It is really bad. The situation, people were shooting at our soldiers. It's better to get some food and just stay indoor whole day."
I thanked him for his advice. He then asked whether I know what food I am getting. I affirmed and then briskly went about my way, pondering what just happened. I wondered whether the situation is really that bad, but the locals seemed to think it is VERY bad and they are supposed to know that their land is unstable.. hmm. I was engrossed in my thoughts that I forgotten to comment on the book Ikigai on the sofa of the food seller, 'I had the same exact book and had gifted it to people for Christmas..'.
I walked quickly making circous route, as I started to figure that it is better to follow his advice and stock on some food. I spotted a few hummus restaurant, which I started to like during my stay, and walked there. The streets are empty. I don't know how it is like on Saturday morning on a typical Shabbat day but I certainly encountered less than 10 people in 20 mins on the street.
The middle-eastern guys were standing around outside the hummus restaurant. They look somehow harried. It is clear that the restaurant is not really open, the tables and chairs were stacked up.
"I want to buy some hummus, yes, for takeaway".
The guy who is best in English, took my order and gave instructions to his friends/family members. Three of them started preparing, and I declined falafel upside. Satisfied that I have a warm plate of takeaway hummus, I started hunting for Supermarket.
After a few rounds, I found Green supermarket, which we found to be generally high in price, but it is open and it is just next to the station. I started to ogle at the fresh avocado, mushroom, and eggs. Outside, a sirene rang and I quickly grabbed items I wanted. Moments later, a loud boom of rocket can be heard. I started to hear a group chatting around the cashier.
A gentleman with dark skin got a phone call immediately, and he started almost shouting into his phone, "Don't panic, listen to me. Everything will be okay." Immediately, I did not quite understand the hysteria that started to form.
"That'll be 97 shekkels. There is no shelter around here...". the cashier commented to me while shaking her head.
I thought about the fact that she has to manned the supermarket on this holiday morning, during this dangerous time with no shelter around, and said "Take care of yourselves."
"Thanks, you take care too."
I quickly hurried back to the apartment, and share the news of my morning venture to my brother.
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| Sunset in Jaffa on October 6, 2023 |
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| Beautiful Neve Tsedek neighbourhood on the morning walk |
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| The empty Hummus restaurant |
New York Times 52 Places to Go in 2023
1. London
2. Morioka, Japan
3. Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
4. Kilmartin Glen, Scotland
5. Auckland, New Zealand
6. Palm Springs, California
7. Kangaroo Island, Australia
8. Vjosa River, Albania
9. Accra, Ghana
10. Tromso, Norway
11. Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, Brazil
12. Bhutan
13. Kerala, India
14. Greenville, South Carolina
15. Tucson, Arizona
16. Martinique
17. The Namib Desert, Southern Africa
18. The Alaska Railroad
19. Fukuoka, Japan
20. Flores, Indonesia
21. Guadalajara, Mexico
22. Tassili n’Ajjer, Algeria
23. Kakheti, Georgia
24. Nîmes, France
25. Ha Giang, Vietnam
26. Salalah, Oman
27. Cuba
28. Odense, Denmark
29. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia
30. Boquete, Panama
31. Tarragona, Spain
32. Charleston, South Carolina
33. Cayos Cochinos, Honduras
34. Burgundy Beer Trail, France
35. Istanbul
36. Taipei, Taiwan
37. El Poblado, Medellín, Colombia
38. Lausanne, Switzerland
39. Methana, Greece
40. Louisville, Kentucky
41. Manaus, Brazil
42. Vilnius, Lithuania
43. Macon, Georgia
44. Madrid
45. Grand Junction, Colorado
46. La Guajira, Colombia
47. Bergamo and Brescia, Italy
48. American Prairie, Montana
49. Eastern Townships, Quebec
50. New Haven, Connecticut
51. The Black Hills, South Dakota
52. Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Cities in 2022 list includes Queens (NY), Kyoto. In 2021 (mid of Covid), inspiring place includes Camino de Santiago, Hokkaido, and the World :)
After reading this tip from a 95-year grandpa who writes short blog everyday, as well as a 68-year-old who went for 30-days silent retreat, and one of the points is about writing, I wanted to start this blog complaining about the conversation I had today with my manager as well as the stress in the last 30 days about Papa's health.
But, in a second, my mind did a quick turn around, when I read about gratitude. Instead of complaining, I am very grateful of a lot of things that happened to me and in my life.
I am grateful for my mom, who is strong, active, energetic and immediately supportive when I told her about my work troubles yesterday. Clearly she has been worried about my state of mental health being in the last 2 weeks.
I am grateful for my brother, who is also very supportive yesterday. He invited me to join a weekend party with his friends and network.
I am grateful for my other brother, and that he and his family are successful and they are blessed with two wonderful daughters. I am proud of how successful he is in both family and in business.
I am grateful for our extended family who is caring, and thoughtful about Papa's health. They called multiple times a day in the last 3 weeks of Papa's diagnosis, operations, multiple hospitalizations, and even host my Papa and Mom for 3 weeks in Taiwan.
I am grateful that Papa is alive and is able to celebrate his 74th's birthday on Saturday and today.
I am grateful to be blessed with good health, physical comforts, and wealth generated at relatively young age.
I am grateful to be surrounded by many supportive people who guided me in career, spiritually, and in spirit.
I am grateful to Buddha who teaches the blessings and wishes peace and happiness for all beings.
I am grateful to be alive and healthy today and able to live a fruitful live.
Wonderful park, worthy of label that many on the net called the best park in the world.
The day is a breeze, starting with around 8am where crowd has gathered at park entrance, in full swings complete with Disney shirts, outfits, Mickey and Minnie head bands, bags, accessories, and etc. Japanese crowds are really lot of fun.
Chiraumi onsen (もとぶ温泉「美ら海の湯」) is located at Hotel Orion Motobu hotel and resort, the onsen water is pumped and heated from 1,400 metres underground. Entrance fees applies for both hotel guests and day trip. When we visited in early July 2023, bathing fee is 1,650yen for hotel guest and 2,150yen for day trip.
Long opening hour from 6-10am and 3pm to late night.
Water is chloride spring, to be precise Sodium-chloride strong salt hot spring (hypertonic neutral low hot spring). ナトリウム－塩化物強塩温泉（高張性中性低温泉）
At women’s side there is a spacious dressing area with locker and hair dryer as well as complete face wash, lotion, and milk. Also uniquely there is body lotion, hair tonic, and aftershave lotion as well, but no comb.
As for the pool, one indoor pool. Outdoor area there is a hot pool and cold pool (around 19 degrees) as well as dry sauna. The sun was shining through part of pool suitable for tanning. The view is amazing, overlooking emerald beach and Ie island.
There are three large massage chairs outside the bathing area with amazing moves.
Charming city of Takayama, one of 3-star Michelin scenic spot. It is raining with summer rain on July 1st, 2023.
I am taking a morning coffee break at a cute Cafe Coveter.
Charming small onsen town that is so pretty. The street is lined up with various ryokan, many still in traditional facade.
Temple in mountain, tranquil and forth the thousand step up. Beautiful view from Gokaido.
2hour round trip, acess from Yamadera station.
Traditional yam ball stick with mustard (yummy) 100yen. Supposed to give you energy for the hike :)
Basho statue and emperor resting place.
Gate
Gero city where the onsen town is located can be reached with train on Nagoya to Takayama/Toyama line. The city bounded by Hida river that run along the train line, offering a scenic lovely view. On my way in, the river is coloured tranquil blue, and as it rained for almost two days I was in Gero, the river turned brownish strong flow, which is a delight to see as the water level swells a meter or so in some parts.
Mausoleum of the first lord of Sendai, Date Masamune and his family.
Surrounded by serene pine forest, the hydrangea (ajisai) flowers were blooming blue, purple, pink and white in the peak of summer.
How to get there
Easiest is to hop on loop bus by city of Sendai, Loople bus.
