The group congregated at Newark Airport at 10am. It was my first-ever group tour, and I realized the mistake I'd made in not adapting to circumstances. Expecting to carry my belongings with me from one location to another, I packed lightly - a small duffel bag and messenger bag. Only one other backpacker in the group managed to fit his belongings into a hiker's backpack. All others lugged large suitcases, seemingly more suitable for a month's trip, than a 10 day tour.
Today was spent mostly walking around Tel Aviv. Seeing it in real life made me realize how flawed my impression of Tel Aviv was before coming here. The market place, produce stands and shopping areas reminded me of the open markets in Xela, as well as certain shopping districts in Korea. Not at all what I'd imagined for Tel Aviv. However, I guess it just makes a lot of sense in areas where people are so densely concentrated, particularly places with a long history.
I went for a run on the (very public) boardwalk along the beach near our hotel, and I got groped by some random dude on a bicycle. I was running along, and he kept trying to talk to me, so I took out my earphones and said something like, "I don't speak Hebrew," and waved good bye. I kept running, but he and his friend kept following me on their bikes and talking to me in Hebrew, so I just ignored them. He then drew slightly closer, asking, "Bira bira?" ("beer, beer?"). "Lo," I replied, and looked ahead. He then reached over and grabbed my breast! ... OMG!!
I was pissed off and kind of confused by his audacity. I stopped running, glared at him and yelled, "What the fuck? Are you an idiot?"I sensed that they were in shock by my reaction, and I took the moment to turn and start loping off in the other direction. I didn't run too quickly - I wasn't afraid of them as much as I felt repulsed, and I didn't want to give them the impression of fear.
Even aside from this incident, I definitely do get the sense that people here are more aggressive than in any other place I've ever been. They're loud and pushy and prone to staring. But maybe it's a familiarity they feel with one another? People are generally loud and pushy with their family. Maybe Israelis are loud and pushy in general because they find everyone to be familial?
Though groping is less excusable on these terms than pushiness.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
23. Tripping
I'm flying out to Israel tomorrow. It's my first (hopefully of many) ventures to the Middle Eastern world. It's a pretty neat trip. The Jewish students' association on campus is subsidizing: $1000 for round trip tickets and 10 days of travel, shelter, food. I dashed off a statement of interest 20 minutes before the application was due:
Please briefly explain why you are interested in participating in this trip and what you hope to gain from the experience.
I grew up in the household of a practicing Seventh-Day Adventist family. Unlike other Protestant denominations, Seventh-Day Adventists continue to hold the Old Testament in the highest regard, and continue to follow its tenets in conjunction with the mandates of the New Testament.
As an adolescent, I was often asked to explain Seventh-Day Adventism to my peers, many of whom were convinced it was a cult (or indistinguishable from the Latter Day Saints!). After awhile, earnesty gave way to good humor, and I would facetiously remark, "Oh, basically they're Christian Jews." This succinct description lengthened over time to reflect the constantly changing belief systems of our evolving society: "Oh, basically they're Christian Jews, but not to be confused with 'Jews for Christ.' They keep Saturday as the Sabbath day, but don't keep kosher. They don't keep strict kosher, but they still adhere to some Old Testament dietary restrictions: no pork or seafood without scales."
Joking aside, very often, internal theological disputes within the church were resolved by consulting Judaic practices.
In addition to this unusual relationship to Judaism, I have attended the New York City public school system from K-12, which means I have taken off every major Jewish holiday, and have often shocked my Jewish friends with my extensive knowledge of holiday events and customs.
Though I am no longer a Seventh-Day Adventist, and no longer attend a NYC public school, I continue to be intrigued by the religion of my childhood and its precursors. Jerusalem is the birthplace of the major religions in the world, and I am, at times, in awe of its historical significance. But mostly, I have modest aspirations for this trip: I hope to visit some of the historical sites I heard and read about for a decent portion of my life, and I hope to get a better grasp of the modern political landscape of present-day Israel.
The End.
Ha, hope you enjoyed.
This year is turning out to be a year for a fair amount of world travel. Israel in March, China in May, Russia/Eastern Europe in August.
Will keep you posted with updates of fair Israel.
Please briefly explain why you are interested in participating in this trip and what you hope to gain from the experience.
I grew up in the household of a practicing Seventh-Day Adventist family. Unlike other Protestant denominations, Seventh-Day Adventists continue to hold the Old Testament in the highest regard, and continue to follow its tenets in conjunction with the mandates of the New Testament.
As an adolescent, I was often asked to explain Seventh-Day Adventism to my peers, many of whom were convinced it was a cult (or indistinguishable from the Latter Day Saints!). After awhile, earnesty gave way to good humor, and I would facetiously remark, "Oh, basically they're Christian Jews." This succinct description lengthened over time to reflect the constantly changing belief systems of our evolving society: "Oh, basically they're Christian Jews, but not to be confused with 'Jews for Christ.' They keep Saturday as the Sabbath day, but don't keep kosher. They don't keep strict kosher, but they still adhere to some Old Testament dietary restrictions: no pork or seafood without scales."
Joking aside, very often, internal theological disputes within the church were resolved by consulting Judaic practices.
In addition to this unusual relationship to Judaism, I have attended the New York City public school system from K-12, which means I have taken off every major Jewish holiday, and have often shocked my Jewish friends with my extensive knowledge of holiday events and customs.
Though I am no longer a Seventh-Day Adventist, and no longer attend a NYC public school, I continue to be intrigued by the religion of my childhood and its precursors. Jerusalem is the birthplace of the major religions in the world, and I am, at times, in awe of its historical significance. But mostly, I have modest aspirations for this trip: I hope to visit some of the historical sites I heard and read about for a decent portion of my life, and I hope to get a better grasp of the modern political landscape of present-day Israel.
The End.
Ha, hope you enjoyed.
This year is turning out to be a year for a fair amount of world travel. Israel in March, China in May, Russia/Eastern Europe in August.
Will keep you posted with updates of fair Israel.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
22. Sexuality
--- Don't read if you object to sexual content. ---
When it comes to their penis, why is it that so many men are so damn irrational?
Sometimes, I feel incredibly disturbed by what I shall call "penis ego." (Hereinafter "PE" - mostly because the first word still creeps me out a bit.) I define PE as the irrational certainty with which men believe that their all-important sex organ is capable of inducing mind-blowing ecstasy.
Maybe it's a cognitive defense mechanism? Or driven by an inflated sense of self? Too much porn? Too much television? Perpetuated by female fakers?
But coooome onnnn. As an confessed Faker, I sometimes just wanted to ask guys, who are usually just so pleased with themselves: Don't you think that if you were capable of inducing that much pleasure, you'd have women hanging from your fucking (adj.) limbs at all times?!
Ok yes, maybe I, and fakers everywhere, are partially to blame. But certainly not for initiating the cycle. I generally faked when I felt compassion for whatever insecurity was driving the PE. And sometimes because I may have internalized the message that women who don't enjoy sex all the time are unhealthily uptight. Oh, and also when I tired of, "Did you come? Are you coming? Did you come..."
They say pressure hinders performance, but let me tell you, this sort of pressure has probably inspired some extraordinary theatrical performances. On behalf of any woman who has faked it at some point, you're welcome, PE.
This isn't meant to be a rant. Ok, maybe a little. But mostly, I finally feel comfortable disclosing my discomfort with all this.
Two things. First, I believe all human relationships engage in some sort of power struggle (however subtly) and I think it's particularly pronounced in sexual relationships. Second, sexual satisfaction has a huge mental component for me, and I get the feeling this is the case for most. Men, included.
Before I continue, I should disclaim that I'm no expert on sex or sexuality. I was an unqualified prude for most of my life, probably exacerbated by some level of germophobia. It was only after reaching a solidly adult age and having achieved some of my life objectives (ambitions are pretty efficient blinders) that I began to entertain some interest in sexuality.
But anyway, back to the mental component of sex. Based on 1) my understanding of others' understanding of sexuality; 2) my own experiences; and 3) the unrealistic one-dimensionality of sex as portrayed in the media, I've come to the conclusion that men are probably more likely to overestimate the physical component, and women are more susceptible to underestimating the mental. I mean, I think both sexes probably do both, but I'm just talking about degree.
Well, the interesting question here seems to be: "so what"?
Yes, the "why" is important too, but we could probably collectively come up with a host of hypotheses upon a minute's reflection - evolutionary adaptation, genetic composition, biological mechanisms, imputed norms, socialization, etc.
But this other question: So what?
I guess I just find it unfortunate, because I'm prone to think that physical stimulation is the most superficial form of sexual fulfillment, and somewhat impoverished. I wonder, maybe if the higher faculties are activated in the understanding and enjoyment of sexuality and eroticism, there would be less need or desire to pursue increasingly hardcore and varying stimuli to achieve the same thrill, k.
To be continued.
When it comes to their penis, why is it that so many men are so damn irrational?
Sometimes, I feel incredibly disturbed by what I shall call "penis ego." (Hereinafter "PE" - mostly because the first word still creeps me out a bit.) I define PE as the irrational certainty with which men believe that their all-important sex organ is capable of inducing mind-blowing ecstasy.
Maybe it's a cognitive defense mechanism? Or driven by an inflated sense of self? Too much porn? Too much television? Perpetuated by female fakers?
But coooome onnnn. As an confessed Faker, I sometimes just wanted to ask guys, who are usually just so pleased with themselves: Don't you think that if you were capable of inducing that much pleasure, you'd have women hanging from your fucking (adj.) limbs at all times?!
Ok yes, maybe I, and fakers everywhere, are partially to blame. But certainly not for initiating the cycle. I generally faked when I felt compassion for whatever insecurity was driving the PE. And sometimes because I may have internalized the message that women who don't enjoy sex all the time are unhealthily uptight. Oh, and also when I tired of, "Did you come? Are you coming? Did you come..."
They say pressure hinders performance, but let me tell you, this sort of pressure has probably inspired some extraordinary theatrical performances. On behalf of any woman who has faked it at some point, you're welcome, PE.
This isn't meant to be a rant. Ok, maybe a little. But mostly, I finally feel comfortable disclosing my discomfort with all this.
Two things. First, I believe all human relationships engage in some sort of power struggle (however subtly) and I think it's particularly pronounced in sexual relationships. Second, sexual satisfaction has a huge mental component for me, and I get the feeling this is the case for most. Men, included.
Before I continue, I should disclaim that I'm no expert on sex or sexuality. I was an unqualified prude for most of my life, probably exacerbated by some level of germophobia. It was only after reaching a solidly adult age and having achieved some of my life objectives (ambitions are pretty efficient blinders) that I began to entertain some interest in sexuality.
But anyway, back to the mental component of sex. Based on 1) my understanding of others' understanding of sexuality; 2) my own experiences; and 3) the unrealistic one-dimensionality of sex as portrayed in the media, I've come to the conclusion that men are probably more likely to overestimate the physical component, and women are more susceptible to underestimating the mental. I mean, I think both sexes probably do both, but I'm just talking about degree.
Well, the interesting question here seems to be: "so what"?
Yes, the "why" is important too, but we could probably collectively come up with a host of hypotheses upon a minute's reflection - evolutionary adaptation, genetic composition, biological mechanisms, imputed norms, socialization, etc.
But this other question: So what?
I guess I just find it unfortunate, because I'm prone to think that physical stimulation is the most superficial form of sexual fulfillment, and somewhat impoverished. I wonder, maybe if the higher faculties are activated in the understanding and enjoyment of sexuality and eroticism, there would be less need or desire to pursue increasingly hardcore and varying stimuli to achieve the same thrill, k.
To be continued.
Friday, March 2, 2012
21. Swimming
A few weeks ago, I was browsing through some books at The Coop when I came upon a swimmer's description of being under water. She wrote about how everything fell away and all she was aware of were the bubbles issuing from her nose as her body slipped through the water.
It was far more eloquent and detailed, and upon reading the passage, I yearned to experience what she experienced. To feel my mind finally go quiet, focusing singularly on the sensory experience of being enveloped by water.
Recently, I've become even more sensitive to sights, sounds, and smells, if that's even possible, and I'd told friends that I wished I could have a coffin to sleep in. I think I freaked them out a bit though I wasn't even thinking of it morbidly. I'd just been thinking of the movie Daredevil, in which Ben Affleck shields his heightened sensibilities from the environment's stimuli each night by enclosing himself in a granite/metal coffin.
That night, I sent in an application for private swimming lessons. I had my first two lessons this week. I can now put my head under water without holding my nose. A minor victory, but a triumphant one, nonetheless! I also learned the dolphin bob - quite a graceful movement, if ever there were one.
It was far more eloquent and detailed, and upon reading the passage, I yearned to experience what she experienced. To feel my mind finally go quiet, focusing singularly on the sensory experience of being enveloped by water.
Recently, I've become even more sensitive to sights, sounds, and smells, if that's even possible, and I'd told friends that I wished I could have a coffin to sleep in. I think I freaked them out a bit though I wasn't even thinking of it morbidly. I'd just been thinking of the movie Daredevil, in which Ben Affleck shields his heightened sensibilities from the environment's stimuli each night by enclosing himself in a granite/metal coffin.
That night, I sent in an application for private swimming lessons. I had my first two lessons this week. I can now put my head under water without holding my nose. A minor victory, but a triumphant one, nonetheless! I also learned the dolphin bob - quite a graceful movement, if ever there were one.
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