All's Well That Ends Well-- The Miraculous Trek Home From Jaffa Port

 

The trip home from Jaffa Port was complicated... read all about it...

 

Whenever I'm not sure of the route, I trust Google Maps, which is pretty reliable, especially nowadays when there are so many changes in bus routes and bus stops. Actually, I arrived at the Jaffa Port reasonably easily via Ariel, where I had taken one of the buses to Tel Aviv and had gotten off by some government offices. From there I had no problem finding the 44 to the port. The instructions for the walk to the port weren't all that clear, but by concentrating on how many meters were left, I could see if an about face was needed. Trust me; there were quite a few. But then I saw the massive building by the port and just had to find the entrance. 

Where was I going? To a beer festival, the Beer Market had returned to Jaffa Port. Last time I traveled with the rest of the beer tasters via Jerusalem, but since then I discovered that it's easier and faster to get to and from Shiloh via Ariel. 

I was the first of our group to arrive; most arrived soon afterwards. This post isn't about the festival and beers, though I hope to blog about some favorites at a later date. Wisely I packed a nice vegetable omelet for dinner-- to counteract the alcohol of the beer and give me healthy energy for the trip home. 

As usual I consulted Google Maps and then was happy to discover that my favorite Tel Aviv-Ariel the express bus was listed as the one I'd catch "somewhere," but before I left the port the instructions began changing rapidly with all sorts of cancellations. 

The Beer Maven invited me to join them in the taxi to the Tel Aviv Train Station, where they were catching the train to Jerusalem. I thought about it for a nanosecond but decided it would just increase my trip, and I may be stuck in Jerusalem. I needed a bus to Ariel where I could catch a bus to Shiloh. 

With Google Maps, and a number of helpful strangers, to guide me I finally found the 44 going back to Tel Aviv. I got off where Google Maps instructed but couldn't find an Ariel bus anyplace. I kept asking people, but they didn't see the 286 number anywhere either. Finally a nice young man took out his earphones and began searching via the app Moovit. Apparently some big event in Tel Aviv changed traffic and bus stops. 

After we walked close to a kilometer we returned to where I had gotten off the 44, and we crossed the street. The 286 wasn't listed, but there was a 285 to Ariel on a sign, but it wasn't on the board  of "live" buses. He insisted that his app said the bus was close. He spotted a bus passing us and managed to hail it for me; yes the 286. I thanked him and climbed in through the back door. Yes, the bus hadn't realized that I was waiting. That tzaddik-- righteous man really saved me. 

I used my efobus app to check if I had a chance to catch a Shiloh bus in Ariel, and thank Gd I did. It wouldn't be true to say that the trip was uneventful or quick, but I got off at the first stop in Ariel on time. 

Then I walked slowly through the Ariel Shopping Center on the road, hoping that a neighbor would notice me and take me home. Finally, at the bus stop I waited for the bus which would take me to my street, ok via the scenic route of Eli, but it was MY BUS. 

Since my phone's battery was too close to zero for anything not urgent, I didn't check how the rest of the crew was doing. Once home, I plugged in my phone and contacted them. The Pisgat Zeev Beer Tasters had "landed" in Jerusalem but still not near their neighborhood. 

I enjoyed the beer and the company... and thank Gd and wonderful strangers I made it home safe, sound and sober.

Rosh Chodesh Tammuz Join Us for Women's Prayers

This year's Rosh Chodesh Tammuz is two days, which happens some months. Jewish months can be either 29 or 30 days. When it's 30 days, the 30th of the previous month and the first of the new month are both called "Rosh Chodesh."

In Ancient Times there was no "set calendar." People didn't know in advance when it would be Rosh Chodesh, the Beginning "Head" of the New Month. There were observers waiting on high mountains to see the moon reaching the narrowest of crescents, and they would light fires, to be seen distances away. Fire after fire spread the word of the New Month.

In months like this upcoming Tammuz when there are two days of Rosh Chodesh, I ask the women in the group who come regularly which day suits them. I make a poll, and we all vote, including me. We're all very busy people, and I'm happy when the day suits most of the regulars, including yours truly. If you can, please join us at Ancient Tel Shiloh, where the Biblical Tabernacle stood, the place of Jewish Prayer for almost four hundred years. Its Kedusha Holiness can still be sensed.

Tel Shiloh, שילה הקדומה can be reached by public transportation. There are activities and attractions for visitors of all ages. For more information contact +972-2-5789111 or visit@telshilo.org.il

Shapiro's Double IPA

 

I found myself sharing this bottle of Shapiro's Double IPA with a fellow beer lover, who was visiting. Actually, soon after he walked in he opened the refrigerator, looked at the variety of beers and grabbed it. When he noticed my longing look, he said that it was to share, so I took out two glasses. He opened the bottle and poured it all out.

We admired the gorgeous rich gold color and nice foamy head. Then we both sniffed and were wowed by the luscious summer fruit aroma. Even though Shapiro is among the best Israeli craft beers, I was in suspense wondering if the taste would support or not, but I'm happy to say that the flavor was just as good. I'd even say that some people who don't like beer will like it.  It's alcohol is 8.2%

Please let me know what you think.

My Photography, Some Recent 52Frames Photos

I never studied photography, nor art, nor composition, though I've been drawn to it. In recent years I've been a member of 52frames, which began as a small group of people, photographers, amateur and professional or hopefuls on Facebook. The committee decides on a weekly "challenge" plus its "extra c," which isn't required. 

When I first heard about 52frames it was hard to be accepted. Our "portfolios" had to be approved, and there were limited chances during the year for newcomers. I was terrified that I'd be rejected; also most members photographed with impressive cameras, not phones. In the beginning I had used an inexpensive camera, because affordable phones had rather primitive cameras. As phone cameras got better and it became more difficult for me to carry a camera, I retired the camera and now only photograph with my phone.

In the early years, the weekly album was posted on Facebook, and now there's a site 52Frames. 

Since I being accepted in 52frames I never missed a week. You can see that in the photo below. 

Here are some relatively recent photos, and click here for a larger collection: 

Pool Season Open

 

"Modern" Jerusalem Can "Play" With Water

The Old Shaare Tzedek Where I Became A Mother

Caught By The Slow Shutter

Jerusalem of Gold Lyrics

Walking in Jerusalem

Purim- Beer, Wine & Whiskey

Now and Then X2
Self-Portrait

What do you think? Maybe you'd like to join up.