Day 122: Tel Aviv, Israel

Day 122: Today went and booked my tour thru Israel and Jersualem. My tour guide was very helpful. I noticed that most Israels it takes time for them to warm up to you. I met one of the Israel girls working at the hostel and she was telling me that the Israel people don't have a problem with the Palestine people or muslim people it's more the governments that's the problem. She was very objective when talking about both sides. She told me she use to have Palestine friends in the Palestine territory now she cannot visit them. Palestinian's can go into Israel territory with work permits, but the Israels cannot go into Palestinian Territory. She was hoping for peace with both sides. I asked her about traditional Israelian food or Jewish food, thinking she would say motza balls or schinzel or something similar to that. She laughed and said that there was no traditional Israelian food. Most of the food comes from other countries example moza balls and schinzel are German. I saw quite a diverse looking mix of Israels' from blonde hair to blue eyes, to African looking, what of course binds most of the people is their religion Judaism. Most of the people had immigrated after the Holocuast from various countries in the world. This reminded me of the US with the mix of people. Then went to the Yemen quarter thru the market of course tried some yummy sweets. Went thru the old parts of Tel Aviv which were quite pretty with old white buildings with the new fresh colorful flowers growing on the side. Reminded me of the old Israel with Jersualem being 3000 years old and Tel Aviv being so young about 50 years old of so.

Cuba...here I come

Well today, I am leaving for Cuba. Spent the night havnig dinner by myself at La Hibecula, great seafood and they complimented with a nice Mayan dance. I got the veracruz fish with capers, olives, and tomatoe sauce. It's been awhile, since I have had dinner my own, but it was nice to be a casual observer to the other tables at hand. I guess you could say you are never really alone, when you are around people even though you are not part of their party. Felt good to be back on my own traveling.There was a couple that both had a black and white shirts on, I guess people starting dressing the same after awhile. Also was nice to see *traditional Americans*, living in the Bay Area it's such an emphasis to be in fit. Here I saw some nice looking American men with woman that wern't in the best shape, but they looked happy.

I met a couple of nice guys while riding the bus over to the restaurant, both that helped with the nice driver, since I don't speak Spanish very well. One guy immediatly helped me when I got there, since I don't speak Spanish very well, loved it when a guy takes charge like that. Oh and met a guy from Montreal...told him how I went to Montreal a couple of years ago and got my rueben sandwich..FYI..the rueben is better at Ruby's, not Schwartz.

Off to Cuba today. My expectations...old cars, woman in curlers, stuck in time...all of what I got from my travel guide. It will be interseting to see how these people live with what they have. A country stuck in time, moving towards the 21st century, should make for a fascinating trip. With that say, bon voyage, till we speak again in Cuba!!!!

New President....a new hope

Today was a turning point in American history....we elected our first african american president. I remember hearing on NPR during the primaries they interviewed a black woman and she had told the reporter that she would vote for Hiliary Clinton, because she felt that they would never elect a black man as president. She had grown up during segration and it left a deep wound in her, where she felt that racism was still prevelant. After they announced Barack was president they interviewed a black woman that was born the year before slavery was abolished and had lived thru segration and when blacks were not able to vote and today she cast her vote for the the first black president. She was so proud. Truly amazing.

I am so proud that this country is finally getting out the shadows of racism. I guess I have seen levels of hope in the various countries I have gone such as South Africa and the elimination of Apartheid without bloodshed. I am finally glad that we have moved forward from racism and moving towards equality in this country. The important thing in life, it's not the past nor the future, just the here and now, living in the moment. We don't know what tomorrow brings, all we have is today. How funny we easily forget the present.

What have I learned from my travels around the world.....Living in the moment is the most thing, the past seems to creek up on as we endure difficult times. Equally important is hope, today I have seen another miracle in my life, electing an african american president. Hope is what keeps us in the present, and our fear that keeps us in the past and cripples us from moving forward. Tonight we have turned a page in history, let's keep the hope alive. I can say that I am proud to be an American.

Our 44th President, the first black president after 150 years after slavery, winning with a landslide!

NYC

Sun: What can I say it is the most amazing and exciting city in the world. I drove towards NYC from Rhode Island and of course noticed all the billboards from Donald Trump. Went to New Jersey to see my good friend Zorina and her family. Her parents came up and were talking with them for a bit. Zorina's father is a Trindiadian Indian muslim and her mother is part Swedish and American Indian. Her mother converted to be muslim for her father. Zorina told me that her mother is probably one of the best muslims there are. Very practining of the religion. Zorina tells me that often times when people have chosen to be muslim they are the best, probably because it is a choice that we make vs. something that we are born into or given.

Got to my hostel via the subway. The subway was full of people from all colors, white, to beige, to tan, to brown, to black. NYC is truly the most diverse city I have been to. There is quite a large Asian and Latino population in NYC. The people didn't look like they were dressed to the T, but very real and natural. It's so easy to ride the subway in NYC. Got off and saw a woman talking to herself I had to take a double look as I wasn't sure who she was talking to, but she was talking to herself. Headed off to NYC to see the Soprano's set. What a great experience. We saw where some of the shots were taken. We saw where the Bida Boom club is where Tony Soprano owns. We saw the meadowland where alot of the shots were taken and the name of Tony's daughter. Alot of the shooting is taken place in norther New Jersey. We sat in the boot where the last shot of the Soprano's takes place with Tony.

Mon: Took a city tour of Manhattan, when people refer to NYC they are referring to the island of Manhattan. There are 5 broughs, similar to citys in NYC. They are Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn (the most populated), Staten Island, and the Bronxs (attached to the state of NY). Walked around Greenwich village. Got the best cupcake in the world from Amy's Bread, yummy it was black forest, it was the most moist cupcake I have ever eaten, with the frosting just melting in your mouth. Then headed to Joe's Shanghai's in China Town to eat yummy dumplings. They were in quite a hurry as when I sat down they ask what I wanted immediately before I could even take my coat off. Saw the naked cowboy, in Times Square. Times Square is simply amazing, with the most amazing billboards and the stock quotes spinning around the building with updated quotes, and cook ad, it's just simply amazing. The naked cowboy had his cowboy boots and his tighty whitey's on and was strumming in the freezing cold weather with his cowboy hat on. Met with my new NYC friend Maria for dinner.

Tues: I had my 5 minutes of time on National TV I was on Good Morning America as part of the audience. Met Rachel Ray she was definitley bubbly, gotta love the personality. Met Diane Sawyer and Robbin Roberts. Went on my tour of upper Manhattan. Had lunch with my new friend from LA at Katz deli, they have the best best pastrami sandwich in the world. The meat just melts in your mouth, it was delicious. For $15 it was worth it, along with it came green tomatoe's and pickles. Then headed on a Brookly tour. Was a bit lost finding my way to the subway. Got stopped by a stranger and asked if I needed help. I must say the NYC people have been very helpful and nice. I got lots of help with my big suitcase when going up the subway stairs. Big kudo's to NYC people!!!!!!

Wed: Was my Sex and the City Tour, another of my ultimate favorite shows. We saw various shooting spots and went to the front of Carrie's house, Carrie actually lives a couple of streets down from there in real life. Came to find out that the shooting of the movie Sex and the City was taken place that week. Had pizza at Lombardi's which is known to be the very first place pizza was made in the US.

Thurs: Took a tour of the UN. Came to find out the the symbol of the UN is the north pole with olive branches on the side.

Fri. What can I say my stay in NYC was great.

Canada/Northeast

Mon:. Today I managed to make it to Old Montreal. It was nice with the cobblestown walkways reminded me a lot of Boston. The official language in the providence of Quebec is French. The signs are in both French and English. Most people speak French. There seems to be a lot of Americans in Montreal.

Tues: Rain, rain and more rain. Today I managed to make it over to the history museum in Montreal. Then headed for some delicious bagels at Vicatour bagel shop. These bagels are not like US bagels that are hard, but they are really soft and with some salmon spread they were quite good. Then went to go see a movie with my new German friend Veronica.

Wed. Went to the Parc Royal and got to see a grand view of Montreal. It looked great with the trees with the leaves changing colors near the water. Then headed to have some yummy poutine which is basically fries with chunks of cheddar cheese and gravy. It was quite tastey. Then drove to Quebec City.

Thurs: Took a stroll in Quebec City with Matt the Aussie we had a great time wandering around the old city with the fortress around it. Quebec City still has a lot of the cobblestone walkways and has more of a historic feel than Montreal. Most of the signs are just in French….It seem like you were almost in Europe, with the cool older looking aritcheture and the beautiful colors of the buildings. I must say the French influence certainly does come out with the artictieure and the colors,, the great styles of cloth, and the food. Then had a traditional Quebec meal of Quebec meat pie with some yummy maple syrup pie, and a nice Quebec beer. That night went out to a nice Quebec pub. Found out they celebrate Halloween there in Canada the same day we do and their Thanksgiving is on Columbus Day rather than at the end of Nov. like it is for us.
They had beautiful orange decorations up at the bar.

Fri: Headed out to New Brunswick and went to St. Johns where Bay of Fundy is. That is where they have the highest difference in high tide and low tide. It was pretty much a small town. Stayed in a cute hostel in Fredericton. The hostel owner was quite funny. He was very sarcastic and enjoyed cracking jokes. Still part of French Canada, but more of the signs were in English.

Sat. Went to Prince Edward Island. That is where the book ‘Anne Green Gables’ takes place. We went to the farmhouse where the book takes place. It was actually the authors cousins house. It’s called Green Gables, because the house had green vines going up to the gables, which is where the points of the roof meet. That’s why in the book the picture has the meeting point of the roof painted green. Then took a stroll to the stream she use to walk through. It was quite beautiful with the stream and the beautiful color of the trees. Then up from there was a very green Pasteur. Prince Edward island is very green with lots of rolling hills. That night had a nice seafood meal, of lobster, haddock, scallops, shrimp, and salmon, it was quite fresh the food. Stayed in a cute little hostel where the rooms had pretty flowery designs. The hostel was older and had a lot of character. Still part of French Canada, but more of the signs were in English.

Sun. Took a trip to Cape Brenton, they had great scenery there as well. With the water and the leaves changing color. Then headed to Halifax. The people were very friendly that I have met here. Still part of French Canada, but more of the signs were in English.

Mon. Went to Halifax. Reminds me a bit of the west coast, but the buildings remind me of the east coast. It is known for it’s music. Went to the maritime museum. Found out that the Titanic had sank very close to the coast of Halifax and a lot of the survivors were buried there. Also there were a lot of pirates around that area, such as blackbeard. Tried the famous Dooner, which is beef in a pita bread rolled up with some garlic sauce and tomatoes and onions, it was quite good. Noticed a lot of Asians. Headed to Portland to visit my friend Delaine, who I met in Laos.

Tues: Delaine and I took a stroll through the lighthouse area. Maine is known for it’s lighthouse. It is quaint reminds me of Boston. Had a delicious breaksfast with great blueberrys and maple syrup.

Wed: Tried the lobster roll. Basically hot dog bun with fresh lobster with mayo. And lemon, quite good. They are known for that. Went to Newport.

Thurs. Took a tour of Newport Mansions and walked around. The Breakers, Vanderbilt, breakers cuz of break in the water. Had separate rooms the husband and wife, but managed to reproduce 7 children. Seating for dinner was based on social levels. Relatives Gloria Vanderbilt and Andy Cooper. Looked like a museum, was not cozy at all. I just imagine if I had all the money in the world, would that make me happy. Money is a funny thing it used in the right way it can provide great benefits like spending more time with family,but having to much and suddenly getting use to a life style that drove your happiness is like an additction. You are afraid to loose it, so money can suddenly make you insecure and always having to do better and having to keep getting more to support the additction, since you are use to. I guess not having enough from what I saw in 3rd world countries, you do not know what you have , since you never had it to begin with so you are not always tried to strive to get more, you are just trying to take care of the basic needs in life, food, water, clothing, and shelter. These kids were poor, but they were happy. I guess us in the middle class we are probably the luckies, we can take care of basic needs, and we have money to spend with our families, but we have to be careful, not to make it into an addiction and keep wanted more so we can spend on bigger houses, bigger cars, etc….Being richcan make things complicated and sometimes you cannot see thru things and see reality for what it is and take things for granted. Where being poor you see reality everyday. The biggest in the area. The first tavern and Jewish Synagoue are found here. Tried clam chowder and clam cakes. Newport is know for it’s clams and they have the annual clam chowder cook off there.

Fri. Went to Mystic. Founded by the portugese, known for being sea loving people. Tried Msytic pizza was pretty good. Mystic pizza movie was based on that. Walked around. Definitley a seaport. Very nice, a bit commericalied.

Sat. Had to stay home due to hurricane coming thru. Gusty winds and rain rain rain. Did a tour of rosecliff. Definitley more homery. The movie great Gatsby was filmed there with the heart shape staircase. Tried the stuffed clams. They are stuffed with bread crumbs and other Portugese spices and of course had the Newport Hurricane ale which was reflected of the day,

Mon: Montreal...

Mon: Today headed to old montreal, which has the cobblestone walkways. Most of the signs are in French in Montreal. I do find that many if not all the people I have met speak both French and English. The articteure is quite beatiuful and the color of the homes are really nice. Montreal is known for it's beautiful parks, articeture, and of course the beautiful fashion. Doesn't matter how the woman look, but it's their attitude and the way they carry themselves that makes them atractive. I have found the people to be very friendly and helpful here. It is Europe in North America. There is unforutnately not alot of the historical things to see here, but it does have beauty. I guess you can say nothing is perfect!

Sat & Sun: Montreal, Canada

Sat & Sun: The hostel owner at the first place was from Tahiti, which makes sense as that was consider as Tahiti was part of French Polynesisa. Today was my officially first day in Montreal. I knew I was in a French province when the manager who was helping me with my computer access to the internet, he told me that my computer security might not be secure and that it is like making love without a condom. I just laughed typical French.

I got to my new hostel and went straight for one of the traditionally places to eat at Schwartz, where according to the receptionist guy is where most of the rock starts go. It is known for it's boiled Jewish Romanian beef. Got there and sat at the counter, met some locals. Met a couple of guys from Morroco, found out that the north and south part of Morocco were occupied by the French and the middle section was occupied by the Spanish. Some cool places to go are Marakesh and Fez. The beef sandwich was fantastic, it's boiled meat marnaded with seasoning and they usually serve it as a sandwich with mustard of course I had to have a nice pickle to go with it. They charge more if you sit down vs. taking the sandwich out, found out alot of other restaurants in Montreal do this. Then took a stroll to the park close by and the trees were beautiful in their bright yellows, oranges, and red. They had some musicians playing in the park.

Went out with my roommate Veronica to Rue Dennis to have a glass of beer. Veronica being from Germany told me that Germans when they start drinking drink beer with coke, so that's what ordered, I tried some and it wasn't bad. Saw a couple having beer with maple syrup. Interesting....

Chicago/Purdue/Cleveland/Rochester...

Wed: Well we arrived in Chicago to come to much cooler weather and lots of flat land. Headed to the hotel and met up with some former co-workers from Motorola Daina and Nesli. We caught up on old times.

Thurs: Went to go see my little niece that was just borned last month and then headed for some sightseeing of downtown Chicago. Went to go get some coffee and met a nice girl who couldn't stop giving us free samples of candy. I must say it is nice to come back to the midwest and see the genuiely friendly I meet here. People are generally more real, direct, and friendly. I guess it may go with the landscape.

Fri/Sat: Went to my aunt and uncles house for dinner with the family and then went to my cousins house on Sat.

Sun: Headed to my former college roomate Patti's house to see her and her family in Aurora, my have things changed from the time we were in college.

Mon: Went to go walk around my former college of Purdue. Had the famous chilli fries at the Yacht club. My how so many things have changed. No more TA Tom's where we would go for dancing, nor Pete's for their famous $.10 chicken wing special. The Union where we would go study now has many different restaurants in them, it has completely changed. La Bamba my favorite mexican place is no longer there, nor the stuffed Pizza that we had.

Tues: Headed to Cleveland, where I have lived from 2nd to 6th grade.

Wed: Reunited with my former grade school friend Holly after not being in contact after 20 years. She is still the same. She has a teenage son living in a cute home in Painesville with her boyfriend. Unfortuantely Holly's sister Jane did not turn out so well as she has been on drugs and has really gone through alot of problems. Then went out with my friend from San Fran's friend and his family that night out in Pepper Pike at a cute little Lebanese place. Drove around my old neighborhood in Twinsburg, known for it's Twins day and Aurora Shores. My how things have changed in Twinsburg it it now more upscale.

Thurs: Headed to Buffalo to see the Niagara Falls and to eat some good chicken wings at the famous Archers Bar.

Fri: Headed to Rochester to see a former highschool friend Kim. Kim lives in Webster with her husband and son Pete. It was great to see Kim and her family I had not seen her since 2000, she had gotten married in 2002 and had a son last year. It was great to see Kim, but very hard to see her in her condition and the pain she goes thru everyday as she has severe artithis and it was very painful for her moving around. It's very hard for her to get up in the morning and get Pete ready her husband Bill does a great job helping her out. Kim is a trooper and does not let her condition stop her from doing anything. Kim is still the same a strong woman that will get thru things. As I went and visited my friends I realize that people really never change. My friend Kim and Holly are pretty much the same even with life's changes. I really think it takes a very big change in life to really change people.

Sat. Went to Cortland where I have lived from Kindergarten to about 2nd grade. Upstate NY is beautiful for it's foilage, I saw beautiful yellow, red, orange, marron all different colors of leaves, just absolutely beautiful. Fall is my favorite season. Passed by my old house where we used to get syrup from the maple trees around and the neighborhood I grew up in, so many things have changed. It was nice to see that there were corn fields still around the neighborhood just like I remember. I went to the grade school I went to which was at one time part of campus at Suny at Cortland. Drove up to Montreal and passed the 1,000 islands.They are literally small islands with homes on them an the trees are beautiful with the foliage.

Northeast Trip...

Well I have decided to extend my trip and make a roadtrip through the US and parts of Canada to enjoy the beautiful foliage here.