Tel Aviv

I decided on a whim to go to Tel Aviv today. I parked the car at Big and took a bus. Got off a few stops before Azrieli mall and walked, then took the train home. I wanted a break but for some reason this city gets me feeling all existential.

1. The walk to the mall wasn't hot, but it was humid. This city just has sticky air. Everyone is busy and rushing somewhere. 

2. In the mall I saw more formal uniforms than I've seen in ages -- i just got used to seeing soldiers in fatigues so the formal uniform suddenly looks funny. Also lots of new soldiers with fluffy berets!

3. Walking out to the train station the air smelled like the ocean (well maybe a combination of the ocean and gas from cars on Ayalon), and I just wanted to breathe it in. I forget that this is part of my country too. Jerusalem air is special, we all know that, and so is Tel Aviv air apparently. I was feeling really relaxed and optimistic until I entered the train station... 

4. ...Then as soon as I entered the station the mood changed. The walls are covered with bumper stickers for fallen soldiers. Yellow ribbons are tied everywhere. It's a painful stabbing reminder of what we're living through.

5. These people are my people. When the train stopped at Hagana, there's Dani standing at the station! So we had a whole train ride to catch up.