Brief Thoughts from Israel About My Trip

- Tel Aviv reminds me a lot of LA.  It's sunny, smells of the sea, and isn't really that exciting.  Can't say I am rushing to go there again, though there a comic book shop there at least.

- Jerusalem has a very distinct flavor.  Some of that comes from being such an important place to Jews.  Some of that comes from the "Jerusalem of Gold" effect, with everything made from the same Jerusalem stone.  And a lot of it comes from just being an old city and yet a thriving city as well, with construction everywhere.  I got to walk the streets of a neighborhood called Talipot, and it was totally charming.  Just apartment buildings and little storefronts and restaurants.  It reminded me a tiny bit of home, and of almost nothing else.  I am not planning to move here any time soon, and could not afford Jerusalem.  But I know where I would want to live. 

- I don't know if it's possible to live in a place as hilly as Jerusalem and not get lots of exercise just walking.  I love it myself.  This is, for the most part, a very walkable country.

- Not a single Starbucks in sight anywhere.  It's like I'm on another planet.