Falafel and Hummus, part of a balanced diet

Israel is by no means a food desert. A real desert, yes. A food desert, no. But it can sure feel like one when you don't speak the language. And by speak I mean read the language, or even know the alphabet. This makes grocery shopping nearly impossible. Which means I have been going out more frequently. Which only makes the humiliation more public. Instead of walking aisle after aisle alone trying to figure out what something is by the picture on its label, I can walk around aimlessly to restaurants, pretending to understand their all-Hebrew menus.

In times like these, I try to seek out the "Point-and-Pay" oasis of falafel stands. The point-and-pay method is pretty easy: you see what you want, you point to it, they package it up, and you pay for it. But a word of caution: the method does have its draw backs--namely, sometimes the price you expect is not the price you pay. But let me tell you, I am in no position to argue with the angry falafel stand man yelling at me. I'm starving and have no idea what the sign actually says.

Another popular method is the "Take-Your-Intern-To-Lunch" method, in which the supervisor takes the intern to lunch and orders for the intern. Magic. I experienced this method first hand today. My supervisor invited me to have lunch with her at the best hummus place in Israel. She didn't have to twist my arm too much. So I Google mapped the place, and it turns out it is about a block away from my apartment. Convenient. So we go, and all they serve is hummus...all day, everyday. Apparently in America we decided that hummus was a dip or something. However, in Israel, they eat it as a meal. This was truly a turning point in my life.

After the meal, I felt like I went to a Mexican restaurant ate too many free chips and dip and couldn't eat my meal. Or went to Outback steakhouse and just ordered the Bloomin' Onion.

But, when in Tel Aviv...

Moral of the story: I can now fully legitimize eating an entire tub of hummus in one sitting.

Sunny Day Count: 7
Rainy Day Count: 0