I think I just need to say that there is absolutely no intention on my part to replace or obscure --- in any way --- what any of you have done in your own life / lives / to commemorate Anna. This is just what *I* did, as a solo mourner, and each one of you means something special to me, that's why I wanted to include you.
So I did.
The words won't stretch far enough to express how grateful I am for your presences.
I'm having a devil of a time getting around this part of the world [appropriate image since everyone seems to be so spiritual around here] but that is all just practical mechanics.
Some of you are very close to me indeed.
Now if just one of you knew an agorot from a shekel and which bus goes where and when.
Maps only go so far!
People count.
{But we knew that, right?}
Blessings Be.
So I did.
The words won't stretch far enough to express how grateful I am for your presences.
I'm having a devil of a time getting around this part of the world [appropriate image since everyone seems to be so spiritual around here] but that is all just practical mechanics.
Some of you are very close to me indeed.
Now if just one of you knew an agorot from a shekel and which bus goes where and when.
Maps only go so far!
People count.
{But we knew that, right?}
Blessings Be.
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silverplate88- Moonfire Marion Bridge / Brad
Comments
Busses - there's usually signs over the busstops saying where the bus goes. Most of them have the destination in English too. You'll need the map to know what the middle points are, though, because the signs only say what the last stop is.
|Meduza|
It was a hoot this morning coming here to the bus station, they were even making the IDF show their badges and go through security. Is that normal?
And I'm seeing lots of troopers *WITHOUT* weapons? Wha? Maybe they're packing plastic explosive belts?
No, wait, that's the other side.
In other news, think I'll actually get to Haifa one of these days. Or two.
And yes, soldiers have to show their security badge if they want to enter anywhere without being checked. It does, however, allow them to push into the line, so if a soldier tries by-pass you, be nice and let them pass.
Most soldiers don't go around with weapons, to decrease the amount of stolen weapons / weapon accidents. Only combatants go around with their rifle, and sometimes they leave them in the base/locked safely at home. Do tell me, what does a clerk need a rifle FOR? :P To shoot people who disagree with them? :P
Yes, Haifa is a good place. ^_^
BTW, if you want any stationary, now is a good time to buy it in Israel, because this Monday schools reopen. Might be cheap.
|Meduza|
I dunno about trigger-happy clerks. You're the expert on that!
Another tale from the Bus Station: I felt a wiggle next to me at the Internet Cafe counter and here comes this big blue shoulder tab with a silver wreath and a tank on it. It was attached to the shoulder of one of the shorter troopers who was talking to her bf.
If she was a tank commander it must have been a small tank. But she didn't have any rifle.
Maybe her tank was double-parked?
She was very animated with her bf [on the other side of us] so I figured she passed my checkpoint barrier. What he required of her was totally in Hebrew so I can't comment on that. He was in civilian clothes but he was maybe a general?
But her shoulder tab sure was pretty.
I doubt she was a tank commander if she didn't have any rifle. :P Those you see without a rifle are not combatants. Just the clerks, cooks, logistics . . . etc.. The tag on the shoulder says which unit the soldier belongs to -- both the combatant AND the clerk can have the same one. The beret means which section of the military has you currently. The pin on the beret says under which section of the military you got trained.
Can you clarify on whom she was talking to? Was the civilian clothed dude her boyfriend, or somebody else? Plus, I doubt he was a general. They're rare. I think we have less than 20 in all of the military. :D
|Medza|
So, it was the unit tag on the left shoulder. She didn't have a beret and her hair was all tumbly. Actually I think she *did* have a beret, it was pulled under her shoulder / collar strap and all folded up. The rest of her was in an IDF-brown uniform.
The dude was in hiking shorts and short sleeves, frowning down at her like he was taking orders. On him, no military indications at all. They showed up together and left together. They were rather cuddly but that might have been because there were 2.5 spaces at the cash register and three of us. She just kinda slid into my R side and wiggled her tab at me. And paid no more attention at all.
I thought it was cute that I got wiggled at. More softer side of the IDF.
I think she had a pistol on her belt. But I didn't ask.
But of course if you find your voice with some words for me and Anna, I'd be happy to read them. *Hopes you always know that*
Blessings be.