ISSI! – Israel – Day 8
July 29, 2012
Israel – Day 8
Today was the second day of the conference and I ditched after lunch. The sessions today were rather boring and dry. There was a symposium on the extent to which the bible and Talmud supported transcendent and immanent notions of god, along with Tony Biondi presenting an argument for the inclusion of such texts into ‘great books’ courses at US universities. The only really interesting paper was an analysis on a daf of Gemara regarding prophecy.
The second session today was a deep reading of something or other, in a traditional format that very nearly put me to sleep. Therefore, after making the most of the buffet lunch I hopped back to Nathan and Debra’s to Skype friends for a short while.
A few phone calls to Sarah and the Weizmann Institute later, I was off on my way to Rechovot, to see ISSI (the science program I did during my gap/shnat year) 2012. After missing two busses and getting stuck in traffic, I finally arrived forty-five minutes later than planned at the institute. Outside I took this photo of the building, at which point the security guard started waving at me to come over. After chastising me for photographing the institute he quizzed me for a good few minutes before letting me in to meet with the group.
On reaching the Young@Science youth village, I gave a massive hug to Nir Zohar my madrich (counsellor) from my year, still working there. After a chat, it was off to visit the Aussies! For those interested, Ezra, Paul and Shale had siblings on the year’s program, all who were very friendly to us. Eventually we were invited to go out on the town with them, as it was their second last night. As the group split up into a few smaller ones, Sarah and I headed out with my Australian friend Julian Kowal and his friends.
After a lovely dinner I trained to Tel-Aviv with Sarah, only to realize that I had purchased a return bus ticket to Jerusalem, losing myself a good 30 NIS ($7 AUD). After helped her get home I returned to Jerusalem for the final day of the conference.
Abu Dhabi?
July 18, 2012
Due to some poor planning on my part, I’ve ended up flying Etihad on the way to Geneva via Abu Dhabi.
Security on the way in was particularly tough as I was a single, young male flying alone. I received a pleasant pat down, a bag search and an ion scan (the latter of which was undertaken by a security guard, Cherelle who I chatted with about travel for a good few minutes after).
After boarding I opened a present and plane letter from a close friend. The DVD revealed was Pooh’s Grand Adventure which, according to the blurb contains “five delightful new songs that enhance the film’s charming message that even when friends are apart, they are always together in their hearts.” A message that I most surely did take to heart. The flight itself was most pleasant with a pleasant woman (Jaina) next to me who spent the flight reading up on fertility tips.
Landing in Abu Dhabi, the fierce sun scorched 37 degrees at just 6AM! Looking out the window I couldn’t help but admire the Arabian splendor and effort that went into building an oasis in the middle of the desert, replete with resorts, arabian palaces and more. Unfortunately by this time my camera had to be switched off and so I have no photos but for one or two of the plane that I snapped while waiting for my flight to Geneva.
Abu Dhabi Airport