T.G.I.T.

This morning on the bus-ride to school I finally got to witness the infamous skill of Israeli drivers. The bus was stopped four cars back at a red light. I was staring pretty mindlessly out the window, and got to witness a semi, also four cars back, start driving forward when the light turned green. Unfortunately, none of the cars in front of the massive truck had moved yet, so he plowed into the little sedan in front of him, crumpling the entire rear end into itself. Equally unfortunately, our bus then started moving, so I didn't get to witness the infamous temper of Israeli citizens. All I could see were wild gesticulations as we pulled away.

Tonight I went to the International Arts and Crafts fair, which was set up in the Sultan's Pools, just outside the walls of the Old City. When I first heard of the fair, my initial thoughts were of people from around the world making popsicle-stick sculptures and macaroni-necklaces; fortunately it wasn't so. There was a massive assembly of artisans from around the world displaying and selling their works from small outdoor booths. There were collections from South America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and the media ranged from glass to wood to metal to paper. While many of the products were a little redundant (lots of pottery) there were also some very unique pieces, like Matrix-worthy sculptures made of cutlery and "paintings" made entirely from different colours of wood woven together. Spread throughout the fairgrounds there were also performances by acrobats, a flamenco guitar trio, drummers, and various types of actors, in addition to artists, like glassblowers and potters, practicing their crafts. It was a very lively and entertaining event.

Perhaps my favourite part of the exhibition was the food gallery. There was a huge variety of foods from which to choose, and I thank G-d that I have no more money to spend or I would have had to roll home. There was sushi, Mexican, Chinese, Bugersbar, a fondue station, a booth where you could drench waffles in a variety of syrups, a crepe station, and even a make-your-own-laffa area, among other, more standard, carnival fares. Perhaps the most odd booth, yet the most fitting, was the halva stand. Sadly, I think I am developing a taste for the noxious and crumbly confection, even though there is probably a clause against that in our ketubah.

The evening closed with a concert by an Israeli band whose name escapes me, but whose music was the complete opposite of what I expected. There was pounding bass, a smoke machine, strobe lights, and a mosh pit - not quite what I'd imagined complimenting an Arts and Crafts fair. Not quite Pete Seeger, but lots of fun.