Table Manners and Other Deep Thoughts by Me

Ochalti.  Ochelet kol yom kol hayom.  (I ate.  I eat every day all day.)

Pesach is all about the food.  So I thought I would share a few of my mealtime observations with you all. While I don't think either is better or worse, American and Israeli table manners are pretty different.

• Serving Spons are optional.  Most people just help themselves with their own forks or knives.
• In the states I was always taught that once you use a piece of silverware it should stay on the plate and never touch the table.   Here people lean their silverware againt their plates with the handles touching the table.
• Toothpicks are often placed on the table for you to use at your convenience whereas this is slightly taboo in the States.
• Eating with your hands is totally okay.

Overall it seems that the meal experience is about comfort, convenience, and the food.  It's different, but when in Israel... eat like an Israeli.  I ate a steak with my hands today. 

On another note... Though this experience is a personal challenge, a bildingsroman, a test of independence, etc.  it also makes me wish I had a partner in crime to experience it with.  There are so many times I want to share a joke, a smirk, or an "aw shucks that was awkward moment" with someone.   Well, with someone who gets me.  (Yes, I know that was a fragment sentence.  Deal with it.)    As much as I value independence, I'm more and more cognizant of the importance of companionship in life.  What's the point if I have no one to laugh at my unintentional comedic mishaps?

Well those are my thoughts of the day.   Tomorrow I'm hiking with Sergiu, Ilan and Ziv.  Should be fun providing I wake up congestion free! 

Miss you.  And for a certain someone who had a rough day (you know who you are) I hope you are feeling better!!!

Latraot!