RETURNING HOME WITH PERSPECTIVE AND A PASSION TO PAINT
Christine Adele Moore in Yoram Gal’s studio in Old Jaffa, Israel.
A few random takeaways from my magical trip to Israel. I am writing this the day before I am to leave and return back to the United States. There’s so much to digest from this incredible experience. It has been truly life-changing. Here are just a few of the random thoughts that I’ve come to so far:
INTENSE
Think of all of the diversity, cultural and ideological, of America crammed it into a space that is approximately 1/31 the size of Texas. This does not produce a patient people, (driving is not for the timid!) but it does produce a very colorful and intense experience. In the city of Tel Aviv, as in most cities in the world, space is at a premium. It is incredible how they can cram their little cars so tightly together, and still manage to leave the parking spots when they need to. While I walk around and grin like an idiot, smiles, do not come very easily to the people here. One needs to earn them. However, when they do come, they are warm and authentic and makes you feel like you won a prize.
My accommodations here have included a roof top patio so I’ve had the good fortune of being able to sit above and listen to conversations below. Staying in the historic quarter of old Jaffa, where many tourists are, I hear accents and languages from all over the world from my perch above the ancient lanes. But the Hebrew and Arabic I hear is full of passionate opinion. Of course, I have no idea what is being said. They could just be talking about whether they want chocolate or vanilla ice cream. However, whatever it is, they believe in it very strongly.
Sunset sketching on the roof in Old Jaffa, Israel.
DELICIOUS
So, I am a bit of a foodie. I could easily weigh 600 pounds if I didn’t watch myself carefully. I love to eat. The cuisine here is some of the best I’ve ever had in my life. I’m not sure exactly what makes it so good, likely a combination of the freshness, the simplicity (except for the incredible and sophisticated cakes thank you, Jerusalem’s Kadosh bakery!), and the atmosphere. But also, I think it is because food is taken from so many cultures, combining the best of the best. Really remarkable. I’ve loved every bite. And I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to eat hummus in America again. At least never again the store-bought kind. Going to have to learn how to make that myself.
BEAUTIFUL
Yes, the land and the Mediterranean sea, and the ancient stones of old Jaffa are beautiful. But I’m talking about the people. I would advise, if you have a fragile self esteem connected to body issues, be you male or female, do not walk along the promenade of Tel Aviv, especially in the morning when everyone is out jogging exercising, and surfing. It is super model after super model, both men and women. Absolutely stunning every single one. They glow with statuesque health and vitality, walking with such pride. It’s absolutely mesmerizing. Thank God I left any lingering body issues I had from adolescence, long ago. Jogging and cycling along the promenade, and in the city has been the only saving grace that still allows me to be able to wear the clothes I brought with me from America. Did I mention the food is delicious?
“I was craving some nature time so we explored some areas of the Jerusalem mountains.”
PERSPECTIVE
Ultimately, this vacation has given me great perspective. Relaxing as much as I have done these past few weeks, in contrast with the intensity of the Israeli people, has made a change in me that I am still having a difficult time articulating. It has shined a mirror on how intense I’ve been working for the past many years. It has shown me that I need to have more balance in my life. I’m incredibly grateful for that revelation. It’s filling me with passion and fire to paint again. I desire that I haven’t felt so strong in quite some time. I am so excited to see what artwork will come from this trip.
I will return home to my beautiful country of America, with a greater appreciation for all that we have. The space, the ease of procuring various goods needed and getting them to our homes, the relative politeness of people, both face to face and in traffic. But I’m also going to miss it here very much and I cannot wait to return. I have fallen in love with this country yet, at the same time, it has made me love my own land even more.