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Israeli street food – the magnificent and humble boureka

The square shape of the bourekas tells us that they are filled with a potato filling One does not have to spend a long time in Israel to get your first introduction to a boureka. These savory stuffed pastries are everywhere You'll find them for breakfast in hotel dining halls, in countless bakeries and coffee shops, on picnics and even at restaurants that only serve bourekas. They are often eaten in Israeli homes as part of a 'light' or diary meal in the evenings. (Most households in Israel usually serve the large cooked meal at lunchtime.) More often than not, bourekas are also an integral part of the wonderful Friday or Shabbat brunch table. To be really honest however, you basically eat a boureka whenever you encounter one. They are that irresistible. If you stop to grab a quick coffee at a coffee shop, the comforting smell of the bourekas will convince you to upgrade to a 'café ve'ma afe' (coffee + pastry). Wandering through street markets, the sight of fres
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How to Survive the Israeli Summer


Well, maybe survive is too strong a word... one does not survive the Israeli summer heat. It is more like you barely manage to grasp on to life while your eyeballs are being melted to the back of skull.

You are constantly tired because it is too hot to sleep and your children are cranky because they are all hot and bothered. And if you DARE put a bare foot on an Israeli beach - then it is, well then it is like an instant barbecue!  
Eating large ice creams will definitely help you to survive the Israeli summer.

Okay, I exaggerate. But only a little bit. It is HOT in Israel in the summer and everybody is more irritable than unusual. And yes, Israelis can be more irritable than unusual :)
So, if you are thinking of coming to visit Israel in the summer months (or already live in Israel) here are a few tips on how to survive the Israeli summer.

1. Buy the largest, most expensive air conditioner that you can afford. Switch it on and do NOT leave the house! If you are a tourist, check first that the air conditioner in your room works. Then, you can worry about the view and have a look what is in the mini-bar. And really do think twice about going on any sightseeing trip! 
2. Eat as much ice cream as you can. Luckily this is every easy to do because the Israeli ice creams are excellent and there are a huge variety. The fruit ice-lollies (popsicles) here in Israel  are really delicious and should definitely be on your "Things to try" list.

3. Wear a hat. Yeah I know you do not want to look dorky (or like an American tourist!). But if you do insist on leaving the house/ hotel room, a hat will prevent the relentless sun rays from frying you brain.

4. ALWAYS take water with you. Okay, time to get serious now...dehydration is no joke. Buy yourself a large bottle of water and constantly drink from it. The tap water in Israeli is fine to drink so when your bottle is empty, fill it up again and continue drinking water. Remember that by the time you feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. (Just a sec, just need to go and drink a glass of water..)

5. Bring/buy a pair of sunglasses. You will be amazed at how blindingly the sun is reflected from the old stone buildings.

6. Stay out of midday sun. Many shops,banks and other places of business are closed between 2 -4pm and believe me - this is a very good thing. So go to your room/ house, close the shutters and rest a bit. This is NOT the right time of day to go to the beach.

7. Take life easy! Remember that the heat makes every one a bit more difficult than usual. Just give everyone (yourself included) a break, drink a cool drink, take a shower and rest a bit until the worst of the midday heat has passed.

Enjoy the summer!

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Israeli street food – the magnificent and humble boureka

The square shape of the bourekas tells us that they are filled with a potato filling One does not have to spend a long time in Israel to get your first introduction to a boureka. These savory stuffed pastries are everywhere You'll find them for breakfast in hotel dining halls, in countless bakeries and coffee shops, on picnics and even at restaurants that only serve bourekas. They are often eaten in Israeli homes as part of a 'light' or diary meal in the evenings. (Most households in Israel usually serve the large cooked meal at lunchtime.) More often than not, bourekas are also an integral part of the wonderful Friday or Shabbat brunch table. To be really honest however, you basically eat a boureka whenever you encounter one. They are that irresistible. If you stop to grab a quick coffee at a coffee shop, the comforting smell of the bourekas will convince you to upgrade to a 'café ve'ma afe' (coffee + pastry). Wandering through street markets, the sight of fres
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