Yesterday evening after work, my family and I went swimming at our nearest beach. Our nearest beach is Nasholim beach. One of the most amazing beaches in the world, it has everything a sea-lover might wish for. Small and large sea coves to explore, baby fish that you can either chase between the rocks or allow to nibble on your dead skin, a huge collection of sea shells and waves that are often large enough for surfing. You can look for the hidden mermaid's chair to make a sitting wish, catch some fish or sift for ancient archeological treasure. Our favourite bay at Nasholim is just big enough for a tiring swim from to one side to the other and back again. If you'd rather do beach instead of sea - the sand is white and soft and made for lazing. I usually stay in the water as much as possible. Life in Israel can be tense, so it is nice to float aimlessly without any thoughts in the Mediterranean sea. The summer is slowly coming to an end which means that the water is finally coo
A soaked rose |
Lately though, I have been feeling as if we live in Seattle. It has been raining and raining and raining. As a matter of fact, it has been raining a LOT here in Israel. And the weather is icy-cold!
Ok, it is absolutely nothing in comparison to the extreme low temperatures in Europe and North America. (I really do not know how people survive there.) Keep in mind though that I grew up in South Africa and most of the country gets its rain in the summer.
Miserable palm trees against a wet, grey sky |
Many Israelis and other Northerners, (people who grew up in the northern hemisphere) are amazed to learn that it is now summer time in the Southern Hemisphere. For them Christmas and Hanukkah should be about being cold, rain (or even snow) and eating warm food, not about summer vacations and watermelons and barbecues next to the swimming pool.
And what is even worse, is that they do not even know about the Southern Cross! Can you believe it! Us Southerners had heard endless stories about their wonderful North star and how it shows them their way and what not and they do not even know WHAT the Southern Cross is!
So whenever I get asked here in Israel how the weather is like in South Africa I make sure to inform them that it is now summer/ winter/ whatever in South Africa. I also point out that not only is the seasons the wrong way around here but one also get to see other star constellations in the Southern hemisphere. For most of them it is a totally new concept.
For some odd reason though, everybody 'knows' that water flows counterclockwise down drains in the southern hemisphere! This is actually not true - water drains clockwise and counterclockwise in both hemispheres. Bet you did not know that!
Fact remains that it is still COLD here. I am glad for the rain but I am tired of the cold. Remind me of this when I am complaining of the heat in a couple of months!
Even the trees are soaked |
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