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Watching the sun go down into the sea

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...
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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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