Endings, beginnings and all that jazz called life

Old Jaffa by night

'"Something's ending" said Jaskier

"Something's beginning" answered Yarpen'

A.Sapkowski, Saga o wiedzminie.

Alas, there’ve been some shifts in my Israeli life (did I just say "My Israeli life?" ha, ha).

I have moved cities, for once. I still cruise between the City of Fire and the City By The Sea for work reasons. But I’m now based in Tel Aviv, in Old Jaffa to be exact. A quaint, blessed little area surrounded by mosques and nourished by the sea.

I have also suffered some rather significant losses in the friends’ department.

While this last thing saddens me greatly, the rock-solid truth that all endings tend to coincide with new beginnings has been a consolation to me.

You could say that after the first weeks of fervent travelling and social activity, my existence in the Holy Land has finally come to a standstill of sorts (much like Jerusalem and Tel Aviv do on Friday nights).

My days seem to revolve around two activities: studying Hebrew and writing (plus the occasional falafel+pita fix for the hurting brain). I also go to the beach. In the evenings I peruse the narrow streets of Old Jaffa with my camera, boringly enchanted by rustic charm of the sandstone buildings and the glint of tastefully placed lighting. Then I’m in bed with my book by 10 pm, more than ready to delve into the land of Morpheus. Yup, I’m a complete bore – but that’s no news. The news to me is that under that mediocre costume beats a heart, one that is brimming with passion - for people, for connection, for experience, for living - once again.

I still have my moments: when my demons crawl out of the dark corners and screech in my ears, and pull at my sleeves and want me to be reckless, or to run. I wouldn't be myself without these, right?

But undoubtedly there are minutes, hours even, when I feel peaceful. Or contented. Or perhaps…ooops, what was the word?

Happy.

And that's good. Tov meod.