More Walking & Angry Goatherders

Bah! Who likes conserving money? It's such a waste of effort! Today I woke up late, again, and then walked and walked and walked so not to spend any money. And not only did I walk, but I walked purposely in a direction that seemed void of shops, and indeed any places where I could be tempted to spend money. What a fun fun FUN life I lead! Anyway, so I walked. I actually did find the one place I could spend money (a petrol station) and spent money there - batteries for my discman, and an ice-cream, which, much to my distress... DID NOT INCLUDE A PLASTIC SPOON! It was one of those miniture tubs, which in England, and indeed every other country I have bought one in, we just take forgranted as being included. Well not in Israel, it appears. Oh no, you'd need to put out hard cash to enjoy that kind of privilege. Sheesh. As upset as I was by this minor catastrophe, I used my resources and folded the plastic lid into some sort of scooping device, which enabled me to consume my dessert. This was a proud moment, although admittedly the strange looks I was receiving may well have been brought on by this accomplishment; nevermind. It was indeed worth it. And so now I am sitting here craving yet more ice-cream.. mmm... Think I'll go out and get another from the arab shop a few doors down in a sec. However, firstly I shall share with you my highly unexciting and uneventful day. In fact I think the highlight of my day involved a goatherder, herding his goats across a road, and pulling their ears in rage. It was, to me anyway, most amusing, and I chuckled at his resemblence to these unattractive creatures (hey! I'm not trying to get into an argument, but they're hardly attractive are they? Ok, ok, interesting looking - I'll go with that). They appeared from the valley that is home to the graveyard where Oscar Schindler is buried (which I probably forgot to mention - I visited the other day with my pals from the kibbutz), going crazy, running up the trees and chewing on the leaves. He goatherder seemed to be in a bit of a temper as he tried to get them to cross the road, and dragged one by the ear. Cars had to screech on their brakes to halt. The goatherder didn't seem to give a damn - perhaps he wanted the goats to be hit. Who knows, he just continued scowling, as I sat on a rock smiling, and wondering how I could get into such a profession as it would add a certain dimension to my CV - Melanie Shevlane - Professional Goatherder . Wouldn't that be wonderful? Hmmm... well, first things first, I think I'll stick with hostel worker for the time being. Ok, yes it's yet to materialise, but apparently Sunday is the day. So yes, I walked and walked, and then ended up back at the hostel where I drowsed off listening to Koo and Adele play fighting and playing silly couple games like 'No, yoooou have ugly earlobes' 'No yoooo do!!' 'No yoooooo have ugly earlobes' Bleugh! Note to self - never give the link to this blog to either Adele or K... actually, Koo's ok. His English isn't that hot. Ok, never to Adele though. Bless her. ;) So, where was I? Oh, and I think I mentioned Jordan was supposed to arrive today. Erm. Well, he hasn't arrived. Methinks he was coerced into staying til Sunday or at least Saturday night, and being Jordan, he didn't think to email us. He probably didn't envision that we may be waiting around for him, and well I personally was planning on going to Nazareth til he told me he was coming to J/Slem, so... grrrrr... Sheesh. hell, I'll feel guilty though if it turns out something's happened to him. I'm sure it hasn't, though. Anyway, so that's that. I ate a felafel from just down the street. Then ate some dinner that the Christian Korean guy Paul, and Koo cooked, and chatted to an Aussie guy from London, who's stayed here a couple of nights, but leaves on Sunday, I believe.. or maybe it's tomorrow. His name is Matt, and he, like all Aussies I've met, is nice and funny. So, after dinner, the four of us (Adele, Koo, myself and Matt) trekked to the top of the Mount of Olives, and sat and gazed at down at the view of Jerusalem all lit up. I marvelled over how small it was and then was shouted down. Am I wrong? I think it's bloody small! So that takes me about up to date. Matt and I walked back to the hostel, leaving Adele and Koo there to probably argue over ugly earlobes or something. Am I scrooge? Well, AM I? Tomorrow (cringe) we're going to look for a cinema, as there's only so much walking without shopping you can do, and the busses won't be running as it's Shabbat. Other than that, it'll probably be a quiet one. And now for my ice-cream. See ya later, folks!