Haifa roadtrip part 2.

An article by Elahn    7 Comments

After our surf off the shores of Ceasarea we discussed the options of either heading back to Tel Aviv or continuing further north on our road trip. As Miles hadn’t packed a change of clothes and was only wearing shorts it was agreed that we would head back to Rehovot so he could grab a pair.

Miles makes a quick call from outside a highway petrol station. Luckily no one crashed while driving past.

Getting closer to Rehovot we saw a young couple by the side of the road gesturing for a lift. It was instantly decided that we would stop to pick them up, rob them off their cash, and dump them naked a few hours up the road.

Leon scares the couple not only with his hair, but also with his Aussie slang.

Telling the couple we were only kidding about robbing them we heard that they were heading up country to a friends housewarming. Not really a housewarming the girl said…as it was more a dump then a home. Confused at this comment we offered to take them directly to their friends place. They seemed like a nice pair and we chatted and shared stories about Australian cricket and Israeli arguing. After 40 minutes driving we headed off the highway towards a rural looking area. We arrived, not at a house, but a free standing tent nearby a commune like kibbutz. Their friends didn’t live in a dump. We misheard that. It was a dome. It was a domewarming.

Mile and Leon stand in the combined livingroom, diningroom, bedroom, foyer.

Living a very basic life, this couple are vegan, appear very at one with the earth, welcome visitors and forgo luxuries such as television, nearby cafes and toilet paper (as I was to later find out!). Cooking was a case of starting a camp fire in the ground, getting the coals hot and cooking up vegetables, beans, yams and grains.

I couldn’t understand the strange looks I received when I asked if they had steak.

Our new friends offer us some of their dinner which we accept and stay with them to talk and laugh.

See larger.

I was worried we were unknowingly drugged when peoples faces started blurring. Then I realised it was only the camera. Phew.

Towards the end of our stay I whispered to our host where the toilet was. His reply was – anywhere you want. To this I asked – what about number 2′s? The reply – anywhere you can. – What about toilet paper. – We don’t have any toilet paper. Just use a rock or twigs, sticks or sand.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!?????????? $%&@%*$^@^*@*^%@#$%#%^*%&*)(

Thankfully I had a napkin in my pocket (1 napkin) and carefully trodded through the surrounding prickles and under the near full moon crouched down for my best attempt at a hippie crap. Using the light from my camera and hoping that no one looking on was thinking I was taking a photo of my poo (which rates quite well. See www.ratemypoo.com) I was sure it was hitting land and not dribbling down my pant leg. Then the task of wiping my behind was at hand (pardon the pun). Carefully ripping the napkin in quarters and squirming through the possible “stinky finger” I was about to receive, I did my best at cleaning up while laughing at the experience. Ah…taking an outdoor crap in Israel. Who would have thought!

Thankfully the Dome had a running tap outside and I managed to clean my hands rather well before we said our goodbyes, handshakes and kisses all round as Miles, Leon and I got back in the car and headed off towards Haifa.

Part 3 coming up next.