Lift

Yesterday our lift arrived. It was amazing seeing such a huge container and consider the massive journey it went through overseas. As much as we were happy to see our belongings again, we felt slightly overwhelmed. We learned that less is more.

A few observations:

1) The movers complained and argued for at least half an hour. I kid you not. They were upset by our three staircases and hot weather. We waited patiently for them to sort that out. In the end you have to tip and pay them extra (not sure why this isn't included in the $8,000 lift cost). They took all of the cash Josh had available in his wallet. We might have been able to negotiate but really wanted to move on with our day and unload the boxes. 

2) Do not pack baking sheets unless you are buying an American oven. While we could store the sheets for another point in time, it simply isn't worth it. Again, the question if we live like Americans in Israel or live here like Israelis.

3) Forget the paper towel holder. The paper towels are much smaller here! They do carry American brands, but they cost more.

4) Be ready to throw things out. A lot. You'll find that there's less storage space in kitchens and no closets in bedrooms. If you are renting you could install it, but that's a pain and also ruins the owners walls.

5) Bed wheels. We lost one. And a small, round paraffin globe.

6) We are happily reunited with our couch.

7) Come to terms that some things will be misplaced, lost or you won't care. You realize just how little you can get by without. It'll still make you wonder.

8) Your bed sheets are fine. Even fit well on Israeli mattresses. That said, American mattresses are still better quality and thicker and we bought what is considered nice Israeli mattresses. Bh we sleep just fine.

9) Have children? Put them in camp.

10) Realize that your spouse owns many many sefarim. To which he will answer, "there aren't enough."

Things we miss:

1) Imported fruits. Such as raspberries, cherries and strawberries. Israel is seasonal. Not saying this is a bad thing, just miss it.

2) Real grass. On the flip, no mowing or weeds!

3) Having Hebrew as a secret language.

4) Parallel streets, drivers who yield, stop at cross walks and sense of direction.

5) Pulp free orange juice.

6) Ramps for strollers.

7) More shade.

8) Squirrels. Cats are gross.

9) Grape jelly. We found it, but it's not a common product.

Things we love:

1) Asher Yatzar posters outside of bathrooms.

2) The feeling that this country is one big family.

3) Limited cars on Shabbat.

4) Kids playing in the street.

5) TONS of parks.

6) Fresh dry fruit, nuts and grain stores.

7) Great public transit. Walkable makolets.

8) Not having to look, as much, at hechsheirim.

9) The sunset. Every day, breathtaking.

10) Realizing just how amazing it is to live here, but not becoming ungrateful to other countries or the one promised to you.

Looking back:

- Don't bring as much winter stuff, depending on where you are going.

- Pack and purchase large Home Depot or Target bins. Helped keep things organized.

- Lift couch, tables, chairs, beds, bikes, grill. Corelle dishes stack well here. 

- If you don't use your china, sell it. Kept ours since we do, but one less thing otherwise.

- Hold off on Ikea, especially if you will move again.

- Have the movers pack in wardrobe boxes so that you can use them (limited closets here!)

- The towels here are fine.

- Definitely wise to have friends or family stock the place with essentials.

- Brita is useless. Boil the water or buy a dispenser with Mei Eden.

- Buy fluoride vitamins or rinses. 

- Buy more folding chairs.

- Skip the Tide pods.

- Get collapsible storage solutions.

- Bring ziplock. Yes, they have it here but it costs some pretty shekels.