Saturday, October 23, 2010

Not just talking the talk

When Jay and I found ourselves unexpectedly kid-free yesterday we jumped on the opportunity to escape from the demands of the week (Maya's party was a big success by the way, but exhausting) and run down to Beersheva, about an hour south of us, for an all-day folk music festival organized by a friend of ours at Ashan Hazman, a very cool little bookstore/coffeeshop on a quiet little street on the outskirts of this desert city. (Jeez, she doesn't blog for a week and then she squeezes an entire post into one sentence...) It was a really nice day, full of great music, good friends and fresh air.


Ashan Hazman (literally, The Smoke of Time. I'm guessing this is like the English expression "the sands of time". Any Israelis out there want to confirm?)



Right next door to Ashan Hazman something else really interesting is going on too - a group of local residents with a passion for saving the planet one neighborhood at a time have created the "Center for Neighborhood Existence" with a community garden, recycling bins for all kinds of different materials,shared composting facilities (sorted by type of refuse, signs in both Hebrew and Russian, no meat please and be sure to cover your contribution with dried leaves) and even a monthly free flea market.

Walking around looking at everything they're creating you just can't help but smile and feel that there is some hope yet for humanity. Not only could I not resist grabbing my camera, I was even invited to share the photos I took on their Facebook page (Hebrew only, or I'd share it with you).

Here, have a look so you can smile too.





See what I mean?

Let's call this one Ruby Tuesday too, this back to work thing is really wreaking havoc on my blogging! I'm working flat out on a project at the moment - going in to the office and everything, I miss my days of working from home terribly!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My photography is available for purchase - visit Around the Island Photography and bring home something beautiful today!
.
If the photo you're wishing for is something you've seen here on the blog which isn't in my etsy shop yet just let me know and I'll happily list it for you.
.

18 comments:

Mimi said...

I agree, this gives one hope for humanity. I read a story about a lady who made a similar thing in a slum in New York (think it was in "chicken soup for the soul" ) and it was a great success.
Makes me remember that each of us can do something, just one thing. And that's all it takes.

You seem to have loads of folk festivals over there? Good place to be!

Jen said...

I absolutely and totally LOVE the picture of the "circle of life," with the guy on the toilet. Nearly laughed wine out the nose. : )
Yes, it IS the little things, thanks for asking. ; )

sara g said...

So we have a friend in common (Laurie)!
sara g - LLL (Long Time Lurker)

Robin said...

Hi Sara, welcome out of lurkdom :). If we ever end up at the same event come by and introduce yourself.

-----------------------------------
My photography is available for purchase - visit Around the Island Photography and bring home something beautiful today!

Steffi said...

Very beautiful and interesting pictures and post,Robin!Have a nice week!

Leora said...

Those signs are SO Israel! I enjoy the friendly nature and the unconventional style.

"Smoke of Time" - I keep thinking of Israelis smoking too much...

Ralph said...

As someone who doesn't know Hebrew, the signs are a mystery to me. However, the whimsical style and artistry do allow us to smile, we at least intrigued after viewing the signs to follow them to points unknown. With smiles on our faces!

EG CameraGirl said...

Oh, I enjoyed these. It's amazing how much the pictures help in decoding the words. :)

reg said...

I am so in love with the one pic of the guy on the toilet. It is fantastic. I love the message

Anonymous said...

I just love the style! Thanks for sharing Robin.

maryt/theteach said...

Good, Robin, I caught some of the humor... Happy Ruby Tuesday to you! :)

Auntie E said...

sounds like you understood the first sign... Now the circle one is very humorous.. maybe eating an apple will have a different outlook now.

Dianne said...

love them
they have a wonderful feeling to them

mapeh homepage said...

I like these beautiful signages very attractive. great photographs.

Mel_Cole said...

That is really cool language. That is a funny sign about the cycle of food. Thanks for sharing.

Come & check me out with My Ruby Tuesday here

Stephanie V said...

Words could never describe the 'circle of life' so well as the pictures. We smile - and remember!

This is a great example of how grass roots projects can make a positive change. Hope they can keep the momentum going.

Daryl said...

Fun stuff and all the more because you could do it just the two of you!

Anonymous said...

Love your photos! ;-))

Best wishes,
Paz