Graffiti in Tel Aviv

  I visited The Museum of Tel Aviv this week and contemplated the composition of art. I prefer art which has a place in the everydayness of our lives. I didn’t find the atmosphere of the museum  appealing which left me reminded of my preference for ultra-media, much like what the Future Sound of London broadcasted via ISDN in the early 90’s, or any sort of environment which allows for more intimacy and comfort.

   I did admire Israeli artist Dani Karavan’s work immensely, and was particularly moved by his pillars of peace which are erected near the Israeli/Egyptian border.

  Yet, it was the graffiti belonging to Tel Aviv that I enjoyed the most. To quote 2Pac on the art form, “located worldwide like the art of graffiti”. I found many pieces which I decribe as kawaii, that Japanese aesthetic that appreciates cute things, like Hello Kitty. Connections, respect, and admiration…

Virtues of Teaism

  Purity, harmony, mutual charity, romanticism of the social order, hygiene, economics, moral geometry, eastern democracy, simplicity (minimalism for us moderns), self-realization, refinement, a sacred function between guest and host, Daoism in disguise… are but many of the virtues found in Teaism. I truly want to bring the Eastern spirit of Teaism to the West in and through my life. The virtues, and ideals of teaism are ones that I adamantly admire. I’ve found my vocation in Teaism.

   Tea allows us to take a break from our hyper-consumer cultures, economic necessities, and the entire chatter of the world. It is no wonder that a Zen monk once claimed, “Serenity can be found in a bowl of tea”. I have found absolute faith in Chado, the Japanese word expressing tea way. There’s a deep comfort in the realization.

  I’ve noticed that I have not encountered one tea bar here in the cosmopolitan Tel Aviv. But the cafes (bait qafe) here seem more enjoyable in contrast to those of the States. I love the musical atmosphere which tends to highlight some sort of electronic sound. It reminds me of how dull, redundant, and simply played out pop music is in the United States. The American pop that Israel does import is actuall classic pop that doesn’t get played on American radio but needs to be. But it does seem American pop sounds better in Israel.

Trip to Hamat Gader

  Today,  Mor’s family, Mor and I are travelling to Hamat Gader to visit the hot, natural mineral pools. Mor’s getting ready while I eat Aryella’s chocolate cake and drink some green tea. It’s time to set an entire day away for relaxation.

Green Tea + Nana Tea in Haifa

  It’s Friday, today in Haifa. I’m lounge as always. Bamba girl is resting in her little bed, while I write and listen to ‘My Eternal Prayer’ by OBX, Casper Pound on the remix. The entire album is descriptive of my soul and what I represent. I encountered the album originally through Rafeek, a heartfelt punk rocker, whom I met at the Wine Rack in San Jose sometime in 1999. As I listen to it now I realize never to question the universe. Something like Flow 3.2, yes it’s ambiguous. 

  I’ll be in Tel Aviv next week and am hoping to find like-minded lifeforms. I’ll begin my systematic studies of ‘The Book of Tea’ by Okakura-Kakuzo, none other than the tea bible. I can’t describe my fortune; the beauty of the waves that I’m feeling at the moment.

  I’m ready!