I live on a moshav and can confirm that the celebrations are pretty darned unique, and just a little bit more than a good slice of cheesecake. There’s plenty of tractors doing some tricky maneuvers, folk dancing, kids singing, horses prancing, and some awesome kite flying once everything is over. Yep, it’s usually pretty windy come Shavuot time, which is always pretty useful when launching those kites…

Some of the kibbutzim and moshavs you can check out:

• Moshav Be’er Tuvia, in the south of Israel: Lots of activities spread over the weekend, including the annual Cow Beauty Pageant! Call 054-7780593 for more details. 
• Kibbutz Tzuba, a 15 minute drive from Jerusalem: Lots of Shavuot activities and shows between 12:00 and 16:00, with workshops for the kids and tractor drawn trailers for the kids to ride on. Call 02-5347952 for more details.
• Kibbutz Ein Shemer, just north of Hadera: Lots of good Shavuot things for the kids to do, including a tractor tour of the kibbutz. Call 04-6374327 for more details.
• Moshav Sarona, in the Lower Galilee: Free to enter, great show that starts at 17:30 and ends with some awesome kite-flying.

And here’s a taste of Shavuot on my moshav…

Click here to view the embedded video.

Bar was voted top of Maxim’s annual “Hot 100″ and was actually voted No. 1 by readers; this year’s Maxim list was the first to be opened up to reader votes.

Bar Refaeli was delighted to hear about the top spot and tweeted: So happy and honored to be #1 on #Maximhot100!! thank you @maximmag! this is very exciting!

And yes, we could have posted a shot of her just about wearing one of her barely-there bikinis, but in the pic below she is simply sizzzzzling. And I don’t think a blue dress has ever looked so slinky…

*cold shower time*

The death of romance…or is it simply evolving?

In a city as technologically savvy as Tel Aviv, we are unable to escape the constant buzz of email alerts, the vibrations of ‘silent’ phone rings, and the annoyingly familiar SMS beep that sounds like a dying robotic bird.

Smartphones. All the kids have them these days. In a paradoxically fascinating way they run around town in vintage outfits, paying homage to the Tel Aviv of days gone by – yet they are followed by these beeps and tweets wherever they go – an inherent need to stay connected to other people…just not physically.

So where does romance and sex fit into this communication revolution? Is it possible to feel the same stomach butterflies or even an actual orgasm without needing to see the person in the flesh? And what about misinterpretations, false assumptions and the potential embarrassment that can arise from such technology? As we are only at the beginning of the ‘new wave’ of loving in Tel Aviv, I am afraid I don’t have any concrete answers. Nonetheless, it is fun to see how hearts are built and broken through the press of a button.

Indeed, our vocabulary is now shaped by the very icons and apps we use to make life easier. There is no denying that this extends to our love life as well. “May I have this dance?” has been replaced by a one worded SMS of “?ערה” (are you awake?), a flirtatious glance from across the room has become a “like” from across the web. Gone are the days where we needed to rely on good looks and good conversation to impress someone – we simply need to update our Facebook profile and tag ourselves in a fashionable location and the groundwork is done!

The problem arises when we face the inevitable transition from ‘virtual’ flirtation to real life communication. Finding the right balance between needing to stay connected and actually ‘connecting’ (in physical terms) can be tricky at times.

For me, the introduction of smart phones and social networking meant the death of mystery – an essential element to the beginning of any kind of sexual relationship. Forming an opinion about someone based on their smartphone activity is a dangerous trap – a trap that we will inevitably fall into, given the ease with which we can pry into someone’s life based on where they are and what they are tweeting about.

I personally do not own a smart phone. I am not against them and I have adjusted to a life where they surround me like a swarm of buzzing bees. I accept that they are here to stay and I eagerly await for an app that will show the type of underwear a man is wearing when he approaches you in a bar.

Nevertheless, I like to believe that I enjoy some level of excitement and the ‘unknown’ when it comes to meeting men for the first time. When they ask for my Facebook details, I offer them a beer and a 3am walk along Rothschild Blvd instead. I use the “people watching” angle to lure them in…..That’s people watching – not profile stalking, or Twitter following – watching real people, engaging in real activities.

While this excites me personally, I acknowledge that not all romance is lost on the smartphone. It is argued, and rightly so, that people can experience the same rush when that little SMS beep sounds. I’m sure that there are thousands of teenage girls out there whose hearts are fluttering upon seeing a “like” on their latest picture or comment….for that must mean something!

Moreover, the same romantic feelings can be experienced just as effectively through smartphones, for example, an embarrassing trip on the sidewalk or fumbling of words in front of the one you love is just as easily achieved through ‘autocorrect’  – so from that side of things, we have nothing to fear.

I continue to observe this evolution of romance without any real conclusions, except for this: It is comforting to see that the young people of Tel Aviv, with all their gadgets and gizmos, have not lost site of the real goal – to get the message across that they are single, hunting and ready for love…..or at least “like”.

Read more great stuff from Pixi here.

The pic was taken by judi333, a lady from Jerusalem with a very nice collection of shots from Israel.

Click to BIG.

Your next lover – where to take him

This is the second part of my two-part article on ‘Finding a Lover in Tel Aviv’. Last time we explored interesting places to find interesting men, such as the coin laundry and wider friendship circles. Today I will focus on where to take your man once you’ve found him.

There are few disappointments in this town, but one of them is the dating scene. It puzzles me that so many great people fall into the black hole of boring dating destinations. No wonder I hear countless tales of failed dates and awkward social situations.

Sure, the Lilly Rose on Ibn Gvirol is intimate, but if you followed my instructions in the previous article, chances are you have bagged yourself someone unique – why waste a potentially good date on the boring, has-been dating places of mainstream Tel Aviv when, with a bit of effort, you can have a great experience with a great person by your side?

Dialogue in the Dark

This unique sensory experience (in the Holon Children’s Museum) will open your eyes….through the experience of being blind. Both of you will be led by a sight-impaired guide who will demonstrate what it’s like to live in the city when you need to rely on the senses of touch, smell and taste – the aim of the exhibition is based on human non-visual awareness. The saying “Only with the heart can one see right” is an excellent point in the right direction for 2 people who are experiencing each other for the first time.

Table Tennis in Gan Meir

I assume you plan to get active with this fine looking gentleman, so why not start outdoors? Grab a couple of bats and a ping pong ball and get into the spirit of friendly competition. If you are good at the game, don’t show off too much, and if you are terrible, don’t be ashamed. Israeli men always take pleasure in offering sporting instruction to females….It makes them feel masculine.

Magic Burger, Kikar Rabin

There’s no need for a sit down, formal meal. I speak from personal experience when I say that eating on the move is a great ice breaker. I always opt for a greasy burger joint. Its retro, its cheap and it allows you to sooth those stomach butterflies with beefy happiness. For those vegetarians out there, I suggest Buddha Bar on Ibn Gvirol

The kitchen……remember that place?

A plethora of research has proven the fundamental connection between food and erotic desire. I don’t belong to the school of thought that preaches about the negative implications of inviting a man to your house for food. Some believe that cooking for a man on the first few dates gives strong messages of “I want to have sex with you”. Call me stupid, but you do, don’t you? What better way to seduce a man than through whipping up some French crepes with fresh strawberries from the shook, or preparing a fresh pasta dish with grated Parmesan?

Live music gig

When you are out of options you can always resort to a good music gig. The Ozen Bar on King George and Levontin 7 on RehovLevontin are two of my favorite venues for live music. The atmosphere created by live music is sexy and intense. Given that you both agree on music styles, you are bound to find a gig that will be as entertaining as it is effective on bringing the two of you closer.

Read more great stuff from Pixi here.

The day itself comes immediately after the heart-tugging emotions felt through the previous 24 hours for Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day), as Israel remembers its fallen throughout its short history (though Israel has only been around since 1948 the list of fallen servicemen sadly grows ever longer). It might seem a little strange, celebrating immediately after you’ve been struggling to hold back the tears just hours earlier, but this is one of those special Israel moments, and it works. Would it work anywhere else in the world? Probably not.

So Independence Day turns those previous 24 hours of pain into a celebration of its existence, an existence based on the declaration of the establishment of the State of Israel by Israel’s future first Prime Minister, David Ben Gurion on 14 May 1948. This declaration came just hours before the official end of the British Mandate of Palestine, and while the state was recognized by many countries, Israel’s friendly Arab neighbors weren’t too keen on the idea, and declared war. The rest is, of course, history.

Official celebrations for Independence Day in Israel are usually centered in Jerusalem, and include an official Independence Eve shindig on Mount Herzl, which is usually shown live on Israeli TV. Other events on Independence Day Eve are everywhere, and there are some great parties to watch out for, especially in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Keep an eye out on our site or Facebook page as we usually try and give a quick rundown of the best places to be.

The day itself is full of other official events, but what will probably interest most Israelis is the mangal celebrations – the barbeque (mangal is Hebrew for grill)! Holidays in Israel are typically centered around food, and Independence Day is no exception.

And what about the other citizens of Israel – do they join in the Independence Day celebrations?

Well, some Arab citizens celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut but many refer to it as al-Nakba (the catastrophe), a tragic day in their history. Typically the Druze, Bedouin and Circassians, who often serve in the Israeli army, do celebrate Independence Day. What might seem surprising is the ultra-religious Jews, who join their Arab brethren in mourning, and often wear ashes and sackcloth, and have even been spotted burning Israeli flags…

If you do get caught up in some wild Independence Day celebrations, don’t forget to wish Israel a Happy Birthday!

Then again, when you get to mix it with Israelis on a daily basis, you soon get to pick up on some of their less admirable quirks…we’ve introduced you to a few of the locals here, but in the list below we’ve compiled a golden little list of the things Israelis will NEVER say. Even if you twist their arms and pull their hair, honest guv.

OK, it’s only a bit of humor, but for those of us who know, there are some nuggets in this little list…

1. “Let’s do it by the book this time.”

2. “Ah, it’s my round!”

3. “I beg your pardon!”

4. “I don’t have a cellphone.”

5. “I just purchased this on iTunes…”

6. “I understand you but I’m inclined to disagree.”

7. “I hate my mother’s cooking.”

8. “I purchased Microsoft Office.”

9. “I hate going to places that are full of other Israelis.”

10. “Isn’t it a little cramped in here?”

11. “Let’s leave the waitress a little more than 10%…”

12. “I could never ask for a discount…”

13. “I never exceed the speed limit.”

14. “Merry Christmas!”

15. “I’ll have that Easter egg on the top shelf please.”

16. “OK, beloved wife, I’ll ask someone for directions.”

17. “The French are very nice people.”

18. “Thank you for arriving earlier than we scheduled.”

19. “Amir Peretz was a great Defence Minister.”

20. “It was my fault.”

Here are a few pictures our friend Izzy Keren took at the weekend at Ein Zivan on the Golan Heights: can you tell which are apples and which are cherries?

And if you’re a big fan of amazing orchards in bloom, check out our stunning almond blossom pictures, taken a few weeks ago!

Your next lover – where to find him

After some feedback on the last few articles, I am starting to get a sense of what you are all searching for. Many people have requested ideas for dates and interesting places around Tel Aviv to take your lover.

Initially, I expected a long list of questions about sexual positions and awkward erotic moments, but upon receiving such requests, I’ve decided to take a step back and start from scratch. I have therefore concocted a two part article containing the only information you need to know about where to find the ‘good guys’ and where to take them for a ‘good time’.

Please note, I use the word ‘good’ because it is the broadest term possible – the definition of ‘good’ will vary according to the individual and I take no responsibility if your own definition doesn’t fit the type of people you will discover in the places mentioned below…

Places to meet your next lover

• The coin laundry – Try the coin laundries that have those machines which are difficult to operate. On-the-spot drying machine tutorials will inevitably lead to flirtation. Note: flirtation should occur post wash only. No-one wants to see your dirty underwear.
• The Monit Sheirut – Commonly known as ‘stink chambers’, sheirut taxis are surprisingly interactive. Where else can one experience the intimacy of touching strangers in such a confined space? (Make sure you strategically choose who to pass your coins too though).
• Social networks – the real ones – not the Internet ones!  – The unique thing about Tel Aviv is its lack of insular social circles. A new face will pop up in almost every social occasion. Use your friends for their extended social network and you are sure to come across someone interesting.
• The weekend food market – Dizengoff Center – A personal favorite of mine. In recent times I have noticed some extremely good looking guys working behind the food stalls. Though the food is authentic, nothing will taste as good as the hand that serves it.

Places NOT to meet your next lover

• Dating websites – OK, so I might come under criticism for this one, but I am completely OVER dating websites. There is nothing more useful and LESS sexy than a computer. You live in an amazing city – get amongst it and utilize your real people skills instead of pouring energy into a profile that probably doesn’t match the real you.
• Bars – the ‘people skills’ I refer to above have been hideously corrupted in the bar scene. Beware of who you pick up in a bar, no matter what bar it is. Sure we all do it, but that doesn’t earn bars the right to make it into my list of interesting places to meet people.
• The beach – Its cliche, its tired and its annoying. The only people who can get away with picking up men on the beach are tourists. That’s because their time here is limited and, quite frankly, anyone with an accent will automatically look 45% more sexy in a bikini.

Next up: Part II, Best places to take your potential new love God on a date

Read more great stuff from Pixi here.

As Jesus was a Jew, the famous Last Supper was actually his Passover meal. So therefore not too surprising that the Jewish Passover holiday corresponds with the Christian Easter, which commemorates the Resurrection following the Crucifixion.

This year, the Christian Holy Week celebrations start on April 1 with Palm Sunday. On Palm Sunday thousands of Christian pilgrims climb Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives (read our full guide to the Mount of Olives here), in a re-enactment of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.

The next important milestone in Holy Week is Good Friday (on April 6), which marks Jesus’ journey up to Golgotha to be crucified. The streets and alleys of the Old City in Jerusalem are likely to be crammed full, so get there early if you want to witness one of the most amazing sights in religion, with thousands of pilgrims following Jesus’ same path down the Via Dolorosa, many holding crosses in spiritual support of their Lord. For more info on Good Friday in the Old City, and some great videos, click here.

The next day is Holy Saturday (April 7), and thousands of Christian pilgrims typically gather in the Old City of Jerusalem at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (read our full guide to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre here). Here you can also witness the amazing annual miracle of the Holy Fire (read more here).

For full details of the official events of Holy Week, see the Christian Information Center website.

Here’s a great video looking at some of the pilgrims and Holy Week events in the Old City…

Click here to view the embedded video.

Of course, once Easter celebrations are over, there are still many amazing Christian sites to see in the Holy Land!

A very happy Holy Week – and Happy Easter – to all!

With kids off from school and kindergarten for something like 3 weeks, and with many locals taking time off from work, Pessach can be quite the extended holiday! In order to make the most of your time during Pessach, we’ve gathered ten of the very best things to see and do…and one place to avoid like the plague (well, you did ask!)…

Related: Things to do in Christian Holy Week, April 1-7!

1. Ahava Dead Sea Music Festival

The 16th Ahava Dead Sea Music Festival is the rock festival to head for over Pessach if you’re into your Israeli bands. Taking place between the 7-11 April in the Dead Sea area, some of the bands you can expect to see include: Mashina, Avitar Banai, Yehuda Poliker, Shalom Hanoch and Bary Sakharov. For more info about tickets, call *8965 or 03-6045000, or try the site: www.TKTS.co.il

2. Bird Festival, Yaffo Port

Running for two days only, from the 8-9th April (10:00 to 18:00), this great little FREE festival (taking place in warehouse 2 in the port) is great for the kids, with creative corners, stories and lots of stalls. There is also an exhibition of photos of Tel Aviv birds taken by both old and young.

3. Design Week in Holon

Holon’s amazing Design Museum has become a magnet for top international design festivals ever since its door opened a couple of years ago. From 8-11 April, the Museum will welcome 15 design editors from around the globe who will attempt to gauge what Israeli design is all about, plus there is also the Designers Plus 10 exhibition, which lasts through til May 2012.

4. Zorba the Buddha Festival, The Negev

Taking place over 10-14 April, the Zorba the Buddha Festival, down in the middle of the Negev Desert, is a festival for the more adventurous! With five days of great music, love and meditation, this is the place to come if you’re looking to explore your inner-self, you love sleeping rough, and you love trance. For more info, see the festival website.

5. Live the never ending Pessach dilemma – HaShahar or Nutella?

Join the rest of a nation as it divides itself into two camps: the ones that love local chocolate spread HaShahar on their matza bread, or those that prefer the more refined and international Nutella. You can’t say you’ve experienced Pessach in Israel until you’ve had to make a choice…and no, we’re not telling you our preferred poison…

6. Haifa International Children’s Theater Festival

Another great destination for the kids is the International Children’s Theater Festival, which takes place every year in Haifa during Passover (this year it’s spread over three days, 8-10 April). This year the theme is based on theater from around the world, including a version of Pinocchio from Spain. For ticket info, call 04-8600500 or see the official website here.

7. Arabian Nights Festival, Upper Galilee

Spread over three days, 9-12 April, the Arabian Nights Festival takes place in the town of Tuba-Zangariyye in the Upper Galilee. If you’re interested in experiencing some of the Bedouin culture, food, history and values, this little festival could be right up your street.

8. International Flower Show, Haifa

If you love your fauna, head to Hecht Park in Haifa (at the southern entrance to the city) between the 7-14 April (open from 10:00 – 22:00). A “world of flowers” awaits, spread over some 30 dunams. Some 120,000 flowers in total from around the world will be there – will you? Prices start at 65 shekels to get in.

9. Enjoy the Beach!

With April temperatures meaning spring weather that often borders on summer highs, the beach could be the perfect place to spend some time during Passover. The beaches of Tel Aviv are always inviting, but if you’re looking for something a little more exotic, how about the beach we rank as the best in Israel? Or perhaps this one, a close second and far enough away from civilization to turn it into an awesome family trip…

10. Jerusalem Ice Festival

The impressive Jerusalem Ice Festival has been getting rave reviews since it opened in March, and it will run through til the end of April. Read our full review of the Jerusalem Ice Festival here. Good for all the family, and even a first date!

And…one place to avoid during Passover, the Sea of Galilee!

Don’t get us wrong, we love the Sea of Galilee. Unfortunately, the Sea of Galilee, including all the beaches and camping grounds that are scattered round its coastline, is a magnet for the “ugly” Israeli through any Jewish holiday. So, if you fancy holding on to your sanity, and would prefer to experience the real magic of the Sea of Galilee, steer clear during Passover. Read more about why here…

Wherever you end up, Happy Passover!

Real Israeli Men = Kibbutznikim

It is a well known fact in this city that if you are looking for a decent male who will treat you well, you should look anywhere but the city. As a result, many women turn to what I have coined “the tractor fantasy” – a desperate attempt to escape the mundane and superficial dating scene of Tel Aviv in search of something raw and meaningful.

The idea of the Kibbutznik is deeply engrained in Israeli culture, from the vintage cult films of the 70s to the modern version of the kibbutz poster boy, the appeal of the rural sex object remains stronger than ever. But what happens when we attempt to replace fantasy with reality?

As exciting as the ‘tractor fantasy’ may seem, you can be sure that when you get a kibbutznik, you get the whole package – by that I mean the entire kibbutz and all the social complications that come with it.

Of course, every kibbutz is different, but they all carry the same ideology……and I am not talking about socialism.

Below is a list of everything you need to know about your man and his kibbutz – a rough guide for those of you entering the world of the kibbutz for the first time.

K – Kinky. When you are in nature, the sky’s the limit when it comes to experimental sexual experiences that bring you ‘closer to the land’. My personal favorites are the tractor, the horse stables, showers in the chicken house and any pile of hay you can find.

I – Incestuous. You may be thinking that the way kibbutzniks interact with their own kind is a little strange. This is because they have been living up each other’s ass since they were children. Us outsiders know little about what goes on in a kibbutz behind closed doors and perhaps it’s better that way.

B – Bravery. This is a shout out to any girl who has endured those first awkward visits on a man’s kibbutz. Entering any kibbutz for the first time is like entering an episode of ‘Survivor’ where alliances need to be made in the risk of being voted off the island.

B –  Bad behavior.  Any outsider will notice a pattern of rudely behaved kibbutzniks who not only seem completely disinterested in you, but often have incredibly weird ways of conducting themselves socially. Don’t take it personally but don’t go out of your way to impress them either. Their insular attitudes are simply a product of where they grew up.

U – Untapped resource. The kibbutznik phenomenon remains largely undiscussed in Tel Aviv. Little do people know about the potential of kibbutznikim to be great lovers. Its just a shame that they don’t receive as much good publicity as lawyers with nice cars.

T – Table. The Cheder Ochel (dining room) of the kibbutz is the hub of all action and gossip. This is why it is fundamental that you strategically choose your table so it is positioned in an area that will generate the least stares and whispering from fellow diners. I recommend sitting with the young people of the kibbutz who are still open to new people.

Z – Zionist dream. While the original elements of Zionism have disintegrated with modern times, that doesn’t mean you can’t create your own pioneering experience of conquering the kibbutz and all it has to offer. By finding yourself a gorgeous kibbutznik you are in fact fulfilling the original vision of the State of Israel.

Next up: Best places to find an Israeli lover

Read more great stuff from Pixi here.