The J-dub New Year

I have just confided in a friend of my cousins that the best thing that happened to me since I began travelling was meeting my cousin here. He is now in Israel but has organized for me to have dinner at his friends. I went to a south african synagogue today. The choir sang and I swear there was a hint of tribal african influence mixed into our good old torah songs. Then we made our way back to his home where A fine dinner awaited us. Chops, Avocado salad and many other beautiful things I was able to feast on. In the company of excellent people. Great conversation and an all around good time was had. All the while sipping on either wine or beer. Same traditions but on the other side of the world. I have to admit, other than NYC this here is where I feel the most at home. Its because of the quality people I met thru my cousin that I feel this way. Very comfotable. I make it a thing not to mention the names of people I like here and so I wont mention the name of the fine family with whom I dined this evening but a warm thank you is very much in order.