22 Years

22 years ago the Prime Minister of Israel, Yitzhak Rabin, was assassinated at a rally supporting the Oslo Accords. My parents and some of my siblings had been in Israel either that summer, or the preceding one. I was in Israel for the 10-year anniversary of this event. This year I joined tens of thousands of other people in Tel Aviv commemorating it. The rally was held in the exact location of his assassination.

There were many political speeches voicing different ideas but generally communicating a desire for peace. Interspersed amongst the speeches were songs! A beautiful range of musical styles which captured me. It was hard for me to leave because I kept wanting to hear what the next song would be.

And of course there were balloons. It's nice to know that politics, music, and balloons can all still get along.

The Puto Kids

Several times a week I walk past this one house. This house is the home to a family with three kids; Gati, Nyamburu, and Freddy.

These kids are very respectful. They always run out to the road, shake my hand, say "shikamoo" (the proper way to greet your elder), and sometimes even give a slight bow. Even if they are in the middle of their bath, they'll jump out of the tub, run over to me and my housemate and make sure to greet us.

A couple months ago they asked us for "puto". I had no idea what a "puto" was, but after a brief, impromptu game of charades, I learned that it is a balloon. I have been asked for money and sodas by kids on the street, but never a balloon. The oddity of the request made us want to meet the need as soon as possible.

Thankfully, Sarah's mom was able to bring us nice sturdy punching balloons from the States!

And by some good luck we happened to bring the balloons on Gati's birthday! (Gati is the one with the blue balloon.)