BUT FIRST A QUICK DISCLAIMER

Please try to disregard the complaining tone I am apt to adopt when discussing my life in Israel. I can't help it.

18 months ago I made Aliah. In that time I have had countless experiences, frustrating in a way unique to Israel.

-The bureaucracy infecting every institution, making necessary chores take three times longer than they should.
-The entitled attitude of the citizenry, turning the most benign public activities, like shopping, or getting on a bus, into hectic pushy fights.
-The complete lack of customer service, common manners, or a suitable living wage.
-The fact that everyone tells me I need to practice my Hebrew, but the second they hear my American accent, they begin to speak with me in English.

Its enough to make you as crazy as they are!

So, when constantly confronted with the following question, asked with confusion and envy, "Why would you come here from the United States?", what's a poor oleh-hadash (new immigrant) to do, but answer with a goofy smile, "I don't know, but apparently I love...."'

Balagan!

Its a Hebrew word, or maybe just an Israeli word (there is a difference), which translates into English as "messed up"

Its a popular word here in the holy land.

The great thing I am starting to understand, however, is that it is always said with a smile.

So that's the topic of this fledgling blog entitled, "Happy-Balagan."

I do have other interests, and I reserve the right to post anything I want. Digressions are good, and luckily for you I am a very smart, funny guy, so stay tuned.

Thanks for visiting my blog.