Natural Bliss, part 2

After my first trip to a local health food store, I lowered my expectations before looking for the other two stores I had heard about. Both are in the center of town – one is under the building which houses HaMashbir, also named some generic “Teva” name that escapes me, and the second one is practically brand new, and located right near the Post Office; it is called “Mazon Organi” (Organic Food – not the most creative of names, but definitely to the point!). I decided to scout them out.

First, I visited the “Teva” store that is in an alley “under” HaMashbir. I walked past it twice before realizing that it was there. It too, was tiny, and it is stocked with a very eclectic collection of “natural” and “health” items, if you define that term loosely. Of course, most of their prices are exorbitant, and much of their stock has a thick layer of dust covering it, not to mention that I couldn't make out any order to their shelves... They have a wide selection of supplements and natural remedies, and they have a tiny refrigerated section (smaller than my dorm fridge in college). Apparently, one can place a produce order through them, but I didn't stay in the store long enough to find out how. I surveyed the place and dusted off a few bottles of cold-pressed oils to check prices, and went on my way...

Natural Bliss, part 1

Those of you who know me may think I am kind of obsessive about living a “natural” lifestyle (yes, I even bought chemical free mattresses – they are made out of cotton and wool, and covered in organic cotton!). I figured the Northern part of the country would be a really good fit, since there is less pollution, less congestion, and a much greater emphasis on nature. All of this is true, but the one thing I really miss is a good natural foods store (depending on the day, this might mean Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, the Buford Farmer's Market, or even SuperTarget!).

So, to put it mildly, I have been searching for the best way to find all the staples I like to keep in the house. First, I asked around and discovered that there are three health food stores in Teverya. This sounds so encouraging – I mean, a relatively small city, and enough people eat healthy to support 3 separate health food stores! Yay! What more could I ask for?

I found my way to the first one I heard about – a store across the street from Kever HaRambam (Maimonides' gravesite). (This store has some generic name like Chanut Teva.) I walked in, and discovered a store about the size of my walk-in closet in Florida. I seriously have more shelf space in my kitchen than this store has in its entirety. The proprietor smiled, and asked if I needed help; I told her I just wanted to look around first. I was disappointed in the selection and even more disappointed in the prices. I walked out without filling up my reusable grocery bags...

p.s. for those of you who are looking for an online health food store option check out the Organic Wholesale Club! They are based in the U.S.A., but they do offer international shipping! (Just watch out for customs limits...)

A Brand New Day

Gorgeous vistas greet me each morning outside my new home (in Teverya - Tiberias). I cannot deny the beauty of the city and the Kinneret down below, and the mountains to my North and East. We can see Tsfat, another holy city, from our Mirpeset (balcony). We can see the Hermon, at the border of this tiny, wondrous country.

Unfortunately, I haven't made the most of these morning views – generally I take it in while I hang up the laundry. But I have made a decision to make a concerted effort to allow the view to elevate my mundane morning tasks, and help me start the day with a feeling of wonder and awe. Tomorrow morning, I hope to start anew.