Wittness at City Hall

On June 3rd at 11:00 PM, Zoe was double-checking her reservation. You have to make sure you make 2 separate appointments: one for the registration, the other for the ceremony. “Wait a min…” Zoe says nervously. “I can’t seem to find the receipt,” she says, tiptoeing around the possibility that the reservation wasn’t made. “What’s the matter?” Udi asks her as he walks into the living room fixing the tie around his neck. “I made a reservation for the ceremony, but I think something went wrong! I can’t seem to find the reservation for the registration!” A sudden panic comes over the room and no one seemed to know what to do. Well, why would we? None of us have ever been to a City Hall wedding before.

 

At 08:00 AM the next morning, we got into the car, wearing our coordinated wedding outfits, and rushed to the San Francisco City Hall. Who knows…? Maybe these two will get married today! We walk into City Hall and find our way to the Marriage licensing office. Painted walls, large ceiling-murals, sculptures and busts, flashy designs… this didn’t seem like City Hall. After all, where I come from, City Hall looks more like a storage room that is actually in a ‘Hall’-way. This seems more like… a museum! We got to the counter, filled with Jubilee, and Zoe gives the guy behind the counter a BIG smile and says, “Hi! We’re here to get hitched!”

“Do you have an appointment?” the man asks with a polite smile. Zoe replies, “Sure!” He fingers through his papers and lists, to find that the adorable couple and the two bow-tied groomsmen behind them may not have a reservation. He turns around and says to his superior, “Can these two get married today?” The boss looks up at the potential bride and groom, who are smiling wide and holding one another, and after a few moments says, “Yup!” 

"Marriage Licensing Form"

So far in my life I have been to a countless amount of wedding ceremonies. Some fancy, some shmancy… But I have never been to what felt like an Instant Wedding. Open the box and… PUFF! Judge, fancy words, some pictures and you’re married! How special! I’ve come to realize that the most beautiful ceremonies I have been to have never followed the traditional guidelines of what the wedding planner suggested. It’s not about the food, the gifts, or the social commitment of inviting everyone you know to the 3^rd degree. It’s about your life changing forever. It’s about commitment. Its about (dare I say it?) Love!   And this ceremony had PLENTY of Love.

What an honor it was for Yona and I to be witnesses at such a meaningful event. Two of our best friends are getting married – and it’s to each other! The five of us, including our judge, walked towards the Retunda room where we stood close and listened to the Law shed light on the union of Zoe and Udi. It was actually kind of… magical? I was standing behind Udi creating obnoxious ChekChak sounds with the camera. I was taking photos of Zoe’s face staring into Udi’s eyes with an honest smile. Although this ceremony was similar to the 1000’s of ceremonies that occurred in between these walls before, this one must have been a little bit more special than them all. Strangers began to circle us as we got closer to the final words. “I now pronounce you Man and Wife!” said the judge with a big smile on his face. He then leans in close and whispers “I’m not supposed to say this, but… Mazal Tov!”

"By the power vested in me by the laws of the state of California..."

As Zoe and Udi begin to kiss for the first time as a married couple, I turn to the crowd of strangers surrounding us and declare, “Ladies & Gentleman, The Newlyweds!” And just like that, people began to applaud and Zoe and Udi stood before them, in love.

Well, If we’re already here… Photo-shoot anyone?

 

 

Classic Hollywood Story

I've been wasting too much time during the day seeking Couch Surfing hosts. Since my last host, Hal, had a new couch surfer arriving, I had to find new digs... He suggested I try airbnb.com and I listened.    That's where I found the very place I type from now... Seemed pretty cool online.

(Airbnb listing)
"Beautiful brand new two store single house occupied with film students.
It's furnished with new ikea bunk beds and kmart mattresses.
We are chill and easy going"

It was cheap enough for me to afford so I went for it (comes out to about $14 a day). I waited for "Mike" to arrive for about 2 hours, but eventually his partner Demitri arrived. Now this isn't exactly the warm fuzzy student house I was expecting. When I was sitting in the garage waiting, I got to meet some of the tenants. Jeremy - an aspiring actor, singer, comedian studying dance - told me about the 2 managers of the place - "Mike" & "Tom" (Not their real names). He xplained that they are two Russians who come and go from time to time. No one really knows anything about them, but they are really strict about their rules.  When I told Jeremy that what he had just said was the shadiest thing I ever heard, he looked at me as if it was standard behavior (Jeremy has been living here a month).

Before I met Jeremy I thought about the type of people that I'm about to meet. And it dawned on me that I was probably going to meet actors, screenwriters, directors, all sorts of people trying to make it in Holywood! You know the "I want to be a BIG STAR" type. And I can't believe it... I was RIGHT!


Jeremy, Tony, Jen, and Shiela are the actors I have met so far. Jessie, David, Jose I think are vacationing. Mara, Sam, Liza, and Philip are graphic designers from Europe. And there are several more people I'm just starting to talk to.

Ian is an animator. On my first night in the house we spoke about his project and it sounded really nice. He's writing a cartoon series for preteens that takes place in space. He used to work for some Israeli - Meytal Dohani. Apparently not the nicest Israeli in the world... (lightly said)   He's been here for 3 months.

I thought of all these people as clichés. The innocents coming to Hollywood to make a big name. Those who live in cheap housing with 30 people just like them. You know what, maybe one of those 30 will even make it. Who knows? But they are definitely fighting the chances. It was only when I woke up the next morning, I was brushing my teeth next to a stranger and it dawned on me...  These people are not too different from me. And just like that I accepted my fate in a classic Hollywood cliché.    Starting from the bottom and scratching my way to the top.

(Edited on IMovie)

The next day, I came home from a long day in Santa Monica. I was at a Innovative Artists, a talent agency, visiting a senior agent I had met on the celebrity trip to Israel. She treats me like family and will do what she can to help. More on this later. I was actually excited to come home to see the friends I had made. It was nice to come back to familiar faces, and new ones. It was interesting that at first I was a bit turned off by the idea of coming to a house with 30 strangers from god knows where. Now, I'm glad I did it.

Surfing LA

Welcome to LA!

I got picked up at Yaniv and Katrina's house by Karan - my shared-ride driver. Zimride.com is a pretty sweet deal. I give him some gas money and he drives me to where ever I need to be in Los Angeles. Hours have passed by us in the shape of farm lands and rest stops. At 11 PM Karan dropped me off at the Venice beach hostel. No money, friends, or any actual leads, but at least I have a bed for the night...

Waking up the next day, I had no idea where I would spend the next evening... And then I met Hal. I wrote Hal on Couchsurfing.com hoping to find a nice place to spend the night. He said he could only host me for one night and for that I was grateful. I never couchsurfed before so I didn't know what to expect... It was when I was signing in to his building and making friends with the doorman that I realized I may have hit the jackpot... Whats this?! He lives on the top floor? who is this guy?! what does he do? And how could he afford living on the 14th floor of a luxury building in Downtown Los Angeles?!

Hal introduces me to his two friends, Barney and Sarah. Barney used to work for Warner Bros. while Sarah is a freelance photographer like Hal. We spent most of the night talking about Sarah's latest project. She's been editing her first music video and she was having some trouble with her client. She spent the whole night complaining about the relationship and she came to Hal for some words of wisdom.

WHAT LUCK! Hal's apartment looked like a studio. Camera equipment and lights all over the place, major computer systems, TVs and speakers in the backdrop. He showed us his latest photos for his Nike campaign and I learned more in those few moments with Hal then I have in 3 years of school at the IDC. I know I just arrived to this town, but can it GET any better than this? I came here to meet people that can help me create better projects and become an independent man. And thanks to Hal and Sara, I'm closer to achieving that goal...

I think the most important lesson I picked up from Hal and Sara is the importance of knowing how to use the tools you have. Which is why I've decided that I want to be involved in creation and not production. The big debate between studying film business vs technical editing has finally come to a conclusion. I have to start filling in the gaps in my technical knowledge and I can only do that with more experience, more work, and most lessons... So how do I do that...?

These are Pros!
Here is Sara's finished video- https://vimeo.com/45935015
Here is Hals Website - http://www.halbergman.com/

Its Raining Babies

Me? I'm too young to be thinking about babies... right? I mean I have friends who have babies... I guess I'll just have to admit that its a state of mind and has nothing to do with how much time has passed since I left the womb myself.  I'll just leave the baby making to others... for now...

Although I'm not ready myself, this past week has been pretty eye opening. It all started in June of 2011 when my sister Noa went into labor. After hours of waiting, my family was finally introduced to the first member of the next generation of kin - Itamar.

Itamar - Moments old...

Personally, I was kind of shocked! Noa had a baby? Whoa! I still remember Noa coming home at midnight from her shift at the restaurant, just to change quick to make it to the bar by 01:00 (it was ladies drink free night, I suppose). Now she has a baby?! Itamar was more then just the first baby in our family since..... well, ME! He was the first baby in my life! After being forced to disinfect my hands, wash my face, cover my clothing with clean towels, and use mouthwash, I got to hold Itamar, my baby nephew. I remember not feeling right about it, uncomfortable... I also remember Itamar sensing how uncomfortable I felt. Holy crap!!! A real, live BABY! Is he comfortable? Is my arm pushing into him? Is he cold? What if I  drop him?!?! I must confess, I was a mess...

When I arrived to Palo Alto a year later, I really saw how my relationships with premature humans has changed. I got to meet the 2nd member of the new generation - My niece, Anashe (accent mark missing). I was able to lift her with ease and instead of cries, I saw a gentle smile glisten from her face towards her uncle... That's me.

Washing Baby Anashé

The next day Noa and Uriel arrived with Itamar. My life quickly transformed from single man to family man,  joint roller to baby soother, caring about nothing to caring about nothing BUT my niece and nephew. There was no avoiding them. Where ever I went there seemed to be babies. In the streets, in the stores, in the park, on TV... Babies were EVERYWHERE! Was this because I notice them more now, or am I just more inclined to go to baby oriented locations?

These events quickly evolved into thoughts of my own future. The most interesting aspect was how I will name my first child? How do I define a person I still have not met with just a few letters?  It really is a personal matter that defines yourself rather than your new family member.

Noa and Uriel went with a classic Israeli name that extends their personalities and dedication to Israel. I like to think that the name Itamar translates directly to Date Island. And when I picture this island and its single date, I think of all the logistics this small plot of land must provide... Rain, land, wind all for this one date. Without this date, this island would be senseless. That is Itamar - The reason for existence.

Yaniv and Katrina surprised us all with the name of their baby girl - Anashé Nina Gelnik. Just like her parents, Anashé's name is complicated and simple. We get to see something new, different, strange, and perfect. Part Maa, part Gelnik? In Maa, Anashé means she who I am grateful for. And if you met her, you would feel exactly that. A content baby that makes you feel good about yourself. Although not everyone pronounces it correctly (the wrong emphAsis  on the wrong SyllAble), everyone seems to come up with their own nick name. Anashena, Anashé-shé, Anosh, Anashi, and so on... But no matter what you name her or how you pronounce it, Anashé will always be something to be grateful for.

I like the idea of stepping out of the generic names we select for our children. So what if my kid can't find his name on a wall of refrigerator magnets?! There is something beautiful about finding the perfect name that belongs to you... and only you.   My friend Zoe was showing me pictures of her friend's baby - Zoozoo Danger (first name). Just this week, I met 2 year-old Hawkeye (no relations to the M.A.S.H. character). And even my friend Sharifin has a name worth thinking about (although he Isreafies it to Rafi from time to time...)

This doesn't help me choose my child's name, though... This just limits my options! But in my opinion, the search for the perfect name comes from within' and not from those around us... I think I'm getting a little ahead of myself... First I got to find a lady! And then convince her to name our first born something like Biggens or Minisip (two names I approve).

The Cabin in the Woods

I know I said that this blog would be about me... I didn't mean for it to be about food. But, food really is sitting in the driver seat of this trip. We visit locations based on what food they have to offer. And in America, you can't get a very far distance without having a unique food experience.

Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge

After spending the day in San Francicsco on Friday, we took the convertible up north - straight through the Golden Gate Bridge...



We continued along the road, through Muir Woods, and along the Pacific Ocean, passing lakes and rivers and crossing towns and homes. Eventually we made it to Vallejo rd, number 130, Inverness. We drove over the bridge on top of a small stream and up a steep hill towards the parking spot. Surrounded by flowers and trees, we stepped into our weekend cabin.

Our Hard Working Kitchen

Its been a long time since I've seen Cheese on a Burger!

On Out first day here we had a cheeseburger bacon dinner. The next day we wanted to explore the area. We got in the cars and drove 5 minutes North. The sunny skies, pleasant breeze and warm air has all been replaced by mist, strong winds and cold chills. The Micro-Climates in Northern California gives you the opportunity to visit different weathers in moments. At Abbot's Lagoon, I felt as if we were in mid winter in Canada as oppose to our cabin's hotter climate. You could barely see into the distance from the mist and our tee-shirt and bathing suit attire seemed out of place. With two cold babies, we go right back into the cars and off to the town nearby.

BBQ Oysters

Although our plans have derailed, we found our path. We passed by a small town and had to visit the road-side BBQ (Ribs and Oysters). We stopped at the OPEN WINERY sign and sat back as Noa tasted wines and selected our dinner's drink. We joined locals at a Picnic area where we were able to buy 2 dozen Oysters. And we stopped at a butcher and bought our new meal.







The night was smothered in food. Truly an all night experience and probably one of the better meals I've had...

Spicy Italian Sausage, Flank Steak, Skirt Steak, and, why not, a Rack of ribs!

The Chef prepares his meat!

Thanks Yaniv and Katrina for showing us Inverness!

A Lesson in American Cusine: CrashCourse!

When I left NJ 7 years ago, I did it with ease. It wasn't a problem at all. I simply walked with my hands in my pockets toward my gate with my parents behind me watching until the moment I made the turn out of their sight (and they probably continued staring for a while after too). Since I moved away from America there wasn't much that I missed. But I did miss... Junk Food! I'm not talking about sweets and potato chips. I'm talking about a Chalupa grande Supreme style, a cheese steak smothered in mayonnaise and hot peppers, a deep fried pizza, a chicken stuffed in a duck stuffed in a turkey, and that's just the start!

The real problem with my love for the occasional heart attack sandwich is not of any medical concern, its that I usually don't have anyone to share these experiences with. That first bite into a Taco Bell hard shell, where you sink your teeth in and think... "What is this?" and have no virtual clue to what may actually be inside. Priceless... But what do YOU think?!   Well, on Thursday, I finished my 8th circle around the San Francisco Airport waiting for Noa and Uriel to come out of their terminal, luggage in hand, holding my growing-so-quickly nephew, Itamar.

Finally! Uriel! Someone as excited as me about the endless possibilities of food consumption known as America! Its going to be great introducing him to the the exotic tastes of arbitrarily placed food trucks. First, we'll eat at home...

The remains of our Mexican Corn and Sausage Dinner

Anashe resting while we eat

11:00 AM ~ Los Gatos - Nice way to start your day (yes, that is a cheesy sausage egg sandwich in the back...)

12:05 ~ I meet Mr. Pickle and his sandwich. (In a World where sandwiches are illegal. The ostracizing of sandwiches has created an underground community of Hoodlum Pickles dealing with the sandwich black market...  )

15:30 ~ Coronas at Princeton Fish Market

15:40 ~ Clam Chowda!

15:50 ~ Fried Cod, Calamari, Shrimp, Scallops, and Zucchini served with Coleslaw. Wow... Cocktail and tarter sauce on the side.

16:20 ~ I meet Mr. Fish Hand

16:45 ~ We don't mess around when we're looking for new foods!

Next day! Its time for San Francisco!

11:20 ~ Breakfast! Beef and marinated pork tacos... Right off the truck next to the Gas Station. Eating these guys off of the trunk while pumping gas and changing Itamar's diaper (in a team effort with Noa and Uriel), And these tacos we're still a climactic experience. I guess if you're going to buy tacos off a truck, who cares where you eat and who's poop you're playing with, right?

12:30 ~ The rumors are true. "This IS a Tasty Burger!"

13:00 ~ I meet Mr. Gasoline. Its funny that people can actually put what ever they want in front of their store to attract customers. Surprisingly, this was not a Gasoline shop. I know, right? Weird...  Well, it got my attention.

13:30 ~ Margaritas at Fisherman's Wharf. 

13:40 ~ Nachos Supreme! Itamar staring disapprovingly at Uriel for taking part of our glutton mission. Amazing how nostalgic a hill of Tortilla chips, Guacamole, Jalapeno, cheese, and beef can be.

14:00 ~ I meet a fisherman that Fishes for Pizza. And cold beer and sandwiches, too!

14:20 ~ I get a drink from who seems to be Captain Morgan. The sign says LIQUEUR!

Yes, I'm still coming back :-)   But there is nothing like a $2.00 glass coke imported from Mexico!

There were a few more meals in these two days, but there are certain times that we cannot contain ourselves for long enough to take a photo. Our Chinese meal was finished before anyone could say... cheese!

Tonight we're off to a Cabin in Inverness up - two hours North. We'll hang out there for the Weekend and take a break from shovling commercial food into our stomachs  :-)

How Far will this culinary adventure go?!    Where do we stop?! Well, lets see if we can make it to Pork Belly... Oh, jeez... There is so much to do, see and EAT!