Uploads from Marisa Ross, tagged birthright

Israeli Woman in the Market

nobody@flickr.com (Marisa Ross) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 08:17:05 -0700

On my Birthright trip to Israel, one of the best places to explore photographic opportunities was the market. This shuk in the Carmel region of Tel Aviv was a playground of spices, exotic fruits and colorful characters.

We were all squished together down the narrow walkway of vendors and customers. It took more than 15 minutes just to push my way through the crowd to find the exit.

I was snapping away when I saw this woman taking pleasure in one of the most popular leisurely activities in Israel: smoking.

D.A.R.E. and G.R.A.D.E. that we took in elementary school are obviously not present in this part of the Middle East.

Israelis are smokers. It's their favorite pastime.

In all the chaos, this woman took a moment to relax and forget about her surroundings.

If I took any photo on my trip that portrays the typical Israeli woman, it's this one.

Olives Galore

nobody@flickr.com (Marisa Ross) — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 21:54:38 -0700

Marisa Ross posted a photo:

At the shuk in Tel Aviv in the Carmel region.

Bearded Dragon

nobody@flickr.com (Marisa Ross) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 21:58:41 -0700

Marisa Ross posted a photo:

The Israeli desert proved to be a real wonderland as I explored new techniques with my camera. The nature surrounding us was full of magnificent flora and fauna, as well as great wildlife.

I saw this bearded dragon up close and personal. I wish I could have gotten a picture of it running on all fours, but as far as this stationary shot goes, I was very pleased with my camera's ability to capture this little guy with such great precision.

Savory Sabich

nobody@flickr.com (Marisa Ross) — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 21:58:40 -0700

Marisa Ross posted a photo:

This was by far the most delicious thing I ate during my 10-day stay in Israel.

Some friends and I took a shopping break from the Carmel Market in Tel Aviv in search of some local Israeli specialties.

Well, we definitely found them.

At this whole-in-the-wall type of joint, there were no tourists eating here. I can't even remember the name of this small food place because it was in Hebrew. The people serving the food barely spoke English themselves. That's how authentic it was.

But it didn't matter. A few Israelis ordering saw that us Americans stuck out like a sore thumb and recommended a sandwich called a Sabich.

After endless falafels, we decided to try it.

It was similar to its cousin, but instead of falafel (fried chickpea) balls, it was stuffed with succulent eggplant, melt-in-your-mouth potato and a brown hard-boiled egg. Vegetables and special sauces completed this creation and made it out of this world.

Sometimes you do find what you're looking for when you wander off the beaten path.

Wild Ibex

nobody@flickr.com (Marisa Ross) — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 23:03:51 -0700

Marisa Ross posted a photo:

While staying at Sde Boker next to David Ben Gurion's grave site, the Negev Desert provided nothing short of absolutely breath-taking views.

On Birthright, the day of rest is honored on Shabbat. So, in order for my friends and I to entertain ourselves on the slow-paced day (and to be honest, we really needed it after jet lag and no sleep after!), we followed the wild ibex that ran freely around our kibbutz.

We were all excited and chatting about what we thought were "wild rams." We were stunned when they leapt over the side of a fence into an abyss that surely would have meant death for any human that would slip.

There was even a baby and a shepherd dog chasing them, followed by a mini sandstorm (ok, it was more of a funnel, but still!).

It was just a pretty unusual scene for an American like myself.

Spending the whole day at the kibbutz wasn't that bad after all. Relaxing, fun, and just spending quality time with new friends on my trip.

Inbar

nobody@flickr.com (Marisa Ross) — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 22:08:50 -0700

Marisa Ross posted a photo:

This Israeli woman was part of the Mifgash (experience) of my Taglit-Mayanot Birthright trip from Israel Experts. She was one of my roommates and bus buddies while on the trip.

On the fifth day of the incredible trip, we received our Israeli soldiers. It's simply unbelievable how much I learned from a group of young adults just like myself. At first, there was a little bit of a language barrier, but our similarities overcame our differences.

After high school, I went straight to college. She went straight into the army. You'd think our lives would be completely different, but they're not.

She may live halfway around the world, but in the end, we're about the same age. We watch the same TV shows, listen to the same music, shop for the same styles, and we want to go out and have fun.

She taught me some Hebrew slang, and I taught her about American culture (if that's what we want to call it, haha).

However, above all, she taught me that even on a ten-day trip, two people from different parts of the world with minor language differences can become friends.

I hope to one day return to Israel and see my cross-cultural friend once again.

And in case you were wondering: yes, women look awesome in uniform.

Glass Jewelry

nobody@flickr.com (Marisa Ross) — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 21:54:39 -0700

Marisa Ross posted a photo:

One woman had unique trinkets to sell at the artists market in the Carmel region of Tel Aviv.

Fifteen Shekels

nobody@flickr.com (Marisa Ross) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 22:24:31 -0700

Marisa Ross posted a photo:

For 15 shekels (about less than $5), a little bit of money went a long way. On the streets of Jerusalem, a quick bite to eat on a budget turned into an Italian feast! After downing falafels and shawarma for days, my friends and I wanted a small change of pace. Italian food sounds as American as it can get (kidding, haha). But it did look good. And it was HUGE. I mean this one slice of calzone pizza thing was massive. I was thoroughly full when I finished. I could have stopped eating halfway through because of my full belly, but I didn't because it was just that good. Made with homemade challah bread over savory goat cheese and caramelized onions, mushrooms, and peppers, I don't think this could have tasted better anywhere else in the world. Not even in Italy.

And for only 15 shekels.

Iced Coffee

nobody@flickr.com (Marisa Ross) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 22:24:32 -0700

Marisa Ross posted a photo:

For a place that doesn't believe in ice, iced coffee and other various iced drinks seemed to be a staple of Israel. Well, it's not exactly what an American would call "iced coffee." For cheap, you can get a better, more refreshing frappuccino-like slushie in place of some ice cubes in lukewarm coffee that Starbucks would give you. And I do love Starbucks, so that is really saying something. Quality: you're doing it right, Israel.

Ibex Chaser

nobody@flickr.com (Marisa Ross) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 22:24:30 -0700

Marisa Ross posted a photo:

This was the cute dog at the kibbutz, Sde Boker, we stayed at in Southern Israel in the Negev Desert where Israel's first prime minister is buried. He was warm and friendly.

He's also a shepherd. Well, sort of.

There were wild ibex walking around the kibbutz. Unfortunately, just as I was about to get an amazing close-up shot of them, he chased them away.

But who couldn't love a face like that? I suppose I'll forgive him.

My Note at the Wall

nobody@flickr.com (Marisa Ross) — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 22:37:02 -0700

Marisa Ross posted a photo:

One of the most meaningful parts of the Taglit Birthright trip was visiting the Wailing Wall. I thought about what I would say for days, but when it came down to it, I sat down and pondered for a while. It was personal. I temporarily left my friends and was alone with my thoughts. I'm happy with my personal prayer and I am thankful for the opportunity of being at that holy site in one of the greatest countries in the world.

Mango Gelato

nobody@flickr.com (Marisa Ross) — Mon, 11 Jun 2012 22:37:02 -0700

Marisa Ross posted a photo:

I had never tried gelato before I went to Israel. I didn't think I would either until I eventually one day travel to Italy, but this stuff is surprisingly popular in Israel! It was on almost every corner of the cities we visited. We went into a frozen yogurt store and I expected to find the DIY Mochi/Menchies/Pinkberry/whatever-other-soft-serve that is popular in the States. Nope! Gelato is the standard form of ice cream in Israel. And on a hot summer day, nothing could have tasted better.

P.S. mango is my favorite flavor ever, so I was basically in heaven.

Fruit Merchant

nobody@flickr.com (Marisa Ross) — Wed, 23 May 2012 03:24:11 -0700

Marisa Ross posted a photo:

At the busy bustling shuk in Tel Aviv.

Sunrise Over the Dead Sea

nobody@flickr.com (Marisa Ross) — Wed, 23 May 2012 03:24:12 -0700

Marisa Ross posted a photo:

The view from Mount Masada.

Thank you Richard Kropf for featuring my photo on the cover of your book!

You can find it here:
www.amazon.com/dp/B00ACP68B8

Tel Hai Cemetery

nobody@flickr.com (Marisa Ross) — Wed, 23 May 2012 03:24:10 -0700

Marisa Ross posted a photo:

Graves of the Great that have fallen.

Citrus

nobody@flickr.com (Marisa Ross) — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:53:19 -0700

Marisa Ross posted a photo:

At Mahane Yehuda - the largest shuk in Jerusalem. One of the best things about Israel was how fresh all the food was, especially fruit. Their juice was always fresh-squeezed -- never processed. The best part: it was everywhere!

The Artisan

nobody@flickr.com (Marisa Ross) — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:53:16 -0700

Marisa Ross posted a photo:

The artists market at the shuk in Tel Aviv. This woman was selling her lovely glass creations at a reasonable price and was cheery towards her customers.

Spices

nobody@flickr.com (Marisa Ross) — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:53:15 -0700

Marisa Ross posted a photo:

Popular in the Middle East, there was no shortage of spices in this Israeli shuk in Tel Aviv.

Carrier Pigeon

nobody@flickr.com (Marisa Ross) — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:53:17 -0700

Marisa Ross posted a photo:

Israelis use pigeons to carry messages. This was one of the pigeons my Birthright group released at Shvil Hasalat.

Holy Gardens

nobody@flickr.com (Marisa Ross) — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:53:14 -0700

Marisa Ross posted a photo:

At the Bahai Gardens in Haifa, Israel. The structure of this garden was symmetrical and perfect, with more than 100 workers keeping it pristine daily. The simplicity of the vivid orange flowers gave it a flawless elegance.