Shir - I have a question for you about Israel. Here, if I wanted a copy of my bank statement or utility bill, I would call the company, or maybe email them, and they would fairly quickly send me a copy of my statement or bill, either by mail or email or whatever.

I met an Israeli woman yesterday who told me that, because of security precautions in Israel, the account holder (and not a family member or friend) must physically present themselves to the utility or bank in Israel to get a copy of their paperwork. Does that sound right to you?

(I'm not saying it's not; it's just totally different from here and this person has said some other things that didn't make sense (not about Israel but about things here))

Just got caught up here. ~ma to all in need.

My interview on Tuesday went pretty well, I think, but I won't know anything for certain until next week. It looks like they're interviewing three people for two job openings. Also, an interview that starts at 10 in the morning and ends at 5 in the evening is way too much interview.

And for dinner, we went to an Indian restaurant where they knew the owner, and just told him "We need some vegan food," and got delicious dinner.

I met an Israeli woman yesterday who told me that, because of security precautions in Israel, the account holder (and not a family member or friend) must physically present themselves to the utility or bank in Israel to get a copy of their paperwork. Does that sound right to you?

It's true for the bank in most procedures, but it depends very much on the utility. I never thought that it had to do with security precautions as to the hell-spawn shitty mess of pus Israeli bureaucracy is at most times. Most things won't work unless you'll show up and tell your version of the story, because they can't seem to be able to read and make conclusions on their own base of the paperwork they'll get. There's a certain internet company my family is trying to disconnect from for more than a year now: they're still charging us. And when you have to go to National Security, well, it's not even a joke to bring books and magazines to read, for you can sit there for hours.

Yes, it's the sweet life here.

and this person has said some other things that didn't make sense (not about Israel but about things here))

A lot of times, mostly in how the Americans here are talking about work and their commitment to it, and their ideas of costumer service, it's like another planet for me. I can understand her confusion. One of the most confusing things for me in the U.S. was the train station that was handled by volunteers. I had a problem with my tickets (I bought it via the phone, and was asked to get it on the station when I'll get there with my reservation order. The machine didn't work), and since they were all volunteers no one could help me - they had no cashier there, but they somehow delivered the news so I could do it on the train itself. This thing wouldn't happen in Israel - first, no volunteers to work the office. Second, I would have never got on the train without a ticket.

Apropos of nothing, but since I won't say it on my FB page, "Yes, I approve of the President spending his Memorial Day the same way the majority of the country will be - taking the day off of work, hanging out with his family in his own backyard, grilling up some food, and having a beer."

You know what - I might post it anyway.

One of the most confusing things for me in the U.S. was the train station that was handled by volunteers.

That's bizarre - where was this?

Thanks, Shir, for the insight. That helps me understand her a bit more. It was still an odd conversation, but I prefer odd to she-was-actively-misleading-me-about-her-motivation.

Apropos of nothing, but since I won't say it on my FB page, "Yes, I approve of the President spending his Memorial Day the same way the majority of the country will be - taking the day off of work, hanging out with his family in his own backyard, grilling up some food, and having a beer."

You know what - I might post it anyway.

You could also post this [link]

I prefer odd to she-was-actively-misleading-me-about-her-motivation.

That could be a part of the case. You always need a good story to survive Israeli bureaucracy. If you'll tell the truth, you simply won't get anywhere/what you need (as yours truly learned in flesh).

Personally, I offset the lying (for I feel very bad about it, but if you need anything that doesn't sound "normal" to them - and I'm not talking about a loan or something like it, because nobody would lie about it, but getting the freaking simple forms and getting them processed can be hell) with the crazy commissions the bank takes from me. And you know what? I can be lying to them from here to eternity: they'll still get more money out of me. I don't think that there's a single form or activity which the bank doesn't get a nice, healthy commission on.

Just to be clear: I'm talking about what it takes to get the simple forms. Not loans, opening an account, all of that. From standing orders forms downward, you'll be asked why you're doing it and what for. And if your story doesn't sound normal, it'll take eternity to get processed. Hence, the lying.

That's bizarre - where was this?

L.A. (took the train to San Diago), but I can't remember where, exactly.

An amusing typo from Shir:

their ideas of costumer service

You know, this country needs some really good costumer service.

You know, this country needs some really good costumer service.

Oh, lol. Damn auto-spell-checker.