diazmedia’s Neighborhood

I've been in Israel for just about 4 months now and recently I've been spending as much time as possible wandering the streets of Tel Aviv.  One aspect of my life in Chicago that I miss dearly is the chaos.  I miss the diversity of being in a large urban setting.  I miss the tiny, hard-to-find neighborhood watering holes and the bad apartment art galleries. 
The town we currently inhabit is nice, but comparable to a U.S. suburban setting.  I feel like I live in Naperville, and for those who know... you know.
There are moments of peace and solitude provided by our current living situation that would not be possible in a place like Tel Aviv.  But as you'll see from the pictures below...  Tel Aviv is just too cool to stay away.


It starts with an impromptu rock performance on the sidewalk...
Luckily, I had my camera!
these fella's are just too cool for words...
When you need anything at an incredibly cheap price, the Shuk is where you go. 
Preferably on a moped.
Here's a late night moped ride at 2am...
Following a jam session in the warehouse district.
One of the more famous members of the Tel Aviv skyline...

First we drove North, to the Galil Mountain area.  Then we drove South, to the Dead Sea.

It's the lowest point on Earth, in case you didn't know.  Here are the photos...

My offering for the day, some recent photography I've been working on.

I couldn't be happier with our new place.  After living in a variety of apartments in some of Chicago's most diverse neighborhoods, I've finally landed in a place that almost 100% suits my needs.
Firstly, I'd like to extend a warm thank you to the plethora of neighbors providing us with free Wi-Fi access, you're saving me money.  Thanks!
While the building is older, everything in the place is new, kitchen, bathroom, air conditioning.  It's an enormous relief knowing that my ceiling is not on the verge of collapse.  The neighborhood is lively and filled with everything we could want.  We have our choice of 2 Hummus places within 20 meters of each other.
One detail of the Israeli lifestyle I have grown to appreciate, as an American, is the seclusion of the toilet from the rest of the apartment.  In the USA, the toilet is commonly placed in the same room as the shower, sink, etc.  Israeli's have figured out the answer - a separate room to take care of business.

I give you genius in action...

As I've discovered from my time here in Israel, the real Middle East conflict isn't between Jewish and Arab states...

It's with the cellphone companies!  For anyone who has lived or had an extended stay in Israel, I hope you didn't have to get cell phone service while you were here.  It's a complete nightmare.  Especially if you bring an amazingly fantastic UNLOCKED Blackberry Bold from America.  I have spent the last 5 days trying to get my phone to agree with Cellcom, one of Israel's largest cell phone providers.  At first we thought I just needed a new SIM card...wrong.  I checked every online forum I could for an answer.  I got nothing.  After a couple of days we decided to just bring the phone to Cellcom; they'll know what to do, right?  

Horribly wrong.

If there was ever a utpoia where uber-tanned, mildly attractive and self centered robot women go to work... it's Cellcom.  Bless them for having the patience to deal with angry Israeli cell phone users all day, but if the average person is supposed to use the brain for logical thought, these women missed the memo.

I tried everything my geeky little brain could think of... change settings in the advanced options menu, try unlocking the phone all over again, try another SIM card because maybe this one is faulty, bring it to this guy he knows everything, bring it to that guy he knows more!

Nothing worked.

The revelation came as we were having lunch at a friend's house.  

(I'll give them mutual praise for this, or else I'll have to sit through another argument about who figured it out.)

The answer was as simple as replacing my SIM card with that of my girlfriend's.  It sounds simple and we already tried it with another couple of SIM cards.  This solution worked because her card was an older version.  Cellcom had given me a USIM card.  It's a newer version of their SIM.  Unfortunately, it doesn't work on an unlocked Blackberry Bold.  So, if you are planning on coming to Israel or are in Israel now and are having this same problem, here's the answer...

Go to Cellcom and tell them to give you a basic or older type of SIM card.  Works perfectly!

Also, after I put the SIM card in... my phone kept dialing +1 on every contact I tried to call.  This is easily fixed by pressing the talk button, then press the menu button, then go to "options", then go to "smart dialing".  In this menu change the country code to that of the country you are in.  Israel is +972.  Finally, change the "National number length" to the appropriate number.  Israel is 12.  Hope this helps someone!!

This is my first post from my overseas adventure...

I decided to take a 20 hour hellish ride on Amtrak to NYC.  I had a grand vision of myself venturing East, riding the rails to begin my new adventure.  Right.  I ended up popping some Advil PM and dozing in and out of sleep for most of the trip.  While in a state of somewhat reality, I was mildly participating in a conversation with the woman next to me.  As it turns out, she lived in Tel Aviv for a few years.  Of all the places...

When she detrained in Buffalo, NY I discovered a postcard she had written and meant to send from Chicago.  When I got to NYC, I applied proper postage and sent it on its way.  You're welcome.

NYC was amazing...and quick.  I'll spare you the details and fill you in with pictures.

Those of you who actually visit this website should already know...
I am beginning a new chapter in my life.  I expect this chapter to be filled with great adventure!
I have made a discovery since stating my intent; those who truly care about me...
(the people I thought would hate to see me go)
...have given me the most encouragement in my decision.

I want to thank every one of my family members, friends, and coworkers who have given my decision the green light.
You're approval, though I may not make it seem as such, means the world to me.
So with that, as I am living my life on the other side of the world, I ask you to keep checking back with me.
Life will change every day.
I'll constantly be posting pictures, video and audio of my new experiences.

Yesterday was beautiful.
I met Sting.
...sort of...
As the title suggests...
This chance interaction didn't happen backstage.
This once in a lifetime event didn't happen in a stuffy L.A. club.
It happened in the men's room.

It's that time of year yet again...
Santa Claus will be coming soon.  Kiddies better stop running afoul if they desire the gifts from the jolly old fat man!
Last Christmas I had the honor of recording and producing an audio piece on Santa Claus.
...who just happens to be my uncle.
Check out the version that played on Chicago Public Radio and let me know your thoughts!