Monthly Archives: May 2012

Bat_Yam_COA

Now that summer’s here and people are flocking to the various beaches in the country, it seems like Bat-Yam offers you a little peace and tranquility. With its under-developed beach landscapes, they have left a little of the original nature and charm for you to enjoy during your visit. There is a different air that I felt while visiting the Bat-Yam promenade and I really enjoyed that breath of fresh air. The waters are so clear and have lovely blue hues that you can view, perfectly, for miles either way from above the beach, on street level.  Rishon Le-Zion is still one of my favorite beaches in Israel, but I really did like how cozy I felt while walking around the Bat-Yam promenade. Here is further information about this lovely city,  (more…)

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Vespa Maintenance can be costly, y'all.

The above photo was running in the ad that I found back in late November of 2011 that brought this lovely machine into my life.  What I wrote back then about my concerns with the hassles of owning a vespa in Israel made me smile when I read it today:
"..trying to figure out if the vespa's cuteness is equal to or more than the headache of being able to work out all the details of owning it. but it is so cute!!!"
It most certainly has been worth the hassel, even though sometimes I might not agree 100% when those events are happening in real-time. Today was my first real service check-up and luckily I have found a decent service shop in Tel Aviv to take it to. I did go before, but nothing was needed then and they sent me on my way, with orders to return around the 10,000kms. This time I knew that I couldn't leave without fixing something, as Roxy had lost a lot of  her spunk and wasn't performing as well as I knew she could.  Thus another pop up to Tel Aviv today to drop her off for a few hours for a rather expensive check-up, though much-needed. It may onlyhave had just under 9,000 kms on it, but I have noticed (for about a month now) that she has acted really different from the when I first bought her and that the performance level hasn't been the best (and rapidly declining out on every new ride). Vespa Adventures would have to be put on hold. I specifically knew that the performance was off when I took a drive on one of my favorite rides Israel Road Trip 395 this past week and was going up the steep inclines and turns at only 40kms top speed . This road isn't easy for any vehicle because of the steep turns and climbs/incline, but I know that my 125 CC vespa can handle it just fine- when things were working properly. When I couldn't get above 40kms, I decided to turn around half-way through the drive because I knew that testing her any further wasn't a smart idea.

Trust Yourself: Never doubt yourself when you believe something is off about your vespa/scooter/car/ECT. Only you know your vehicle and know how it runs and works when everything is properly fixed. You know what to expect from it and know when something isn't "beseder"/okay. Even if you don't have many skills nor experience with the inner workings of your/any vehicles, that doesn't change the fact that you drive it day in and day out: You know when something is wrong. So embrace that knowledge and be confident in "your feeling" that something isn't kosher with your vespa. Don't wait around for further conformation, as whatever might be wrong could really mess up your engine if you push it and know something is 'amiss. This part is especially for the ladies, as we don't get enough credit for our skills and driving experience. (And even more so, "our feelings" regarding the inner workings of machines and all that crap. As Nike says, "Just do it" or something. Trust yourself. )

Spotted: Custom Vespa Seat Design in Tel Aviv! Awesome.
The next day, after the failed trip on Road 395, I tried to figure out myself what the issue was and decided to clean the air filter (-with the help from Happy Parrot's Vespa Adventures and Maintenance videos). That took some time and effort, as I have never done it before, but it felt really rewarding once I was finally done and have all the pieces back in their place. (Well, expect one screw.) I decided to test the 'pa out on the same difficult drive, to know if anything had changed. Well, yes there was a tiny result from the cleaning of the air filter: it was up to 60kms on the same hills that, yesterday,  only hit 40kms per hour. Results are results, but I know that she can easily handle those inclines at 80kms plus, if I were brave enough to drive that fast at that road. Thus I only did part of the drive before turning around yet again and decided that I needed to prepare myself for a substantial loss of money (for maintenance costs).

 

It was good timing too that on that same little ride, my right turning signal decided to stop working. Another thing to add-on the list for repairs when I brought it to the shop and I was glad to have it break just before taking it in as opposed to right after. Yay. About the 10,000 number: I have noticed there are different service models that people follow and suggest are the best ways to guide you along in your service planning, but since the place I know and trust said around the 10,000 mark that is what I follow. Although, as I wrote above, I brought it in earlier because I knew something wasn't okay and didn't want to push it and harm the engine.

* *Use any Maintenance Schedule you choose to use or the one that is followed by your repair shop (that you know/trust). The important thing here is to at least have some idea what is happening under "the hood" of your vehicle, so if you don't have an honest service shop they won't try to swindle you out of your hard earned money. It is always smart to try and learn more about your vespa and the maintenance it will require. That is part of owning one, whether you embrace that aspect or not. (Service is a big part of the reason why ownership can result in little savings over the years of driving a vespa versus another type of transportation. Something to take into consideration and also something I shall write more about later on.) So, more about the total cost and how Roxy preformed on the ride home from Tel Aviv tomorrow or whenever I can get part two out. I have to go back again actually, as the repair shop had to order the parts for the turn signal so it might be a few days before I can get to writing/posting part two. Oh, and there is a concert in Tel Aviv tomorrow that I am super excited about: Avicii. Super high-five to seeing him tomorrow night! Check him out over at youtube, if you like dance music and DJs, as he is quality. 

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3Nc6uqOrvM&feature=related]

I am really happy that this whole process went fairly well and was pretty simple to complete. I hung out in Tel Aviv for the afternoon, after I dropped it off around 11 AM or so. It was ready around 4 PM. The guys, and shop, that I took it to were really nice and I'll write more about them also in part two. (In case any of you are looking for good places to take your vespa in Tel Aviv. Maybe a few of you, no?! I still am looking for male models

 too, if you happen to be one of those. Wink.)

All’s well that ends well! See y’all on the flip side. 

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Happy Memorial Day, for those reading this blog in the states!

This is a day of honour, thanks, and remembrance for those who have served and for those who have been lost in battle.

I hope that your extended weekend has been a lovely one and please be safe out on the roads.

Yesterday was also the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, so there was a great deal of dairy-type foods around the dinner table this past weekend. So many holidays! I don't understand how so many people here are so tiny with all these holidays and the foods that come with them.  I know I'm not as tiny as I was when I arrived last September.

Preparing for Summer Rides: 

As it is basically summer now for most of us, be sure if you own a vespa(ECT.) to keep in mind the harshness of the sun during your rides out. Today I was out on a morning ride and found a field of sunflowers to shoot. When I was done with the photos, I felt effects of heat exhaustion and had to rest in the shade for about 30 minutes before I felt okay to drive again. (This was after drinking water and re-applying sunscreen, while shooting the photos. High for today is 37°C in Rehovot! Whew.) I've never been so thankful for those random Israeli Bus Stops in the middle of nowhere than I was earlier today. They are so random!

This Israeli sun is fierce and doesn't play around no matter what you are doing, so remember that if you plan on doing traveling here in Israel during the summer months (starting around mid-May through October).

 A good, basic list of things to keep with you on summer rides:

  1. H2O! Water, y'all. Don't leave your house without at least a good amount of water. I try to at least have about a liter on me, when I go out on rides outside the city.
  2. Cell Phone, for the unexpected at basic level. Don't forget your cell phone on rides, more so if your out solo!
  3. Gloves, not only to wear as protection gear, but the tops of you hands are constantly exposed to the sun. Sunscreen will help, but the sun (after some time) will begin to burn your hands.
  4. Sunscreen, DON'T leave home without it if you are going for a longer ride. Bring it regardless of what you are wearing and even if you have darker skin tones that can take more sun. The areas that people forget about when applying sunscreen and often get burned are: the back of the neck(somehow always gets burned), behind the ear-neck area, the upper chest area, "T-Zone" on face, top of your feet (if open shoes), and top of your hands. The top of the feet section is one that a lot of people forget about, so if you are going out of the city for a longer ride and have open shoes, make sure to rub in that sunscreen everywhere. ALSO: the tops of your legs, above your knees. Depending on what you are wearing, this part of your legs with get a lot of sun on rides also.
  5. Sun Glasses, whatever kind works best for you. Riding facing the sun or as the sun rises/falls will present some visual difficulties and you will want to make sure that you are always able to see what you need to see. Whatever works best for you and allows you to comfortably see all that you want to see while driving is good enough for me.
  6. Helmet, one word: Bugs. There are more bugs in the air during the summer months and they hurt your face. A full face helmet might be too hot for you, but try to get a helmet that has a visor that protects at least till your chin area. Trust me that a big bug hitting your face at those speeds isn't fun.
  7. Tissue or towel, this item is good to have around if you like to clean up during rides. Stuff gets on your face when you ride, depending on your helmet. Tissues help with this. Those wet towelettes are great way to cool down and clean off at rest stops also.
  8. Little snack, this isn't a must but you never know if you'll get hungry. Depending on the length of your trip, not as important as the others.
That is my basic list of things I try to always keep in the vespa seat bucket out on rides, beyond what I keep in my bag of course (insurance, driver's license, ECT.). All of this usually fits, with room to spare, in the seat bucket and doesn't get too hot from the engine. It really isn't that much once you pile it all together and shouldn't take up that much extra space, so bring it along!
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Is there anything that you would add to the list that you find useful out on summer rides? Share the wealth below in the comments, as your tips might help other riders as well.
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Happy riding, everyone!

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642464_CD_L_F

The Mods are here. 

Vespa Lifestyle, explained ii.

I must admit that I am not myself all that familiar with this particular subculture, but I find the history and images within this scene fascinating. This is another rather important facet to the vespa lifestyle, especially if you were born and raised in England. Proper respect must be paid to this particular happening within the larger vespa community and so it shall be. There is a slideshow at the bottom with tons of photos celebrating the Mod Lifestyle, via Vepsa.

The Vespa Lifestyle, via The Mods:

From www.squidoo.com/mod-subculture:

” What are The Mods? Mod (from Modernist) is a subculture originated in london, england around late 1950′s and peaked in early-to-mid 1960′s.  (more…)

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The Beauty That Was <3

Vespa Lifestyle: Explained i

I received a few emails yesterday from people who weren’t really sure they knew anything about this “vespa lifestyle” that I spoke of and therefore wouldn’t be able to take part in the new contest. I got the feeling that maybe since they weren’t owners themselves, they somehow thought that they couldn’t offer their own version of what the iconic Vespa means and represent to/for them. Hogwash, is what I say to that!  (more…)

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Well howdy there! WordPress informs me that this shall be RoxyVespa's 100th post since starting up in mid-February! Coooool. 

I've looked over at the stats for this blog and realize that Roxy Vespa really is the little vespa that could. And did! I appreciate all of you greatly and have loved building a community here with each of you. I hope to continue that friendship for some time to come and look forward to many more adventures with you all. 

I have tried to figure out what to do for my 100th post for a while now and finally arrived at a plan that I am pretty happy with:

a giveaway/contest and, hopefully, tons of postcards!

I would like to set up a Roxy Vespa version of a contest/giveaway, where the winner will win little treasures from various Israeli hot spots. I also wanted to add in my own personal touch of mailing out postcards (from here in Israel) to anyone who wanted to receive one wherever you are.  I really love writing snail mail and believe there is a certain amount of charm found in sending postcards the old fashion way. (Snail mail for the win!)

Only one person will win the contest/giveaway, but there are enough postcards for everyone who wants one sent their way! The gift(s) will be valued at or around $30.00 and will be neat little trinkets I find while shopping around at the Jerusalem Shuk, the Old City Market, or in various Tel Aviv shops.

If you would only like to receive a postcard from Israel and Roxy Vespa, let me know your details and I'll get that right out to you.

If you would like to know the details of the contest/giveaway, please read on!

So, the details for those interested in entering the Roxy Vespa Contest/Giveaway are:

  1. You will first need to "Like" the Roxy Vespa Facebook Page,
  2. Post an image or any medium of art of your choosing there, and write a sentence* to explain why that image represents the "vespa lifestyle" for you. You may use your own art (photo or something you created) or use those images already apart of vespa popular culture and found on the internet. Please just be sure to explain why you chose that particular image and how it represents the "Vespa Lifestyle" for you in a short little sentence or two. 
  3. Be sure to post your entry and description for the contest by the 6th of June ! The winner will be notified by the 10th of June.
That is all you need to do!
I can't wait to see what images are posted and what exactly the "vespa lifestyle" means to those of you who enter the contest. You can send whatever [art] medium works best for you (not only images or photos), as long as it can be posted to the Roxyvespa Facebook Page.
If you need some examples of what I mean by writing a description of your take on the "vespa lifestyle", I've provided two examples below that describe my interpretation.
To Note: They are a bit long-winded and the length isn't what I expect those entering the contest to write.
*

Two examples of images,

with my reasons for choosing the image: 

*You can use one of your own photos you've captured or something that you've created (any medium/form of art is acceptable), 

Out of all the images I have come to take for this blog, I believe that whatever this "vespa lifestyle" means is best represented by the photo above.  The wild flowers add a certain softness and vintage motif to the otherwise masculine machine. You can see a reflection of the open road in the vespa itself and can almost hear it calling out for you to embark on your next adventure.  It is a bold and eye-catching shot that was intended to be both charming and mysterious. This photo is the essence what the vespa lifestyle has come to mean to me: a bold declaration and embrace of life- with an abundance of flair, sass, and colour. 

*Or you can use images already out there in the vespa universe that best suits your personal definition of what the "vespa lifestyle" represents or means to you and describe how that image reflects your idea of the vespa lifestyle, 

I chose this image of Audrey Hepburn, from Roman Holiday, as the ultimate image to represent what the vespa lifestyle means to me. I adore this woman so much and love how classy she always seemed to be. It is any wonder she found her way on a vespa?! The absolute thrill in her eyes and the look of complete joy on her face, as she drives the vespa herself, is the epitome of what a vespa is for me. Plus, the woman has a scarf on- need I say more? 

Again the Main, Pesky Details: Those little descriptions up there are just examples and are my version of why both of those images represent everything I have come to love about my little RoxyV. You only need to write one sentence. I will pick and post a winner by the 10th of June and the images need to be submitted by the 6th of June please. There will be a post here (on the blog) with your image and description, along with a shout out to you and your awesomeness. The value of the prize (local neat-o things from around Israel that you would like, since vespa stuff isn't really in vogue at the moment) is around $30.00, under/around $40.00 with shipping*. There are no products or companies being advertised through this site or via this contest. I just like you guys.

*If you live in the US and end up the winner, I will most likely wait to mail your gift bag till after I return stateside on the 17th of June. 

Best of luck to all those who enter the contest/giveaway, 

and if anyone wants a postcard sent to them from Israel, please leave a comment or write me and let me know your details!

Email, izevel1923@gmail.com

P.S. I hope all that above isn’t too confusing, but if you’ve got more questions than answers about the contest, get in touch with me and I’ll do my best to answer those questions.

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During an errand run on the 'pa to a store in the Abu Gosh area, I stumbled upon this heard of Billy Goats. It certainly reminded me that you never quite know what you'll see when you head out your door here in Israel.  This fact never ceases to amaze me. (Always be sure to have your camera with you.) I was fairly happy that I parked on the other side of the store when my attention  to these fellows enjoying their feast: [slideshow]

Also, goats climbing on a new Mercedes is funny. Don't invest in nice cars in this part of the world: rule no. 1. Goat, and camels, and donkeys! Oh my!

P.S.

So, why did the camel cross the road?

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Tel Aviv is amazing.

Why? Because it does things like this all the time:  
Example A: [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MB8ER0CY18M] From Tel Aviv's FB page,
לקראת אירועי שבוע הגאווה, צבעה היום (ג') עיריית תל-אביב - יפו מעבר חצייה בסמוך לתיאטרון הבימה בששת צבעי דגל הגאווה. בתמונה מופיעים חברי ההרכב האלקטרוני TYP: עברי לידר וג'וני גולדשטיין, והיא מתכתבת עם התמונה המפורסמת מאלבום "אבי רוד" של להקת "הביטלס". ההרכב המצליח, המופיע בימים אלה בכל רחבי העולם, יופיע בבמה המרכזית בחוף גורדון במסגרת מצעד הגאווה שיתקיים השנה ב- 8 ביוני. קרדיט: זיו שדה Which is mostly saying something along the lines of, "For Pride Week events, painted today (Tuesday) Tel - Aviv - Yafo pedestrian crossing near the theater stage in the six colors of the rainbow flag. Band members appear in the image (e-TYP: Ivri Lider and Johnny Goldstein), that corresponds with the famous image from the album "Abbey Road" by the band "The Beatles". The successful band that appears these days all over the world, will appear on the main stage Gordon Beach Gay Pride parade to be held in the year on June 8. Credit: Ziv field"
[slideshow] For all the fabulous details of the Gay Pride events happening this year (June 8th) click around the following links:
Example B. I was looking over blogs and found a great post from digitalingual's blog Read the Hebrew graffiti on the wall that I wanted to share here. There was a link to a Haaretz story (you need to be signed in, through Facebook, to read- no paywall) about a non-traditional way a teacher is helping his student learn [street] Hebrew beyond the classroom: a walking tour of Tel Aviv's street art and graffiti.
From the Haaretz article

,

“Israel has a lot of experience with ulpans [intensive Hebrew study programs], dating back to the early 1950s, when the language had to be taught efficiently and quickly to a large number of people arriving in the new state,” says Sharett. “But the way ulpan is typically taught – formally, for four-five hours at a time, and in classes of 30 people – is not for everyone. I get a lot of ulpan survivors.

What Sharett, who has a degree in Hebrew and a handful of other languages in his repertoire, from Italian to Indonesian, offers, at NIS 50 an hour, is an alternative, or supplement, to the ulpan grammar books, for those who want to get out of the classroom and learn something about the way Hebrew is really spoken and written on the streets..”

“Hebrew was a dormant language for so long, and then, suddenly, it was alive. As a result, it’s not as rigid as many European or Asian languages. It’s more socialist and egalitarian,” Sharett says. “And I am interested in that transformation − and in teaching my students about the social and political context in which this occurs.’”

I would absolutely love to join in on one of his graffiti tours! What a great idea to learn the Hebrew language. Check out the full article over at Haaretz, but to read it you need to be signed in (via facebook, ect).

So yalla y’all: have a fabulous, sunny weekend!

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