The search for a home

Every journey begins with a single step, and my search for a home began with a search for place to live.
Israel has a few websites dedicated to home-searching, one of them is appropriately called homeless. Most of the apartments I saw were via that site. I began the day after I arrived, with much hesitation, anxiety and apprehension. For some reason the interaction with possible roommates, worried me. The first two apartments I saw quickly calmed those fears though. I got into nice conversations with both of the possible roommates, was offered a hot drink in one case (and hence the possible roommate passed the tea test; the important let’s-sit-down-for-a-drink-and-talk test) and overall enjoyed the experience.
I had to sleep-on one of the apartments, couldn’t decide right away if it was a good fit. This became a repeated ritual in the decision process as usually I couldn’t say no right away. Yes’s on the other hand, were much easier.
Looking for an apartment is a bit like dating. You may not be sure what you want, and you learn along the way. It is also usually much more difficult to say that you are not-interested in an apartment that that you are. How do you let them know that their apartment did not appeal to you, that you decided not to live with them? Do you send a text? Do you call? Do you wait a couple of days or let them know right away? And more often than not, people don’t even bother to communicate a lack of interest, figuring it would be much easier to simply not respond and that the person would understand on their own.
I found it quite difficult to find an apartment. I saw maybe 30 apartments, and learned that I wanted a living room that was somewhat big – a communal space to hang out and host. I wanted a street that has some trees in it, some green for my eyes and lungs. I looked for places that felt homey, comfortable. Since I have very few possessions, I looked for places that were furnished, kitchens well equipped. As far as roommates, I looked for people that not only would I get along with, but also would be able to befriend in some way.
The search for a home began with a bit of difficulties in finding an actual physical home.
I had some funny experiences along the way. One apartment had the name of a girl on the mailbox. As I walked in, two cats ran out and the guy explained to me that those were his ex’s. Though he didn’t mention her anymore, I noticed that the house itself still had some of her stuff (e.g. girl clothes). I asked him if the break-up was new, fresh, and he said dismissively, over a month and asked why. I explained what I saw. He had an epiphany, realizing that he wasn’t completely over her. He responded by taking a door-sign with their names that used to hang on the front door and that now was lying faced down on the tv, and dramatically tossed it in the trash. We finished the eve with a hug and a gentleman agreement to meet for a beer and have a - ‘girl’s talk’…
Some of the apartment visits were like a reality show, with many people coming to see the room/roommates at once and trying to impress them, each in their way. One of these times, I was led into the living room with two other guys and we were interviewed by two girls/prospective roommates. One of the guy was well dressed and had gel in his hair (I – mathematician - was impressed by this) and then the usual questions – how old are you, where do you live now, what do you do… He responded that he worked for a tv channel and when the girls asked what programs he does, he said Big Brother. That was it for them I think as their excitement levels reached height never seen before in apartment searches.
Finally, one time I was actually offered marriage by a girl who was also looking for an apartment. I responded that, you know, we should probably get to know each other a bit before. And also that her boyfriend may have an issue with it. She said, hmm, yeah, but I really want a green card. At the end she just tried to set me up with her sister.
Today, I finally chose a place. At the end I took an apartment with a big living room, on a quiet and green street and what looks like a very nice roommate. Interestingly, I chose an apartment with very little in it. A place that I can shape a bit and carve a home of my own. Hopefully.


(press link on the left, tel aviv yafo part...)
http://maps.google.com/maps?q=%D7%A9%D7%93%D7%A8%D7%95%D7%AA+%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%A6%D7%A7%D7%99%D7%9F&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl