I am often asked to compare Israel to the valley, since I have spent many years in both. There are so many aspects to this discussion, that outright comparison is not easy at all. I wanted to share one dimension, which you can describe as form vs. substance.
This summer, as I spent time in the valley, instead of discontinuing my exercise regiment, I opted to check out Equinox in Palo Alto. Great gym. Very clean, esthetically pleasing, top equipment, tons of exercise classes to choose from, beautifully maintained, etc., etc., etc.
In comparison, here in Israel, I go to spinning class several times a week. Spinning is held at the Matnas (“community center”) of my moshav. The building probably hasn’t been renovated since the early 70’s, has no character whatsoever, bikes are not the latest and greatest, the sound system is basically a big portable speaker with amplifier, placed in the middle of the room.
But… the trainer (Yifat) is orders of magnitude better than any of the 3 who’s classes I attended this summer. The class has so much more energy, in addition to being highly personalized (she knows us all, and is constantly making sure that our bodies are in the right position, to prevent injury, etc.). Her music is, as we say in Hebrew slang, “don’t waste your time” (— translated, means absolutely awesome).
As you wander around here in Israel, this will be a repeating theme. Outstanding restaurants, next to buildings that are falling apart. Customer service that may not be as polite as the american counterparts, but will often go out of their way to think “out of the box”, helping you to deal with whatever issue is at hand.
Yep, Israel is Israel, and Silicon Valley, is the one and only. The challenge: look to enjoy the best of each, instead of the worst of both.
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