The whole Megillah

Actually it wasn't a disaster at all.

People have been walking around in costume all weekend because of the holiday but lastnight was what made it real. Tafat and I went to a reading of Megillat Esther (The Book of Esther) that was hosted by the city and was held literally around the corner from our apartment. It was about a minute and a half away and when we got home we could still here the music from the loudspeakers. The event was held in the middle of Rotchild Blvd. on the pedestrian walkway that is the defining feature of Tel Aviv boulevards .

This has really been a fascinating weekend. Tafat and I got a chance to soak in some of the scenery of the city on Friday and we saw some wonderful costumes. I also picked up a silly Viking hat that became my official Purim outfit.

We had a wonderful and silly Shabatt dinner Friday and I made Mom's roasted orange chicken. It actually came out perfectly and I was super thrilled about it as you can see below (although please note I'm actually eating fruit salad in this photo).

Experiencing the holiday here has been fantastic since people really get into it. I can't even recall the last time I went to a Megillah reading. The one thing I could do without is the really loud firecrackers people keep setting off. They sound a lot like ... well you can guess. I'm surprised by the reaction of people though. Every time there's been a loud BOOM Tafat and I have both jumped whereas everyone else doesn't seemed phased at all.

I'm really proud of Tafat as well cause she came up with a fantastic costume. She's a zebra and her costume is a combination of clothing and makeup. Here she is doing her best imitation of a scene from a National Geographic special.