Miscellaneous Factoids about My Life in Palestine

For the first time in my life since early childhood I have kept and used a wallet. I was so unfamiliar with the workings of a wallet that people had to show me how to use it properly.

I have worn two pairs of pants, one on top of the other, every day since my first night in Jerusalem, when it was so cold in my room (thin walls, built as an add-on to the roof, no heating anywhere) that I emptied my suitcase, piled the clothes on top of me in bed, and topped that all off with the suitcase itself.

I have lost at ping-pong to little children repeatedly. One of the community centers where I teach is the proud home of Nablus’ champion youth ping-pong team. I think they all wanted to play me because I’m Chinese (looking), but much to my surprise and their dismay, I did not pose much of a challenge. You laugh, but really, I’m not half bad and they’re all really really good.

Central heating is a myth. So are long hot showers. Never take either for granted ever again.

Our supply of gas ran out a week ago; there’s practically no gas in the city of Nablus and, some say, the whole West Bank. This means no hot water for bathing or washing, and using the stove conservatively. The last time I bathed was a week and a half ago; it’s fortunate that I wear so many layers of clothing. I did, however, douse my head in cold water and shampoo after my recent haircut.

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