Settling in to Netanya

There is a distinct change that takes place when we move from Kfar Maccabiah to our accommodation site, this year in Netanya. It’s not just the physical location (though the difference between Ramat Gan and Netanya is not lost on anyone); it’s also about our focus and the pace that we keep.

Our week at the Kfar is jam packed with activities, touring, meetings, and getting to know each other. We were up early for practice and got back late after a full day of touring and had few precious hours for sleep. It was a great opportunity to see and experience Israel, but the pace was fast to say the least. But once the team disperses across Israel, our focus is pretty singular: preparing for competition. Yes there will be fun and enjoyment but it is the quest for gold that moves us all.

So our schedule here is much different. We were fortunate to wake up late (it’s been a rare thing to do that, so you enjoy it while you can) and then enjoyed a lovely hour ride to the bowl … which shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes. Apparently, when your driver says he knows where he is going, that doesn’t really mean crap. Essentially, it’s a crap-shoot.

The shot at the bowl was still around third arrow. For the three games I bowled, I was 600 even (stupid 173 game in the middle really fouled things up). I’m still having some trouble getting my feet and sliding under me but I know that will come and it gets better each game. I’ll practice again on Monday and then Tuesday is when we have our official practice.

Besides the slick approaches, the bowl is a little on the warm side. When you walk in, you feel a breeze of cool air, but it’s not overpowering. In general, bowling centers should be cold to spectators so it’s comfortable for the bowlers. We’re going to have quite a time dealing with the heat (and the accompanying sweat) but it’ll be a universal hazard of the game for everyone. Hopefully my little personal fan will serve me well (it may be the best $1.99 I’ve ever spent).

Our day ended with a quick jaunt to the beach, where there was a big Maccabiah Beach Party in Progress. There were a few others going on at the same time and it was good to take a dip into the Mediterranean Sea (even with the little jellyfish bites).

Now, Shabbat is about to begin. Shabbat Shalom l’kulam.