Magic Mushrooms & Bunnies in the Desert

Randy's Rants
Magic Mushrooms & Bunnies in the Desert
By Randy Gage
May 23, 2008, 14:27

I'm back in Amsterdam, final stop before heading home. It's been a great trip all the way around. Last stop was Tel Aviv, Israel, one of the world's most fascinating cities.

When Israel was founded in 1948, it was just a sleepy little seaside city. The area from Jaffa north to the Neve Tzedek neighborhood where I was staying, was often a war zone. Now it's an idyllic enclave, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. I was walking through the park when a large rabbit crossed my path. What he was doing in the middle of a city, in the middle of the desert, I'll never know. Probably a pet that got away.

The weather was perfect. Unfortunately, I haven't found the right hotel in Tel Aviv. Last time I stayed at the Sheraton, which was an absolute dump. This time I stayed at the David Intercontinental, which I was assured was the best hotel in the city. If this is true, they're in trouble. The place had every pet peeve I have on hotels:

A suite where the phone in one room is different than the other, so every time a call comes in, you have to get up and go into the bedroom. Making it worse, it's one of those places that pesters you to death. If you ask for an iron they deliver it, then call and ask if you got it. If you ask for an adapter they deliver it and then call and ask if you got it. After about four calls you're ready to throw the phone out the window.

You pay US$20 a day for Internet service that is worse than dial up in Ethiopia. And my biggest irritation, a closet that's so narrow if you close the door, it crushes your suits and shirts. Rumor has it the Hilton is better, so I'll try that next time.

Overall though, the trip was wonderful. We had a huge crowd for the seminar and Israeli audiences have to be the most giving in the world. They clap, cheer, dance and give standing ovations constantly. Some natives like to call themselves "sabra" after a local fruit, with the analogy being that they are tough and spiny on the outside, but soft and sweet on the inside. I don't see that. The Israelis I meet are some of the most loving people anyway. They laugh, cry, kiss and hug you all the time.

If you go to Tel Aviv, be sure and nosh at Maganda Restaurant at 26 Rabi Meir Street. As soon as you sit down the waiter brings over a plate of Mediterranean olives, crunchy pickles, and warm pita bread. Order a side of hummus, which is mouth-watering. The waiter promised me they had the second best falafels in Israel. Being gullible, of course I asked where the best ones were. He
responded, "I haven't found them yet." The service was delightful and the food was tasty.

Here in Amsterdam, it's a little cool at night for a Florida boy, but it's as magical as ever. Tomorrow I have a seminar, but today and for a few days afterward I'm just hanging out at some cafes along the canals, enjoying the adventure. The city has more than 80 squares, which are wonderful places to write, read, or people watch. There's always a fresh juice shop nearby, or if you're so inclined, plenty of places to get some magic mushrooms.

A couple quick notes:

You may have noticed that I haven't been sending out as many Rants as I used to. That's because I have started a blog on my site, and post notes there more often. If you want to read my thoughts on harmonic wealth, and my platform to run for president, be sure and drop by and check it out. You can also sign up to get an update when I post new things. It's at http://www.randygage.com.

Special note for you speakers, authors, consultants and coaches: The Florida Speakers Association is conducting their next E'versity June 13 and 14 and they've made a little YouTube video for it. Check it out at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y07RtTo0_Yk

Special note for you guys in Network Marketing. I've agreed to conduct my first generic training weekend in more than five years. It is a one-time leadership event only for those who are earning at least $50,000 or $75,000 a month - or would like to be one. If that resonates with you, you'll find all the info at: www.Mega-MLM.com

I'm skulking around, giving news-stands a wide berth, trying not to hear which David won American Idol until I get home and watch the recording. I bet it was the best finale ever. I'll check in again when I get back Stateside. Have a great week.

-RG