My Midnight Safari In Tel Aviv

Most travel stories tell of the overwhelming exuberance and awe that hits you as you enter this new, exotic realm previously unknown. Personally I've never experienced this 'travel high' at first arrival. Luckily, in most trips I've taken that buzz eventually hits, but never right off the bat. My initial impression is usually clouded by jet-lag-induced haziness and disorientation. And that is where my story kicks off; in utter confusion.

Overheating woke me up sweating on an unfamiliar couch in an unfamiliar living room. A Confederate flag was draped directly over my head and several cowboy hats and plastic sharp-shooters were strewn about on the floor.

There must have been some mishap, I thought, because I was almost positive my e-ticket said Tel-Aviv, final destination. I finally recalled the quick conversation with my Israeli host, Erez, who had mentioned the Western-themed party they just had at the apartment. It didn't occur to me to ask how the Confederate flag fit that motif, but at least there was a reasonable explanation.

Soon after I woke up, Erez's two roommates arrived home, returning from their army duties. The two quickly shed their officers' uniforms into their tighty whities and positioned themselves in front of fans in the living room. They appeared more than comfortable finding random travelers on their couch.

When Erez isn't busy street-performing, he is hosting people from all over the world through a website called Couch Surfing.

The two roommates delved into the low-down on Tel Aviv for me. They focused on what they saw as the number one issue facing Israeli men: women. They assured me that I would have no problem finding an Israeli beauty, being a foreigner and all.

Erez then joined us straight from the job, still in his Charley Chaplin suit and black cane.