Early morning embassy visit

I arrived at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv early this morning, around 7:15.  It doesn't open until 8AM, but already there was a large group of people there.  Luckily, I was the sole holder of the magic card - american citizenship.  I still had to wait about thirty minutes before I was let in, and I had to leave my phone at a place around the corner.

Once in, I went to the services for American Citizens.  My name had already been called.  I was surprised explaining that I wasn't allowed in until then anyway.  Filled out my paperwork, and paid.  Quick and painless, and I didn't have to wait for anything that long.  On the way out I asked about the gift shop, but was told it only had T-Shirts and Polo shirts for the marines, nothing relating to the embassy.  Not what I heard from others, but I wasn't that interested.  I should get a call to come back in two weeks to pick up my documents.

Decided with a morning free to meander Tel Aviv, and made my way towards Neve Tzedek.  I stopped at Avis and asked for rates for car rental.  If you have a World Mastercard, auto insurance is covered in Israel - but not with other cards.  Being 24 years of age doesn't change the price, only the deductible - unless you use your credit card insurance, so I wasn't worried about the price.  I wonder in Israel if you are getting insurance and you are renting for more than a week if you can exclude shabbat if you aren't planning to drive then?

Stopped at a cafe for a light breakfast, then headed back to the bus station.

Playing dumb american seemed like the best option when the police stopped me for crossing at a red light.  I pretended to speak no hebrew.  I didn't even have to play the "I am a volunteer" card, which has been good at getting me out of most trouble or situations (got me a free ride home last week from the Aliyah Shabbaton in Jerusalem on a tour bus).  After looking through my passport he told me not to do it again, and let me go on my way.

I imagine the paperwork for a foreign citizen is significantly more than for an israeli, and not really worth their time.  Made it back in time to shower before heading to the Weizmann Institute.