Smoke Free - Ben Gurion Airport

I am making a quick visit to see my sister in Florence. No smoking in the modern Ben Gurion Airport.

Cigarettes in the Souk

86 Kilos

20 days in Israel and I have not succumbed to the temptation of smoking.

In the one of the large Tel Aviv souks (public markets) I came across a cigarette vendor. Very cheap cigarettes offered imported from Russia for as little as 3 NIS ($0.75 US) a package. Another reason so many people smoke here.

Bullheaded Non Smoker

87 Kilos

The food is great here in Israel and I have put on a few kilos but I am organized now hitting the gym regularly and working on keeping the weight under control.

My quit continues. The temptations are great but I'm not letting them get to me. Like Abraham the Bull pictured above I am keeping my head to the ground and my resolve will not be moved.

The number of smokers in Israel is very high. In part it may be due to the Russian immigrants (over 1 million in the last 10 years) with their strong tobacco use, and a tradition of tobacco consumption which is part of the oriental culture. THere is no question that life here is fast paced and political tension might create additional stress which reenforces those addicted to nicotine and makes it more difficult for them to quit.

I cannot think of a better place to look at old man nicotine in the eye and keep him banished from my life.

Smoking In Tel Aviv

I am resisting but it is not easy. It seems like non smoking has yet to be discovered by most people particularly those under 50. Bars are still smoking and almost everywhere semi covered outdoor terraces are filled with smokers.

It may the mild climate, the move, the food, cigarettes sold everywhere, but I sure feel like I am getting a lot of cravings.

I know this will pass and I look at month 4 and 5 in Israel as an extra challenge to reinforce my quit.

2 Months in Israel

I am taking 2 months away from wet and cold Verona during the re modeling of my apartment to spend time in Israel. I have a small furnished flat 30 meters from the beach pictured above.

I am looking forward to the mild weather but I know there will be a lot of temptation since so many smoke here in Israel.

3 Month Anniversary

84.8 Kilos

November 1 and I celebrate 3 months as a non smoker.