You know, I learn something new everyday!
So tonight, if I were in the U.S., I would most likely be celebrating New Year’s. However, since I’m in Israel, instead of celebrating New Year’s, I will happily be celebrating Sylvester. Yes, that’s correct Sylvester, like the cartoon cat. Oddly enough more than one country in Europe refers to the evening of December 31st as Sylvester. Now, I have done some limited (ok, very limited) research on the origins of this name and why it has come to be used to refer to New Year’s and here are my findings (please, anyone who reads this, feel free to correct or add to my not-so-scientific findings if you happen know why of from where this name for New Year’s actually originated). As far as I can tell, Sylvester was a saint, possibly a German saint, for whom this holiday was named. Now, in Israel it makes sense to have another name for New Year’s what with there already being a Jewish new year. However, it is the use of the name “Sylvester” for that purpose that still has me a bit perplexed; especially taking into consideration the fact that this German saint may or may not have been anti-semitic.
So, now onto other topics…let’s start with running. I am ashamed to say that since the last time I have posted an update, I have not done any running. Today however, after I practically drove my husband (and myself) crazy with my urge to go running, the two of us headed out for a run along a 3k running/walking path in the city of Holon. In the midst of downtown, by the mall and the library, is a well-maintained, paved path where you can find people exercising from 5:30 in the morning until midnight. We left the house at around 6:30 and since we were supposed to leave to go to a cousin’s house for a Sylvester party, we were not able to run for all that long, however it was enough to satiate my urge to run and tide me over until the next opportunity. We left the house, navigated our way to the path, took one loop around (during which we were passed by a very little dog with very little, short legs who was running very fast, it was a pretty funny sight) and then headed back to the house. At the very end of the run my knee started bothering me a bit, so I got home, stretched out really well and then rolled my leg on the foam roller (yes, I brought a foam roller all the way to Israel, but don’t worry, it was one of the small sized ones). Hopefully, it was just stiff and out of practice from taking some time off and it will be better the next time I run. It was great to get outside and get moving. Yeah for running!
