Days 34-36: The Olive Oil Journey

To be even more transparent my cracked computer has a charging issue, and I couldn’t get the charging to work until last night. I don't like texting long essays so I figured I'd wait until the charging came back up. If I experience a similar issue again, this journal may be voice memo'd. Or I splurge on the new Microsoft Surface Charger.

Tel Aviv --> Jerusalem | November 28th-30th, 2022

Day 34

I literally got 3 hours of sleep max. Not good. I went to bed at 1:30am and you'd think eye mask and noise cancelling headphones are enough defense against sleep distractions….movement from the top bunk was not covered. I got what I paid for (bottom dollar hostel).

Quick breakfast from the free buffet (with some of my samples of oil from the bag) and off to Hertz rent-a-car to rent my fourth car of the trip.

I had one goal - find the good olive oil producers. I had some background research from the day before but nothing more.

First location: Mazik Olive Oil. Lemme just say it didn’t seem like there was any Enlgihs remotely close to the area. Here we go again…

I arrive fairly smoothly and make my way inside for a tasting. Beautiful showroom and surprisingly nice tasting oils. My expectations outside the big-producing areas were tempered, but these expectations were immediately shattered. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see the mill or bottling process yet nonetheless a great visit.

I reached out to the mill further up north and they say to come back at night, so I figure to move North and made my way to stop #2 in Zippori: Galili Olive Oil - adjacent to a large dairy farm. Of course the maps took me to the wrong spot of town but with the help of a local & a call to the farm I safely arrived.

I have respect for Mr. Galili. It is not a state-of-the-art factory like the ones in Italy. But one thing I observed: his dedication to the craft. He basically runs the entire milling process as a solo-operation and was super resourceful in finding ways to mill & store the oil. And the best part about Mr. Galili was he humbly led me to someone who he'd thought would really help me out - which turned into my next stop: Rish Lakish Olive Oil.

The drive in was similar vibes to Quesada : pomegranate trees in the periphery, animals around the farm, and a clear effort at sustainability. The difference was when I walked in. And let me say, based on the entrance, I thought it would be empty. I was wrong. Packed with tasters of oil and an owner getting pulled in 5 different directions, I again was wrong. There was clearly great attention to detail in the milling process, a strong emphasis on organic / regenerative farming, as well as oil quality, and the best element: care about education. There was a window from the tasting room right into the mill as well as deep explanation into how to taste. You could even see this on their social media as well. We need more producers / brands in the industry like this.

After a brief conversation with the owner, I was led to yet another producer Sindyanna which operates as a non-profit NGO using olive oil as the source of a social movement bringing together Arab and Israeli women. Honestly I had (mildly) similar ideas back in June that Sindayanna has made a reality. After a sitdown with the CEO and quick look at the mill I leave feeling like I had a complete day.

I was honestly exhausted and after a shawarma lunch I pull over into a seemingly safe neighborhood and take a 30 minute nap. Needed.

At this point I had several options on how to spend my time. I knew I wanted to remain close to Zippori in case the mill let me in for a visit (never happened), so I decide to have dinner in Nazareth - which turns out to be a predominantly Arab Christian City. I was amazed when I saw a Christmas tree and churches everywhere. Way different than expected and after dinner and some Ronaldo, I book an apartment stay. Long story short my host ends up being a chef and we taste various oils from regions inside and outside the country.

That was unexpected and awesome.

Day 35

Very peaceful, uninterrupted sleep. I had to get out of town by 9am given the 2 hour drive to the next and final producer of this leg of the trip. Of course I was ready at 9am on the number and gave myself no time for breakfast.

I arrive at Ptora and after some Instagram DM exchanges I find the right location. Another great visit. Got a tour of the storage and bottling facility as their mill wasn't on premises (surprisingly common amongst the big Israeli producers). Oil was great and well-accolated. However, what stuck out was the bottling. Everything was perfectly designed (at least to my eye). From the boxing to the label fit on the bottle to the bottle shape itself. Very classy look. I was impressed. After a discussion and tasting with the owner I got some new oil samples and headed to Jerusalem.

I have 2nd cousins in Jerusalem and spent the day and night with them. Started at the Shuk (big market in the middle) and ended at their residence with a pizza dinner and wine. I hadn't seen them in 4 years since my last visit to Jerusalem, and it really warms my heart to visit (see the selfie below).

Day 36

My beliefs & values: that's for my family, my friends, and myself. I aim to remain as neutral as possible and be a sponge to people's beliefs. Whether it's politics, religion, sports, or careers, I like to hear as many sides of the story as possible and try to keep my perspective aside until the time is right to share.

Yesterday, I woke up in a predominantly Arab Christian city (Nazareth), and today I wake up in an Orthodox Jewish community in Jerusalem.

The common theme between Orthodox Jews who came into the Orthodox community [in the middle of their life] was a sense of emptiness in their previous life. Whether it is the superficiality of Hollywood or lack of understanding of why certain religious rituals are practiced, a deep study of religion seemed to fill their empty tank of why.

I do agree with the emptiness that occurs in typical American society - it's why I came into this career path / industry.

Especially in today's day in age with endless forms of entertainment, social media, and availability of anything we want at our fingertips, sometimes it's important to take a step back and try and think about where we fit in. Should the mass consumption of media and other people's opinions on today's world be the principles that guide our lives? Should other people's seemingly great lives impact our perception on our own lives? Remember, usually on the other side of the screen, there is an untold story.

I had a fabulous Day 36 in the old city with the locals and at night headed back to Tel Aviv for my final day in Israel. I wanted to go to the Dead Sea area but basically that should have been booked well in advance. Oh well, next time.

1 Olive Oil Takeaway

On the Jewish Holiday of Hanukkah, Orthodox Jews use Olive Oil to light their candles as they've done throughout history. Olive Oil pops up in shops all over Jerusalem at that time. I had no idea this was the case.

June 2018 - last visit!

Day 35

-Jack

Thank you for reading and welcome to the blog! I'm traveling through Europe on a quest to find great Olive Oil.