Diversity does not have to always pertain to people. I have just experienced true culinary diversity. Food is a fantastic way to identify people. There are so many ways to categorize depending on what they eat, and what food they carefully prepare for their own family. I certainly experienced this side of Israeli food through my visit with my host family, but today I experienced how people from all different backgrounds sell their food as our group took a “food tour” of Machne Yehuda market. For some reason, every vendor in the market thought they had the best Zatar, or falafel, or rugalache. There was an indescribable energy as you entered the shuk with all of the vendors bragging about their products. Asaf our tour guide, led us through the shuk, mumbling to the vendors about our trip, and making sure we all got to taste the delicious food. It was a wonderful tour. We began by getting off the bus and heading to the ‘best falafel in the world’ where apparently the Canadian prime minister had been the week before! From there I was one of the lucky individuals who got to go behind the counter of a unique bakery where they made incredibly thin pitas. I was honored that I got to help but a little thrown off by the fact that I wasn’t asked to wash my hands. Another interesting encounter of the day was when I was pressured to snort something that looked like lotion from a guy who let us taste his incredible fresh fruit juices. Apparently this homemade lotion opens up your sinuses and boy it definitely did. But that’s besides the point, getting to see the diversity of types of food and methods of cooking opened my eyes to the culture of Israel and the shuk! We then got to try an assortment of spiced nuts, dry fruits, and teas. The vendor was a tad pushy but his spices were fabulous! We tried award winning Halva from a vendor who had won a competition in Turkey – I guess that’s a big deal. After some free time to experience the market on our own we moved on to a Georgian restaurant and tried their baked doughs with egg and cheese. It tasted similar to a freshly baked baguette with egg and cheese and spices filled into the thick bread. Last but not least- gelato!! Everyone had a mix of different flavors in their small taster cup of gelato. This was also a new taste, because gelato shops are not at all as common in America. The creamy smooth sensation in my throat always is a pleasant surprise. Of course (like many things do) my experience at the market left me with even more questions than it answered. It was a fabulous way to end an extraordinarily Israel trip!!