Mopeds and bikes- Israel vs Americans

This is the definition of a moped. It is like a motercycle, but not quite. Why am I bringing this up now? Because just like cats, Israel is full of them. One of my goals this year was to get a ride on one. Unfortunatly, I have less than 2 weeks to accomplish this goal, and no, it hasn't happened yet.

I found it so funny whenever I saw teenagers, and even people in their 20's, riding bicycles in the streets, to school, and work. It is a form of transportation here in Israel, just like a rickshaw is in Asia. And they have no problem with it. In America, the average teen has a car when they get their license, at the age of 16. But here, it's a new shiny bike, or if they are lucky, a moped, or motercycle.

Imagine this scenario: 'Daddy, I want a caaaaaar!!! And it has to be red and shiny, just like all my friends. No, I can't drive to school in that old, beat up pick-up. Just imagine the embarrasment I would suffer. Like, I would like be an outcast. They would never talk to me again, I wouldn't get a date for the prom... (Sob sob.) Now the Daddy 'totally absolutly' must buy her a car, or she would like diiiiiiie! Oh, the money it would cost.

Now imagine if you substitute car with bike. Ha. Ha ha haha. Ya, I can see it now. 'Daddy, buy me a biiiiiike!!!! And it must have a basket on the back, and pink sparkly flowers, and streamers! I neeeeeed one!'

Ok, I know I'm exagerating, but that's how I imagine it. I think American teens can take a lesson from Israeli's. Yes, I'm making a generalization, but it seems to be true. Yes, most Israelis mature sooner than the average American teenager. They are forced to grow up quickly, having to go into the army at the tender age of 18. (I'm older, and still feel like a child sometimes.)

Back to mopeds. Another thing I find interesting. Here in Israel, it's more accepted for a religious teenager to have a motercycle, than in the states. In America, it is considered 'frayish', out there, daring. You are looked as a 'bad boy' if you have one. Plus, it's expensive. Not that it's cheap here, but cheaper.

I was in Bnei Brak, an ultra chassidish neighborhood, and I saw boys, with long coats, tzitzis, and peyos flying, riding those things. It was definitely a sight to remember. It's normal here. I think it's sort of like smoking. Thats also more accepted here then in America, though it shouldn't be.

It took me this long, but I am finally coming to terms with the differences between Americans, and Israelis. And I'm realizing that they are not so bad, and are in fact, quite good. I am planning on getting to that, when I have time. A post about the pros and cons of Israelis.