Tuesday, August 8
Tel Aviv

This is where Creep first broke. Way before America. That was well over two years ago. Fond memories flood back of being mobbed for the first time.
Do a press conference. Usual stuff. I always feel like a politician.
"Do you think you've changed as human beings since you were last here?"
"Yes. I no longer feel human."
Head off to main radio stations which is run by the army youth. After the age of 18, everyone has to join, boys for three years, girls for two. There is a sign stipulating regulation haircuts. Play some acoustic stuff with Jonny which makes the day seem worthwhile. Afterwards, I haggle with a mad old woman in Jaffa flea market over a huge floppy hat and duffle coat. In the end I buy them both. Perfect for temperatures of 110F.
Meal in the evening with R.E.M. One of the most embarrassing moments of my life occurs when a girl comes up in the restaurant and asks for my autograph and not Mr Stipe's. I hide my face in a napkin for five minutes. Then the hubble-bubble machine arrives. It's supposed to help digestion. But it just makes me feel weird.