Welcome.
My name’s Greg, born in 1999 and raised in Israel. As of writing this (later 2021), I’m a Master’s student for business & management. But I started my studies at the university at 13 years old.
Around that time, I discovered the hobby of puzzles.
It all started with a good old Rubik’s Cube. From there I advanced to the Take Apart category, being Hanayama’s cast series.
I got enthusiastic pretty fast, and rushed head-on into the works of the best puzzle designers.
At this point I could not reverse what I’ve done.
I’ve solved hundreds of puzzles since then, which isn’t that much comparing to other serious collectors. But I’m having fun at my own pace.
I passed on some of my puzzles to friends, to spread the fun.
The Pause
In Israel, we are conscripted to the military at the age of 18. As I enlisted, I had to temporarily pause my hobby.
Returning home tired for a couple of days at a time made me reevaluate my time, and I decided to dedicate myself to friends, family and my girlfriend.
Finally, when I finished my service, I found myself standing in the heart of the pandemic. Suddenly I had so much time to spend, and no option to fly abroad.
My soldier’s dream of a 1-2 month trip to Japan was ruined.
So without a choice, I stayed at home and continued learning for my bachelor’s degree.
Suddenly I had so much time that my puzzles started to beg me to solve them…
I swear, I could almost hear their voices.
Generous as I was, I picked up a random mazzle waiting to be solved. When I solved it, I grabbed another one, then another, and another…
And the flame was rekindled.
There could be people who’d say that puzzles are nothing but toys for kids. But I completely disagree.
I truly believe that puzzle-solving is the same as solving our own life problems. Mechanical puzzles are challenges we pick for ourselves, challenges that make us love challenges.
Try to think of it like this – if overcoming challenges was your hobby, no challenge in life would remain a challenge for you. Because you love challenges.
I also believe puzzles can suit every age group:
You can be a school student looking to stump your friends;
A traveler who wants to pass time in a flight;
You can simply seek to train your brain or even find some fine pieces to display on your desk.
Calling mechanical puzzles no more than “toys” is equivalent to losing everything they have to offer.
Find your puzzle passion!