Reflections On One Crazy Month

     When talking on the phone with my mom the first week here , I remember falsely explaining to her that I’ve only been here about two weeks.  Whether it’s because I’m in a different time zone, or the mere fact that Israel uses army time instead of the standard 12-hour time, I have lost track and a sense of time since I’ve been here.  

     One reason may be that I need more sleep.  When I’m up for more hours than normal, I may think that I’ve been here longer.  I even had a minor freak-out and went to the doctor’s, thinking I had a problem since I am tired all the time.   My diagnosis is to sleep more.  But how can I sleep more when I stay up late with friends, go to Ulpan/classes early in the morning, and travel during Shabbat?  I’m starting to force myself to get more sleep, and to make sure I really have enough time to reflect upon my travels.

     It’s only been one month.  Four weeks, four Shabbats, and so many places I’ve seen.  This past Wednesday, Ulpan ended.  I feel more confident in my Hebrew, and can even speak (a little) on the streets.  My problem is understanding their answers when I ask in Hebrew.  I can ask where the bathroom is, but there isn’t a 100% guarantee that I will understand where it is.  

     After Ulpan, I went to Gitit in the Jordan Valley to visit my boyfriend (Hanan)  and begin our travels to the Desert Ashram festival.  Before we did all of this, he introduced me to his new friend.  Probably the cutest goat I’ve ever seen.  

     The next day, we headed down south.  Our final destination was the Desert Ashram for a two-day Purim festival.  Before we went to it, we did some traveling in Ein Gedi and the Dead Sea.  We hiked the David trail.  We first did the 30-minute hike filled with tourists to see a few waterfalls. 

 

     We then deviated to a harder and longer trail and saw more waterfalls and a beautiful cave.  On our way to the end of the David trail, we ran into this fellow.  It’s called a rocket rabbit in Hebrew, and they were all over.  I wish I saw these more than the stray cats.  

     Afterwards, we went to an ancient synagogue from the 3^rd to 6^th century CE.  Here’s what it looked like on the inside.  It’s incredible how well it has been maintained since it was created.  

     After spending some time hiking in Ein Gedi, we couldn’t resist checking out the Dead Sea.  It’s always beautiful, and I could never stop taking pictures of it.  I’m not the biggest fan of going in the water, but I dunked my feet and hands in.  

     We then made the journey further south to camp in the Negev and go the Desert Ashram Purim festival.  There was a very interesting mix of people there.  Lots of hippies, people into the environment, and normal people dressing up in crazy costumes.  They were all Israeli, which was cool.  There weren’t any tourists (probably because the Desert Ashram is not an easy place to get too), but it led to a lot of really cool experiences for me.  

     The Desert Ashram festivals are all about connecting the body with the mind and the heart, and really developing an emotional and spiritual connection.  Ashrams derived from India and are defined as  places to learn and experience things individually.  They had a lot of programs, like yoga, meditation, and other workshops.  I learned to not worry so much, and just enjoy things in the moment.  With traveling, I have always been constantly thinking about where I’m going to go next, and how I’m going to get there, and what I’m going to do.  I have learned to relax a little and realize things will all work out.  

      Another cool component of the festival is that everything was vegan.  They had vegetarian shwarma, oatmeal with fruit and nuts for breakfast, and lots of café drinks with desserts.  I got a chai tea (with soy milk of course) and it was the best I’ve ever had.  

      There was always a dance party in the back of the festival.  When I went to it, we danced to the four elements: earth, air, water, and fire.  With each element, the dancing got more intense.  There were some people that really connected with the music.  Here’s what it looked like:  

       All in all, a really cool way to celebrate Purim.  Luckily, Jerusalem celebrates Purim a day later.  This is because all of the cities that were walled at the time when the Isarelites entered Canaan observe it a day later.   Good for me so that I get to experience it in Jerusalem.  

       So yes, it’s only been a month, but I have done so much.  Although my body has craved more sleep, my mind is pleased with all of the places I’ve seen, and how much better I’ve gotten in Hebrew.  And it only gets better from here! 

Hag Sameach (happy holidays)!

The Three F's in Life

What day is it?  What year is it?  Where am I?   

      I often find myself asking these questions.  Today is the 11^th of February.  The good news is that I finally have mastered writing ’13 instead of ’12 in the date, so I have that one covered.  More importantly, I am in Jerusalem, Israel.  But I’m not just in Jerusalem; I’m in Tel Aviv, the West Bank, Nahariya, Netanya.  Ok, not all at once of course, though I wish I could.     

     I’ve been here less than a month, and I’ve gotten in the habit of revolving my week around Shabbat.  Once Sunday comes, I start thinking about my plans for the next Shabbat.  Shabbat is awesome in Israel.  It’s a time when people refrain from working (great excuse, right?) and are just supposed to enjoy life with the three F’s: family, friends, and food.  

Family

  Two weekends ago, I went to Kfar Vradim for Shabbat to visit my cousins, aunt, and uncle, not to mention their gorgeous dog Angie. Kfar Vradim is a beautiful town in the north of Israel, actually only about 9 miles away from the border of Israel and Jordan.  It’s a medium-sized town, but you definitely get that community feel when you spend time there.  It seems that my family always bump into friends in the mercaz (center).  My aunt took me to the mercaz which reminded me of the center of Wayne (where I’m from).  There were a lot of cute stores and boutiques.  We also visited my cousin working at a cafe.

  

     It was really great to finally see my family’s house, and it was a special weekend because we were all coming from all over Israel to be together to pray, relax, and just enjoy each other’s company.   I probably ate my weight in delicious Israeli food, but am not surprised I didn’t gain any weight considering everything was healthy.  

    Kfar Vradim really is a beautiful place, and here’s my view on our walk with Angie.

  

     The following weekend my boyfriend and I visited my cousin Natanella (the famous barista) near Netanya.  We had a lovely Shabbat dinner Friday Night, and I actually went to my first orthodox service.  It was interesting to say the least.  There were mostly men, and only one other woman (very small service), so it felt uncomfortable to be separated.  Definitely an experience.  

    The next morning we went to Natanella’s grandma Jenny’s apartment, who is adorable.  She cooked us amazing food as well, and then we went for a nice walk.  Apparently I’m her adopted grandchild now.    Afterwards, we went into Tel Aviv and went to the beach.  It was beautiful and 72 degrees, so naturally I fell in love with the place.  All in all, a great weekend.

Tel Aviv sunset

Friends

     There’s a lot of really cool people in the Rothberg International Program, from all over the place.  It’s a unique experience.  We have been doing a lot of exploring in Jerusalem, and let’s just say we definitely know how to stand out.  

    

     Here’s my friends and I wearing cat ears in honor of my friend’s 21^st birthday.   After forgetting I was wearing them, I kept wondering why people were staring at me, and we got a few reminders that it’s not Purim yet (thanks guys!). This weekend I am going to Tel Aviv with a few friends to celebrate another friend’s birthday, so more to come.  

Food

     I’ve actually gone through some changes in my dietary preferences since I’ve been here.  I’ve never been a tea drinker, but since I’ve been here, I find myself having a cup of day (they have some amazing teas in the shuk in downtown Jerusalem).  I also love dried fruit.  I had my first date, on a date actually, and have been addicted ever since.  Olives is also a food I loathed back home, but I really enjoy them here.  

     As a recent vegetarian, I was a little worried about coming to a new country and having enough  available foods.  But I quickly learned that Israel is one of the best places to be vegetarian.  I find myself healthier than I’ve ever been, and eating so well.  My boyfriend introduced me to Shak Shuka, similar to an omelet with cooked tomatoes and other vegetables.  He served it with mashed avocado with salt, pepper and lemon.  I’ve also been eating a lot of Israeli salad, falafel (of course), pita, hummus, and labane.  Labane is a creamy cow or goat cheese that people dip pita in with a little olive oil and herbs.  Delicious! 

I never get tired of Israeli salad.

     So these are the three most important F’s I’ve encountered (falafel might make it as a fourth).  Shoutout to all of my PSU friends getting ready for THON this weekend.  Going to be amazing.

FTK (for the kids) and much love from Israel.   

4 life lessons in 108 hours

    4 life lessons in 108 hours

     108.  108 hours.  It’s only been 108 hours since I’ve landed on this beautiful terrain that is quickly becoming my home.  I actually can’t believe it’s only been 108 hours, because I feel like I’ve been here for weeks. 

A beautiful sunset over Jerusalem.

     A lot of people I’ve talked to that have studied abroad say you change so much, and finally, I believe it.  I already feel like I’ve picked up some of the language that I am eagerly trying to learn, I am beginning to navigate places on my own, and learning that it’s ok to get a little lost.  Getting lost was always one of my fears, but I have embraced it being in a new country and moreso on my own. 

     Now, I guess “on my own” is not entirely true.   There are about 120 other Rothberg Hebrew University International students on the program with me, a lot of them whom I’ve gotten close to quickly.  I also have family and friends all over Israel, one aunt who I consider my ima (mom) while I’m over here. 

     Like I said, I feel I have already changed a lot, in one way becoming more wise.  Here are the lessons I’ve learned so far in Israel: 

Preparing for Shabbat is like preparing for a hurricane.   I have never celebrated Shabbat as intensely as I have this past weekend (and that really isn’t saying too much).  At home, I rarely celebrate it, but it is a weekly holiday here.  Friday night to Saturday night is like the Christian Sunday, so we have classes on Sunday instead of Friday (still getting used to that).  I thought it was odd that my aunt Beth (calling her ima for now on) asked me before Shabbat if I had enough food for breakfast and lunch.  I understand why, now, because everything in Israel shuts down.   The grocery store is a hectic place to be on a Friday afternoon, and I will try to prepare for the “hurricane” a little earlier. 

Be pushy, or you won’t get anywhere.  Shuk The shuk (market) in downtown Jerusalem is the place to be, especially on Friday afternoon before Shabbat.  As a fellow foodie, it is basically my heaven, with so many different kinds of fresh foods with barely any spare place to move.  Some of my finds were 4 large pitas (best pita I’ve ever had keep in mind) for only 10 shekel, tomatoes, cucumbers, and nuts.  The nuts stand I went to was crazy, and basically a free for all.  I found that smiling and raising my hand was simply not enough.   That’s when I got out of my element, because when I want nuts, I mean business.  I shoved myself to the front and yelled “slicha (excuse me)!!!” while flailing my arms.  Let’s just say I got my nuts.  

 Stay out of East Jerusalem. A part of being in a different country is immersing yourself in the culture.   I indeed got a big culture shock when I found myself in an Israeli’s house in East Jerusalem (which is 99.9% Arab).  Of course, I was accompanied by Israelis so I felt safer, but it was still a scary experience.  When we were stopped at a light, a young Arab boy came by and tried to get the Israeli I was with (in Arabic) to buy a cheap toy off of him.  When the Israeli said, “no thanks” he replied by trying to kiss him.  Awww? 

A symbol for two peoples.  On the left is an Israeli flag.  The black and white cylinder on the right is a water heater that only Arabs use.  This is the roof of the Israeli I was with, so clearly he is pretty bold to have an Israeli flag in East Jerusalem.

Israelis are humans too.  They all go into the IDF, they’re tough, but they’re also human.  I’m not going to lie, Israelis intimidate me.  With their beautiful bronzed skin and deep brown eyes (the safardics at least), and their ability to endure the army and still enjoy life makes me perceive them as robots or some sort of machines.  But in reality, they are “sabra,” which means hard on the outside and soft on the inside (used to describe cacti).  I realize that they are human, just wanting to enjoy life, and I came to the right place to enjoy our homeland.  

Here's one that's kinda sababa.

     Hello and Shalom!  Thank you for joining me on all of my adventures and experiences in Jerusalem, Israel.  For those of you who don't know, I am a current Junior at The Pennsylvania State University, majoring in Nutritional Sciences and minoring in Psychology.  I am studying abroad in Jerusalem for the spring semester, and I am beyond excited.
     The countdown is only 1 week until I fly to Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv and begin my 4 1/2 month journey, as I rediscover my homeland.  Now, I say rediscover, because this is not the first time I've been there.  Last winter, I went on a 10-day trip to Israel with 39 other people with a program known as Birthright.  I had heard such amazing things about this country before I went, but I did not truly understand until I got there.  The food, the culture, the strong-willed people, and the patriotism all encapsulated me in this glorious place that I didn't want to leave.  Here are a few pictures from my journey:

 This is a view on our hike in the Golan Heights in the North of Israel.  This was the first thing we did, and I was instantly in love with this beautiful land. 

 Here's my camel friend that took me on a tour of the desert (his name's Elijah!)

 Gotta love falafel!  This was at a falafel stand in Jerusalem, called Moshika.  It was so crowded, and I knew why when I took my first bite. 

 The lovely city of Tel Aviv.  I didn't get to spend much time here, but I hope to really explore the city when I go back.  

Last but certainly not least, here is a picture of Jerusalem, my favorite city. Still can't believe I'm going to be there in only 1 week!

     I hope you enjoy this blog, as you follow me into my travel experiences as I learn Hebrew, discover new foods as a recent Vegetarian (technically pescatarian), and become immersed in the culture-all from the confines of your computer.