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Published: June 25th 2006
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Nap Time
An Arab man taking a siesta in his cart just inside the Old City of Jerusalem. Excuse the long break from the blog - I've been filling every one of my days here with new and groundbreaking experiences! Also, internet access is slightly limited (I SHOULD be working right now...), but I will try my best to catch yall up. The last time we talked, I was heading to Jerusalem for a fun-filled weekend with old friends. And it was just that. Yossi and I checked into our hotel and met one of his Israeli friends and the coolest Italian diplomat, Nemo, for lunch and a tour of the Old City. Now, I've been here a handful of times, but I have never been to the Christian Quarter of the city. We headed through the Damascus Gate which leads into the Muslim Quarter right as afternoon prayers let out. What a CRAZY sight! I was in the middle of sheer chaos...and it was a cool, cool experience. We checked out some of the churches, and I found myself wishing Davide or Emilio were there to explain the layout and the significance of it all, feeling like I was back in class in Rome. So cool. That night found us wrapped up in the first night of the
Yummmm, Soliders...
Liran and Yossi, an officer in the Israeli Army who deals with international media relations. He works at the Gaza/Israeli border. Liran is probably the funniest man I have ever met. World Cup at Aroma, a chain of coffee shops throughout Israel...one I am quickly becoming addicted to! They're bringing the chain to New York next year...who knows, maybe Arkansas next?? 😉 Dinner was at Nemo's LUSH apartment, and it was so traditional...he is a great cook! I could taste Italia all over again...
Yossi and I then found Tal at one of the only open pubs in the New City. What a happy reunion!! The next day, I made the manditory visit to the Western Wall, and as usual, was overcome with emotion and comfort. If you gave me a note for the Wall, rest assured that it has found its place there. Glad I could do that for yall!!! Then, Nemo, Yossi, and I drove back to Yossi's house in a town called Re'ut (which means friendship). This is close to Tel Aviv, and in order to get there, we had to drive THROUGH the West Bank. I'm definitely a wide-eyed tourist the majority of the time I am here. The stark contrast between Israel and WB is obvious and shocking. I also saw the "wall"...which, for most of its course along the border, consists of three pieces
Passing Through the Damascus Gate
The huge stream of people that continued for a good fifteen minutes after afternoon prayers let out in the Muslim Quarter of the Old City. of barbed wire. But let's not start on that subject...
Anyway, made the trip without incident and of course, we went to a pub to catch more soccer action...I'm slowly becoming converted to the madness! That night found me in the middle of one of the happiest reunions of my life...we went to a disco in Tel Aviv with Yossi's awesome friend Liran (I laugh until I cry whenever I'm around this dude!) because Momo, the organizer of my birthright trip last year, invited us to come hang out with this summer's birthright kids. We saw Momo (whose first statement was a warm, tear-filled "WELCOME HOME" - so true!), my crazy and amazing tour guide, Ron, AND our sweetheart of a medic, Itamar! I couldn't believe I was back in Israel with all of these people who were there on my first trip. I had a HUGE smile plastered on my face ALL night! Finally, I returned to Be'er Sheva to recover from one of the happiest and action-packed weekends of my life. I'm only sorry I can't find the right words to fully describe the extent of my enjoyment...::sigh:: I love it here, and I certainly find myself
saying "Only in Israel" about twenty times a day...
Last week, I decided to throw down and head to the beach...all by myself! I took the day off, hopped on a bus to Ashkelon, and spent the most relaxing day lounging in the sun, working on my tan, and avoiding jellies! They're everywhere! You hear the shrieks of girls - "MEDUSA!!!" - and then you see the Israeli boys picking the damn things out of the water and HURLING them to the beach. By 1PM, the sand looked like a pitiful Medusa Graveyard, about half a dozen litering the area around my town. It must be a right of passage for these guys. I get myself OUT of the water when I see one of those slimy things, while the boys fight to see who can catch it without getting stung. Hey, I never said Israeli boys were the smartest cookies...but they're still good to look at! 😉 Afterwards, I returned to Be'er Sheva (a town which many Israelis scoff at, but one which I am enjoying so much) for an Israeli high school graduation. Now, what a sight! If you are thinking anything about an American graduation, get
Only in Israel...
The view we had of the Old City from where we had lunch. that idea out of your head. Here, it's like a huge party - the top students in the class are recognized, and teachers speak, but no robes, no hats. Just the latest fashions. And for the finale, the students put on a HUGE show, complete with singing and dancing and comedy acts - it lasts for like an hour and a half! You can tell that they are having the time of their lives, living up their last moments as seniors. The whole thing is a bit more personal, and it was so cool to see the differences. Took me back to two years ago...man, has it been that long???
Last night, I was a good Jewish girl, and I fully supported the Israeli economy with my first SHOPPING SPREE!! Not to be the last, I'm sure. I can't wait to show off my new Israeli fashions! I wore a dress to work today, and everyone in the office was stunned. Perhaps the tan and the shedding of some weight help, too, but I feel pretty great. I have acquired a new Hebrew teacher, a waiter at my favorite cafe, who can't speak much English. hahahaha It will be
Strangely Italian
Almost reminds me of a market in Italy... interesting to see how we can fair, but I'm sure we'll both learn a lot. Plus, ladies, he's a cutie! Pictures to come soon...
Now finally, I suppose I should give an explination for the title of this post (is my spelling in English getting worse, or is that just me? I'm being corrupted here...). Did you know that in Jersusalem, and other religious communities here in Israel, there is a Shabbat alarm on Friday nights? It sounds through the whole city to signal Shabbat's arrival. I thought it was an air raid siren and got a little scared while Yossi just laughed at me. Hey, we don't have these things in Arkansas! It caught me off guard, but man, it's so cool to know that I'm in a truly Jewish place. Fortunately, I have not heard a qassam siren yet, but I have been warned about them. Especially when I went to Ashkelon Wednesday (this is very very close to Gaza). Things are heating up around here a little bit, with extra talk of attacks and rockets. Caution is key, but you truly have to continue living your life in spite of these things. I'm fine, yall -
An Italian, a Soldier, and a Gay Hair-Dresser
Nemo, the Italian diplomat, Deby Gal, the gayest man I have ever met, and Yossi, my travel buddy. Deby even refers to himself in the feminine form of Hebrew - and he is a scream! I love these guys... don't panic! It's just a part of life here. In Arkansas, we have tornado sirens; here, we have qassam sirens.
So, with lots of love from the Holy Land, I send you my best wishes. Hope to hear from you all soon - my time here is getting short, and needless to say, I'm starting to panic...don't let it end!!! Kisses, Megs
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Ima
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Bring Itamar home with you. He's a doll.