Shrine of the book, J-town, Masada, Dead Sea. The best and most painful day of EIE so far.
Wednesday: Head to a ballin' fountain that the Dead Sea Scrolls were underneath. It was a museum inside a water fountain. INCEPTION! This is were some of the oldest pages of the Jewish bible were located, protected from glass which I'm guessing was made on this kibbutz.
Thursday: Back in good ole' Jerusalem. We wondered through some secret passage ways under, around, and above the city. People were handing out red pieces of string like hotcakes! A few hours of free time, shawarma, ice cream, שמע ring, stickers, and a new t-shirt for someone...
היום: I've rewritten the lyrics to a pretty bangin' song to describe my experience at Masada and the Dead Sea for the 1st time:
2:15 AM wakin' up in the morning.
Gotta be fresh gotta head to the ח.
Gotta have my bread gotta have my pudding,
Seein' all the lights I have a headache.
Tickin' on tickin' on everybody's rushing,
Then I gotta get down to the Mapal Bus.
Gotta get to the back, I see my friends.
Kickin' in the back of my seat
Hitting them from my front seat
Gotta calm my mind down
Cuz I wanna go back to sleeeeeeeep
It's Friday Friday
Gotta get down to Masada
Everybody's lookin' forward to sunrise services
Masada Masada
Gettin down the snake path
Everybody's lookin' forward to the Dead Sea
Muddy and Salty, YEAH!
Muddy and Salty, YEAH!
pain pain pain pain
Lookin' forward to showering!
Friday, February 22, 2013
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Lots to catch you people up on! Too much happens in these Judean Hills.
Thursday night, back to Jerusalem mall. For what you may ask? My purim costume!! It's genius. I can't believe how creative I am. It's so simple...I'm a princess kissing, lily pad hopping, fly eating frog. Green tutu, headband with eyes, and other green paraphernalia will be worn on the day of Purim. So stoked. Don't worry I didn't spend 2 hours just hunting down a costume, I obviously went back to Re:bar to get the "Relax" smoothie with mango, pineapple, and passion fruit. In the midst of all this wonderfulness I forgot Starbucks existed. How could I? I really don't care... don't miss it.
So Friday, Yom Shishi! Bomb shelter parties. Need I say much else? I mean it's a bomb shelter party with Israelis who love to party and have a good time!! I really wish that were true though. 5....maybe 6 people went. It's loud, obnoxious music with some strobe lights and being babysat by adults. Life of the party alright! So yea that night was a bust. Except the hamster wheel and teacup ride in the park. No one can say no to that. Ever.
Saturday was filled with 10 year old Israelis claiming they were 18 following us around. There wasn't a single one without an ear-piercing. It started with them singing what I'm guessing were love songs outside my neighbors balcony. Then trying to run into our rooms and hugs us. They cuties!! Taught me some good words I need to know for the future...
But the weekend's come and gone. "Back to school, back to school....to prove to Dad that I'm not a foooo." (Billy Madison for those of you who live under a rock.) Week 4 has begun!
Thursday night, back to Jerusalem mall. For what you may ask? My purim costume!! It's genius. I can't believe how creative I am. It's so simple...I'm a princess kissing, lily pad hopping, fly eating frog. Green tutu, headband with eyes, and other green paraphernalia will be worn on the day of Purim. So stoked. Don't worry I didn't spend 2 hours just hunting down a costume, I obviously went back to Re:bar to get the "Relax" smoothie with mango, pineapple, and passion fruit. In the midst of all this wonderfulness I forgot Starbucks existed. How could I? I really don't care... don't miss it.
So Friday, Yom Shishi! Bomb shelter parties. Need I say much else? I mean it's a bomb shelter party with Israelis who love to party and have a good time!! I really wish that were true though. 5....maybe 6 people went. It's loud, obnoxious music with some strobe lights and being babysat by adults. Life of the party alright! So yea that night was a bust. Except the hamster wheel and teacup ride in the park. No one can say no to that. Ever.
Saturday was filled with 10 year old Israelis claiming they were 18 following us around. There wasn't a single one without an ear-piercing. It started with them singing what I'm guessing were love songs outside my neighbors balcony. Then trying to run into our rooms and hugs us. They cuties!! Taught me some good words I need to know for the future...
But the weekend's come and gone. "Back to school, back to school....to prove to Dad that I'm not a foooo." (Billy Madison for those of you who live under a rock.) Week 4 has begun!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Ok I'm dropping the days thing, I can't keep track.
Ladies and Gentlemen I just took a JHIST test that was more stressful to study for than a final. We have covered a lot of bible in 2 weeks give me a break. After making at least 60 notecards, coming up with pneumonic devices for 7 fruits/grains, the 5 books of moses, a timeline, and the kings, and what felt like a 4 hour study session with everyone screaming...I KILLED THAT TEST!! CELEBRATIONNNNNNN with strawberries and Hashahar (Nutella)! That's 3 tests down for JHIST, US History, and Physics, one more to go for Pre-calc. Bring it!
Ladies and Gentlemen I just took a JHIST test that was more stressful to study for than a final. We have covered a lot of bible in 2 weeks give me a break. After making at least 60 notecards, coming up with pneumonic devices for 7 fruits/grains, the 5 books of moses, a timeline, and the kings, and what felt like a 4 hour study session with everyone screaming...I KILLED THAT TEST!! CELEBRATIONNNNNNN with strawberries and Hashahar (Nutella)! That's 3 tests down for JHIST, US History, and Physics, one more to go for Pre-calc. Bring it!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Day 16: Sorry I haven't blogged the past few days, just got back from Tel Aviv! Lemme tell ya something: Lunch in Abu Ghosh, kind of something you need to do before you die. They hold world records man! I don't know in what but it's probably kick-tuchas!
But now I have returned so I can report to you from the Holy land. We made our way back to J-town today after a marvelous sleep in. First came the taping of us that'll be sent to NFTY Convention in LA. Let me just say that it's horrible! We all said different things and only did half the cheer, sorry conventioners, we're a little off. Afterwards we spent time taking pictures of the נופים or views. Any chance I get to take panoramas of anything, I go for it! Another bus ride, made our way to עיר דוד (City of David) to go through the Hezekiah's Tunnel. In a nutshell: Narrow short tunnel, which was perfect for me, that's 5 football fields long, above your knees in water, and takes about 40 mintes to get through. It was fun while we were trudging through the water since I forgot my water shoes and had to settle for Nikes. The time passed as we walked and sang "Some Nights," "Sweet Caroline," and "Seasons of Love." At the end, we literally saw the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank God right? It was more stairs... where's my bed?
But now I have returned so I can report to you from the Holy land. We made our way back to J-town today after a marvelous sleep in. First came the taping of us that'll be sent to NFTY Convention in LA. Let me just say that it's horrible! We all said different things and only did half the cheer, sorry conventioners, we're a little off. Afterwards we spent time taking pictures of the נופים or views. Any chance I get to take panoramas of anything, I go for it! Another bus ride, made our way to עיר דוד (City of David) to go through the Hezekiah's Tunnel. In a nutshell: Narrow short tunnel, which was perfect for me, that's 5 football fields long, above your knees in water, and takes about 40 mintes to get through. It was fun while we were trudging through the water since I forgot my water shoes and had to settle for Nikes. The time passed as we walked and sang "Some Nights," "Sweet Caroline," and "Seasons of Love." At the end, we literally saw the light at the end of the tunnel. Thank God right? It was more stairs... where's my bed?
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Day 12: Oh Sataf. Backwards you're every person that walks out of McCdonald's. Forwards you're a beautiful trail with too many thorns and some bangin' waterfall caves that we got to go into! Got kinda soaked :P We got to see how some old Jews' water system worked way back when. If you're confused, google Sataf. If you're confused by any Israeli-like thing I say, google it. I assure you, it works.
Making this short because I need my beauty sleep and its 1:30 in the morning, gotta love our Sunday-Thursday school weeks! We just arrived back after a hoppin' shopping night at Ben Yehuda St. in Jerusalem. There was jewelry, clothing, ice cream, shawarma, dance parties with people in costumes, (celebrating Purim a bit too early) a guy spinning fire, former counselors, it was a pretty awesome night. Luckily the "rip-ff" bug didn't bite me and I didn't get scammed by anyone trying to sell me things that they said were on sale :P I mean, 400 shekels for a bracelet? ($100) I did unfortunately get a bit touristy and bought a Tzahal sweatshirt. BUT IT'S FLEECE! I'm wearing it right now and I love it!
But guys I need your help, seriously, Purim is coming up (Jewish Halloween) What should I be?! The only dressy materials I have are rosta-leg warmers, shutter shades, a scarf, a hat with a bell on it, and multi-colored cheetah-ish sweatpants. What can I form out of that? Suggestions Please. Lilah tov, Shabbat Shalom!
Monday, February 4, 2013
Day 9: Finally shorts weather!! Thank the lord!!
Recap of yesterday: In the morning we took a little field trip to a town in between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The place we went to was called "Tel Gezer." Huh.....gezer is carrot. I didn't understand either. It was basically an archeological sight were we believed the first Jews were established in 2000 BCE. That's right, I'm paying attention in JHIST WHADDUP!? They were called the Canaanites (Or the Habiru, not really sure, it's up for debate) and we kind of saw how they defended themselves, how they got water, food, and their gate. Pretty dang cool, along with breath taking views! After all that walkin' and talkin' we had to go back to general studies :P
The other day I failed to mention the funniest thing that happened right before we went to bed. In comes the counselor to check in on us, she leaves the door open AND IN RUNS A DISEASE-RABIES FILLED CAT INTO MY ROOM!! I've never been more afraid of a cat. What does the counselor do? Starts yelling at it in Hebrew! Dude, cats don't understand that Ivrit, they speak cat. Honestly. Eventually it did leave in the arms of my roommate who didn't care if she got sick or not. "Can we keep him?" She was 100% serious.
Today: We finally got to do some more exploring of the Kibbutz. We walked through some rows of the vineyards, turned at some paths, and arrived at a cave. What? Caves? the kibbutz has caves? Lots? That makes it probably 98469283693845643 times more better. Except for the fact that they got dead guys in there. Kinda not what I wanna be standing on when I come in, but still pretty bangin!
אני לומדת הרבה עברית פה. אני רוצה לנסות לכתוב בעברית יותר! אני אוהבת ומתגעגעת אותכם! לילה טוב
Recap of yesterday: In the morning we took a little field trip to a town in between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. The place we went to was called "Tel Gezer." Huh.....gezer is carrot. I didn't understand either. It was basically an archeological sight were we believed the first Jews were established in 2000 BCE. That's right, I'm paying attention in JHIST WHADDUP!? They were called the Canaanites (Or the Habiru, not really sure, it's up for debate) and we kind of saw how they defended themselves, how they got water, food, and their gate. Pretty dang cool, along with breath taking views! After all that walkin' and talkin' we had to go back to general studies :P
The other day I failed to mention the funniest thing that happened right before we went to bed. In comes the counselor to check in on us, she leaves the door open AND IN RUNS A DISEASE-RABIES FILLED CAT INTO MY ROOM!! I've never been more afraid of a cat. What does the counselor do? Starts yelling at it in Hebrew! Dude, cats don't understand that Ivrit, they speak cat. Honestly. Eventually it did leave in the arms of my roommate who didn't care if she got sick or not. "Can we keep him?" She was 100% serious.
Today: We finally got to do some more exploring of the Kibbutz. We walked through some rows of the vineyards, turned at some paths, and arrived at a cave. What? Caves? the kibbutz has caves? Lots? That makes it probably 98469283693845643 times more better. Except for the fact that they got dead guys in there. Kinda not what I wanna be standing on when I come in, but still pretty bangin!
אני לומדת הרבה עברית פה. אני רוצה לנסות לכתוב בעברית יותר! אני אוהבת ומתגעגעת אותכם! לילה טוב
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Day 7: My roommates and I are having way too much fun. We just had a laughing attack after seeing them tackle each other to answer the door. Why you may ask? We're really high off Jerusalem.
We made our way towards the Western Wall, walking past cats, orthodox, the Holy Bagel, and a huge menorah where our counselors told us a story of 2 bros owning a farm. We had to take 5 mins to be touristy and take edgy instagram pictures of us looking at the Kotel which will probably end up being our profile pictures. Yea, we're that fricken cool. As we approached the Kotel, our counselors gave us rosemary so we could smell it and remember that we were here next time we do. After God and I had our little chat at the wall, I put my note towards the bottom knowing it'd have less of a chance of falling out. As I started to walk backwards so my back wouldn't face the wall until I was out, an orthodox woman asked us if we knew the prayers. Before we knew it she was guiding us in prayer as we were staring at the wall. We were repeating them after her, word for hebrew word. I didn't know which one it was, but it had the Sh'ma in it. It was emotional for us.
After seeing the holiest of sights, made our way out to get so PiZzZzzZzA! yum yum nom nom. LATER! We attended the finest of concerts put on by the Hebrew Union College in honor of Debbie Friedman. There were lovely songs sung by FCITM (future cantors in the making) and a hard rockin' song session at the end that are bound to be stuck in my head all night. Tomorrow we travel on our first tiyul (trip) to some caves or something. And they're still making us go to classes, what weirdos.
We made our way towards the Western Wall, walking past cats, orthodox, the Holy Bagel, and a huge menorah where our counselors told us a story of 2 bros owning a farm. We had to take 5 mins to be touristy and take edgy instagram pictures of us looking at the Kotel which will probably end up being our profile pictures. Yea, we're that fricken cool. As we approached the Kotel, our counselors gave us rosemary so we could smell it and remember that we were here next time we do. After God and I had our little chat at the wall, I put my note towards the bottom knowing it'd have less of a chance of falling out. As I started to walk backwards so my back wouldn't face the wall until I was out, an orthodox woman asked us if we knew the prayers. Before we knew it she was guiding us in prayer as we were staring at the wall. We were repeating them after her, word for hebrew word. I didn't know which one it was, but it had the Sh'ma in it. It was emotional for us.
After seeing the holiest of sights, made our way out to get so PiZzZzzZzA! yum yum nom nom. LATER! We attended the finest of concerts put on by the Hebrew Union College in honor of Debbie Friedman. There were lovely songs sung by FCITM (future cantors in the making) and a hard rockin' song session at the end that are bound to be stuck in my head all night. Tomorrow we travel on our first tiyul (trip) to some caves or something. And they're still making us go to classes, what weirdos.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Day 6: Think about this, the worlds most tiny splinter, ok? You got it? Now imagine it in the arch of my foot. Yes the same foot that had a fish hook in it and stretched a tendon. Right foot is immune to everything apparently. So that's how my day started, going to the nurse where they pinched and tweezed the crap out of it until it came out because I. dont. do. needles. Tip of the hat to the Mir! (Nurse)
It was finally time today to venture off to J-town mall! Jerusalem couldn't be more beautiful. The bus ride was everyone taking pictures of the landscape because were so gosh darn touristy. I had a bit of luck at the mall, finding an appropriate sized traveling mug so I can take my tea to J-Hist and not fall asleep :). That was the extent of my shopping spree. Except for getting the most DELICIOUS smoothie called, "Relax." Passion fruit and pineapples. I'm just discovering some great drinks on this venture so far.
But tonight and tomorrow is the time to rest, for it is shoibos. So after my 3 hour nap in the afternoon, I bid thee all farewell as I leave to now go to hangout in the Zula. Shabbat Shalom, Lilah Stove!!
It was finally time today to venture off to J-town mall! Jerusalem couldn't be more beautiful. The bus ride was everyone taking pictures of the landscape because were so gosh darn touristy. I had a bit of luck at the mall, finding an appropriate sized traveling mug so I can take my tea to J-Hist and not fall asleep :). That was the extent of my shopping spree. Except for getting the most DELICIOUS smoothie called, "Relax." Passion fruit and pineapples. I'm just discovering some great drinks on this venture so far.
But tonight and tomorrow is the time to rest, for it is shoibos. So after my 3 hour nap in the afternoon, I bid thee all farewell as I leave to now go to hangout in the Zula. Shabbat Shalom, Lilah Stove!!
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