Catch Up

A lot has happened these last three weeks so I’m going to put this one in bullets…..
The Zoo, what could be better than seeing numerous really cute lovable animals behind glass? SEEING THEM IN ISRAEL!! I know marvelous! My friends Gabe, Jesse, Anna, Liza and I decided to go to the zoo one day after ulpan (slash yeshiva for anna…) and it was sooooo much fun! We got to see all the animals up close because we were the only ones at the zoo- that is except for the boy band that was there….
For Shabbat my room mate and I were invited to go over to our staff Elakana’s house for dinner (he’s reading this to put it on the website so I hope I didn’t spell his name wrong…). It was a lot of fun! We met them at their shul and prayed kab shab with them at a really pleasant synagogue. The women sat upstairs in a really nice balcony section and I actually enjoyed the way the service was set up… plus it was right near the jslum theater so it was close- I think ill go back. After synagogue we walked to Elk’s house where we had an excellent diner (and I’m not just saying that because he’s going to be reading this…) all made by HIM! I know first off he’s a great guy (a GG as lainie would say) but he cooks too!!! Very impressive I know! The night was exceptionally fun; we learned a lot and had great conversations. I can’t wait to go back with Lane-Bear!
On 12-08 Nativ had its Menorah making party! I’ve been excited for this day ever since I saw the Nativ promo video with people making their own Menorah’s! It was loads of fun, I made mine look like an Israeli flag with the candles in the middle….On top it says “I love Israel” in Hebrew and Nativ 29.
The football team won another game this week! And I almost made an extra point! It was very exciting to say the least- who knew a girl like me would have so much fun playing sports! I’m actually really sad to say that we only have two games left, maybe ill be able to start a girls league at college next year…
Speaking of college- Rhyan, Josh O., Stephainie, and I talked to a bunch of college advisors/ high school guidance counselors about Nativ and gap year programs yesterday. We basically said who we were and why we did Nativ. I think we all came off as though we loved the program (which we all do) and about how thankful we are we came (trust me I could talk for hours about how happy I am I came on nativ….).
I had my last JET course and I really enjoyed it I thought mark lazar was a great teacher and I learned a lot. Plus we got doughnuts which is always a plus
Today (12-10-09) I went to MeahSheriam with Liza, Miri, and Laura. Meah Shearim (Hebrew: מאה שערים‎) is one of the oldest neighborhoods in west Jerusalem, Israel, built by the original settlers of Yishuv haYashan. Today it is populated mainly by Haredi Jews. It is the most religiouse area in the world. We just walked around and dressed all frum and relig, it was weird trying to fit in in a place where we clearly didn’t belong. Maybe from now on ill go all Ortho…. Just kidding. But really I enjoyed walking aroudn down there. Very interesting…..

This shabbat Nativ took us to Yerucham and we got to see the town we will be living in. Its LITERALLY in the middle of the desert, were talking camel crossing signs! Its crazy! We were getting a tour and all of a sudden we see three donkeys walk by doing there donkey things… I don’t even know how to explain this place fully. Theres 1 shwarma place, 1 pizza place, 1 hamburger place, 2 (gasp) falafel places, and A TON OF PARKS. The parks there are great! We all went on ziplines and stuff! Sooo much fun! I know our Thursday night activities from now on! While in Yerucham they took us to an Indian concert! It was sooo coool! There were little indian girls dancing and the music sucked (but Nativ made it fun so hey). Mostly it just got us really excited for Yerucham. On the way back to J-slum we stoped by Ben-Gurion’s house and did a tour there. Just like pilgrimage but this time I wasn’t as tired… afterwards we went on a short hike and then came back.
Hanukah here so far has been kinda weird. They don’t do that much. Im used to full out christmas decorations and trees, but in Israel they have Menorahs lighting the way and doughnuts everwhere. Although I must say I have yet to have a latka! Shocker I know! Pam you know what to do when I get home! LATKES! Anyways the holiday here is very low-key. Kids don’t get presents every night and they make it more about the mirical and not the celebrations. Its acutally a nice change and I really enjoy it.
Nativ is having a Hanukah party tonight so we will see how that goes…