Wow! A month is almost done! 4 more months!
Showstopping Saturday: I worked on homework pretty much all day. For lunch, I went to get Chinese food with Nathan. In the afternoon/early evening, I went for a walk and then a sunset swim. Pretty boring day lol.
Secret Sunday: After Ulpan, I went with Rachel to get Sushi. The place wasn't that great. And then I did even more homework. Another exciting day!
Merrica Monday: Ulpan! That night we went to Pardes, the Jewish Institute, and we split up to do some learning. I went with the group that learned how the 12 steps to AA coincides with the Torah. Then we head off to the Old City. There, we sat on the roof of a building and we learned a little about Yom Kippur and ourselves. We also got to hear some music from the Music participants (they are in a program like Career Israel but they do something with music, i think). Ready for the best part? We got to experience the Selichot service at the Kotel (Western Wall). There were so many people there. It was such a cool experience. The only downside is that we got back at 3:30am.
Taco Tuesday: Sadly, I did not have any tacos. But, I went to the beach, cleaned, and made wacky man aka kosher mac n cheese for my pre-fast meal. That's all I did that day.
Wonderful Wednesday: Welp! I woke up sick! BOO! But, I did take a walk to the marina and watched the sunset. The coolest part was that we were able to walk in the road because it was Yom Kippur and there were no cars on the road! On the way back to the apartment, I heard the end of the Yom Kippur services and heard the shofar being blown. Oh and I did a few cartwheels on the road too!
Thinking Thursday: Last Day Of Ulpan! We also went on a field trip to the West Bank! We learned about Ariel, a settlement. We also went to Shiloh, Israel's first capital, It was really interesting to learn that that spot was where supposedly, the tribes started out. We also went to a winery in Shiloh and tried some okay tasting wines. All in all, I had a fun time!
Fresh Friday! Another Field Trip! We went to one of my favorite cities: YAFO! We walked around a bit and learned some history. Then we ate lunch together. Afterwards, I came back to my apartment to relax because I am still sick. :(
Next week we head North!
XOXO
-Haley
Interning In Israel: Going Back to the Homelanf
Studying Abroad in Israel Summer 2014
Friday, September 25, 2015
Friday, September 18, 2015
Some Pictures Of My Trip So Far!
Hello! Here is just a few of the pictures I have taken so far! The caption will explain under the picture what the picture is about.
This picture is of the Kotel (Western Wall).
This was taken in the Kotel Tunnels.
I made that Challah!
Kit-Kat flavored milk in a bag.
Swimming in the Mediterranean Sea.
Sunset at the beach today (9.18.15)
Another sunset pic from tonight.
Yup! Another pic from tonight! But, this is the view from the sea!
A group of us at NATAL, a trauma center.
A group of us at the Kotel.
My group sifting (or shifting, as I call it) at the archaeological dig.
Chanah and I at Cafe Greg. (Look at the cups!)
Carol and I outside near Rachel's Tomb.
Rachel and I swimming.
Week 3 in Israel!
Shabbat Shalom Y'all!
I'd like to start off the blog stating that I will be posting 2 blogs today. One will be this one saying what I did this week. The other one will be 10-15 pictures that I love from the first 3 weeks. Enjoy!
Caturday Saturday! It was a beach day for me! Saturday night we met up at the other apartment building to head out to a club. The thing is, the club was filled with older people and it wasn't our vibe, so we left. So...we went to the beach bar again! It was a good time. I love chill nights at bars or small parties where you can talk to other people. Clubs are good if you want to dance, or you can dance anywhere because nobody says you can't. lol So that was my Saturday. I know, so busy!
Sunday Funday! I mostly slept all day. Rosh Hashanah started Sunday night. For those who are reading this and are thinking, "What in the world is Rosh Hashanah?" Well, I guess I can tell you. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. We celebrate with apples and honey to symbolize a sweet year. We also take the time to cast away our sins by throwing bread (to symbolize our sins) in a flowing body of water, like a river. This year, I made myself a little Rosh Hashanah dinner. I had chicken, apples, honey, and honey cake! (Don't worry! I said my prayers!). :) I also worked on the video (that like took forever to edit! ugh!) that I posted this week. Plus I got to jam out to music! Bonus!
Manic Monday! Another Beach Day! Then I came back and studied some Ivrit (Hebrew) and watched some Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Then, we went back to the beach for a sunset swim (My new favorite thing!). Then we went back to my melon juice place! I had the Tuna sandwich and OMG so good! We then went out (Hannah, Nathan, and I) to this place that is all about Chocolate. I had a chocolate martini. It was sababa. Then, and THEN we went to Tony Vespa to get pizza and Oh Em Gee, it is to die for! SO GOOD! Ah-Maze-Ing Pizza!
Terrific Tuesday! I slept. I cleaned. I went for another sunset swim. Watched some Buffy, Ya know, the usual. After the sunset swim, I came back and cooked some dinner. Then we went out again because Nathan wanted Tony Vespa again. I didn't want any so ya. Then the 3 of us, Nathan, Hannah, and I, got some yummy gelato. So yum
Wacky Wednesday! Ulpan Returns! I had a headache so I went back to sleep after Ulpan. Then I had yummy lunch, Here's a recipe:
cut tomatoes (however small you prefer)
cut cucumber (same)
cut any type of cheese into pieces
olive oil
mix together
There you go! My yummy lunch recipe! Enjoy! FYI: I used Goat Gouda Cheese in mine, So Yummy! We had a speaker come in later that afternoon. He was talking to us about terrorism. I couldn't understand him too much. He kept talking and talking and talking, He lost me at some point. However, one of his stories that stood out was the story he told about when he lost his son due to a suicide bomber in Haifa. His son was on a bus when the suicide bomber ignited the bomb, I teared up a bit. After the speaker, I went food shopping and then I made eggplant parm! My favorite Italian food! It was so delicious!
Thursday Shmursday! After Ulpan, Chanah, Rachel, and I went to Cafe Greg to get some brunch. The service was as slow as molasses! Like, I waited almost an hour for my food. Ridiculous! Then, Chanah came with me to wash my sheets and towels at the laundromat. I love clean sheets. Sand gets everywhere here because Israel is well a desert. lol At 3pm, we had an Ethiopian Jewish Lady come to speak, She was awesome! Her talk was my favorite so far. She told us how her dad made her leave Ethiopia by herself at age 16 to come to Israel. She told us of her hardships and her triumphs. She is one of the leaders of the Ethiopian Jewish Community here in Israel. In the evening, Alona, Rachel and I went to the beach to watch, wait for iiiiiittttt.....The SUNSET! I love swimming in the Mediterranean sea while the sunsets. That night, Rachel, Nathan, and I went back to the beach bar to hang out. It was a good time.
Freaky Friday! Today! After Ulpan, I took a nap. Then I went to the beach again for a sunset swim, because why not? Then I heated up some green beans for a Shabbat Potluck Dinner. It was sababa. I probably could've stayed in my room, But whateves. Now I am writing this and listening to some music (My Demons by Starset is playing ATM).
So that was my week. Next week will be busier, for sure!
XOXO
-Haley
I'd like to start off the blog stating that I will be posting 2 blogs today. One will be this one saying what I did this week. The other one will be 10-15 pictures that I love from the first 3 weeks. Enjoy!
Caturday Saturday! It was a beach day for me! Saturday night we met up at the other apartment building to head out to a club. The thing is, the club was filled with older people and it wasn't our vibe, so we left. So...we went to the beach bar again! It was a good time. I love chill nights at bars or small parties where you can talk to other people. Clubs are good if you want to dance, or you can dance anywhere because nobody says you can't. lol So that was my Saturday. I know, so busy!
Sunday Funday! I mostly slept all day. Rosh Hashanah started Sunday night. For those who are reading this and are thinking, "What in the world is Rosh Hashanah?" Well, I guess I can tell you. Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year. We celebrate with apples and honey to symbolize a sweet year. We also take the time to cast away our sins by throwing bread (to symbolize our sins) in a flowing body of water, like a river. This year, I made myself a little Rosh Hashanah dinner. I had chicken, apples, honey, and honey cake! (Don't worry! I said my prayers!). :) I also worked on the video (that like took forever to edit! ugh!) that I posted this week. Plus I got to jam out to music! Bonus!
Manic Monday! Another Beach Day! Then I came back and studied some Ivrit (Hebrew) and watched some Buffy The Vampire Slayer. Then, we went back to the beach for a sunset swim (My new favorite thing!). Then we went back to my melon juice place! I had the Tuna sandwich and OMG so good! We then went out (Hannah, Nathan, and I) to this place that is all about Chocolate. I had a chocolate martini. It was sababa. Then, and THEN we went to Tony Vespa to get pizza and Oh Em Gee, it is to die for! SO GOOD! Ah-Maze-Ing Pizza!
Terrific Tuesday! I slept. I cleaned. I went for another sunset swim. Watched some Buffy, Ya know, the usual. After the sunset swim, I came back and cooked some dinner. Then we went out again because Nathan wanted Tony Vespa again. I didn't want any so ya. Then the 3 of us, Nathan, Hannah, and I, got some yummy gelato. So yum
Wacky Wednesday! Ulpan Returns! I had a headache so I went back to sleep after Ulpan. Then I had yummy lunch, Here's a recipe:
cut tomatoes (however small you prefer)
cut cucumber (same)
cut any type of cheese into pieces
olive oil
mix together
There you go! My yummy lunch recipe! Enjoy! FYI: I used Goat Gouda Cheese in mine, So Yummy! We had a speaker come in later that afternoon. He was talking to us about terrorism. I couldn't understand him too much. He kept talking and talking and talking, He lost me at some point. However, one of his stories that stood out was the story he told about when he lost his son due to a suicide bomber in Haifa. His son was on a bus when the suicide bomber ignited the bomb, I teared up a bit. After the speaker, I went food shopping and then I made eggplant parm! My favorite Italian food! It was so delicious!
Thursday Shmursday! After Ulpan, Chanah, Rachel, and I went to Cafe Greg to get some brunch. The service was as slow as molasses! Like, I waited almost an hour for my food. Ridiculous! Then, Chanah came with me to wash my sheets and towels at the laundromat. I love clean sheets. Sand gets everywhere here because Israel is well a desert. lol At 3pm, we had an Ethiopian Jewish Lady come to speak, She was awesome! Her talk was my favorite so far. She told us how her dad made her leave Ethiopia by herself at age 16 to come to Israel. She told us of her hardships and her triumphs. She is one of the leaders of the Ethiopian Jewish Community here in Israel. In the evening, Alona, Rachel and I went to the beach to watch, wait for iiiiiittttt.....The SUNSET! I love swimming in the Mediterranean sea while the sunsets. That night, Rachel, Nathan, and I went back to the beach bar to hang out. It was a good time.
Freaky Friday! Today! After Ulpan, I took a nap. Then I went to the beach again for a sunset swim, because why not? Then I heated up some green beans for a Shabbat Potluck Dinner. It was sababa. I probably could've stayed in my room, But whateves. Now I am writing this and listening to some music (My Demons by Starset is playing ATM).
So that was my week. Next week will be busier, for sure!
XOXO
-Haley
Friday, September 11, 2015
Week 2: שבוע שני
Shabbat Shalom Y'all!
Saturday I went to the beach (or Yam if we say it in Hebrew). After a fun and relaxing time at the beach, I went back and changed out of the wet bathing suits. But...PLOT TWIST...I went back to the beach to watch the Sunset! OMG so BEAUTIFUL! For dinner, I went to the one restaurant that I ate out the last night of Study Abroad. I have been craving their melon juice since then. I was so happy to have it!
Sunday was the first day of Ulpan (Hebrew class). It was really easy so I moved up a class. Then, for dinner, I made pasta! OMG! I am such a great cook! Well, after that yummiliciousness of a dinner, we went and saw Inside Out! It was such a great movie! I love it! Can I see it again?
So on Manic Monday (I love that song btw!), after Ulpan I went with Rachel to get brunch. It was pretty good. For the trip/speaker I went to NATAL, a trauma center. It was really interesting. They help with PTSD and other traumas whenever someone needs help. At night, Rachel, Sal, and I went to the beach and just relaxed and enjoyed the night. We then met up with Nathan and went to Cookeez, and ice cream cookies shop. It was ok. Then, I was hungry when I got back to my room (because I didn't have dinner), so I made schnitzel nuggets. Just as I started microwaving them, the power went off in about 5 or 6 rooms on our floor. I was hungry! I wanted my fun shaped schnitzel! But then I went down stairs and got the security guy to turn the fuse switch. I was finally able to have my dinner.
Tuesday! I woke up. It was orange outside. I thought the world was coming to an end. Ok, not really BUT, it was really weird. After some research, I learned that there was a sandstorm taking over Israel from Syria. The dust was so bad, it hurt to breathe! Anyways, after Ulpan we talked with someone about Internship dos and do nots. It was sababa. That night, Alona (my current roommate), Nathan, and I ventured out into the sandstorm to get Moses Burger. OMG HEART ATTACK! It was so yummy! I had a burger that was on a bagel and it had an egg on it. It may not sound good, but it was!
Onto Hump Day! After Ulpan a group of us saw an Israeli movie that was in Farsi. I believe it is called Baba John, but I could be mistaken. It was really slow. It literally put me to sleep. I missed the last 30 mins. Haha! For dinner, I tried to make chicken and pasta but the chicken didn't cook fully, so we just had pasta. Everyone loved it!
Thursday, oh Thursday! After Ulpan, Nathan and I walked to the shuk. On the way, an IDF soldier got spooked by a pigeon that was flying away. After the shuk, we walked about 30 mins or so to the Azrieli mall here in Tel Aviv. It was WAY too hot to walk that! At the mall we walked into H&M and they had winter clothes! In the middle of a heatwave! Like um hello? Who is going to buy that? That night I cooked the chicken. It tasted like chicken so there was that. LOL! After dinner, Nathan and I went to this place right on the beach to get drinks and snacks. He was wasted. I became the mom. I made sure we made it back alive. It was a good time. Lots of laughs.
Today! Friday! Whoo Hoo! Friday!
I pretty much slept after Ulpan. Oh! I went food shopping! Yeah! And I made stir fry! So yummy! After dinner, we went and got a very American dessert...Apple Pie! Well, now I am writing this and listening to some music! See ya next week!
XOXO
-Haley
Saturday I went to the beach (or Yam if we say it in Hebrew). After a fun and relaxing time at the beach, I went back and changed out of the wet bathing suits. But...PLOT TWIST...I went back to the beach to watch the Sunset! OMG so BEAUTIFUL! For dinner, I went to the one restaurant that I ate out the last night of Study Abroad. I have been craving their melon juice since then. I was so happy to have it!
Sunday was the first day of Ulpan (Hebrew class). It was really easy so I moved up a class. Then, for dinner, I made pasta! OMG! I am such a great cook! Well, after that yummiliciousness of a dinner, we went and saw Inside Out! It was such a great movie! I love it! Can I see it again?
So on Manic Monday (I love that song btw!), after Ulpan I went with Rachel to get brunch. It was pretty good. For the trip/speaker I went to NATAL, a trauma center. It was really interesting. They help with PTSD and other traumas whenever someone needs help. At night, Rachel, Sal, and I went to the beach and just relaxed and enjoyed the night. We then met up with Nathan and went to Cookeez, and ice cream cookies shop. It was ok. Then, I was hungry when I got back to my room (because I didn't have dinner), so I made schnitzel nuggets. Just as I started microwaving them, the power went off in about 5 or 6 rooms on our floor. I was hungry! I wanted my fun shaped schnitzel! But then I went down stairs and got the security guy to turn the fuse switch. I was finally able to have my dinner.
Tuesday! I woke up. It was orange outside. I thought the world was coming to an end. Ok, not really BUT, it was really weird. After some research, I learned that there was a sandstorm taking over Israel from Syria. The dust was so bad, it hurt to breathe! Anyways, after Ulpan we talked with someone about Internship dos and do nots. It was sababa. That night, Alona (my current roommate), Nathan, and I ventured out into the sandstorm to get Moses Burger. OMG HEART ATTACK! It was so yummy! I had a burger that was on a bagel and it had an egg on it. It may not sound good, but it was!
Onto Hump Day! After Ulpan a group of us saw an Israeli movie that was in Farsi. I believe it is called Baba John, but I could be mistaken. It was really slow. It literally put me to sleep. I missed the last 30 mins. Haha! For dinner, I tried to make chicken and pasta but the chicken didn't cook fully, so we just had pasta. Everyone loved it!
Thursday, oh Thursday! After Ulpan, Nathan and I walked to the shuk. On the way, an IDF soldier got spooked by a pigeon that was flying away. After the shuk, we walked about 30 mins or so to the Azrieli mall here in Tel Aviv. It was WAY too hot to walk that! At the mall we walked into H&M and they had winter clothes! In the middle of a heatwave! Like um hello? Who is going to buy that? That night I cooked the chicken. It tasted like chicken so there was that. LOL! After dinner, Nathan and I went to this place right on the beach to get drinks and snacks. He was wasted. I became the mom. I made sure we made it back alive. It was a good time. Lots of laughs.
Today! Friday! Whoo Hoo! Friday!
I pretty much slept after Ulpan. Oh! I went food shopping! Yeah! And I made stir fry! So yummy! After dinner, we went and got a very American dessert...Apple Pie! Well, now I am writing this and listening to some music! See ya next week!
XOXO
-Haley
Friday, September 4, 2015
First Blog Post From Israel!
Shalom!
This blog is just a highlight of my first 5 days in Israel! So far I have met so many amazing and nice people from all around the world! There are people from the USA, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Russia, Germany, and Australia! I'm excited for the next 5 months!
Here is what I have doe so far:
On Monday I flew into Tel Aviv and then I took a Sherut to Jerusalem. Once I got to the Hostel that we were staying in, a few of the other people on the trip and I went out to Ben Yehuda Street. We grabbed dinner at a pizza place and then we went to a bar and had a drink.
On Tuesday, we had check in and room assignments. Once I had all my stuff moved into my new room, I went to dinner. After dinner we split into groups and did ice breakers so everyone could get to know each other.
On Wednesday, we had a rules and regulations meeting. Afterwards, we jumped onto buses and headed to an archaeological site where we got to shift through rocks to find artifacts that were from the Temple Mount. Some of the artifacts are from thousands of years ago. Afterwards, we went to the shuk and did a tasting where we stopped at a few stops. I got to be the guinea pig at this one place. (check out the video that will be posted soon to see what I'm talking about because it's hard to explain lol). We then hopped back onto the buses and headed to the Old City. We had some good luck wishes with wine and then we had dinner in the old city. I was so excited to have falafel and shawarma! After dinner, a few of us went down to the Kotel to pray. Then, the big group split into 3 groups and went into the kotel tunnels. The tunnels are incredible. I so recommend doing the tour! Once we returned to the hostel, we did a lottery for room assignments for Tel Aviv. Since my internship is in Jerusalem, I'll be in Tel Aviv for 3 weeks and then I'll be moving to Jerusalem for the rest of my time here in Jerusalem.
On Thursday, we had a guy come in and talk to us about Jerusalem's history and how it is currently. Then, we split up into 3 groups for 3 different tours. I picked the security tour. We saw the border of West Jerusalem and West Bank. Then, we went to Rachel's Tomb. While we were there, some Palestinians threw some stones near the security check point. (Rachel's Tomb is next to Bethlehem in the West Bank). We witnessed the IDF come in and fire some warning shots towards not at the boys and then they made sure everything was ok an that nobody got injured. After that, we had some free time on Ben Yehuda street. Then, we got back onto the buses and headed to Tel Aviv. Once we got to Tel Aviv, we checked into the apartments. I then went out to dinner with Sal, Rachel, and Nathan. We ended up at this place called Concierge. I had a drink in a boot. After that, we went to the beach and hung out there for a few before heading back to the apartment, which then I watched Buffy because she is awesome!
Today! Friday! We had a Hebrew test. But here is the thing, I know how to read Hebrew but nobody ever taught me what the words mean. So I couldn't really take the test. Then the ladies headed off to the Chabad where we made Challah. It was so yummy! After that, we had some free time so i went to the beach and then did a little grocery shopping. I was got some apples and some other yummy stuff! I also found mousse and hair spray! FINALLY! Then, I went back to my room and got ready for Shabbat. We had a group meeting where we ended up saying what we expect to get out of the program by the end of the 5 months. I really want to be fluent in Hebrew and to end up with a job before I leave Israel. Then, I headed off to a conservative service. I liked the service but it seemed to reform for my liking. Then everyone met up at the orthodox temple for a yummy dinner. And well, now I am here writing this blog and trying not to fall asleep. Especially after all the schvitzin' I have been doing all week. haha
Stay tuned for more blog throughout my journey!!
XOXO
-Haley
This blog is just a highlight of my first 5 days in Israel! So far I have met so many amazing and nice people from all around the world! There are people from the USA, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Russia, Germany, and Australia! I'm excited for the next 5 months!
Here is what I have doe so far:
On Monday I flew into Tel Aviv and then I took a Sherut to Jerusalem. Once I got to the Hostel that we were staying in, a few of the other people on the trip and I went out to Ben Yehuda Street. We grabbed dinner at a pizza place and then we went to a bar and had a drink.
On Tuesday, we had check in and room assignments. Once I had all my stuff moved into my new room, I went to dinner. After dinner we split into groups and did ice breakers so everyone could get to know each other.
On Wednesday, we had a rules and regulations meeting. Afterwards, we jumped onto buses and headed to an archaeological site where we got to shift through rocks to find artifacts that were from the Temple Mount. Some of the artifacts are from thousands of years ago. Afterwards, we went to the shuk and did a tasting where we stopped at a few stops. I got to be the guinea pig at this one place. (check out the video that will be posted soon to see what I'm talking about because it's hard to explain lol). We then hopped back onto the buses and headed to the Old City. We had some good luck wishes with wine and then we had dinner in the old city. I was so excited to have falafel and shawarma! After dinner, a few of us went down to the Kotel to pray. Then, the big group split into 3 groups and went into the kotel tunnels. The tunnels are incredible. I so recommend doing the tour! Once we returned to the hostel, we did a lottery for room assignments for Tel Aviv. Since my internship is in Jerusalem, I'll be in Tel Aviv for 3 weeks and then I'll be moving to Jerusalem for the rest of my time here in Jerusalem.
On Thursday, we had a guy come in and talk to us about Jerusalem's history and how it is currently. Then, we split up into 3 groups for 3 different tours. I picked the security tour. We saw the border of West Jerusalem and West Bank. Then, we went to Rachel's Tomb. While we were there, some Palestinians threw some stones near the security check point. (Rachel's Tomb is next to Bethlehem in the West Bank). We witnessed the IDF come in and fire some warning shots towards not at the boys and then they made sure everything was ok an that nobody got injured. After that, we had some free time on Ben Yehuda street. Then, we got back onto the buses and headed to Tel Aviv. Once we got to Tel Aviv, we checked into the apartments. I then went out to dinner with Sal, Rachel, and Nathan. We ended up at this place called Concierge. I had a drink in a boot. After that, we went to the beach and hung out there for a few before heading back to the apartment, which then I watched Buffy because she is awesome!
Today! Friday! We had a Hebrew test. But here is the thing, I know how to read Hebrew but nobody ever taught me what the words mean. So I couldn't really take the test. Then the ladies headed off to the Chabad where we made Challah. It was so yummy! After that, we had some free time so i went to the beach and then did a little grocery shopping. I was got some apples and some other yummy stuff! I also found mousse and hair spray! FINALLY! Then, I went back to my room and got ready for Shabbat. We had a group meeting where we ended up saying what we expect to get out of the program by the end of the 5 months. I really want to be fluent in Hebrew and to end up with a job before I leave Israel. Then, I headed off to a conservative service. I liked the service but it seemed to reform for my liking. Then everyone met up at the orthodox temple for a yummy dinner. And well, now I am here writing this blog and trying not to fall asleep. Especially after all the schvitzin' I have been doing all week. haha
Stay tuned for more blog throughout my journey!!
XOXO
-Haley
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