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