Hello everyone. I have been in
Israel for almost a week now and I would like to tell you a little bit about what I have been up to. I had a very relaxing flight to
Newark with a whole row to myself. When I got to
Newark, I was surprised to see that my gate had been totally blocked off for an extra security process. We had our bags looked through, went through a metal detector, and walked past bomb sniffing dogs. I finally made it on to the packed plane and settled in for the long flight. I filled my time by watching the terrible movie GI Joe and also got in some episodes of the office and 30 rock.
After arriving, I was greeted by my mom’s cousin Carol – who lives in Israel and whose house I was staying at for the first weekend. We had a great Friday night dinner that night with Carol’s daughter Shir, and her husband spending the night. The next day, I went with Carol’s son and daughter to Tel Aviv where it was a gorgeous day as we walked along the beach from Yafo to Tel Aviv and getting delicious ice cream and a nice lunch.
On Sunday, Carol took me to a typical tourist attraction called mini Israel where scale models of famous Israel locations are laid out to make a miniature version of Israel. It was very interesting to see and learn about the different Israeli landmarks and where they are.
On Monday it was time for me to go to Ramla and meet up with my group. After 30 minutes of looking for my apartment caused by confusion between the two Joshes in the group, I finally made to 18 Weizmann Street, my new home. I am living with 2 other guys and 2 girls. There is Ben, who is an Ohio State student, Jeff, Rachel, and Falan. We get along very well and enjoy hanging out together. I sleep on the top of a bunk bed in the guys room.
We spent a week of orientation with our coordinator Nir. He has taught us some geographical, historical, and political lessons about Israel. We also received an introductory Hebrew lesson so that we could know some things to say before we start Ulpan. I have been having a really great time with my new friends and I can’t wait to learn some more Hebrew, and begin volunteering.
