Courtesy of Oranim:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/israelservicecorps/sets/72157623175618217/
Friday, February 5, 2010
Sleeping in, Tea, Dinner, Games
Whenever I am away from home, I always wake up at 7am, sometimes I can get back to sleep, but it's like my internal alarm clock is stuck on 7am. So, even though I went to bed between 4 and 5 this morning, my eyes snapped wide open at 7am - and I was having a pretty strange dream at the time that involved digging and a cemetery - so my mind was also racing and rather confused. Compounded perhaps from the lack of sleep after a night in Tel Aviv.
Actually got out of bed around 10 or 11, and did some work here. The middle part of the day is a blur, but at some point in the later afternoon I headed to Nicole's for some tea. We spoke for about two hours when I realized the time, and that I had to head home to pick up the wine for kiddush and some other things to prepare for shabbat. We were doing an all male shabbat, and the women were doing an all women shabbat. I heard there was a reason, but I don't know the details. Regardless, it was amazing.
In my experience, for Shabbat dinner, women are typically the authority. In religious households, I get the sense that women run the show in the house, especially shabbat dinner even when the men do kiddush. Women light the candles. So, when we decided to have separate Shabbat dinners for the men and women this evening, my initial response: where are we going to find a shabbos - woman (it's a play on a shabbos - goy, a non jewish friend who takes care of all the stuff you are forbidden to do on shabbat, it is more of a saying since actually having a shabbos goy would not be in the spirit of shabbat, which I think is more important sometimes than the specific rules).
I said Kiddush and Hamotzi for the table, we skipped any singing since we didn't want the food to get cold and sat down to some delicious steaks, roasted potatoes, an amazing fruit salad, and amazing pasta. It was all so good. The whole evening was wonderful, very much in the spirit of shabbat, with lots of good conversation, toasts, stories, and of course some jokes.
We finished with some tea (never benched) and then a few of us headed over to the villa where people were playing card games. I decided that I am going to look for a good backgammon set. I don't think I want to volunteer in the retirement home, but there is a park in Ramla, and apparently some of the older men from Ramla go there and play backgammon during the day. It might be a great opportunity to hear some good stories and practice my hebrew.
When I was in Jerusalem on the roof, I could see down into a private courtyard where tables were set up and a few games were going. It seems like a great way to connect with people. I guess I am thinking about my dad and his friendship with Pando, and how it blossomed over backgammon and continues on today.
No plans for shabbat day, except to make french toast. Hopefully, we have all the ingredients.
Actually got out of bed around 10 or 11, and did some work here. The middle part of the day is a blur, but at some point in the later afternoon I headed to Nicole's for some tea. We spoke for about two hours when I realized the time, and that I had to head home to pick up the wine for kiddush and some other things to prepare for shabbat. We were doing an all male shabbat, and the women were doing an all women shabbat. I heard there was a reason, but I don't know the details. Regardless, it was amazing.
In my experience, for Shabbat dinner, women are typically the authority. In religious households, I get the sense that women run the show in the house, especially shabbat dinner even when the men do kiddush. Women light the candles. So, when we decided to have separate Shabbat dinners for the men and women this evening, my initial response: where are we going to find a shabbos - woman (it's a play on a shabbos - goy, a non jewish friend who takes care of all the stuff you are forbidden to do on shabbat, it is more of a saying since actually having a shabbos goy would not be in the spirit of shabbat, which I think is more important sometimes than the specific rules).
I said Kiddush and Hamotzi for the table, we skipped any singing since we didn't want the food to get cold and sat down to some delicious steaks, roasted potatoes, an amazing fruit salad, and amazing pasta. It was all so good. The whole evening was wonderful, very much in the spirit of shabbat, with lots of good conversation, toasts, stories, and of course some jokes.
We finished with some tea (never benched) and then a few of us headed over to the villa where people were playing card games. I decided that I am going to look for a good backgammon set. I don't think I want to volunteer in the retirement home, but there is a park in Ramla, and apparently some of the older men from Ramla go there and play backgammon during the day. It might be a great opportunity to hear some good stories and practice my hebrew.
When I was in Jerusalem on the roof, I could see down into a private courtyard where tables were set up and a few games were going. It seems like a great way to connect with people. I guess I am thinking about my dad and his friendship with Pando, and how it blossomed over backgammon and continues on today.
No plans for shabbat day, except to make french toast. Hopefully, we have all the ingredients.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Post Office, Tel Aviv, Birthday
I returned once again to the post office today. I find the Israeli post frustrating. I think back to reading Bill Bryson's, "I'm a stranger here myself". In it, he describes the differences between the U.S. postal service and the UK postal service. At least mail makes it to the destination there.
They have a tracking system here in Israel, but for some reason, my mail doesn't seem to be trackable, which I find hilarious after having gone through the trouble of locating the package details.
Armed with the package number, I made my way into the post office, and empty handed, much later, back out of the post office. So much for that. I decided to just eat the cost, and head to a place that can fix the phone. It could be months I was told at the post office. I explained it was sent express. They told me it doesn't matter once it's in Israel, it will get here when it gets here. Could be two months, but check back tomorrow.
The local place told me that they couldn't do that type of fix, so I headed in to Tel Aviv - where I was told they could, but they were closing early that day. The other place I checked said for 250 Shekels they could try to fix it. I said no.
I walked around, and then tried on a Marmot Jacket. It's the problem I always have, the long arms fit in a Large size jacket, but my body is closer to a small or medium. I told them it was to expensive, they offered me a lower price (never pay full price for anything here) and I said I had already stated my maximum, make me an offer that I can't leave the store without the jacket. They didn't meet my offer, so I left.
Down in the basement of the Dizengoff center I purchased some guitar strings for Izy and then had dinner. They have these booths set up and you pay a set price for a container, and they fill it with any selection of items. Because I was eating there, it didn't have to be able to close. So, we stacked on lots of things. At the end, the woman helping me put some additional items on so that I could try different things. I liked her way of thinking.
A nice walk down Dizengoff ended that part of my trip, and I headed towards Rothschild.
I ended up arriving just before the others from Ramla were arriving at Bala (it means bale of hay I was told), an awesome bar hidden away behind Max Brenner. We were there for a good 5 hours, during which many people came. It was nice at the beginning, and I was able to talk to Nicole for an hour or two and we had the cake that I brought. It was awesome the whole night, but at the beginning you could hear people a lot easier.
I decided to drink cava, and since I am trying not to mix alcohol, once I started with cava, I committed myself for the night. Yael came between 11 and 12, and we spent quite a while catching up and chatting with other people. It was lovely to see her again.
I never found Ben - who was hoping to find us, but Nick eventually joined us and many of his fellow Ness Tsyiona participants came as well. I had a lot of fun, and really enjoyed the party, the people, everything basically.
They have a tracking system here in Israel, but for some reason, my mail doesn't seem to be trackable, which I find hilarious after having gone through the trouble of locating the package details.
Armed with the package number, I made my way into the post office, and empty handed, much later, back out of the post office. So much for that. I decided to just eat the cost, and head to a place that can fix the phone. It could be months I was told at the post office. I explained it was sent express. They told me it doesn't matter once it's in Israel, it will get here when it gets here. Could be two months, but check back tomorrow.
The local place told me that they couldn't do that type of fix, so I headed in to Tel Aviv - where I was told they could, but they were closing early that day. The other place I checked said for 250 Shekels they could try to fix it. I said no.
I walked around, and then tried on a Marmot Jacket. It's the problem I always have, the long arms fit in a Large size jacket, but my body is closer to a small or medium. I told them it was to expensive, they offered me a lower price (never pay full price for anything here) and I said I had already stated my maximum, make me an offer that I can't leave the store without the jacket. They didn't meet my offer, so I left.
Down in the basement of the Dizengoff center I purchased some guitar strings for Izy and then had dinner. They have these booths set up and you pay a set price for a container, and they fill it with any selection of items. Because I was eating there, it didn't have to be able to close. So, we stacked on lots of things. At the end, the woman helping me put some additional items on so that I could try different things. I liked her way of thinking.
A nice walk down Dizengoff ended that part of my trip, and I headed towards Rothschild.
I ended up arriving just before the others from Ramla were arriving at Bala (it means bale of hay I was told), an awesome bar hidden away behind Max Brenner. We were there for a good 5 hours, during which many people came. It was nice at the beginning, and I was able to talk to Nicole for an hour or two and we had the cake that I brought. It was awesome the whole night, but at the beginning you could hear people a lot easier.
I decided to drink cava, and since I am trying not to mix alcohol, once I started with cava, I committed myself for the night. Yael came between 11 and 12, and we spent quite a while catching up and chatting with other people. It was lovely to see her again.
I never found Ben - who was hoping to find us, but Nick eventually joined us and many of his fellow Ness Tsyiona participants came as well. I had a lot of fun, and really enjoyed the party, the people, everything basically.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
The Big Souk
I checked out the market after Ulpan, it's supposed to be a bigger market because the vendors from Lod come as well to Ramla. I went over hoping to get some awesome bargains, and ended up leaving with food that is about the same price as the supermarket. At the super market I can use my credit card, which I prefer (then I get the points!)
I made some onions, peppers, garlic and mushrooms for lunch - browned the onions and then saute'd the remaining vegetables in olive oil. We haven't gotten a frying pan yet, so I make it in the bottom of a pot. It's deceiving to cook like that since you can't see the color of the stuff you are cooking, it all looks darker. There is also very little light in the kitchen, which makes it more complicated to cook in general. The light in the bedroom flickers as well (and I just went out and bought a new bulb, hoping that would be the solution, but I guess not).
Because of the holiday, we had a shortened first week of intensive ulpan, and there was an attempt to cut this week's ulpan short as well. However, we made it clear that we wanted the ulpan over a tour of Ramla for Thursday.
My ability to write in hebrew with the alef bet in cursive is dramatically improving, however, I am finding that my ability to spell things correctly is not as good. Michal, our ulpan teacher, has told me not to worry, but when there are no vowels, I foresee this problem becoming a real problem. Right now, you can read it phonetically, and understand what I write. I am also very curious about the vowels, and rules around them. But, these are topics beyond the scope of the ulpan.
I made some onions, peppers, garlic and mushrooms for lunch - browned the onions and then saute'd the remaining vegetables in olive oil. We haven't gotten a frying pan yet, so I make it in the bottom of a pot. It's deceiving to cook like that since you can't see the color of the stuff you are cooking, it all looks darker. There is also very little light in the kitchen, which makes it more complicated to cook in general. The light in the bedroom flickers as well (and I just went out and bought a new bulb, hoping that would be the solution, but I guess not).
Because of the holiday, we had a shortened first week of intensive ulpan, and there was an attempt to cut this week's ulpan short as well. However, we made it clear that we wanted the ulpan over a tour of Ramla for Thursday.
My ability to write in hebrew with the alef bet in cursive is dramatically improving, however, I am finding that my ability to spell things correctly is not as good. Michal, our ulpan teacher, has told me not to worry, but when there are no vowels, I foresee this problem becoming a real problem. Right now, you can read it phonetically, and understand what I write. I am also very curious about the vowels, and rules around them. But, these are topics beyond the scope of the ulpan.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Where is the Sherut to Rehovot?
After Ulpan, I headed to the supermarket. I decided to buy hummus. Yesterday, I didn't look closely, and instead bought a giant tub of Baba Ghanoush. Still good, but in small quantities only. Hummus though, you can pile onto everything. Hummus on crackers, hummon on pita... hummus in your wine... it's great everywhere!
(maybe not the wine, unless it is white wine, which can only improve)
Bought lots of vegetables, and then decided I didn't feel like cooking, so I made myself a plate of hummus, with a couple of olives, and some pita (see!) and was full in no time.
I decided to make a trip to Rehovot, which means I needed to find the sherut. It's one of those things where you remember seeing one pass you, but you can't remember where. It was Herzl street. Now though, I have an idea of where it goes, and I think I could pick it up closer to the apartment.
I have been really impressed with the eclectic taste in music of my fellow participants, so I bought a hard drive after asking a bunch of them if I could borrow some of their music (Izy, my roommate, writes some of his own stuff, and I am hoping to get copies of some things if he has recorded them). My computer, the antique, is going strong, but has some memory issues. It's reached it's peak, and I don't have much I can even delete to make more room.
I got a tax free sheet, so I might even get some money back, which is always nice.
At the CellCom store, I tried to get them to change the menu's on my voicemail to english. No luck. At least they aren't in arabic anymore, now we are in Hebrew. Maybe next time I stop in, it will work. Again it was one of those things where I was persistent, and when it became apparent that this was really important to me, the gentleman there bent over backwards for me, trying to find someone to help me solve my issue (in the end, no success, but effort appreciated).
I found a TJ Maxx equivalent and purchased some glassware for the house, much needed. Mazi, one of the city coordinators, has a list from me of our needs, which I hope will be here in the next few days. However, there were things that were cut, so we have some shopping to do.
I also went to a bookstore and finally bought an ivrit - anglit dictionary. I am pretty excited about it.
Rehovot was a nice place to walk around, and I even found a restaurant that Nir mentioned as highly recommended for meat dishes. It has a beautiful terrace, and I hope to come back with either a friend (preferable) or a book (not a bad second) and spend some time people watching and enjoying the open air seating.
Once back, I cooked some pasta and turned a boring red sauce into something tasty with vegetables from today's trip. I also opened a bottle of Carmel 2007 Ridge Red, which is opening up nicely.
Nicole, from Oranim 28, has a birthday coming up. So I have emailed Platinum Concierge regarding finding a Karaoke place as she was hoping to find for this Thursday. Hopefully that works out.
I also have yet to hear back from family regarding if I can do Shabbat by them this week in Jerusalem, I am very excited about meeting my family here in Israel.
(maybe not the wine, unless it is white wine, which can only improve)
Bought lots of vegetables, and then decided I didn't feel like cooking, so I made myself a plate of hummus, with a couple of olives, and some pita (see!) and was full in no time.
I decided to make a trip to Rehovot, which means I needed to find the sherut. It's one of those things where you remember seeing one pass you, but you can't remember where. It was Herzl street. Now though, I have an idea of where it goes, and I think I could pick it up closer to the apartment.
I have been really impressed with the eclectic taste in music of my fellow participants, so I bought a hard drive after asking a bunch of them if I could borrow some of their music (Izy, my roommate, writes some of his own stuff, and I am hoping to get copies of some things if he has recorded them). My computer, the antique, is going strong, but has some memory issues. It's reached it's peak, and I don't have much I can even delete to make more room.
I got a tax free sheet, so I might even get some money back, which is always nice.
At the CellCom store, I tried to get them to change the menu's on my voicemail to english. No luck. At least they aren't in arabic anymore, now we are in Hebrew. Maybe next time I stop in, it will work. Again it was one of those things where I was persistent, and when it became apparent that this was really important to me, the gentleman there bent over backwards for me, trying to find someone to help me solve my issue (in the end, no success, but effort appreciated).
I found a TJ Maxx equivalent and purchased some glassware for the house, much needed. Mazi, one of the city coordinators, has a list from me of our needs, which I hope will be here in the next few days. However, there were things that were cut, so we have some shopping to do.
I also went to a bookstore and finally bought an ivrit - anglit dictionary. I am pretty excited about it.
Rehovot was a nice place to walk around, and I even found a restaurant that Nir mentioned as highly recommended for meat dishes. It has a beautiful terrace, and I hope to come back with either a friend (preferable) or a book (not a bad second) and spend some time people watching and enjoying the open air seating.
Once back, I cooked some pasta and turned a boring red sauce into something tasty with vegetables from today's trip. I also opened a bottle of Carmel 2007 Ridge Red, which is opening up nicely.
Nicole, from Oranim 28, has a birthday coming up. So I have emailed Platinum Concierge regarding finding a Karaoke place as she was hoping to find for this Thursday. Hopefully that works out.
I also have yet to hear back from family regarding if I can do Shabbat by them this week in Jerusalem, I am very excited about meeting my family here in Israel.
Monday, February 1, 2010
There is always a party going on above me when I am sleeping
As promised, a photo of the wall drawing that I sleep under.
Meeting with Momo and seeing some more volunteer opportunities
A meeting with Momo is always a special occasion - Momo speaks about love, for people and country, it comes from the heart and is always moving to hear him speak. It is also the birthday of my roommate.
What better situation to have a party could one imagine.
This morning we started with meetings with Nir, we heard about some different opportunities to Volunteer at various places including the Ben Gurion school. During the presentation, I asked about volunteering in areas where we wouldn't use English.
The schools desire english speakers - but to be put into that bubble is a very frustrating idea. My peers and I are accomplished individuals, our ability to speak English is just a small part of our persona. We have so much to offer, speaking English is nowhere near the top of the list.
Volunteering in English makes me feel under-utilized. It's putting my college degree, my traveling, my training as an RA both at Swarthmore and in Spain with CTY to waste. I am going to keep talking to them about helping the kids with other subjects if I am working in a school. I not only have extensive experience in higher level mathematics, but I also have tutored kids in Mathematics as well with teenagers.
I can speak math. Probably better than I speak english.
They just started singing Billy Joel songs, I think it's time to rejoin the party.
What better situation to have a party could one imagine.
This morning we started with meetings with Nir, we heard about some different opportunities to Volunteer at various places including the Ben Gurion school. During the presentation, I asked about volunteering in areas where we wouldn't use English.
The schools desire english speakers - but to be put into that bubble is a very frustrating idea. My peers and I are accomplished individuals, our ability to speak English is just a small part of our persona. We have so much to offer, speaking English is nowhere near the top of the list.
Volunteering in English makes me feel under-utilized. It's putting my college degree, my traveling, my training as an RA both at Swarthmore and in Spain with CTY to waste. I am going to keep talking to them about helping the kids with other subjects if I am working in a school. I not only have extensive experience in higher level mathematics, but I also have tutored kids in Mathematics as well with teenagers.
I can speak math. Probably better than I speak english.
They just started singing Billy Joel songs, I think it's time to rejoin the party.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Ulpan and a walk
Ramla doesn't seem to have a bookstore I discovered.
After coming back and having some lunch, I made some thinly sliced potatoes with some spices in the toaster oven (hoping to get the actual oven fixed later this week) and some spinach and sautéed onions with a little garlic. It was delicious. I also noshed on some hummus while I cooked and had a glass of wine.
Went out after and headed back to the Takanah Merkazit, but there wasn't a bookstore there as I was told. I was able to drop a letter in the mail. I needed it to arrive in the next few days in the United States, which means that it cost close to 70 Shekels. I still haven't received my phone that my dad sent nearly two weeks ago.
Meandered through the Souk, before coming back to the house to take a shower.
Nick sent me information for a Reggae concert tomorrow, which would be a lot of fun. I haven't been to a reggae concert yet (always hoping my first would be Matisyahu, but it could be my second or third...)
After coming back and having some lunch, I made some thinly sliced potatoes with some spices in the toaster oven (hoping to get the actual oven fixed later this week) and some spinach and sautéed onions with a little garlic. It was delicious. I also noshed on some hummus while I cooked and had a glass of wine.
Went out after and headed back to the Takanah Merkazit, but there wasn't a bookstore there as I was told. I was able to drop a letter in the mail. I needed it to arrive in the next few days in the United States, which means that it cost close to 70 Shekels. I still haven't received my phone that my dad sent nearly two weeks ago.
Meandered through the Souk, before coming back to the house to take a shower.
Nick sent me information for a Reggae concert tomorrow, which would be a lot of fun. I haven't been to a reggae concert yet (always hoping my first would be Matisyahu, but it could be my second or third...)
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