Shabbat Shalom

Another week gone by. It is now Shabbat, our day of sleeping in and relaxing. We had another potluck style Shabbat dinner last night. this time organized all on our own. We ate quite well, split a few bottles of wine, some folks pulled out the nargila on the porch, and we later played a rousing game of spoons. Now, it is noon, and I am curled up in bed in my pjs. As soon as I drag myself up, we'll head over to the beach. I'm enjoying getting used to this.

Wanted to do a recap of some excitement from the last week before we reset for another week of work. This week, hmmm, so much has been packed in its hard to choose the highlights. I'll start with the Tuesday siyur. We went to Har Adar, or Radar Hill as its called in English. One of the highest points in the country, it has been an important military location in Israel, and now, for us, a great chance to see the spread of the country. It is technically on the West Bank, although not over the dividing fence, but our guide Sheldon assured us we were safe. In addition to the lookout tower where we could see the entire width of the country including a foggy distant view of our new home Tel Aviv, Sheldon explained to us what regions we saw would become Palestine and how the country would divide should the two-state solution come through. It was informative, but above all a great view.

After Har Adar, we got back on the bus and stopped at a gas station/restaurant to eat. Most of us brought our lunch, but when we discovered that the restaurant was Elvis themed, we had to go in anyways. There were statues and murals outsise, and a complete 50s style diner look inside, complete with Elvis memorabilia and a gift shop. Seriously? We flew 11 hours out of the US to see Elvis in the holy land? Love it. Got some great pictures, especially of the Elvis statue wearing a star necklace. We were supposed to go to a monastery after lunch, but it was closed for some reason when we got there. Oh well.

Other exciting news of the week... Ulpan! We have had 2 classes now, and despite my worry I remain in level 2. There are only 2 levels, so some of us aren't exactly getting what we need, but I think it'll work out in the end. Because of the way they split the levels up, I am too advanced for level 1, but still not quite ready for level 2. There are people in my level who are much better than me, but the teacher is pretty good about catering her questions and discussions with each of us to give us what we need. She asked one of the girls next to me what she wanted in life, and they had a long discussion about wanting love and marriage and kids and a dog and the whole shebang. She came to me next, asking me what I wanted, and I responded "ani rotzah eshcoliot", meaning I want grapefruit. It may not have been philosophical or deep as the others, but I was able to answer her follow up questions so it did its job. I'll give it a little more time, and if I need to move down a level I will, but for now I am enjoying the challenge. I will surely keep you posted.

Well, I think that is all for now. I should probably begin my day eventually. The phone is up and running, so call me whenever. I would love to hear from you.

Shabbat Shalom!