It has been very difficult for me to find the right words to describe Yom Kippur in Israel. We heard many people telling us how quiet everything will be, no cars will drive, everyone is respectful. We were also told to walk to Herzl (the main street in Rehovot), walk to the highway, stay in the house and relax. During the day of Erev Yom Kippur, I noticed that for me it didn't feel like Yom Kippur. If I was at home, there would be stress to get everything ready for the holiday. A nice bustling atmosphere in the house. Everyone in the house would be doing things to get ready for the dinner together.
That was not the case here in Rehovot. We had a pretty relaxing day. Most of my roommates were just relaxing around the house doing their own thing. One of the Israelis graciously invited us over to his parents house for dinner. Two of my roommates decided to join him for the dinner. Another two went to one of their teachers that invited them over for dinner. One roommate decided to spend the holiday in Tel Aviv with some friends from ITF. In the end it was me and one roommate at home for dinner. It's very rare that I find time to spend quiet uninterrupted time with one roommate. It was really nice that we had the chance to just sit and really talk. We had found a conservative synagogue nearby to check out for services. Once we finished our lovely dinner we left to find our synagogue for the evening.
There were still some cars on the roads when we left the house. Some people had begun walking in the streets. We were a little hesitant to walk in the road so we decided to stay on the side walk. It was amazing to see how many people were outside on the sidewalks and just moving around the city. We found the synagogue and waited for one of our roommates to join us. A young girl came over to me and asked if I am from my school I am working in. It was pretty cool to be noticed by one of the kids. I have only been in the school two days so far. We waited for a bit and couldn't find our roommate and decided to enter the synagogue. We stood at the back. There was a section of the synagogue that was open with added chairs. But of course for Erev Yom Kippur all of the seats were taken. Quickly we were both wrapped into the services and really happy. I can describe the calm feeling of belonging that quickly overwhelmed me. After several minutes of standing in the back I convinced my roommate to go get us some machzorim. It was such a nice service, because it was so familiar. We edged closer to the light after each prayer as it became darker outside. At the end of the service the sun had fully set. We began our walk back to our house on the street :). On our way we found the roommate we had been waiting for before the service. The three of us walked back home in the middle of the street.
We heard a lot of talk about kids riding bikes on Yom Kippur. This was no joke! There were swarms of kids on their bikes. You could feel the anticipation that had been building to just ride their bikes all over the city.
When we got home one roommate stayed home and the other one, plus two more decided to walk toward the moshav. Not to May's house (she was in Jerusalem), but just toward the highway. It was so nice to be together, walk slowly, speak quietly, and just take in the feeling in the air. We approached the highway and decided to walk the opposite direction of the moshav. After quite a while we decided to turn around and head home. It was really an amazing evening together.
The next day the majority of us slept quite late. We had discussed going to services but instead decided to just spend the day relaxing at home. It was a beautiful day.
I have never had such a calm, introspective, relaxing Yom Kippur.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Rosh Hashana
I have been quite distracted with all of the high holidays to update consistently. I will try and write about each one...
Rosh Hashana
Most of the house left for the holiday. Alan and I went to pick up one of my youth group kids who is studying in Hod Hasharon. We took the bus to Tel Aviv and then the train to Hod Hasharon. It was really exciting to finally see Shana. We have spoke so many times about spending time in Israel together. One of my cousins was kind enough to pick us up from Shana's school and drive us to his place for a coffee. It was a lot of fun to see them, since it was my first time since I've been in Israel. It's amazing to think how busy I have been, how long I have been here, and still have family I haven't been able to see yet.
Two of their grandchildren were at their house. Gali is a very energetic and charismatic 6 year old. Alan, Shana, and I played a board game with Gali. I explained that Alan and Shana do not know Hebrew, yet. Gali had a quick response, that she will speak and I need to translate. It was a lot of fun. After the game her older brother Itai (a 4th grader) came to hang out with us as well. Right away I started asking him about his English classes in school. Up until this point we had listened to so many lectures about teaching English as a foreign language, and I finally had a live student to work with! I started writing words for him to read in English and then he would write words for me in Hebrew. It was a lot of fun. A lot of the things we had discussed in our seminars were finally real.
A couple of hours later my uncle and aunt from Jerusalem picked us up and we headed off to Tel Aviv. We went to my aunt's, ex-husband's, sister's house. Alan, Shana, and I just went with the flow. It was interesting to be in a new house for the chag. It was the first time I had a Rosh Hashana seder. A nice evening with a lot of Hebrew.
The next day we drove down to Be'ersheva to see my cousins. The cutest baby in the world! :) It was really nice to see family. My baby cousin is growing so much! It's amazing to see the differences in only two weeks. She was playing with my necklace, and actually ripped it off my neck. A strong little cookie. After spending the day together we headed back to Jerusalem for the night. We stopped at a small Arab/Israeli settlement, Neve Shalom, for some tasty coffee and treats. The beauty of Israel, right away Shana realized she has been to Neve Shalom several times.
The following day my uncle and aunt drove us back home to Rehovot. Friday night was spent at home together. We have Friday night dinner together almost every week. It's a really nice time together. After dinner May and her sisters came to visit and see Shana. It was fun to show off our newly acquired living room.
Overall, Rosh Hashana, was a nice relaxing beginning to the 3 weekish period of holidays and vacation here in Israel.
Rosh Hashana
Most of the house left for the holiday. Alan and I went to pick up one of my youth group kids who is studying in Hod Hasharon. We took the bus to Tel Aviv and then the train to Hod Hasharon. It was really exciting to finally see Shana. We have spoke so many times about spending time in Israel together. One of my cousins was kind enough to pick us up from Shana's school and drive us to his place for a coffee. It was a lot of fun to see them, since it was my first time since I've been in Israel. It's amazing to think how busy I have been, how long I have been here, and still have family I haven't been able to see yet.
Two of their grandchildren were at their house. Gali is a very energetic and charismatic 6 year old. Alan, Shana, and I played a board game with Gali. I explained that Alan and Shana do not know Hebrew, yet. Gali had a quick response, that she will speak and I need to translate. It was a lot of fun. After the game her older brother Itai (a 4th grader) came to hang out with us as well. Right away I started asking him about his English classes in school. Up until this point we had listened to so many lectures about teaching English as a foreign language, and I finally had a live student to work with! I started writing words for him to read in English and then he would write words for me in Hebrew. It was a lot of fun. A lot of the things we had discussed in our seminars were finally real.
A couple of hours later my uncle and aunt from Jerusalem picked us up and we headed off to Tel Aviv. We went to my aunt's, ex-husband's, sister's house. Alan, Shana, and I just went with the flow. It was interesting to be in a new house for the chag. It was the first time I had a Rosh Hashana seder. A nice evening with a lot of Hebrew.
The next day we drove down to Be'ersheva to see my cousins. The cutest baby in the world! :) It was really nice to see family. My baby cousin is growing so much! It's amazing to see the differences in only two weeks. She was playing with my necklace, and actually ripped it off my neck. A strong little cookie. After spending the day together we headed back to Jerusalem for the night. We stopped at a small Arab/Israeli settlement, Neve Shalom, for some tasty coffee and treats. The beauty of Israel, right away Shana realized she has been to Neve Shalom several times.
The following day my uncle and aunt drove us back home to Rehovot. Friday night was spent at home together. We have Friday night dinner together almost every week. It's a really nice time together. After dinner May and her sisters came to visit and see Shana. It was fun to show off our newly acquired living room.
Overall, Rosh Hashana, was a nice relaxing beginning to the 3 weekish period of holidays and vacation here in Israel.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Seminar Day with Lior :)
Tuesday September 27, 2011
After a lovely birthday celebration we woke up somewhat later than normal for programming at home with Lior. I really like our group programming, it has a totally different vibe. We are able to be in a space together to communicate, listen, and share on a different level than the rest of our time together. Our focus of course was the high holidays.
We met in pairs and one group of three. We read some Rambam quotes and discussed the meaning and explored some questions. It was really nice to think about the holidays in this way, and also share with my housemates. We wrote about our hopes for this year, and things we want to remember throughout this year. It was a very moving session.
I spent the rest of the day being a bum and relaxing. It was really nice!
In the evening our living room was finally delivered! We now have two excellent comfy couches and a coffee table. We can finally enjoy watching tv and relaxing together. A couple of my roommates and I grabbed a frozen pizza from the freezer, sauteed some onions and garlic, threw together a salad and had a fantastic quiet meal in front of the TV. The night before my uncle and aunt brought amazing ice cream. It was a fantastic finish to a quick tasty meal.
A very nice relaxing day spent in the house.
After a lovely birthday celebration we woke up somewhat later than normal for programming at home with Lior. I really like our group programming, it has a totally different vibe. We are able to be in a space together to communicate, listen, and share on a different level than the rest of our time together. Our focus of course was the high holidays.
We met in pairs and one group of three. We read some Rambam quotes and discussed the meaning and explored some questions. It was really nice to think about the holidays in this way, and also share with my housemates. We wrote about our hopes for this year, and things we want to remember throughout this year. It was a very moving session.
I spent the rest of the day being a bum and relaxing. It was really nice!
In the evening our living room was finally delivered! We now have two excellent comfy couches and a coffee table. We can finally enjoy watching tv and relaxing together. A couple of my roommates and I grabbed a frozen pizza from the freezer, sauteed some onions and garlic, threw together a salad and had a fantastic quiet meal in front of the TV. The night before my uncle and aunt brought amazing ice cream. It was a fantastic finish to a quick tasty meal.
A very nice relaxing day spent in the house.
Birthday Part Two :)
On Monday a couple of my roommates convinced me to join them on a walk to check out a gym and do some food shopping. It was really nice to spend time during daylight out on the streets together. The gym was really nice... but expensive on our stipend. The gym membership might wait for a while. We also ventured to a new grocery store. It was a really nice different store. I think it is the most "American" grocery store we have found. (Not that we were necessarily looking for one). It is a very clean, variety filled store. After buying some groceries we decided to bus back to the Shuk. It was very fun to venture through the Shuk with Alan. He is quite the pro. We came prepared and brought our backpacks, which made the walk home much easier.
Then it was nice to relax for a bit before continuing with my birthday celebrations.
In the mid afternoon we began cleaning and cooking together, preparing for our guests. It was a lot of fun to have people over to our home. (It has been a really nice shift from our house, to our home). People from Rishon, Ramle/Lod and some Israelis joined us to celebrate. It was such a great night! I was sitting on the floor enjoying some dinner, and all of a sudden I looked up to see my awesome aunt and uncle in my house. Needless to say I was confused for a second. My uncle told me he saw I was having a party on facebook, and how could they not come! It was such a wonderful surprise. Our neighbors we met recently also came by. A beautiful family, with three kids. They even brought me a present, it was so thoughtful!
May also came by after a long day of work. She brought the best present ever! A basketball :) I haven't had a chance to play yet, but I need to. It was really nice that May came and I got to see her mom. I really felt loved and enjoyed my birthday so much. I can't remember enjoying my birthday so much in several years. One of my roommates insisted on buying a birthday cake. It was really overwhelming and nice when everyone sang happy birthday.
It was just an excellent perfect night :).
Then it was nice to relax for a bit before continuing with my birthday celebrations.
In the mid afternoon we began cleaning and cooking together, preparing for our guests. It was a lot of fun to have people over to our home. (It has been a really nice shift from our house, to our home). People from Rishon, Ramle/Lod and some Israelis joined us to celebrate. It was such a great night! I was sitting on the floor enjoying some dinner, and all of a sudden I looked up to see my awesome aunt and uncle in my house. Needless to say I was confused for a second. My uncle told me he saw I was having a party on facebook, and how could they not come! It was such a wonderful surprise. Our neighbors we met recently also came by. A beautiful family, with three kids. They even brought me a present, it was so thoughtful!
May also came by after a long day of work. She brought the best present ever! A basketball :) I haven't had a chance to play yet, but I need to. It was really nice that May came and I got to see her mom. I really felt loved and enjoyed my birthday so much. I can't remember enjoying my birthday so much in several years. One of my roommates insisted on buying a birthday cake. It was really overwhelming and nice when everyone sang happy birthday.
It was just an excellent perfect night :).
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
My Birthday! :) Part 1
I had an excellent birthday! I first woke up my mom singing "happy birthday" on the phone. Then I got to speak to each of my brothers. I didn't get to talk to Stephanie because she was asleep :(. Finally I got out of bed and my roommates had decorated the house with birthday signs. It was really cute, one roommate made me coffee, one made me breakfast, and the other made me awesome cookies. I felt really loved and almost at home :).
After a nice quick morning we went to our last day at Seminar Hakibutzim. It wasn't our last day for the year, but the last day before we go visit our school placements. It was a somewhat longish morning. Lunch was nice and chill. We received presents! We each got a new Masa backpack. I am quite a back pack lover, so I was very excited to get a new backpack on my birthday. The first part of the afternoon our group had to split between the other two groups. I realized once I walked into the classroom I picked the class that did not have the people I get along with in it. Oh well, it was a quick activity. Then we were able to rejoin our "normal" group.
We had one of the best seminars together. We each were given 15 minutes to plan and prep a lesson. Then we shared each lesson with the group. I really enjoyed this activity, because it was the most realistic hands on practice we had. I loved listening to what different people had created. It was especially interesting to listen to the people without an education background. I think it will be very interesting to keep in touch throughout the year to share ideas, triumphs, and tribulations.
After a wonderful lesson, our last activity was the ultimate. We sat in a circle and each person received a lined piece of paper. The instruction was the write one sentence about something you learned or hope for each person in the group. It resulted in a really nice activity, and beautiful letters for everyone. When are class was over we headed for the bus. Somehow of all the days...we missed the first bus. The next bus took about 20-30 minutes to arrive...then we found traffic. It was the longest bus ride ever! We finally got home at 8pm. I was a little bummed about getting home so late on my birthday.
One of my roommates and I grabbed a quick shawrma right off the bus. We had a nice leisurely walk back to our house. A quick change of backpack, and we were off to the moshav. I knew I wouldn't have energy to celebrate with many people after a day of school, and especially since we arrived home so late.
It was a really nice walk to the moshav. Then two more roommates walked over. May, Ela, me, and three roommates watched a movie. We also had the best cake ever! May's mom is an incredible cake maker... for Brian's birthday she told me the cake was the taste of more, because you eat it and want more. Mine was the taste more and more! So amazingly tasty! I was really touched that I got such a great cake. May's mom also told my roommates she will be making a cake for each of their birthdays this year. One of my roommates who hadn't yet been to the moshav, expressed how nice it was to be in a home. It was one of the first times I had realized another reason I love going to the moshav. I really feel at home there and part of a family. It is a really nice change of pace once in a while.
After the best cake, and ok movie. The four of us decided to walk home from the moshav. It was a beautiful walk home. The stars were amazing. I love going for late night walks, and it was excellent to be with some of my roommates :). All in all it was an excellent start to my 25th year :)
After a nice quick morning we went to our last day at Seminar Hakibutzim. It wasn't our last day for the year, but the last day before we go visit our school placements. It was a somewhat longish morning. Lunch was nice and chill. We received presents! We each got a new Masa backpack. I am quite a back pack lover, so I was very excited to get a new backpack on my birthday. The first part of the afternoon our group had to split between the other two groups. I realized once I walked into the classroom I picked the class that did not have the people I get along with in it. Oh well, it was a quick activity. Then we were able to rejoin our "normal" group.
We had one of the best seminars together. We each were given 15 minutes to plan and prep a lesson. Then we shared each lesson with the group. I really enjoyed this activity, because it was the most realistic hands on practice we had. I loved listening to what different people had created. It was especially interesting to listen to the people without an education background. I think it will be very interesting to keep in touch throughout the year to share ideas, triumphs, and tribulations.
After a wonderful lesson, our last activity was the ultimate. We sat in a circle and each person received a lined piece of paper. The instruction was the write one sentence about something you learned or hope for each person in the group. It resulted in a really nice activity, and beautiful letters for everyone. When are class was over we headed for the bus. Somehow of all the days...we missed the first bus. The next bus took about 20-30 minutes to arrive...then we found traffic. It was the longest bus ride ever! We finally got home at 8pm. I was a little bummed about getting home so late on my birthday.
One of my roommates and I grabbed a quick shawrma right off the bus. We had a nice leisurely walk back to our house. A quick change of backpack, and we were off to the moshav. I knew I wouldn't have energy to celebrate with many people after a day of school, and especially since we arrived home so late.
It was a really nice walk to the moshav. Then two more roommates walked over. May, Ela, me, and three roommates watched a movie. We also had the best cake ever! May's mom is an incredible cake maker... for Brian's birthday she told me the cake was the taste of more, because you eat it and want more. Mine was the taste more and more! So amazingly tasty! I was really touched that I got such a great cake. May's mom also told my roommates she will be making a cake for each of their birthdays this year. One of my roommates who hadn't yet been to the moshav, expressed how nice it was to be in a home. It was one of the first times I had realized another reason I love going to the moshav. I really feel at home there and part of a family. It is a really nice change of pace once in a while.
After the best cake, and ok movie. The four of us decided to walk home from the moshav. It was a beautiful walk home. The stars were amazing. I love going for late night walks, and it was excellent to be with some of my roommates :). All in all it was an excellent start to my 25th year :)
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Best Lunch, Relaxing Time
On Wednesday Edan and Yasmin came to Seminar Hakibutzim to pick me up for lunch. I know I always talk about how amazing Aroma coffee is, but I haven't tried their food. Wow! I had the best Shakshuka sandwich ever. It was so nice to go for lunch and have a break from seminars. It was also really nice to catch up with friends. That lunch was the first time I got to see Edan in almost a year and a half or more. I could not get over sitting in the back seat with the two of them up front. I definitely will not get used to sitting in the back of the car, that's for sure. Hopefully I will get to see them again soon.
Thursday!
I have been wanting to drive for soooo long. I like taking the bus, sheruts, and trains. But I miss just getting behind the wheel and driving. I had a plan to rent a car and drive to the beach. May's mom was really gracious and let me drive their car. It was a fun surprise that May and I drove to the beach in Rishon. We just sat on the beach and talked, it's so different than my beach at home. My beach is pitch black and quiet at night. It was nice to be out of Rehovot and be able to drive. On the way home we passed Cinema City. A big movie theater I have been hearing about for the last 3 months. Only from the outside does it look really cool. Some day I plan to see it from the inside and enjoy a movie. That will have to wait until things are more settled and I have a routine with money. We got to the beach quite quickly without directional problems.... On the way home however, both May and I were tired and hungry and forgot to pay attention to the directions... We ended up in Ashdod, a good half hour away from where we live. After realizing where we were we quickly turned around and started driving home in the right direction. When we got home Ela, May's little sister was awake. We had planned to play Set, one of the best games ever. At last I won! :) Quite a fantastic accomplishment. Ela is quite good at the game. It is really nice that I feel some comfortable and at home, at May's house. It's really a happy change to just be in a home with a family. Our house is becoming more and more like our home. But it is still different.
We finally began moving in the other night. Slowly we have been unpacking our suitcases and filling up our closets. I even put things on the wall in our room. When I was in the Golan my aunt printed a picture of me, my brothers, and cousins from the Moshav when I was about 5 or 6. It is one of my favorite pictures. I also brought one of my many dream catchers. Every year my aunt and cousins make me a dream catcher for my birthday. Now I have that on my wall as well. It is really beginning to feel like my room I will live in for the year. I also added "Live, Laugh, Love". I have wooden cut outs of each word, the favorite quote from college with my college roommates. I am missing a picture of my mom and my brothers and Stephanie. I think I will print one of the funny family pictures we took before I came here and put it on the wall.
Friday!
We were supposed to have a "goodbye summer" beach party in Tel Aviv, with our Israeli counterparts and some people from Rishon and Ramle/Lod. However, the forecast for rain changed our plans. I was excited to spend the time at the beach with everyone, but I also enjoyed just being home instead. I took a fantastic nap in the afternoon. Apparently I missed the 30 second rain shower. Some of my roommates described it more like a mist than a shower. It was nice to just be a bum and spend time at home. When we decided it was time to start cooking Shabbat dinner we began to throw things together. We are cleaning our fridge this weekend. It was a fun dinner made of things we each had in the house. We attempted a tuna casserole. I think it actually came out pretty tasty. One of my roommates and I cooked the meal while the rest set the table and then cleaned after dinner. Its really nice that we have started our own Shabbat traditions. Our Shabbat candles get melted onto some tin foil, or something to that affect. Our wine last night was soda because we each forgot to buy a bottle of wine. We are starting some fun Shabbat routines, our own routines which is the best.
I'm starting to get a little excited for my birthday, turning 25 on the 25th just sounds cool. I think it is a good year to spend in Israel.
Saturday!
Today I made a very tasty omelette. Now I am enjoying some CSI on TV and a tasty coffee. I probably will do some laundry and my chore of cleaning the bathroom. I think a movie is on my schedule this evening. Probably a movie at my house or May's house. Funds are a little tight at the moment, but it is really nice to just stay home and relax. This week is Rosh Hashana, so I will not be spending many days at home. I think I will do some video chatting with home as well. My skype is always on in case anyone would like to video chat. It is so nice that my computer works again. Time to enjoy the rest of my Shabbat :)
Thursday!
I have been wanting to drive for soooo long. I like taking the bus, sheruts, and trains. But I miss just getting behind the wheel and driving. I had a plan to rent a car and drive to the beach. May's mom was really gracious and let me drive their car. It was a fun surprise that May and I drove to the beach in Rishon. We just sat on the beach and talked, it's so different than my beach at home. My beach is pitch black and quiet at night. It was nice to be out of Rehovot and be able to drive. On the way home we passed Cinema City. A big movie theater I have been hearing about for the last 3 months. Only from the outside does it look really cool. Some day I plan to see it from the inside and enjoy a movie. That will have to wait until things are more settled and I have a routine with money. We got to the beach quite quickly without directional problems.... On the way home however, both May and I were tired and hungry and forgot to pay attention to the directions... We ended up in Ashdod, a good half hour away from where we live. After realizing where we were we quickly turned around and started driving home in the right direction. When we got home Ela, May's little sister was awake. We had planned to play Set, one of the best games ever. At last I won! :) Quite a fantastic accomplishment. Ela is quite good at the game. It is really nice that I feel some comfortable and at home, at May's house. It's really a happy change to just be in a home with a family. Our house is becoming more and more like our home. But it is still different.
We finally began moving in the other night. Slowly we have been unpacking our suitcases and filling up our closets. I even put things on the wall in our room. When I was in the Golan my aunt printed a picture of me, my brothers, and cousins from the Moshav when I was about 5 or 6. It is one of my favorite pictures. I also brought one of my many dream catchers. Every year my aunt and cousins make me a dream catcher for my birthday. Now I have that on my wall as well. It is really beginning to feel like my room I will live in for the year. I also added "Live, Laugh, Love". I have wooden cut outs of each word, the favorite quote from college with my college roommates. I am missing a picture of my mom and my brothers and Stephanie. I think I will print one of the funny family pictures we took before I came here and put it on the wall.
Friday!
We were supposed to have a "goodbye summer" beach party in Tel Aviv, with our Israeli counterparts and some people from Rishon and Ramle/Lod. However, the forecast for rain changed our plans. I was excited to spend the time at the beach with everyone, but I also enjoyed just being home instead. I took a fantastic nap in the afternoon. Apparently I missed the 30 second rain shower. Some of my roommates described it more like a mist than a shower. It was nice to just be a bum and spend time at home. When we decided it was time to start cooking Shabbat dinner we began to throw things together. We are cleaning our fridge this weekend. It was a fun dinner made of things we each had in the house. We attempted a tuna casserole. I think it actually came out pretty tasty. One of my roommates and I cooked the meal while the rest set the table and then cleaned after dinner. Its really nice that we have started our own Shabbat traditions. Our Shabbat candles get melted onto some tin foil, or something to that affect. Our wine last night was soda because we each forgot to buy a bottle of wine. We are starting some fun Shabbat routines, our own routines which is the best.
I'm starting to get a little excited for my birthday, turning 25 on the 25th just sounds cool. I think it is a good year to spend in Israel.
Saturday!
Today I made a very tasty omelette. Now I am enjoying some CSI on TV and a tasty coffee. I probably will do some laundry and my chore of cleaning the bathroom. I think a movie is on my schedule this evening. Probably a movie at my house or May's house. Funds are a little tight at the moment, but it is really nice to just stay home and relax. This week is Rosh Hashana, so I will not be spending many days at home. I think I will do some video chatting with home as well. My skype is always on in case anyone would like to video chat. It is so nice that my computer works again. Time to enjoy the rest of my Shabbat :)
Thursday, September 22, 2011
First Tiyul With Akko Friends
On Tuesday we had a break from Seminar Hakibutzim and woke up early for a change. Lior and the bus picked us up at 7:30am. Quickly most people went back to sleep. We are all expert sleepers on busses now. We have had a lot of practice over the last couple of weeks on our way to and from Ramat Aviv everyday.
We picked up the Akko group from the train station in Quessaria. It was fun for me and Brian to reminisce from our first week together in Quessaria. It's amazing how much time has passed since that first week. We first went to a river, and saw a hydraulic mill. It was a very nice relaxing stroll around the reserve. Then we continued to Ancient Quessaria. This time we actually entered through the official entrance. I didn't realize how large the complex is, because the first time we just entered from the beach with Lior. It was very nice to get to walk around again. It is really beautiful along the sea.
After that Lior had the best surprise! We went on a boat! :) I didn't stop smiling during the entire afternoon. The boat ride went really fast and jumped over waves, it was really awesome! Then one of the girls from Akko and I coordinated a couple of ice breaker games. It was a lot of fun. We had our roommates feed baby food to each other while blind folded. Then in teams they had to toss a water balloon several times. It was fun to watch everyone work together and have fun.
Finally we had a great dinner on the beach. Yael from Ma'ase joined us as well. It was really nice to spend time together out of school and outside. I hadn't planned on swimming in the sea, however I don't know how I actually thought I'd be able to resist jumping in the water. Without a change of clothes, and a borrowed towel from a roommate I had a chilly ride home. However, it was a wonderful day of fun, new friends, and interesting history.
We picked up the Akko group from the train station in Quessaria. It was fun for me and Brian to reminisce from our first week together in Quessaria. It's amazing how much time has passed since that first week. We first went to a river, and saw a hydraulic mill. It was a very nice relaxing stroll around the reserve. Then we continued to Ancient Quessaria. This time we actually entered through the official entrance. I didn't realize how large the complex is, because the first time we just entered from the beach with Lior. It was very nice to get to walk around again. It is really beautiful along the sea.
After that Lior had the best surprise! We went on a boat! :) I didn't stop smiling during the entire afternoon. The boat ride went really fast and jumped over waves, it was really awesome! Then one of the girls from Akko and I coordinated a couple of ice breaker games. It was a lot of fun. We had our roommates feed baby food to each other while blind folded. Then in teams they had to toss a water balloon several times. It was fun to watch everyone work together and have fun.
Finally we had a great dinner on the beach. Yael from Ma'ase joined us as well. It was really nice to spend time together out of school and outside. I hadn't planned on swimming in the sea, however I don't know how I actually thought I'd be able to resist jumping in the water. Without a change of clothes, and a borrowed towel from a roommate I had a chilly ride home. However, it was a wonderful day of fun, new friends, and interesting history.
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