So I basically haven't posted in over a week--sorry about that. I'll write what I can now, at least the highlights. (And btw, I just lost half my post, and it was definitely better the first time I wrote it... Oh well)
Tuesday, May 3- Friday, May 6Playing in J-Town. Did some shopping (so many skirts, so little time...), eating in the plethora of Kosher restaurants, drinking, seeing friends, reading, working on Casey's dreads... Really, a mix of things I consider "playing". Ran into so many people I know, some entirely random, from previous trips here, or just other parts of my life. Totally love it.
ShabbasWent to Shira Chadasha again. Ran into Dina & Sol there, which was an awesome surprise, then went over to the Merkaz for dinner. Shabbas day, I chilled with Adam, went for a walk, took a nap--normal Shabbas things. Went out with Danny after Shabbas (so fun to see him, but crazy that his dreads are gone) and did the whole town scene.
Sunday, May 8Met Harry up on
Har Hatsofim for coffee, then met Naomi over at the "Send Off Event" for students studying here this year. Clearly I don't fall into that category, but Dad wanted me to check it out, so I went. Naomi's not here on a program either, so both of us felt a little odd being there. Told people we're on PIIP
(pronounced "pip"), "Playing In Israel Program." Right... The end of the day-o-ridiculous sessions, was Natan Sharansky speaking & then a Subliminal concert. The concert was
amazing. So what that most people there were 18--we had a great time! :)
Went out for dinner with Naomi, and then Casey came over to watch a movie at my place...
Monday, May 9Went with Casey to volunteer at this amazing place in Jerusalem,
Carmei Ha'ir. They call it an "open restaurant," and it does function like a restaurant, with volunteers acting as servers. There's a box near the entrance, where people can deposit whatever amount they chose (or nothing) in return for a hot meal, served to them at their seats. The concept is so incredible... It was my first time doing any time of waiting tables, so it was a bit tough, but amazing. Carmei Ha'ir also makes sandwiches for kids who can't afford them for the 10 a.m. break in schools here. So part of the time Casey & I made sandwiches. It's such an amazing place... (Donations can be sent to: Carmei Ha'ir, P.O.B. 6084, Jerusalem 91060 ISRAEL).
Met Naomi & Dina downtown for lunch/playing/shopping. Ezra got back to Israel that day, so I got to see him.
Tuesday, May 10Besides lunch with Ronen, most of the day was spent going to the airport to see Josh (he's here now on
JAMD's Senior Trip). It was great to see him, but I wish we could see each other more while we're both here...
While I was in the
sherut back to Jerusalem from the airport, the siren went off for
Yom Hazikaron, Israel's Memorial Day. When the siren sounds, across the country people stop whatever they're doing, and stand at attention in memory of those who have fallen in Israel's wars. This was my first time on a major road during the siren. It was incredible. Granted there were a few cars that continues to drive by, but the vast majority stopped, and stood by their car in silence. Even my
sherut driver stopped and stood next to the car, and they aren't exactly known for their patience! It was very powerful to experience...
Wednesday, May 11There was another siren this morning, and I watched through my window as Emek Refaim stood still. Tonight the somber day gives way to the festive
Yom Haatzmaut, Israel's Independence Day. I don't have a specific plan yet, but there will definitely be some celebrating going on.
And then tomorrow night
slash early Friday morning I go back to the States. I'm not really ready to leave yet...
As always, this trip was too short.
