The five minute walk to the beach really cooled me off. I realized how dumb it was to be angry when I'm in place as gorgeous as Santorini. I walked on the Black sand beach until I reached a point where the setting sun peaked past a hill that had been hiding it. I sat in the sand, amazed at my view. I can say with confidence it was the best moment I've had since I left the U.S, if not my entire life. I wanted to laugh, wanted to cry; in the end I just sat smiling from ear to ear. In retrospect, I was glad I was by myself as well. The clouds looked like they were a hundred feet away, as if I could touch them. I watched the Aegean Sea wash up against the black sand, the clouds shift over and away from me. I wished all my loved ones could have been there with me. I didn't have a camera, but I wasn't upset. a 7.1 megapixel camera wouldn't have done justice.
I got back to Hostel after sitting on the beach for an hour and a half. I wanted to immediately blog, jot down everything I was thinking. Unfortunately, some kid was playing a weird sonic the hedgehog game on the Hostel laptop, so I had to wait. I was interrupted while writing when the rest of my group arrived at the hostel, hence cutting the last blog short. That night everyone was pretty tired. Mike, Zide and I went out, grabbed a quick beer at a nearby bar, and then went to bed. The next day, our group rode around on our ATV's through the city of Fira. We split around 1:30, the girls went to go mule riding (not my thing). The boys and I went to visit the Red Beach. I pictured the sand being bright red, similar to the black beach. Instead, we found magnificent rock formations with varying shades of red. Some sand was red, but the name was given because of the rocks. I took some sand, and some rocks as souvenirs. We then headed off to the black beach to play some frisbee before taking the ferry back to Crete at 5:45.
The ferry ride was painless. It was smooth sailing, and we all fell asleep for the whole ride. That night the whole group went out clubbing, and once again had an incredible time. We checked out the next morning at 11, and got a bus back to the airport. Even the ride to airport was gorgeous. I know in my heart of hearts I'll be back some day.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
It's been a little over a month, and I hadn't planned on writing another blog piece for a variety of reasons. I feel as if the blog had lost some steam, and being on Marva was only going to make it more difficult. The only active readers I know of are my mother, Linda Levy, and Seno Bril. After seeing my mom in Israel and being a mere two months away from going home, I wouldn't expect her to read the blog considering she also gets updates atleast twice a week. Linda Levy, my biggest fan, I assumed would have lost some interest because her biggest motive to read the blog was to keep a virtual eye on Michael. With Mike and I being seperated for the first time all year, I didn't know if Linda would continue her daily checkups ( no disrespect Big L). As for Seno and Mini, I've decided I'd rather touch base with them individually, which I'll be doing after this post. So there's my reasoning. However, today required a blog. After I recap the day, I'll fill in on experiences from the past month.
About three weeks ago, some friends of mine started planning a trip to Greece over our "Spring Break", which we got off for Passover. Mike, Jeremy, Eli and Avi quickly jumped on board. I assumed I wouldn't be able to go, given that I had already gone to Amsterdam and Paris, and my mother had visited me a few weeks ago. I told my mom about the trip a week and a half before they had scheduled to leave, and she told me if I wanted to go I could. The only problem was I stuck on Marva, only able to make limited calls at certain times, and when I got off base it would be Passover and places would close down. I was let out of Marva on the 8th, and upon arriving at the Hostel I did everything I could to put myself in place to go. The issue at hand was there were three groups of people going: a group of 6,9, and 4. They received package deals, and by including me we weren't sure whether I would skew the price. We were told if two people were to join, the numbers would be even. Benny tried to join with me at the last second, but he had trouble obtaining a Visa because he's from Colombia, and those things can take months. It wasn't until Sunday the 12th, the day before the scheduled departure, that I found out I would be able to go. For mere $490 dollars, I was flying to Greece, and staying 4 nights in a 5 star resort. I just had one more obstacle to get by.
I have dual citizenship in Israel. It's a pain. However, I don't have my Israeli passport. My mother requested one last August, asking the Army to relieve me from duty. We never got the passport, although we had done what we could, we hoped we wouldn't encounter any problems. When passing through passport security, the final security check before boarding, I was asked where my Israeli passport was. I told them I didn't have one, and the man behind the plastic screen told me flatly "you can't go to Greece". I proceeded to throw a calm fit, explaining how I'm on a program and have never once lived in Israel prior to this year. I ended up being escorted to the police booth and figuring things out with them. They repeatedly told me I wouldn't be able to go, and I was close to tears. I called my mom, she did some magic, and at the last second they let me go. Their records indicated I received my Israeli passport from San Francisco in December (false). I had a minor panic attack, and wasn't fully at ease until our plane landed in Crete.
We arrived at the Rimella Resort and Day Spa around 2 in the afternoon, and the rest of the day was reserved for all of our minds being blown. We were in paradise. We weren't just guests; we were VIPs. Wearing a special black bracelet, we got whatever we wanted. Free drinks, paddleboats and kayaks to take out on the Sea of Crete. Our rooms were restocked every morning with sodas and beers. I played ping pong for the first time in 7 and a half months. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner were all buffets. Everyone treated us like we were their best friends. Our only concern was that we would never leave.
Tuesday before dinner, 16 of us ( the other 4 were at a different resort) went to a nearby travel agency and organized a day trip to supposedly one of the most beautiful islands in all of Greece, Santorini. However, some issues uprose. Mike had heard amazing things about Santorini from his brother Jarret, so he threw out the idea of staying overnight, experiencing the nightlife as well as full two days. With a 10am departure time from Crete, and a 6 pm departure time from Santorini with a 2 hour ferry ride to get there, 6 hours just didn't seem like enough. I immediately gave the thumbs up. I thought more people would jump on board, but everyone got so comfy at the Rimella and thoroughly enjoyed living the life without spending a penny. I didn't mind, I would have gone if it was just Mike and I. In the end, our other boy Josh Zide joined in, and two other girls, Gabby and Shelly joined in too ( a third girl, Marnie, would change her mind and stay on Tuesday).
Tuesday night we finally got up and out, going into the less than thrilling Crete night life. Although nothing special happened, we didn't go to the coolest club, everyone agreed the next morning that we actually had a ton of fun. We got back to Rimella at 3, and had a 7 am wake up call. We got to the docks by 9, albeit after a scattered arrival that involved Avi forgetting his groups tickets, others and myself nearly missing the bus to the docks, and another group hitchhiking. What transpired next was the worst 120 minutes of life...................
After giving it some more thought, it was probably only about 75 minutes. The first 15 were fine, and the last 30 I was passed out from my body being in such a state of trauma. I thought our little "ferry ride" would go at the pace that somewhat resembled a rowboat. I pictured I would be able to tan outside, maybe get a good nap in. I know Shelly planned on finishing her book and starting another. I would estimate the ship was going at a pace of 40 miles per hour, and roughly 75% of the boat regurgitated everything in their body. Even as I'm typing this, there's a lady behind me talking to the Hostel manager how miserable the ride was. It wasn't about being seasick, because I never get seasick; it was just miserable. The entire ride you could hear the sounds of people throwing up from all directions, others screaming in anger, wondering why in the world we needed to go so fast. In retrospect, the make-your-own omelet at the Rimella was a poor decision. After and hour and ten minutes, I was officially dry-heaving, not even needing a bag in front of me. I was sweating profusely when I was throwing up, and trembling with the shivers when I wasn't. After an hour and a half, I was shaking uncontrollably, and I must have gone unconscious. Linda, if you're reading this, Mike had an identical experience to every last detail, and I'm sure he'd love to talk about it. ( false, again)
Side note : keep in mind the 14 others in the group took this same ride back a mere 6 hours later. I was certain that they would stay after experiencing that. I guess it's a testament to how amazing the Rimella is.
After we got off the boat, there was a line of car rental and hostel booking shops in a row. We found a deal that included a night in a Hostel by the beach and a ride to it for 13 bucks. I immediately passed out upon arriving at the hostel, still in a state of trauma. After everyone rested for an hour or so, the group decided to rent ATV's and go meet up with the others in the center of town. I couldn't be asked to move, let alone ride on an ATV, and Mike said he'd stop by later and see if I was feeling alright. I was woken up hours later at 4:30 by a girl on year course who's name I don't know, and she told me to try to contact the group, as they had been trying to contact me. Getting in touch with people has been difficult here. Our Israel phones don't work, and most didn't bring their American phones. We've been relying on phones Gabby and Shelly bought for the trip, and Avi and Raquel's blackberrys. After an hour or so I got through to them. They were heading up a mountain on their ATVs to watch the sunset, and told me to rent one and join them. The problem was, I don't have a drivers license, which I lost on Halloween.I was pretty heated at the time. I didn't know why they wouldn't come back for me, but I cooled off in time and decided to head for a walk to the black sand beach to watch the sunset, a five minute walk from the Hostel........................
will continue writing later
About three weeks ago, some friends of mine started planning a trip to Greece over our "Spring Break", which we got off for Passover. Mike, Jeremy, Eli and Avi quickly jumped on board. I assumed I wouldn't be able to go, given that I had already gone to Amsterdam and Paris, and my mother had visited me a few weeks ago. I told my mom about the trip a week and a half before they had scheduled to leave, and she told me if I wanted to go I could. The only problem was I stuck on Marva, only able to make limited calls at certain times, and when I got off base it would be Passover and places would close down. I was let out of Marva on the 8th, and upon arriving at the Hostel I did everything I could to put myself in place to go. The issue at hand was there were three groups of people going: a group of 6,9, and 4. They received package deals, and by including me we weren't sure whether I would skew the price. We were told if two people were to join, the numbers would be even. Benny tried to join with me at the last second, but he had trouble obtaining a Visa because he's from Colombia, and those things can take months. It wasn't until Sunday the 12th, the day before the scheduled departure, that I found out I would be able to go. For mere $490 dollars, I was flying to Greece, and staying 4 nights in a 5 star resort. I just had one more obstacle to get by.
I have dual citizenship in Israel. It's a pain. However, I don't have my Israeli passport. My mother requested one last August, asking the Army to relieve me from duty. We never got the passport, although we had done what we could, we hoped we wouldn't encounter any problems. When passing through passport security, the final security check before boarding, I was asked where my Israeli passport was. I told them I didn't have one, and the man behind the plastic screen told me flatly "you can't go to Greece". I proceeded to throw a calm fit, explaining how I'm on a program and have never once lived in Israel prior to this year. I ended up being escorted to the police booth and figuring things out with them. They repeatedly told me I wouldn't be able to go, and I was close to tears. I called my mom, she did some magic, and at the last second they let me go. Their records indicated I received my Israeli passport from San Francisco in December (false). I had a minor panic attack, and wasn't fully at ease until our plane landed in Crete.
We arrived at the Rimella Resort and Day Spa around 2 in the afternoon, and the rest of the day was reserved for all of our minds being blown. We were in paradise. We weren't just guests; we were VIPs. Wearing a special black bracelet, we got whatever we wanted. Free drinks, paddleboats and kayaks to take out on the Sea of Crete. Our rooms were restocked every morning with sodas and beers. I played ping pong for the first time in 7 and a half months. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner were all buffets. Everyone treated us like we were their best friends. Our only concern was that we would never leave.
Tuesday before dinner, 16 of us ( the other 4 were at a different resort) went to a nearby travel agency and organized a day trip to supposedly one of the most beautiful islands in all of Greece, Santorini. However, some issues uprose. Mike had heard amazing things about Santorini from his brother Jarret, so he threw out the idea of staying overnight, experiencing the nightlife as well as full two days. With a 10am departure time from Crete, and a 6 pm departure time from Santorini with a 2 hour ferry ride to get there, 6 hours just didn't seem like enough. I immediately gave the thumbs up. I thought more people would jump on board, but everyone got so comfy at the Rimella and thoroughly enjoyed living the life without spending a penny. I didn't mind, I would have gone if it was just Mike and I. In the end, our other boy Josh Zide joined in, and two other girls, Gabby and Shelly joined in too ( a third girl, Marnie, would change her mind and stay on Tuesday).
Tuesday night we finally got up and out, going into the less than thrilling Crete night life. Although nothing special happened, we didn't go to the coolest club, everyone agreed the next morning that we actually had a ton of fun. We got back to Rimella at 3, and had a 7 am wake up call. We got to the docks by 9, albeit after a scattered arrival that involved Avi forgetting his groups tickets, others and myself nearly missing the bus to the docks, and another group hitchhiking. What transpired next was the worst 120 minutes of life...................
After giving it some more thought, it was probably only about 75 minutes. The first 15 were fine, and the last 30 I was passed out from my body being in such a state of trauma. I thought our little "ferry ride" would go at the pace that somewhat resembled a rowboat. I pictured I would be able to tan outside, maybe get a good nap in. I know Shelly planned on finishing her book and starting another. I would estimate the ship was going at a pace of 40 miles per hour, and roughly 75% of the boat regurgitated everything in their body. Even as I'm typing this, there's a lady behind me talking to the Hostel manager how miserable the ride was. It wasn't about being seasick, because I never get seasick; it was just miserable. The entire ride you could hear the sounds of people throwing up from all directions, others screaming in anger, wondering why in the world we needed to go so fast. In retrospect, the make-your-own omelet at the Rimella was a poor decision. After and hour and ten minutes, I was officially dry-heaving, not even needing a bag in front of me. I was sweating profusely when I was throwing up, and trembling with the shivers when I wasn't. After an hour and a half, I was shaking uncontrollably, and I must have gone unconscious. Linda, if you're reading this, Mike had an identical experience to every last detail, and I'm sure he'd love to talk about it. ( false, again)
Side note : keep in mind the 14 others in the group took this same ride back a mere 6 hours later. I was certain that they would stay after experiencing that. I guess it's a testament to how amazing the Rimella is.
After we got off the boat, there was a line of car rental and hostel booking shops in a row. We found a deal that included a night in a Hostel by the beach and a ride to it for 13 bucks. I immediately passed out upon arriving at the hostel, still in a state of trauma. After everyone rested for an hour or so, the group decided to rent ATV's and go meet up with the others in the center of town. I couldn't be asked to move, let alone ride on an ATV, and Mike said he'd stop by later and see if I was feeling alright. I was woken up hours later at 4:30 by a girl on year course who's name I don't know, and she told me to try to contact the group, as they had been trying to contact me. Getting in touch with people has been difficult here. Our Israel phones don't work, and most didn't bring their American phones. We've been relying on phones Gabby and Shelly bought for the trip, and Avi and Raquel's blackberrys. After an hour or so I got through to them. They were heading up a mountain on their ATVs to watch the sunset, and told me to rent one and join them. The problem was, I don't have a drivers license, which I lost on Halloween.I was pretty heated at the time. I didn't know why they wouldn't come back for me, but I cooled off in time and decided to head for a walk to the black sand beach to watch the sunset, a five minute walk from the Hostel........................
will continue writing later
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Shoudn't have procrastinated
It's 1:30 in the morning, and the only reason I'm up is I'm waiting for my laundry to finish. I have to wake up in six hours to back to my Army base for one more week of volunteering. It's cool stuff....... I guess. The work is extremely boring. There's not many soldiers on base, it's mostly citizens of Israel. I spent the week taking trash and separating it in to Plastic, cardboard, rubber and metal for recycling. It's cool hanging out with my Marva people and anticipate the actual training. We get wicked uniforms too; soon enough I'll post some videos and pictures Benny took. On Friday my mom comes to visit me!!!!!!! I couldn't be more stoked. I have a ten day brake with her to just hang out and visit family. My cousins Ilana and Josh are also visiting and arriving mere hours after my mom does. It's hard to contain my excitement, but I'm doing a pretty good job thusfar. Last thursday night was a huge party that lasted pretty late in to the night. Friday I hung out at the hostel, went to the mall with Mike, Jeremy (they visited because Mike's brother was in Jerusalem, and to see us) and Benny, and later that night I went to the apartments again to hang out with Samo and Josh. Samo is in Jerusalem for the week taking classes for his Israel Experience called Mada, which is basically emergency hospital work, a very popular option. It was two of Josh's roommates birthdays on Saturday, Iggy and Michael, so we celebrated at midnight. Josh and I stayed up, watched Green Street Hooligans, and then half the blazer game before falling asleep. I have to go get the laundry, I'll update soon though
Jakey
Jakey
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Right now im at the Hostel, and I plan on going out to Ben Yehuda street in a few moments to meet up with Mike and Jeremy. I arrived here around 7:20 for a meeting regarding Marva and Sar-El. I left from the David Citadel Hotel, where I hung out with Mike, his mother and sister, Jeremy, Benny and Tanya for the day. We sat by the pool, walked around Jerusalem and pretty much chilled out all day. Linda and Melissa were leaving as we left, so we bid them farewell as they took a taxi to the airport. I'm so glad I got to meet them. I have such a strong interest in my friends lives at home and their families; being with Momma and Sister Levy helped me get a clearer insight to why Mike's the guy he is.
Thursday night I went to an Idan Raichel concert, where I felt like I saw every single person from year course. All the scouts came, and I ran in to a good friend I went to camp with 4 years ago named Ben Perlstein. We randomly ran in to eachother and made plans to meet up on Friday. The concert was a lot of fun as well; I didn't understand the songs, but there was a ton of energy and was a blast. I stayed up all night because there was a really important Blazer game on, so Josh and I stayed up to watch ( it started at 5:30 in the morning). Pretty wack because the Blazers lost, but that's the life a fan. Friday the new Jerusalem section had to go to the Western Wall, and I talked to Ben about meeting there, so I hitched a ride with them. I met Ben, but didn't get much time to talk to him because he was immediately swarmed by about 159 kids, some from year course, others from different programs. We came in contact with a man named Jeffrey Seidel, who does a shabbat hospitality service where he sets you up with a family for a nice shabbat dinner. We ended up with family as well as about 30 others, about 13 soldiers, in an apartment in the heart of the old city. The apartment the top of the complex, overlooking the Dome of the Rock. It was truly incredible. However, the dinner was somewhat unsettling. The host of the dinner insisted on meeting everyone at the table by having them stand up and giving them a series of questions, which came off as an interrogation. He asked such questions as " Can you imagine what you would be like if you weren't Jewish", and " How do you feel eating with a group of soldiers", and it was apparent that many people were extremely nervous to stand up and speak in front of everyone. I didn't get as interrogated as the rest, but I was ok nonetheless. The whole night became a discussion about the Army and trashing gap year programs. I guess you could say it was a good dinner, because the food was free and delicious, but it wasn't what I had in mind. It was great to see Ben though. His hostel is right next to David Citadel, so we walked and talked back. He hasn't changed much; he's still a very articulate, intelligent, funny down-to-earth dude. We weren't the best of friends in camp, but I always had an immense amount of respect for him. He spoke of his aspirations, working with international relations and dealing with stronger education systems. He believes each individual can make change, something I'm a big advocate for. I think in a decade or so he'll be a glowing example of that.
So tomorrow I start Sar-El ( volunteering for the army). I'm excited and nervous, because this officialy means I'm seperated from everyone else, and won't see Jeremy and Mike until at least thursday ( not that long, but still stinks). Mike's brother is coming to Israel tomorrow, and we're hoping we'll be able to do a Dead Sea trip this weekend. The sad part is I won't be able to keep in touch with people back home either. My days will start at 6 in the morning and end at 9pm (8pm-11am back home), so there's no time to call or IChat. With that being said, blogging will be reserved for Saturday's only. To those who read this blog: my mom, Linda Levy and Seno Bril, I'm sorry. Thanks for reading though! Wish me luck
Lots of Love
Jakey G
Thursday night I went to an Idan Raichel concert, where I felt like I saw every single person from year course. All the scouts came, and I ran in to a good friend I went to camp with 4 years ago named Ben Perlstein. We randomly ran in to eachother and made plans to meet up on Friday. The concert was a lot of fun as well; I didn't understand the songs, but there was a ton of energy and was a blast. I stayed up all night because there was a really important Blazer game on, so Josh and I stayed up to watch ( it started at 5:30 in the morning). Pretty wack because the Blazers lost, but that's the life a fan. Friday the new Jerusalem section had to go to the Western Wall, and I talked to Ben about meeting there, so I hitched a ride with them. I met Ben, but didn't get much time to talk to him because he was immediately swarmed by about 159 kids, some from year course, others from different programs. We came in contact with a man named Jeffrey Seidel, who does a shabbat hospitality service where he sets you up with a family for a nice shabbat dinner. We ended up with family as well as about 30 others, about 13 soldiers, in an apartment in the heart of the old city. The apartment the top of the complex, overlooking the Dome of the Rock. It was truly incredible. However, the dinner was somewhat unsettling. The host of the dinner insisted on meeting everyone at the table by having them stand up and giving them a series of questions, which came off as an interrogation. He asked such questions as " Can you imagine what you would be like if you weren't Jewish", and " How do you feel eating with a group of soldiers", and it was apparent that many people were extremely nervous to stand up and speak in front of everyone. I didn't get as interrogated as the rest, but I was ok nonetheless. The whole night became a discussion about the Army and trashing gap year programs. I guess you could say it was a good dinner, because the food was free and delicious, but it wasn't what I had in mind. It was great to see Ben though. His hostel is right next to David Citadel, so we walked and talked back. He hasn't changed much; he's still a very articulate, intelligent, funny down-to-earth dude. We weren't the best of friends in camp, but I always had an immense amount of respect for him. He spoke of his aspirations, working with international relations and dealing with stronger education systems. He believes each individual can make change, something I'm a big advocate for. I think in a decade or so he'll be a glowing example of that.
So tomorrow I start Sar-El ( volunteering for the army). I'm excited and nervous, because this officialy means I'm seperated from everyone else, and won't see Jeremy and Mike until at least thursday ( not that long, but still stinks). Mike's brother is coming to Israel tomorrow, and we're hoping we'll be able to do a Dead Sea trip this weekend. The sad part is I won't be able to keep in touch with people back home either. My days will start at 6 in the morning and end at 9pm (8pm-11am back home), so there's no time to call or IChat. With that being said, blogging will be reserved for Saturday's only. To those who read this blog: my mom, Linda Levy and Seno Bril, I'm sorry. Thanks for reading though! Wish me luck
Lots of Love
Jakey G
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
After the last heartwarming comment from Ohad, I had an obligation to blog. Wednesday we packed and cleaned our apartment out which was boring. Half of our apartment was gone, with Jeremy on Kuma and Samo and Scotty on Olami. We got to the Hostel around 7, just in time to eat dinner, and basically did nothing for all of Thursday. Friday we headed off to Eilat, the southern most city in Israel, known for it's year round sunny weather. Unfortunately, my luck ran dry with the weather. We got a few showers, and very little sunshine except for Monday, which was cut short because our bus left at 5. Others who were disappointed with the weather decided to stay another day ( I went with about 15 others), and they were rewarded with a gorgeous tuesday. Nonetheless, it was good to have a break and clear my head. The combination of people leaving, moving out, and Tim's death, I had a lot running through my mind.
Our bus broke down on the way back to Jerusalem, which didn't make me happy considering I was already wary of the 4 hour bus ride. I got back to Jerusalem around 11 and took a bus to the apartments to stay with Josh, who's now living in my old apartment ( which is where I'm currently typing this as well). Yesterday was amazing though. Mike had left Eilat early on Sunday to meet up with his mom and sister, and we had organized a dinner at Ohad's house. Jeremy and I took a bus to Bat Yam at 3:30 and helped Ohad move his computer and TV from his old apartment to his new one. The Levy family came over, we had a little meet and greet and a photo session, and then we drove over to Ohad's house in Hertzilyah ( sorry for the spelling Ohad). The dinner was phenomenal, just as the last one there was. Ohad has the sweetest parents, which comes as little surprise. I loved Mikes family! They had some great stories to tell; they'll be staying in Jerusalem over the weekend, so hopefully they have more to share.
Today was the day everyone left. Everyone was kicked out the hostel and shipped out to their new locations. It was sad, but there's a concert tomorrow night that many of my friends are attending. Also, Moshe Teitz is playing in a battle of the bands concert on Saturday, so once again I'll get to see some friendly faces. I talked to Mike and Jeremy twice after they got to their new Youth Village and they say they love it already. I couldn't be happier for them. Tomorrow I'll meet up with them in Tel-Aviv, and potentially Mike's family as well.
Until Next Time
Jakey
Our bus broke down on the way back to Jerusalem, which didn't make me happy considering I was already wary of the 4 hour bus ride. I got back to Jerusalem around 11 and took a bus to the apartments to stay with Josh, who's now living in my old apartment ( which is where I'm currently typing this as well). Yesterday was amazing though. Mike had left Eilat early on Sunday to meet up with his mom and sister, and we had organized a dinner at Ohad's house. Jeremy and I took a bus to Bat Yam at 3:30 and helped Ohad move his computer and TV from his old apartment to his new one. The Levy family came over, we had a little meet and greet and a photo session, and then we drove over to Ohad's house in Hertzilyah ( sorry for the spelling Ohad). The dinner was phenomenal, just as the last one there was. Ohad has the sweetest parents, which comes as little surprise. I loved Mikes family! They had some great stories to tell; they'll be staying in Jerusalem over the weekend, so hopefully they have more to share.
Today was the day everyone left. Everyone was kicked out the hostel and shipped out to their new locations. It was sad, but there's a concert tomorrow night that many of my friends are attending. Also, Moshe Teitz is playing in a battle of the bands concert on Saturday, so once again I'll get to see some friendly faces. I talked to Mike and Jeremy twice after they got to their new Youth Village and they say they love it already. I couldn't be happier for them. Tomorrow I'll meet up with them in Tel-Aviv, and potentially Mike's family as well.
Until Next Time
Jakey
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Today was a sad day. I've been feeling ill the past couple of days, so I woke up fairly groggy this morning. I checked my inbox to find an email from Kevin, who I've been keeping in close contact with. He told me a man named Tim Moran, who I've known for years through the YMCA, passed away due to a heart attack. He has two kids, Dylan and Izzy, who I've watched grow up over the years. He was warm, friendly, and a wonderful father. It's hard to shake this feeling I have; I really want to talk to Susan but it's hard with the time difference. I wish I could be with everyone at the Y.
About a half hour ago, two of my roommates, Jordan Samo and Scott Sterling, left to go to South Africa for a special program called Olami. Jeremy also left to go to Poland on a trip called Kuma. Tomorrow is the last day at the apartments, and we have to be out by 6 pm, and half of our apartment is already gone. When Samo and Scott left, it was a huge wake up. Samo is one of my favorite people there is; he reminds me of my friends back home. I would describe Scott in word as outrageous (probably because that's the word he'd use). Combined they made a helluva tandem and amazing roommates. I can't imagine having not lived with them. When they left, Gil and I shared a sorrowful walk to the 24, reminiscing on how much fun we had in the past three months. Today was a sad day.
This past week has been uneventful. Everybody in the hostel has been winding down and ready to live; all the apartment people have been partying and don't want to leave. Last week on monday it was my sister's birthday, which really made me miss her. I wanted to be with her, and I only spoke with her for a brief moment. I stuck around over the weekend because it was our last one here. I hung out with the apartment, watched movies and sat around. There was a end of the section party last night, but I was sick so I only hung around for a little bit. Everyone for Kuma left Sunday night, so the Hostel has been quieter. This weekend I'm traveling to Eilat, Israel's southermost city, which is known for it's beaches and always being sunny.
I'm going out to dinner now with Gil and Mike, and afterwards Gil and I are going to the Western wall to say a prayer for Tim's family.
Until next time
About a half hour ago, two of my roommates, Jordan Samo and Scott Sterling, left to go to South Africa for a special program called Olami. Jeremy also left to go to Poland on a trip called Kuma. Tomorrow is the last day at the apartments, and we have to be out by 6 pm, and half of our apartment is already gone. When Samo and Scott left, it was a huge wake up. Samo is one of my favorite people there is; he reminds me of my friends back home. I would describe Scott in word as outrageous (probably because that's the word he'd use). Combined they made a helluva tandem and amazing roommates. I can't imagine having not lived with them. When they left, Gil and I shared a sorrowful walk to the 24, reminiscing on how much fun we had in the past three months. Today was a sad day.
This past week has been uneventful. Everybody in the hostel has been winding down and ready to live; all the apartment people have been partying and don't want to leave. Last week on monday it was my sister's birthday, which really made me miss her. I wanted to be with her, and I only spoke with her for a brief moment. I stuck around over the weekend because it was our last one here. I hung out with the apartment, watched movies and sat around. There was a end of the section party last night, but I was sick so I only hung around for a little bit. Everyone for Kuma left Sunday night, so the Hostel has been quieter. This weekend I'm traveling to Eilat, Israel's southermost city, which is known for it's beaches and always being sunny.
I'm going out to dinner now with Gil and Mike, and afterwards Gil and I are going to the Western wall to say a prayer for Tim's family.
Until next time
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Tuesday night was spent at the apartments with the crew of boys: Me, Jeremy, Eli, Avi, Benny, Joe, Gil, Samo, and of course the birthday boy. We hung out, opened gifts, Mike talked to some family members, and everyone had a great time. Being together with the boys is always a great time. The next night we came to the hostel because Shalem is on lockdown and can't leave the hostel for a variety of minor reasons.
Thursday night was Valentine's party at Ocean Club. It was one of the better times at a club I've had recently, probably because of the general excitement about the night being the last club party we're having together in Jerusalem, coupled along with day 3 of Mike's bday. I woke up early the next morning to catch a bus to Ashquelon where my cousin Aviv picked me up to go to their Kibbutz. Their Kibbutz, Nir Oz in the south, was recently hit by a Qassam rocket that landed three meters from a resident but didn't explode. I found this terrifying, but after talking to Aviv and his friends, I remembered the Israeli way of viewing such incidents, preferring to not live and fear combined with wishful thinking. The Kibbutz was beautiful though, as were the kiddos. Friday we rested, layed in the sun with the kids, and grabbed a few beers at the Pub on the Kibbutz. Saturday there was a picnic, and afterwards we drove to a few kibbutzim and picked carrots and potatoes. I caught a ride with Aviv's good friend Ami to Tel Aviv, where Mike and a dozen or so friends were hanging out on the beach. We grabbed dinner at restaurant, watched what was apparently a big rugby match, and then caught a sheirut back to Jerusalem around 10:30. I had a few classes today, had a great workout, and got to skype with shannon and charlie. I skyped with Charlie for two hours! It rocked! I miss them both like crazy. It was Charlies bday on Friday, and I called him from the Kibbutz but I kept it brief because i didn't want to take up minutes, so I was glad I finally got to talk face to face (somewhat). I'm really hoping he decides to stick around Eugene next year.
I'm exhausted. I probably should have waited to write a legitimate blog tomorrow, but I'd procrastinated enough. I'll elaborate more soon.
Luv
Jakey
Thursday night was Valentine's party at Ocean Club. It was one of the better times at a club I've had recently, probably because of the general excitement about the night being the last club party we're having together in Jerusalem, coupled along with day 3 of Mike's bday. I woke up early the next morning to catch a bus to Ashquelon where my cousin Aviv picked me up to go to their Kibbutz. Their Kibbutz, Nir Oz in the south, was recently hit by a Qassam rocket that landed three meters from a resident but didn't explode. I found this terrifying, but after talking to Aviv and his friends, I remembered the Israeli way of viewing such incidents, preferring to not live and fear combined with wishful thinking. The Kibbutz was beautiful though, as were the kiddos. Friday we rested, layed in the sun with the kids, and grabbed a few beers at the Pub on the Kibbutz. Saturday there was a picnic, and afterwards we drove to a few kibbutzim and picked carrots and potatoes. I caught a ride with Aviv's good friend Ami to Tel Aviv, where Mike and a dozen or so friends were hanging out on the beach. We grabbed dinner at restaurant, watched what was apparently a big rugby match, and then caught a sheirut back to Jerusalem around 10:30. I had a few classes today, had a great workout, and got to skype with shannon and charlie. I skyped with Charlie for two hours! It rocked! I miss them both like crazy. It was Charlies bday on Friday, and I called him from the Kibbutz but I kept it brief because i didn't want to take up minutes, so I was glad I finally got to talk face to face (somewhat). I'm really hoping he decides to stick around Eugene next year.
I'm exhausted. I probably should have waited to write a legitimate blog tomorrow, but I'd procrastinated enough. I'll elaborate more soon.
Luv
Jakey
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