Elation

Its 11:15, and I feel as if Ive already had the best day since I've been here. Minor exaggeration, but I'm trying to make a point here. Just a lot of small developments have contributed: Ducks trouncing the Beavers, I talked to Cody (always brightens the day) a few moments ago, as well as TCole, Vinny, JoeShow (soullll) and OT, I heard from Jacob Janin for the first time since I've left which was awesome, I'm going to IChat Shannon later tonight, and I got to talk to the momma bear last night. I heard my sister is loving school; I'm so happy for her promising future. It's a beautiful day in Jerusalem, and the view from the Hostel is breathtaking. All of these factors are contributing to my amazing day/afternoon.

Today I had my first day of class. I have only one real class on Sundays which is Ulpan (hebrew). It was ok, but I have a feeling I'll learn a lot quickly. I anticipate it'll go much better than my ulpan class in Bat Yam. I'm excited for some classes, others not so much. Israeli dancing, however, I'm stoked for.

This weekend, Year course made everyone stay in the Hostel, even the apartment kids. I learned quickly why everyone who comes to Jerusalem tells you to leave on the weekends. A) J-Ru sucks on the weekends B) The Hostel is worse. It's not close to anything. On Shabbat( the weekends, Friday and Saturday) the buses don't run, and cabs are more expensive. Inside the Hostel, there's nothing to do. You can't go on computers or watch T.V in the lounge because they're not on for Shabbat. You can't play music too loud because you're technically not allowed to, and some people observe(obey) Shabbat. It's boring. It's not awful because it's fun hanging out, playing games and just talking with people, but it's no picnic. Everyother weekend at the least I plan to leave.
On friday night, Year Course visited the Cotel ( the western wall, which I have pictures of from my October 8th blog). As most of you know, praying is not my shtick. I guess you could call what I did praying. It was freezing cold, I had hours to go before we were allowed to go back to the Hostel, and I was staring at one of the most Holy artifacts on earth. I got time to reflect on life, as well as religion. The hostel is about a 2 hour walk, but my apartment is only 25 minute walk. I might go again on the weekends I stay here. Looking back on it, I enjoyed it more than I thought. In Bat Yam, I rarely got time to think, let alone about life. It aint healthy. I got alotta stuff floating around upstairs, and sometimes I need to sort it out. This blog helps, but only to a certain extent. I think future trips to the Cotel would be very beneficial. I gotta run to lunch now. As of tomorrow, I've officially been here three months. Six more to go.
Luv
Jakey