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