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