Well, tonight I travel from ancient Israel to ancient Italia! I absolutely cannot wait to arrive to Italy, where my only previous experience was 9 hours in a 5 star hotel in Milan, paid for by the airline that caused us a long delay. I am arriving in Rome tomorrow morning around 8:30 (it is only a 4 hour flight from Israel... less time than it takes to fly across the continental US!) I expect to take in a lot of new sights, dust off some of my Italian, and gain roughly 73 lbs. :) I will be meeting my sister Stephanie who studied abroad near Venice last year and now works for the school she studied at! She is there working and is making the trek to Rome to meet me! I haven't seen her since I left for Israel 2 1/2 months ago. That is the longest we've ever been apart in our entire lives, but a lot shorter than I thought our time apart would be! I had expected not to see her until possibly the summer, so I am unbelievably happy to be seeing her and spending this time with her!
Some words from my experiences with homesickness... to those that may be reading and considering moving abroad: Anyone else who has moved here to Israel, away from their families (or anywhere else for that matter) knows how lonely it can be without friends and family from home. It's true. Despite all the new, amazing, exciting experiences and adventures there is always that longing for the familiar. I know that after only 2 1/2 months, I am craving to be near those who are so close to me, but who are so far away. It has gotten easier as time has worn on, I won't say it hasn't. The shock of being away has dissipated. The longing for home isn't always at the forefront, but sometimes (usually when the language barrier makes otherwise easy things difficult, or I find myself mulling over memories) it becomes overwhelming. There is exhaustion and frustration caused by things that are so easily accomplished on home terrain; and, in these moments I find myself particularly vulnerable to homesickness. But, I find that now I always recover. I look to all of the wonderful things that I am experiencing here, and I become certain that coming here was no mistake.
In my time here so far, I have learned that you can't ever expect yourself to be fully comfortable being away from home and loved ones. There are always going to be days that you feel lost and far away even if you are generally happy and successful in your new home. I can never say to myself that I am finally fully settled... that I've crossed that line; because, there are always those days or moments that I am not so settled. There are days that I say "why did I come here?" And that is ok. That is natural. You can't conclude that you have made a bad decision by going abroad just because you have a few bad days. That's life... and you'd have bad days at home too. And, the next day when you are brimming with pride that you've had a successful interaction in your new language, navigated the highways for the first time by yourself, made a successful shopping trip without buying something you thought was hummus but reeeeeaaallly wasn't, or what have you... you will realize that you are grabbing onto a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. That you are making memories and amassing experiences that you will hold with you for the rest of your life. At least, those are my conclusions so far.
The other night in my Hebrew class the teacher was interviewing people about their experiences in Israel so far. One of the questions she asked was if they wanted to return to their home country, or stay in Israel. There were some people that stated they never wanted to go back, that they are ready to stay. There were others that have made temporary moves here (like myself) who said they would return at some point. But no one said they were ready to give it up now.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
What's in the News?
Gilad Shalit, a 19-year-old soldier from the north of Israel, was captured by Hamas when they tunneled into Israel and attacked an army outpost. Shalit was serving his mandatory military duty, as all Israeli citizens do after high school. Israel attempted to free him just after his capture, but failed. He spent over 5 years in captivity with no contact with the outside world. During this time Hamas demanded Palestinian prisoners be released, and in return they would release Shalit. The negotiations never solidified as an agreement could not be reached on the number of prisoners to be released... until last week. After 1,942 days of Shalit's captivity, Israel and Hamas reached a deal to swap 1,027 Palestinians in Israeli prisons for his release. He was released yesterday from Gaza to Egypt and crossed from Egypt into Israel. He was reunited with his family and flown home to the north of Israel.
The news here is now saturated with aspects of this story. In the aftermath of the swap, headlines read:
- Prisoners deported under Shalit deal arrive in Turkey, Syria, Jordan, and Qatar
- Gilad is indeed alive, but so are Palestinian terrorists
- Shalit deal shows Netanyahu can reach Mideast peace, but won't
- Palestinian prisoners return to heroes' welcome
- Prisoner Exchange: No doubt, the Arabs won
- Shalit Swap: An Israeli day of victory
- Gilad Shalit release marks the collapse of the peace process
- Shalit prisoner swap marks 'colossal failure' for mother of Israeli bombing victim
- Peres to Gilad: We are sharing your excitement, with joyful heart
- Both Palestinians and Israelis celebrate prisoner swap
For the last 5 years, banners with his picture and supportive statements have hung over storefronts, on fences, and at intersections. Massive rallies and demonstrations have been held regularly in his support. Last summer when I was here, one was held near the Gaza/ Israel border. The rally even included a performance by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. So, clearly many have been rejoicing at the release and have considered it a victory. Others have considered it a great victory for terrorism, and expressed opposition to the deal. There is bitterness being expressed toward the fact that the government 'negotiated with terrorists' in order to make this deal. Families of victims of attacks carried out by the newly released Palestinian terrorists have expressed anger at what they call a 'failure of justice.' And many are asking why one soldier's life is worth releasing 1,027 terrorists who have killed many more than that number of Israelis. On victim's father challenged Shalit's father demanding that he look him in the eye and "admit that [his] joy furthers [his] pain".It is clear that these events have drawn out strong emotions and opinions, and that there is no one viewpoint that can be considered best. For each position there is merit, and for each position there is cause. It is clear that there is no answer to please all sides. There are just many more questions. Some are claiming that this will be a major obstacle in the future peace negotiations between Palestine and Israel, while some claim that it removes a great obstacle. I suppose we will see in time. But, for now I am very happy for Gilad and his family, that their trials are over and they are able to be together again.
In other news, tonight is the eve of the holiday Simcha Torah signaling the end of the holiday of Sukkot.We will be eating a wonderful holiday dinner tonight, and tomorrow taking a trip north to the historic city of Akko. Will report... for now: Lehitraot! (See you later)
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Yom Kippur in Israel
Yom Kippur here in Israel was a drastically different experience than I've had all my life in the United States. Yom Kippur, which translates roughly to Day of Atonement, is a much more serious, solemn, and significant day here than anywhere else. It was a particularly fascinating and eye opening for me since the majority of my past experiences with Judaism have been rooted solely in tradition rather than in religion. Here, it is a day with a very unique atmosphere on which you couldn't possibly go without feeling both the traditional and religious significance for the Israeli people. Certainly not everyone here observes the religious aspects of Yom Kippur, however everyone here respects them and the seriousness of the occasion.
The seriousness of the day comes from God's command that this be the day that we repent for our year of sins and 'torture our souls' in order to atone for them. It is regarded as the day that judgement is passed upon the world and humanity for the next year. For religious Jews, Yom Kippur is the holiest and most solemn day of the year and is an intense day of prayer, fasting, abstaining from washing and bathing, and abstaining from work and entertainment. For more secular Jews (like myself and my family) Yom Kippur is simply a day on which you reflect on your sins and those you have wronged in the past year.
Everything shuts down in Israel on Yom Kippur. No shops, no work, no public transportation, no flying into or out of Israel, and television and radio broadcasts are suspended. Out of respect, even the more secular Jews who do not practice most traditions of Yom Kippur still abstain from doing anything offensive publicly such as driving, eating, hanging laundry from their clotheslines, working in the garden, cooking strongly scented food, playing games or sports outdoors, or playing music or movies loudly enough to be heard. Therefore, it seems as though everyone is observing the traditions and a truly strange and unique atmosphere descends upon Israel. Everything is quiet and still and it is impossible to miss the spiritual significance of the day.
At the exact moment of sundown on 'Erev Chag' (the evening preceding Yom Kippur) driving is prohibited in all of Israel. This is the moment when everything grows still... it happens so quickly. Interestingly, driving is not prohibited by law, but rather out of respect for tradition. My friends here explained to me that if one does drive on Yom Kippur he will not be given a legal citation, but depending upon where he drives (usually if it's within Jerusalem or other extremely religious neighborhoods) he will have rocks thrown at his car by religious observers. In my town (a generally more secular and loosely observant one) ambulances and other emergency vehicles still drove when necessary. Apparently, 30 babies were born this year on Yom Kippur... so the ambulances were needed! The streets are generally empty and it is considered a "Mitzvah" to walk in the street during Yom Kippur. It is possible to walk down the middle of the highway if you want! On the evening of the holiday, many people in Ness Ziona take to the streets and walk through them greeting their neighbors and seeing old friends and classmates usually for the only time that year. Most children ride bikes around the streets all over the city. When going out during Yom Kippur it is traditional to wear white as a symbol of cleansing oneself of their sins. Here are some pictures of the night on Ness Ziona's streets :)
As for the fast, only about 60% of Israeli Jews fast on Yom Kippur. Some fast with water, some without. As in most aspects of Judaism traditions vary widely. As an act of respect, those not fasting generally try not to prepare food that smells strongly and could be detected by those around them. It is also advised not to eat in public. It is traditional to have a large and festive meal in the afternoon before the fast begins in order to fill up and last through the fast. Some more secular Jews also observe this tradition, since most Jewish occasions include a feast of some kind :) Additionally, a meal is served to 'break the fast' after the 25th hour of fasting.
As for entertainment in Israel on Yom Kippur... there is no TV or Radio! All broadcasting is halted until after sundown as the fast ends. Here's what you see if you turn on the TV:
The seriousness of the day comes from God's command that this be the day that we repent for our year of sins and 'torture our souls' in order to atone for them. It is regarded as the day that judgement is passed upon the world and humanity for the next year. For religious Jews, Yom Kippur is the holiest and most solemn day of the year and is an intense day of prayer, fasting, abstaining from washing and bathing, and abstaining from work and entertainment. For more secular Jews (like myself and my family) Yom Kippur is simply a day on which you reflect on your sins and those you have wronged in the past year.
Everything shuts down in Israel on Yom Kippur. No shops, no work, no public transportation, no flying into or out of Israel, and television and radio broadcasts are suspended. Out of respect, even the more secular Jews who do not practice most traditions of Yom Kippur still abstain from doing anything offensive publicly such as driving, eating, hanging laundry from their clotheslines, working in the garden, cooking strongly scented food, playing games or sports outdoors, or playing music or movies loudly enough to be heard. Therefore, it seems as though everyone is observing the traditions and a truly strange and unique atmosphere descends upon Israel. Everything is quiet and still and it is impossible to miss the spiritual significance of the day.
At the exact moment of sundown on 'Erev Chag' (the evening preceding Yom Kippur) driving is prohibited in all of Israel. This is the moment when everything grows still... it happens so quickly. Interestingly, driving is not prohibited by law, but rather out of respect for tradition. My friends here explained to me that if one does drive on Yom Kippur he will not be given a legal citation, but depending upon where he drives (usually if it's within Jerusalem or other extremely religious neighborhoods) he will have rocks thrown at his car by religious observers. In my town (a generally more secular and loosely observant one) ambulances and other emergency vehicles still drove when necessary. Apparently, 30 babies were born this year on Yom Kippur... so the ambulances were needed! The streets are generally empty and it is considered a "Mitzvah" to walk in the street during Yom Kippur. It is possible to walk down the middle of the highway if you want! On the evening of the holiday, many people in Ness Ziona take to the streets and walk through them greeting their neighbors and seeing old friends and classmates usually for the only time that year. Most children ride bikes around the streets all over the city. When going out during Yom Kippur it is traditional to wear white as a symbol of cleansing oneself of their sins. Here are some pictures of the night on Ness Ziona's streets :)
As for the fast, only about 60% of Israeli Jews fast on Yom Kippur. Some fast with water, some without. As in most aspects of Judaism traditions vary widely. As an act of respect, those not fasting generally try not to prepare food that smells strongly and could be detected by those around them. It is also advised not to eat in public. It is traditional to have a large and festive meal in the afternoon before the fast begins in order to fill up and last through the fast. Some more secular Jews also observe this tradition, since most Jewish occasions include a feast of some kind :) Additionally, a meal is served to 'break the fast' after the 25th hour of fasting.
As for entertainment in Israel on Yom Kippur... there is no TV or Radio! All broadcasting is halted until after sundown as the fast ends. Here's what you see if you turn on the TV:
They read that it is Yom Kippur and that broadcasts will resume after it ends. They also say "Gmar Chatima Tovah" which is a traditional greeting on Yom Kippur. This greeting comes from the Jewish belief that God inscribes each person's fate for the coming year into a book on Rosh HaShanah and waits until Yom Kippur to make it official. The word "Chatima" is used as the word for 'signature' in modern Hebrew. However, traditionally Chatima meant to seal something or to make it official. "Gmar" comes from the word for finish. And "Tovah" good or well. So, with this greeting you saying technically "may your finished sealing be good." However, with interpretation you are wishing upon someone God's good final judgement for the year :)
So, there's a bit of my experience of Yom Kippur here! It was a really amazing experience that really helped me internalize where I am living and understand the culture I am living in. It was interesting to have an entire 25 hours where everyone is united in observance of something. In the US there are so many different holidays and traditions and none of them coincide. The Jews go to movies and Chinese restaurants on Christmas while the Christians are observing, the Christians all go to work and school on Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur while the Jews are observing. The same goes for Islamic holidays such as Ramadan, Hindu celebrations like Diwali, and the many many other occasions celebrated and observed by religions in the US. With such a vast and varied calendar, there is no day like Yom Kippur where everyone is observing the same thing in the same manner. All in all, a very new and exciting experience.
And believe it or not we are NOT done with the holidays yet! Right now we are in Sukkot and next week we will celebrate Simcha Torah. So wait for the reports on those!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Settling and Rosh HaShanah!
Secondly, I've started Hebrew classes at the Ulpan. My class is about 30 people mostly from Russia and the Ukraine. But there is one other person from the US as well as folks from Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Moldova, The Philippines, Bulgaria, Romania, Argentina, and Honduras. Our teacher is an Argentinian who has been living in Israel for 40 years. So, it's a very interesting crowd and I know we all will be learning a lot together! For now it's been pretty slow and has been all review for me, but I know soon the pace will pick up and I will begin to make real progress. It is very fascinating to see how the class is taught when no one in the room has a common language... It makes things slow but soon our common language will be Hebrew! This past week was the anniversary of my very first Hebrew class, so I've officially been studying for a year!
That same day was also my 25th Birthday :) It was very nice to celebrate here in Israel. Rotem took me to a wonderful lunch of Thai food near the beach in Tel Aviv, and I went to dinner with my friend Liat at a Sushi bar. Rotem also woke me with a surprise birthday feast including freshly squeezed pomegranate juice from the fruit stand on our block, and fresh pastry from the bakery down the street! He also orchestrated a surprise party for me with his family and friends. When I came home from my Ulpan class in the evening there was singing, food, cake, gifts, and a lot of fun! It was a very nice birthday!
But, those goals will have to wait 2 weeks since the schools are on vacation! We now have a 2 week break for Yom Kippur and Sukkot. A bit over a week ago was Rosh Hashanah (The Jewish new year celebration) when we also had several days off.
Rosh Ha Shanah was very interesting. It is celebrated much differently here than I've experienced in the states. It is regarded as much more of a new years celebration than we treat it in the US (and is translated literally as Head of the Year: Rosh= head, Ha= the, Shanah= year). For instance, Rotem and I attended a big fancy new year's party for the holiday at a club in Tel Aviv. Also, it is traditional to give gifts for the Rosh HaShanah holiday, unlike at home. So there is a bit of a rush to the malls and stores to find nice gifts for family and friends. You can see stands of ready made gift baskets and gift wrapping stations spring up as Rosh HaShanah nears. In addition to exchanging gifts between family and friends, employers give gifts to employees. There are many songs associated with the Rosh HaShanah holiday that everyone knows. I played some of the songs for my students in classes and Rotem and I performed them at a school for students beginning the school year. All the students know the songs and sing along :)
While we've embraced the tradition of consuming apples and honey for Rosh HaShanah (to symbolize a sweet new year) there are many other traditions that we haven't taken on as much. Here there are traditions of eating honey cake also (still for sweetness) and pomegranate seeds. They say that the seeds are eaten with the hope that there are as many good things in the upcoming year as there are seeds in a pomegranate. The head of a fish is also served and it is said that we do this so that we will be 'heads' this year rather than 'tails' (ahead and on top rather than behind). This is an important omen for the year as judgement and ranking within the world has important significance during this holiday season. I will write more about that when I get to Yom Kippur.
There are many other traditions, mainly having to do with eating specific foods, that I don't yet understand... and by no means are all of these traditions universal. Just as there are many varied religious traditions in the states, there are just as many diverse traditions on celebrating each holiday here. As there are Jews from countless different places, they have all brought their own foods and traditions to the holidays. We in the states are familiar with there being some Ashkenazi traditions and some Sephardic traditions... but here in Israel that's not the only variation. You have Yemenite Jews, Moroccans, Russians, Romanians, and Ethiopians just to name a few... and they all have different interpretations of the celebrations here.
But, the central message of the holiday is the same... everyone wishes a happy celebration (Chag Sameach), good year (Shanah Tovah), a sweet year (Shanah Metukah) along with happiness, health, and wealth. Calls are made to family members and friends to touch base and grant these wishes. And, of course, there is a huge family meal. Well, not just one... two! Every Jewish holiday (and every average day too) actually begins at sundown rather than sunrise (after all, it is following the lunar calendar, ha) beginning the Erev Chag (eve of the celebration or holiday). The following day is the holiday (feast 1), and the following day is the 'second day of the holiday' (feast 2).
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| Plate of Symbolic Rosh HaShanah Foods |
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| Rotem's Family Dinner |
After Rosh HaShanah things are briefly back to normal before Yom Kippur 9 days later. It has been truly fascinating! But that's the next entry folks :) Working on it now... I have pictures and videos that must be uploaded!
Shanah Tovah v Metukah!! שנה טובה ומתוקה!!
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Teaching and Getting Settled!
Hello everyone! So it's been a while and a whole lot has gone on! Most excitingly, I have begun teaching here and have successfully taught 9 lessons... ALL in Hebrew! I have been writing very detailed lesson plans (basically scripts) so that I know all of the vocabulary I need for each lesson. Right now, the biggest trouble I have is with answering students' questions, since sometimes they use words I'm unfamiliar with. But, hopefully that will end soon as I'm learning more and more! For now, my plan is to have students write down particular questions so that later I can read them (and look up words) so that I can answer them accurately.
While I am quite satisfied with how the lessons have been going, it is very frustrating to be so limited in my vocabulary! I feel, at times, like many of my usual teaching methods and options have been locked away. I cannot use many of the strategies that I've developed in my teaching experience and instead have to rely on simplicity even if I really would rather handle something in a different way. This is particularly true regarding classroom management and discipline. It is also limiting in sharing all of the fun stories and details I love to throw (usually in the moment) in about music and violin playing... those are things that get kids very excited a lot of the time! But for now, I am limited to teaching the necessary concepts and subjects... and nothing more. I know it is also preventing me from relating to the kids in the ways I normally would. But, while it's frustrating, I know it is also prompting me to be resourceful and creative to relate to them in other ways. I know that even though my language is sometimes limited that we are creating relationships somehow. As time moves on, I will grow in my vocabulary and be able to function fully as a teacher once again!
I really do love the kids here! Right now I am teaching 2nd and 3rd graders in 2 schools in Ness Ziona and 2 schools in Yavne. Soon I will begin teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders at a school in Tel Aviv where I will have several small groups and a large violin ensemble. They are just adorable and so excited to learn the violin! Since all instrumental music is privatized in Israel (usually run by each municipality) there is no instrumental music for students in elementary and middle schools. It is only possible for them to study at school through outreach programs like mine. Otherwise, it is an extracurricular activity at a conservatory like ours in Ness Ziona which parents must pay for. So, a program like the one I am teaching in really allows these kids a unique opportunity to experience playing an instrument. It is particularly exciting for the kids whose families either cannot afford this kind of education or for those families who wouldn't have otherwise considered an instrumental experience for their child.
In other news, I STILL haven't started my Hebrew classes. I've been calling and calling and every time get some other confusing answer about when/ where the class will start. So, we are going to try to talk to someone AGAIN tomorrow and get a real answer! I've been here a month already and had expected to start weeks ago... so that's my project tomorrow. Also, my shipment magically still hasn't arrived. I've been waiting for it for weeks now, also having a very hard time getting a concrete answer about its status and arrival date. However, I am now expecting it "sometime this week" according to my last phone conversation. Keep your fingers crossed!
As far as the apartment goes we've now had an exterminator, have internet, tv (with dvr!), a working washing machine, and a phone line! Things are definitely moving along and I'm spending my free time this week touching up paint to give everything a fresher, cleaner feeling (it needed it since it looked like a donkey painted the walls with its hind legs).
I'll keep you updated as things move along this week (hopefully some major developments with class and my shipment). We are approaching an exciting time of the year in Israel that includes many holidays! I am excited to experience all of these holidays in a new way and report to you all!
Much love!
While I am quite satisfied with how the lessons have been going, it is very frustrating to be so limited in my vocabulary! I feel, at times, like many of my usual teaching methods and options have been locked away. I cannot use many of the strategies that I've developed in my teaching experience and instead have to rely on simplicity even if I really would rather handle something in a different way. This is particularly true regarding classroom management and discipline. It is also limiting in sharing all of the fun stories and details I love to throw (usually in the moment) in about music and violin playing... those are things that get kids very excited a lot of the time! But for now, I am limited to teaching the necessary concepts and subjects... and nothing more. I know it is also preventing me from relating to the kids in the ways I normally would. But, while it's frustrating, I know it is also prompting me to be resourceful and creative to relate to them in other ways. I know that even though my language is sometimes limited that we are creating relationships somehow. As time moves on, I will grow in my vocabulary and be able to function fully as a teacher once again!
I really do love the kids here! Right now I am teaching 2nd and 3rd graders in 2 schools in Ness Ziona and 2 schools in Yavne. Soon I will begin teaching 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders at a school in Tel Aviv where I will have several small groups and a large violin ensemble. They are just adorable and so excited to learn the violin! Since all instrumental music is privatized in Israel (usually run by each municipality) there is no instrumental music for students in elementary and middle schools. It is only possible for them to study at school through outreach programs like mine. Otherwise, it is an extracurricular activity at a conservatory like ours in Ness Ziona which parents must pay for. So, a program like the one I am teaching in really allows these kids a unique opportunity to experience playing an instrument. It is particularly exciting for the kids whose families either cannot afford this kind of education or for those families who wouldn't have otherwise considered an instrumental experience for their child.
In other news, I STILL haven't started my Hebrew classes. I've been calling and calling and every time get some other confusing answer about when/ where the class will start. So, we are going to try to talk to someone AGAIN tomorrow and get a real answer! I've been here a month already and had expected to start weeks ago... so that's my project tomorrow. Also, my shipment magically still hasn't arrived. I've been waiting for it for weeks now, also having a very hard time getting a concrete answer about its status and arrival date. However, I am now expecting it "sometime this week" according to my last phone conversation. Keep your fingers crossed!
As far as the apartment goes we've now had an exterminator, have internet, tv (with dvr!), a working washing machine, and a phone line! Things are definitely moving along and I'm spending my free time this week touching up paint to give everything a fresher, cleaner feeling (it needed it since it looked like a donkey painted the walls with its hind legs).
I'll keep you updated as things move along this week (hopefully some major developments with class and my shipment). We are approaching an exciting time of the year in Israel that includes many holidays! I am excited to experience all of these holidays in a new way and report to you all!
Much love!
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Protests
Below is an article about the massive social protests taking place around Israel tonight:
Haaretz Protest Coverage
Haaretz Protest Coverage
Another Week!
Hi all! Still plugging along here... Sorry for the lack of updates, but still no internet in the new place and updating from my phone is a bit of a pain. As of right now we have vacated the apartment for a bit because of severe plumbing issues. So, since we have no use of any of the water in our apartment, we thought it best to leave for a bit ha. We are in the process of getting it fixed... but lesson has been learned about moving into old buildings, oy!
On the upside we now have television! Woo hoo! And I am getting more and more work... below are a few pictures I've taken of the Conservatory in Ness Ziona where I'm going to start working next week.
On the upside we now have television! Woo hoo! And I am getting more and more work... below are a few pictures I've taken of the Conservatory in Ness Ziona where I'm going to start working next week.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Some Photos!
So my lovely sister prompted me to explore the options that my new iPhone has for posting photos since not only do I not know where my camera cord is in my luggage, but we are also still without internet at the new place. Everything is faaaar from finished as we've hardly begun setting up and my container of belongings is still on the boat crossing the ocean. But, this will give you a better idea of my new surroundings. I will certainly post updated photos at a later time :)
Here are some before pictures:
Faucet won't turn off... Confusion.
Yumm don't you want this coming out of your faucet? Time for a plumber? I think yes.
Diiirt everywhere. Ew.
Aaaand here are some much improved but still in progress after photos:
Rotem cooking our first dinner here!
Our new fridge (of which we are very proud;)
Dining area (going to refinish the table and chairs)
Bedroom. Paint color ideas?
Living area which will have my art area behind the big bookcase in the back.
So that's that for now! Nothing of substance to show you in our bathroom, office, or dressing room... But soon!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Here are some before pictures:
Faucet won't turn off... Confusion.
Yumm don't you want this coming out of your faucet? Time for a plumber? I think yes.
Diiirt everywhere. Ew.
Aaaand here are some much improved but still in progress after photos:
Rotem cooking our first dinner here!
Our new fridge (of which we are very proud;)
Dining area (going to refinish the table and chairs)
Bedroom. Paint color ideas?
Living area which will have my art area behind the big bookcase in the back.
So that's that for now! Nothing of substance to show you in our bathroom, office, or dressing room... But soon!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Updates!
So yes I know I have been delinquent on updates (as many of you have reminded me haha). It's a combination of too much to write and not enough time to write it! So, now for a quick recap of the past week:
Love to all! Let me know Skype names if I don't have them so we can keep in contact.
- Went to the apartment and discovered that the prior tenants neglected to realize human beings would have to inhabit that space after them and left it a mild disaster.
- Cleaned a bit and in the process discovered that we had no water pressure and that the faucet had been leaking into the cabinets underneath creating a healthy harvest of mold and general filth.
- Then discovered that the filth had attracted some pets... aka cockroaches. Hooray (Not my first experience with them. Marie and I had some fun with cockroaches in our Irving apartment and are still alive to tell the tale haha).
- Next, we realized we couldn't turn the faucet off. At all. No matter what. So we had to shut off the water supply to the apartment.
- So, now we needed a plumber/exterminator/cleaning crew to manifest itself and fix all of our stuff for free... not unrealistic, right?
- Next... minor issues with the electric supply/ gas supply to the apartment. Faced with the prospect of no lights, air conditioning, cooking gas, working water, and breathing mold/ dirt we pushed the move-in back about a week.
- We spent the week slowly acquiring appliances (bought a fridge, got a stove, and a washing machine) and having them installed. Almost done with that task! Spent time getting things fixed and cleaned. Almost done fixing the water (I turned on the faucet this morning and it literally flew off the wall at me... so it needs some more adjusting haha).
- We spent the first official night in the apartment last night. It's a much cleaner more functional apartment now! Thanks to Rotem's family's hard work and generosity we have almost everything working and in place!
- We are now going to work our magic and make it into a home! We are very excited and it will be a beautiful place when we're through with it!
- In other news:
- We drove to Jerusalem and get my Israeli ID
- We drove back to the absorption office near Tel Aviv to prove that I got my ID and get yet more forms signed
- Went to the post office to sign some more things to finalize health insurance (why the post office? not sure.)
- Went to the bank to open an account
- Next we have to drive to Ashdod to open an account with Israeli Customs so that they let my shipment in.
- Got the voucher from the government for my Hebrew classes and I'm ready to enroll! It looks like there is a group for young immigrants so I hope I will meet some other people in the same boat I am (pun intended ha).
- I got an iphone (super cool!) and can now Skype with people from my phone. I can message, call, and video from Skype so if you don't have a Skype name yet... get one!
- In work news:
- Met with 2 of my new bosses (who wanted to speak to me only in Hebrew... major brain exercise!) and signed contracts.
- Trying to get my official schedule figured out, but it looks like I'm going to have lots of little 7 and 8 year old beginning violinists in schools around the area south of Tel Aviv. I am going to teach them in small groups for a few months and later combine them into a large orchestra. Very excited!
- I start teaching next week (eep!)... in Hebrew! Rotem and I have been studying musical words and doing mock lessons in Hebrew. I'm feeling more and more ready, but luckily he can come with me for the first few lessons to be my safety net in case I need help.
Love to all! Let me know Skype names if I don't have them so we can keep in contact.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Arrival & First Days
After we got off the plane, we were whisked through passport control and then off to Misrad Ha'Klita (the office of absorption). Here we were offered drinks and food, phones to call home and inform relatives of arrival, and computers to use. One by one we were called into offices with immigration officers and given our Teudat Oleh (basically an ID given to identify you as an immigrant to receive special services). Then we signed a paper to be given health insurance (yes that's right folks, one paper and I'm fully insured, no questions asked). Then they gave me the first payment of my Sal Klita (money given over the first few months of living in Israel to help defray moving and settling costs). About 10 minutes later it was off to baggage claim where they had our bags waiting, on to meet family (Rotem's family was there to meet us with balloons :), into a free taxi and off! Whew!
It was really an amazing process... SO organized, efficient, and welcoming. Rotem's family and friends have been great and so helpful!
I will post some pictures of the travels and updates on our new apartment as we finish our move-in this weekend!
Love to all!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:ביאליק,Ness Ziona,Israel
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