Back in the Holy Land

I got back to Israel a couple of days ago and about five pounds heavier (Mom, it's really true), and I'm super excited to be back. I moved into a new apartment in the heart of Tel Aviv with three other students in my program. During my first night in the new place I had my windows open because the AC isn't installed in my room yet and I heard all kinds of city noises: buses, car horns, people talking, people singing. In fact, one of my neighbors was singing along to Boyz II Men. It reminded me of that movie Rear Window, although without the Boyz II Men... and without the murder.

I love being right by everything. Yesterday, Patrick, Miriam and I walked to the Shuk to get some things we needed. The Shuk is quite the experience; it's like being in the Old City in the sense that you have to bargain for things. And they also have great fruit, vegetables, bread, meat, and tons of candies and desserts there for a reasonable price. And now I'm right down the street!

A little bit later I walked a minute from my place to get the best donut ever. And it was only 3 shekels, which is less than a dollar. That might be my new morning breakfast routine.

Another fun thing we did since I've been back is go to a party at this coffee shop. Apparently, everyone told the owner that the coffee shop was going to fail but it is actually pretty successful, so they celebrated its success by reading eulogies. What makes this coffee shop unique is that instead of paying per cup of coffee you pay per hour. And everything is self-serve. So you can go in and drink as much coffee as you want (they also have fruit and other snacks available) and then you just pay based on the amount of time you spent there. I think I'll check this place out when school starts.

Today, a bunch of us are going to a concert on the beach.

Did I mention it's still in the 80's and sunny here? :)

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There is some big news in Israel today. Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier who was captured by Hamas 5 years ago, was finally released in exchange for 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. He was only 19 years old when he was captured. In order to raise awareness, Shalit's parents camped in front of the prime minister's house for over a year. Most Israeli's are excited about the release, but some are hesitant because of the obvious danger of releasing 1,000 Palestinian terrorists whose main goal is to destroy Israel.

We'll see what happens. Never a dull moment here!