Nothing Compares

Now, don't get all excited thinking that I will be updating this shindig every day. Oohhh no, you're not that lucky. BUT, today was an amazing day. A truly exceptional, perfect day. While everyone in our group was schlepping off to their internships for the first time, my roommate and I got to sleep in late (for the first time, like, all summer) and have a day to ourselves (both of our internships are not open on Wednesdays). What to do with this free time, you ask?


The MF-MEDITERRANEAN.

Oh, yes, you heard me. When you think Israel, you probably think bombs, falafel, maybe Bar Rafaeli, Jews, etc. What probably gets left out: Tel Aviv is a port. And, is right on the Mediterranean sea. Though it is a 30 minute SOLID walk in the humid middle-eastern heat to said location, it is absolutely worth it. Totally and absolutely beautiful. Beautiful beach, beautiful people, and the WATER--the water is beyond. The sand is white, fine; the water is blue, clear, and I was in heaven. This was probably one of the best days of my year, and it got topped off with my first falafel of the trip for dinner (my cherry on top). I am so glad that I am going to have some free time this trip--all of my free days will be spent there, relaxing and soaking up the sun and culture. I know it may not sound like much, but nothing compares to life here, to the experience that I know I'm going to have and am already having. Being here makes me excited just in and of itself, and I want more hours in the day!


Tomorrow we go hiking (at 5am, groan) in Ein Gedi down a riverbed to a secret oasis waterfall that dries up in the winter. The Jerusalem groups from our WUJS program are also coming, so it will be fun to meet them as well. I can't wait to use all my hiking gear, and am grateful that the heat is different in the desert (drier) so is something I may deal with better. Pictures from the hike will be included tomorrow, but for now, some from my perfect-beyond-perfect beach day:


ignore the random guy's head: these are my apartmentmates pictures!
me and justin trying to vana white the people learning to kitesurf

tel aviv from the beach area



p.s. I decided I need to have a hebrew word of the day on here. Thought it was necessary, so that you can learn with me!
H.W.O.T.D: kel-ev. it means dog in hebrew, and there are dogs here everywhere! It seems if you live in tel aviv, you must have a pointy-eared dog.