Shavua Kef

I woke this morning at almost 2 in the afternoon. The last time I needed this much sleep was probably during finals week in college. Between work and Hebrew studies, my weeks are jam packed! Oh.. and did I mention I get Hebrew homework every night? 

This past Thursday I skipped Hebrew (rebellious I know) to go on a "yom kef" (fun day) with work! It was awesome. Instead of a normal workday, the company took us all (15 of us) to Jerusalem for the entire day! We met at work at 8:30 and took a minibus from there (Jerusalem is about an hour away from Tel Aviv).

On the bus we were offered some drinks. I had never tried choco before (Israeli chocolate milk which people drink here like water) so i decided to have some. After I start drinking it, the girl next to me explained how back when she was in the army, if you got choco, it was a privilege. But, once you had your glass of choco and your cigarette, you were off to the bathroom. I was like great ... I'm the idiot drinking a laxative on the way to Jerusalem! 

We started off the day at the well-known shook Ben Yehuda where we had massive amounts of food for breakfast. (Burekas, eggs, etc). We had a tour guide. And of course she spoke to us in Hebrew. I was happy that I could understand about half about what she was saying, and was able to get the overall gist. 

I had been to this outdoor market many times before when I studied abroad in Jerusalem. This time was a completely different experience though because we got an inside tour of many of the shops. We got to sample Halva, Tehina, candy, fruit shakes...

Havla and Tehina 

After the tour we had some time to do some shopping. We then went to the old shook near the Western Wall where we went into some fabric shop. We saw textiles that were over $400 a yard. From all the episodes of Project Runway I watched, sounded like a lot. 

We then went on a tour of the old city via segways! It was my first time on Segway so I didn't know what to expect. We had two "instructors" who explained to us how to use the machinery... but the directions were given to us in Hebrew. Now was not the time where I only wanted to understand the gist of what was being said! I was handed a release form where I needed to sign. I only signed after I heard the instructions again in English. It was a blast! Only one time I felt like I was holding on for dear life. If you can imagine there's no emergency stop button! 

We ended the evening at a beautiful restaurant at the old train station. It was really great and I felt like I really bonded with everyone. It was nice to spend time with them outside the workplace. Since day one though, everyone there has been so welcoming towards me, which has been amazing. 

I can honestly say for the first time since I've been here, I'm really starting to feel like I'm becoming part of the Israeli culture.

One of my favorite courses in University was called "language and thought" where we learned how the language your'e born with affects the way we see the world. Language is Culture. Now that my Hebrew is improving, I feel like I am able to follow conversations, and even contribute like I wasn't able to before. I've found the most useful way to improve my Hebrew is to speak with people who need to improve their English. Israelis want to practice their English, so it benefits both of us. I had such a confidence boost the other night when I was with two Israelis who told me my Hebrew was good and my accent wasn't that bad! 

Not knowing the language surprisingly has its benefits sometimes. I was out with my roommate Moshe the other night. When we showed our IDs, supposedly I got rejected because it was 26+. I didn't understand what was going on and just walked in liked I owned the place. No one even said anything or tried to make me leave haha. 

I gotta give a shoutout to my roommates. They're awesome. I really lucked out considering I didn't meet them before I moved in (crazy I know). 

Levi (in the picture) works in some business lounges in some nice hotels in Tel Aviv. The other day he got to spend the whole day with Natalie Portman!!!! He said she ate veggies with Tehina and made her assistant go out and get her hummus! (In case you were wondering what Natalie Portman eats when she's in Israel). Supposedly Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis were here a couple weeks ago. Guess I live in the LA of the Middle East! 

This was a great week. Shabbat Shalom :) 

J 

These past couple weeks has felt like a series of people coming and going, which has been hard. Israel is a unique place. Some people may come for vacation, but many stay for several months doing post-grad or study abroad programs. My roommate Tamara was here for a couple months, and left last week. It's not the same coming home every day and not having her here. I have other good friends on vacation right now, or back in the army for a couple weeks. It's been the high holidays (Rosh HaShana, Yom Kippur) so things have felt a little slow around here. In the states we say the "High holidays." Here one of my Israeli friends got extremely offended when I referred to Yom Kippur as a "holiday." She said holiday sounds like a celebration. This is not. All stores shut under law, and no cars are seen on the road. I guess in the states we refer to days like Veteran's day as a "holiday." But i see her point.

Tamara's last night in IZ.. for a while :( 

Me and my friend Alisa roaming around Tel Aviv

I've dated a couple people since I've been to Tel Aviv. If you even need a confidence boost, come to Tel Aviv. The men are ANIMALS. seriously. They lurk high and low, and come from every direction. K that might have been a bit of an exaggeration. But if things don't work out, it's not that it just didn't work out, you've also lost a companion, which sucks. Especially when you're still settling in and making new friends.

I have been fortunate to meet some really great people since I've been here. For example, my friends Dror and Moshe (here's your shoutout boys). We met one night at a pub, and since then we're like the three musketeers. Ha okay jk. we've hung out like twice. But I always have fun with them. Moshe's friends call him "Moses" cuz they think it sounds more hip and modern than "Moshe" ... hilarious.

Just got back from the shook (crazy outdoor market). Came across this dude who looked like Bill Cosby but from the Matrix. I asked him where he was from because he was speaking in English. He looked at me. Kinda creepy and said "I'm from the LIGHT." Then he tried paying the cashier in all small change (like the equivalent of dimes). The cashier dude looked at him and straight up was like, "NO." That's when I left.

Ok this video isn't too exciting but I finally got a vine. For some reason it's playing like a vine on crack?

Confession of the week: I eat fried food from the shook at least once a week. It's my guilty pleasure. I walk in with no shame and fill up this giant plastic box with fried kosher goodness. Some may think that's gross.. but hey. A girls gotta keep her curves ;).

.... Woa.

Woa is right. The only word I can think of to describe the week I just had! I can't remember the last time I was this busy. Perhaps finals weeks back in uni? (Yea I just said Uni.. all these foreigners are messing with my English!). In all seriousness, I don't know how to speak English anymore. All Olim (new immigrants) used to tell me their English would get worse by the day, and I really didn't believe them until now. Let's start but that awfully embarrassing facebook status I put out the other day. umm... I'm righting a blog? Dear lord. Sorry guys. Let's try that again.. I am WRITING a blog for an awesome startup company in Tel Aviv. Don't worry.. I spend many hours editing ;).
I'm having a blast at work. Day 1 and they were already calling me Shosh (from "Girls")

If you know me (which I'm assuming you do cuz you're reading my blog) you probably noticed I tend to struggle with pretty basic life tasks such as: opening a tuna can (thought I was going to lose my thumb a couple weeks back), cooking anything that doesn't involve microwave (if that's considered cooking), and apparently.. making a coffee. Everyone at work found it incredibly entertaining watching me attempt to use the coffee machine. Oh well. Ain ma la-asot (Nothing you can do).
Imagine... going from 5 hours of intensive language class, to 5 hours of writing. Hebrew -----> fashion. Lolz. Love my life.

Getting my learn on. Photo cred: Creepy Noa

Anyways. Met some guy in my Ulpan today, let's call him Joe, who's never tried a soda in his life! I was even more shocked when he told me he didn't try ice-cream till the age of 35! I ran into him on the street before class today. I was confused why he was going about 10 minutes out of his way and taking the long route. He explained to me how there's a coffee vendor near our class who yells at him when he's drinking a coffee from somewhere else. So he literally sneaks to class so he doesn't have to deal with it. LOL. JFLS. (just felt like sharing).

Trying to contain my enthusiasm. YEAA Hebrew!!
Next to me is Bex. Another American. 

I think it's worth mentioning how things work around here. Customer service. Another word now missing from my vocabulary. Let me give you an example.
Q: Hi. I'd like to change the method of payment for my phone plan.
A: You're no where in our records. You're sure your name is Jacqueline? Come back another time."
One more..
Q: Hi. Can someone please come check out our apartment. Every time we turn on the water heater, the AC goes out."
A: I take cold showers all the time. There's nothing wrong with that."
Somehow I'm getting used to this "Shchoona"...BS way of dealing with things.

View of my walk to work. No complaints.

On a separate note. I'm in dire need of a day off to just chilllllax.. The first chance I get... Saturday, which happens to be Yom Kippur. Super relaxing right? No food, water, or .. yea you get the point.
Looking forward to Yom Kippur though. I hear it's a completely different experience here in Israel than anywhere else. Silence . everywhere. not a single car. Well I'm off to bed. Laila Tov.








(Keeping in my thoughts and prayers the innocent victims and their families, who were affected by such tragedy on September 11, 2001.)




J

Life.

After a two month hiatus of blog writing.. I'm back. 

These past two months have been insane.. full of life changes, adjustments, and some moped rides. 

I moved apartments a couple weeks ago not too far from Shook HaCarmel (anyone who's been on Taglit-Birthright .. it's that crazy market in Tel Aviv where you can buy anything from shoes to an phone charger for super cheap). I live with three roommates at the moment (from Switzerland, France and Israel), but one is moving out in a week. Shame.. Tamara we will miss you. 

I started "Ulpan" aka intensive Hebrew less than a week ago. Class is from 8:15-12:50 Sunday-Thursday. In Israel, the week starts on Sunday. Friday.. vacayy babyy. 

I get to take this Hebrew course for free because I am a new citizen of Israel. (Olah Hadasha). 

There are about 20 people in my class, all different ages coming from all over the globe. 

Each has their own reason for learning Hebrew. Some are fluent but want to learn grammar, some married an Israeli and want to communicate with his/her families. 

I am enjoying class so far. The other day the Mayor of Tel Aviv came to welcome us and raise a toast to the new year. 

I have had these past couple days off because of the Jewish new year (Rosh HaShana), where I travelled back to the Kibbutz (where I studied Arabic for 5 months).

It was GREAT being back. I actually haven't left Tel Aviv since I got here at the end of June. 

Anyone who doesn't live in Tel Aviv claims Tel Avivians have this mindset where they think nothing exists outside of Tel Aviv... umm...guilty. 

It's kinda true. Anything you possibly need can be found here. Even the ..... sea. Apparently the giant body of salt water is NOT an ocean. Shocking .. I know.

I had a great time up "North." (The Kibbutz is only an hour from Tel Aviv.. but Israelis treat an hour like it's across the entire country. Perhaps it's because the entire country is the size of New Jersey). 

I had Rosh HaShana dinner with my host family from my past Arabic program.  I am still in touch with them. This morning I visited one of my Arabic teachers on her Kibbutz across the street. Then I headed to Zichron Yakov (about 15 min away) to visit a different teacher for the holidays. I am pretty sure I consumed my own body weight in food these past 24 hours. 

This coming Sunday I start work! Yes.. I got a job !!! Hallelujah. A great way to start the new year. 

I will be writing a commerce blog part time after I finish my Hebrew in the morning. 

Going from vacation to studying 20 hours a week, working 20 hours a week, and having a life... ain lee meeleem (no words). 

Slowly but surely I am adjusting to the Israeli life. Right now I am focusing on learning Hebrew. Yes I am an Israeli citizen and feel at home in Israel, but a large part of integrating into a new culture is by learning the language, which takes time. I am picking up Hebrew pretty fast, but of course have a lot to learn. One thing I don't think I can ever get used to is the fact that I am living in a country surrounded by nations who want to see Israel wiped off the planet. I have been asked several times in the past week, extremely casually, if I've gotten my gas mask yet. um... come again? What? People here are so non-chalant about it. The gas mask process is quite hectic actually. If you have Israeli citizenship, you get a gas mask from the government no cost. If you are a tourist, or student. well SOL i guess. 

There are 4 post offices that distribute the masks in Tel Aviv. But.. these locations change constantly. By 7 AM there are already 800 people in line. You can supposedly get one ordered to you address, but they're apparently "backed up" at the moment. Ohh life in the Middle East. gotta love it. 

I gotta say. Despite all the craziness here. I'm very happy.

XO 

Qui

Never Settle For Less

A couple weeks back, I was told by an agency designed to help new Olim Hadashim (new immigrants to Israel) to lower all my expectations while pursuing my job search here in the eretz (Israel). This message was discouraging, and put a damper on my positive energy about making the big change. I came here to the holy land with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology, and a solid base in written Arabic.  I spent the past 5 months pouring my heart and soul into mastering the Arabic language, specifically the Palestinian dialect. To be told to lower my expectations, regardless of my qualifications, didn't seem just.  For a while, I actually did lower my expectations and standards. But after talking to some friends and family, I regained inspiration and rethought my attitude. Moving to a new country, on my own, starting fresh, has giving me the motivation not to give up, and to reach my highest potential. As my Bubby (Yiddish for grandmother) always told me: You live once, do what you love, and don't depend on anybody. I know she'd be proud of me for working towards my aspirations.

Yesterday while grabbing dinner to-go, I came across a guy, about my age, who made Aliyah three years ago. He warned me how hard it is to live here, both financially, and mentally. I constantly receive the same message: Israel is such a great place to live, but is extremely difficult and challenging. I did not come here for an easy life. Anyone who knows me knows I don't just take the easy way out. I challenge myself constantly.

I moved to the big city (Tel Aviv) on Friday. My last week of IAS (Intensive Arabic Semester) was a series of random events, as usual. We went on a field trip to Tziporri, and Tzvat (one of the four holy cities in Israel). On Thursday, we visited two art Museums, one in the Arab city of Um-Alfhm. Naturally we started the day at a Hummus place for breakfast. We said bye to our host families in Baqa, where of course I ate massive amounts of food.

Onion and toasted almond bread

Coconut cake and fruit

This bye wasn't a real one, since we are still planning on meeting up at least once a month! They invited me to come celebrate/observe Ramadan later in the summer. Not just my host sister, but her cousins, and grandparents. (During Ramadan, those observing do not eat/drink during the day, but wake up at about 3 AM for a large meal. Most people actually gain wait during Ramadan. This is also a time for those to apologize to their friends, and let go of any grudges).

I just saw this ad for IAS on Givat Haviva's webpage :).  (Highly suggest the program).

Since the move to Tel Aviv, I have managed to keep super busy! In less than 24 hours I spent time with friends from Palo Alto, DC (SO to Milad),  Montreal, and Israel. Pretty incredible, eh? (Or as South Africans apparently say, Heh?)

So you might be wondering my future plans. Now what? Great.. question.
My parents are coming to visit Friday. It's been 6 months since I've seen them.
After that, I am hoping to have completed the Aliyah, where I will be able to legally work. Hallelujah.
For now, trying to stay cool. Local weather... 90s. all day, everyday.


P.O.F.N.


J

"We don't have the right to dream it"

Wow. Today was a long day! As usual.. I did not sleep well last night. I'm turning into an insomniac (Thanks mom, I blame that one on you). I woke up with chocolate smeared on my face; apparently I lethargically crave sweets. Okay let's be real, I always crave sweets. But walla himmkum (don't worry pl. - arabic), I have been swimming lots since the pool opened!

We started the day by having class by the pool (rough life, I know). A classmate told us the story why her host mom, a teacher at a local Arab High School, does not wear a hijab (head covering). She explained how she wanted to, and even tried it for a couple weeks against her husband's will. Contrary to the stereotype, it was her husband who explained to her how much he hates the idea of a hijab- how in his mind, it's sexist, ugly, and unnecessary. Because this head covering was now causing her martial problems, she decided to stop wearing it. When she told the principal of the school that she was going to stop wearing it, the principal told her she couldn't. This action would send a controversial, confusing messaged to the students. It would be okay if she chose not to wear it all, or wear it all the time, but nothing in between. The next school semester, the principal let her go without the hijab. But deep down, she still wants to wear it. Below is something to think about. (Of course this can apply to other religions too, like Jewish orthodoxy).

When I went to Baqa today, I was very much effected by what my host family was telling me. 

My host sister's cousin asked me why I am moving to Israel, and if I like it better than the States. I told her (without thinking about it), I love Israel because I don't feel like a minority here. It's the only place in the world I am part of a majority, and feel truly at home. After I said that, I felt almost guilty. Here I am, an American-Canadian, who can become a citizen of this country because I am at least 1/8 Jewish (the same fraction of Jewish descent that Hitler used to kill Jews in Nazi Germany) and be treated as an equal here. Yes of course I will be treated slightly differently, at least at the beginning, but most likely not in a negative way. I was sitting across a table from 3 Palestinians who have lived here for generations and are treated as second-class citizens. When I asked one my host sisters if she ever dreamed of a state with full equality she responded,"We don't have the right to dream, because it's never gonna happen." My heart sank. She continued on telling me how she went recruiting agency to help her find a job. The recruiter was Arab, but told her that if she wanted to find a job in Israel, in a mall as she desired, she would need to stop wearing her "jilbab" (long conservative jacket). She said the hijab was okay, but no one would hire her with a full Muslim outfit. She got so discouraged, she gave up the job search right away. 

Another girl at the table (one of their cousins) further continued on how the Palestinians are a minority everywhere. They are a minority in Israel, but also in the W. Bank, and in other Arab countries. In the W. Bank, where the Palestinians there do not have Israeli citizenship, they look at the Israeli-Arabs differently. I was shocked when the cousin told me Arabs there will even speak to them in Hebrew, even while wearing their head coverings. 

I completely empathize with them, I first-hand know what it feels like to be a minority in a larger society. At the same time, I do consider myself a Zionist. I believe in a Jewish homeland. So what needs to be done to address this idea of second-class treatment? Is it okay? 

After this full politically charged conversation, they still invited me to their cousin's wedding on Saturday :).. and I can't wait!!  

P.O.F.N. (peace out for now) 

J 

Under Pressure

Only two weeks left on my program, which I know will fly by. 

It's been a year since I graduated from UW-Madison, and began my internship with the Madison Police Department. (Still can't believe I spent three months of my life raiding bars, going on drug busts, and riding in a cop car down State Street). If you asked me a year ago where I think I'd be today, I'd say looking for jobs in Washington DC. If someone were to tell me I'd be making Aliyah and establishing myself in Israel, I'd think he/she was crazy. These past several weeks have been incredibly stressful for me. It was/is hard to concentrate fully on my classes knowing that at the end of the program I will be homeless, and unemployed. Thankfully I found an awesome apartment in the center of Tel Aviv for the summer, and cannot wait to move in!

The job search has been ... no words. It's unbelievable how different the job market functions here. I've applied to a couple jobs already, and all have told me I'm applying way too early. They tell me to resend my CV 2 weeks max before I'll be able to begin working. It's hard for me not to have a secure plan for the next couple months, but life is much more in the moment here. 

Another stressor has been the fact that I've been studying (spoken) Arabic for the past 5 months (past 5 years if you include written Arabic), instead of Hebrew. I live in Israel, and speak at a basic level. Thankfully, I find Hebrew much easier to learn than Arabic. I have already picked up a lot considering I only had 2 weeks of formal instruction, which took place over two years ago.

Although I may sound like a complete stressball, I'm surprisingly calm :). Thankfully the pool opened on the Kibbutz, and it is phenoms (Definitely the hidden gem of Barkai). I have made the most amazing friends since I've been here, and am ecstatic that 4/7 people on my program are staying for at least the next couple months. 

I also have a lot to look forward to in the next couple weeks; I have several good friends coming to visit, and my parents just booked their trip to come see me. It's weird knowing that I won't be going back to FL before I "start my life" here. I'm at the point where I don't know what to call home anymore. I was born in Canada, but lived in California until HS, but now my family lives in FL. 

It's crazy to think that in less than three weeks I will be living in TEL AVIV. I guess I won't be taking daily walks by cows, tractors, and haystacks.

I am so thankful for the experiences I've had, and incredible people I've met these past several months. What's ahead... I guess ..נראה

J