So the trip to Barcelona ran smoothly and was actually kinda fun. I said goodbye to my Tel Aviv roomies :( and grabbed a cab around 2am Thursday morning. I got to the train station about 30 minutes early so I sat next to the only guy there and chatted with him for a while. He was traveling from Eilat (the southernmost point of Israel) all the way to the north which was taking him over 12 hours. While I was sitting in my Gator football shirt, someone walking by yelled GO GATORS. Love it.
At the airport, I was interrogated and all of my luggage was searched numerous times... either because I don't have a Jewish last name or because I have an Egyptian visa in my passport. It took over 90 minutes to get through security but luckily the duty free store was giving out free samples of vodka for my 4am fix. I talked to my parents on the phone and of course my mom had some great traveling advice - Don't catch babies! Apparently a friend of ours was pick-pocketted when someone asked her to hold her baby. My mom misinterpreted the story, saying I'm going to have babies thrown at me and whatever I do, don't catch them. We were cracking up for 10 minutes. But I was the first person on the plane and passed out right away. At 11am, I finally landed in BCN!
Somehow I found my way to the hostel which required a 15 minute walk down Las Ramblas, a super touristy street which had me cracking up. Every few feet was a new person in costume making weird noises and posing for pictures.
At the hostel, my room had 10 bunks and 1 bathroom. I dropped my bags off in a locker and walked around the city alone. I tried to get out of the tourist zone, grabbed a salad and gelato, and shopped for a bit. The market down the street had fresh fruit and juices, chocolates galore, and wayyyy too much raw meat. Another person yelled GO GATORS. Turns out she just graduated from UCF and her bf goes to UF. She's working on a cruise ship for 7 months but only while it's at sea, so she gets to visit all over Europe!
I went back and took a nap for 2 hours then took my netbook downstairs to write the mamasita an email. I ended up talking to 2 guys in the common room, Michael and Harold. Michael is from Canada at the tail end of a 3 month trip and Harold is just beginning his. Small world... Harold lives right next to the Altamonte Mall!
Michael, Harold, and I walked around trying to find authentic tapas and ended up at a pretty fancy local restaurant. Sometimes being a vegetarian is rough... like when you can't read the menu. After dinner, we searched for a bar and ended up at a place called Obama. Every inch of the inside was decorated with an African theme from safari to slavery pictures - extremely politically incorrect. We all tried a 13% alcohol content beer but it was pretty gross. Around 1am we were on our computers in the common room again and met a nice/crazy older lady on her way to NY who poured us all a glass of wine and a french guy, Remi, who I tried to communicate with but needed Michael to translate. I'm pretty sure everything he was saying was just vulgarity.
The 10-bunk dorm is not the easiest to sleep in so I woke up at 9, grabbed breakfast, took a nap after all the roomies left, and was kicked out by the maid. The weather was awful (55 degrees and raining) so I just hung around the hostel and took a pretty bad shower with a hand towel I had to buy down the street. Oh, how I miss luxury.
I expected the first group - Lindsey, Skye, and Andy - to get in around 12-12:30 so I waited anxiously downstairs until I ran into Michael and Harold again. By 1:30, I figured I'd go walk around with the guys for a bit and come back to everyone checking in so the 3 of us headed toward Ramblas. As soon as we got to the intersection, I saw Lindsey, Skye, Andy, Joe, and Alex across the street. I almost ran through traffic to get to them.
We checked in to our own cramped 6-bunk room and headed out for lunch and site seeing. There was a delicious local pizza/empanada place where I got a spinach empanada and veggie lasagna with Skye. We stopped back at the hostel to get directions and I grabbed Michael to join us. We took the metro to La Sagrada Familia, a beautiful cathedral, and took pics and walked around for a bit. Another subway ride took us to the bottom of a huge hill that held Park Güell. The architecture was amazing! Michael, Skye, and I lost everyone else so we just took some more pics until we all met up and headed back. Another drink at Obama and a tapas dinner ended the night early.
This morning (Saturday), Lynn and I took a stroll to the opening market and got some fresh fruit then found a bakery where we sampled coffee and pastries. Checkout is 11am and the cruise sets sail at 4pm! Can't wait for the upgraded room with a window, comfortable beds, clean floors, real shower, and GOURMET FOOD! Check FB for pics :)
Friday, May 14, 2010
Friday, May 7, 2010
Random May Update
I haven't blogged in forever, but here's what is new in my life...
My manager, Beni, invited me to watch his 16 yr old daughter play volleyball and the CEO came, too. The whole company is like a big family, it's adorable. After the game, we all went to dinner then I went to his home in Haifa which is a beautiful city on the Mediterranean shaped like a peninsula but it's all a mountain... hills everywhere. So I met his family and crazy dog, we jammed in his semi-music studio and created a song, drove to an amazing view point and looked at the city from above while walking around with a beer, I slept over, and we went on a short hike in the morning.
Then yesterday I met up with a guy at Haifa University, Assaf... I know him through Dani. He showed me the observatory which is another view point 30 stories up in the student center and we hung out on campus before going on a super long hike and grabbing lunch.
I have to go to the government office on Sunday to check out my visa requirements, work Mon-Tues, pack Wed, and fly to Barcelona 6am Thursday! All my friends arrive Friday and we set sail for an 11-night Med cruise on Sat! I'm so excited to see everyone :)
My manager, Beni, invited me to watch his 16 yr old daughter play volleyball and the CEO came, too. The whole company is like a big family, it's adorable. After the game, we all went to dinner then I went to his home in Haifa which is a beautiful city on the Mediterranean shaped like a peninsula but it's all a mountain... hills everywhere. So I met his family and crazy dog, we jammed in his semi-music studio and created a song, drove to an amazing view point and looked at the city from above while walking around with a beer, I slept over, and we went on a short hike in the morning.
Then yesterday I met up with a guy at Haifa University, Assaf... I know him through Dani. He showed me the observatory which is another view point 30 stories up in the student center and we hung out on campus before going on a super long hike and grabbing lunch.
I have to go to the government office on Sunday to check out my visa requirements, work Mon-Tues, pack Wed, and fly to Barcelona 6am Thursday! All my friends arrive Friday and we set sail for an 11-night Med cruise on Sat! I'm so excited to see everyone :)
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Better Place
Another high-tech tour offered by Career Israel was to an emerging company called Better Place. The goal of Better Place is to replace all family cars in Israel by vehicles run 100% by electricity. The Electronic Vehicles (EVs) have a lithium ion battery underneath the car which need about 1 minute of charge time for every 1 minute of drive time.
The goal is to have charging stations (1 meter poles) located in parking lots nationwide so cars can be charged while the driver is at home, the mall, even work. Because the battery will not stay charged for long trips, 100 battery switch stations will be located nationwide. In the same time it takes to pump gas, the car is driven over a robot which takes out the emptying battery and replaces it with one fully charged. A computer onboard incorporates GPS and customer service assistance. Owners will pay a monthly service fee to fund unlimited customer service and charging/switch stations.
As part of the tour, we were able to test drive an EV. They make no noise and accelerate smoothly because there is no gear switching. The ride was extremely comfortable and the technology inside was pretty cool.
The company began just 3 years ago by Shai Agassi (only 42 years old) and will release the first working cars in Fall 2011. The investment in creating a reliable network is high and full of risk, but will hopefully end in a great return. The main flaw I see in this operation is the lack of green energy to change the global impact of the billions of cars on the road. Better Place sees the potential of running cars on 100% clean energy but is not performing or funding research in that area.
The goal is to have charging stations (1 meter poles) located in parking lots nationwide so cars can be charged while the driver is at home, the mall, even work. Because the battery will not stay charged for long trips, 100 battery switch stations will be located nationwide. In the same time it takes to pump gas, the car is driven over a robot which takes out the emptying battery and replaces it with one fully charged. A computer onboard incorporates GPS and customer service assistance. Owners will pay a monthly service fee to fund unlimited customer service and charging/switch stations.
As part of the tour, we were able to test drive an EV. They make no noise and accelerate smoothly because there is no gear switching. The ride was extremely comfortable and the technology inside was pretty cool.
The company began just 3 years ago by Shai Agassi (only 42 years old) and will release the first working cars in Fall 2011. The investment in creating a reliable network is high and full of risk, but will hopefully end in a great return. The main flaw I see in this operation is the lack of green energy to change the global impact of the billions of cars on the road. Better Place sees the potential of running cars on 100% clean energy but is not performing or funding research in that area.
Given Imaging
As an optional tour, 20 people headed North past the city of Haifa to visit a company called Given Imaging on February 21st. This high-tech company sells the only pill camera worldwide. The 3 PillCam products they currently have take photographs to create videos of the esophagus, small intestines, or colon. With today’s technology, colonoscopies require the insertion of a tube with a camera on the end of it as the doctor views a video display. The main problems with this are the patient’s comfort and that there is no way to view the inside of the fragile small intestine.
The pills are no larger than vitamins and have different photo frame rates depending on the part of the body to be pictured. The product of the pill is a 15 minute video analyzed by algorithms which look for suspected places of damage or growths as well as a map of the path taken through the body. As of today the colon PillCam has not been approved by the FDA so colonoscopies through this method are not yet available in the states but hopefully will be soon.
The lecture was extremely interesting and informative. I now know exactly how every piece of food travels through my body (whether I wanted to or not). We were able to view actual photos and videos from studies conducted. In one woman, an entire fly was found, still undigested after traveling through her stomach and entering the small intestine. Another funny photo showed the view from the toilet of the patient looking at it after exiting the body. Haha
I think this technology is amazing and will save many lives by encouraging people to get colonoscopies on a regular basis and more than doubling the viewable area in the body with the addition of the small intestine.
The pills are no larger than vitamins and have different photo frame rates depending on the part of the body to be pictured. The product of the pill is a 15 minute video analyzed by algorithms which look for suspected places of damage or growths as well as a map of the path taken through the body. As of today the colon PillCam has not been approved by the FDA so colonoscopies through this method are not yet available in the states but hopefully will be soon.
The lecture was extremely interesting and informative. I now know exactly how every piece of food travels through my body (whether I wanted to or not). We were able to view actual photos and videos from studies conducted. In one woman, an entire fly was found, still undigested after traveling through her stomach and entering the small intestine. Another funny photo showed the view from the toilet of the patient looking at it after exiting the body. Haha
I think this technology is amazing and will save many lives by encouraging people to get colonoscopies on a regular basis and more than doubling the viewable area in the body with the addition of the small intestine.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
The Negev Desert
Heading South
Instead of Ulpan on Thursday morning (Feb 18), we packed a weekend bag and headed South by bus for a tour of the Negev Desert. The Negev covers 60% of Israel’s land mass yet only houses 15% of the population. The main inhabitants are Bedouins, a roaming people who live off the land in tents, or soldiers training in the IDF. The Israeli government tried to establish villages so the Bedouins can pay taxes, receive government-funded projects, and be safe of military activity.
The Bedouins refused and still roam the land as they wish.
Bedouin Village
We visited one Bedouin village in which a member of the tribe spoke with us about his lifestyle. He emphasized living off the land and the relationships within the tribe. One day he came across a wealthy pilot who offered his penthouse apartment in the middle of Tel Aviv so the Bedouin could experience Western civilization. After a month the Bedouin had to return home because he hated that people don’t even know their neighbors and walk past so many people without even acknowledging them.
Another stop along the way was a student village near the city of Sde Boker. Student villages are almost social environments built by hand and run by university students. They are similar to kibbutzim but most students have jobs in nearby cities.
CI Activities
The hotel we stayed at was on the property of a boarding school and our view outside was breath taking… only mountains and desert as far as the eye could see. We participated in a drum circle the first night. Everyone was either playing a drum or dancing around for hours. Later, we had a bonfire with delicious kosher s’mores.
Hikes
The group went on hikes, all with different terrains, 3 days in a row. Flash floods occurred in the Negev three weeks prior to my visit so the landscape was much greener than usual and streams still had small amounts of water. Some of the hikes had manmade steps/ladders while others required rock climbing on steep cliffs. My favorite hike involved first climbing straight up then along the top of the long, skinny mountain. I felt like I was in a biblical scene. The whole time I was thinking about how much my dad would enjoy these adventures. I’ll have to take him on some soon!
Instead of Ulpan on Thursday morning (Feb 18), we packed a weekend bag and headed South by bus for a tour of the Negev Desert. The Negev covers 60% of Israel’s land mass yet only houses 15% of the population. The main inhabitants are Bedouins, a roaming people who live off the land in tents, or soldiers training in the IDF. The Israeli government tried to establish villages so the Bedouins can pay taxes, receive government-funded projects, and be safe of military activity.
The Bedouins refused and still roam the land as they wish.
Bedouin Village
We visited one Bedouin village in which a member of the tribe spoke with us about his lifestyle. He emphasized living off the land and the relationships within the tribe. One day he came across a wealthy pilot who offered his penthouse apartment in the middle of Tel Aviv so the Bedouin could experience Western civilization. After a month the Bedouin had to return home because he hated that people don’t even know their neighbors and walk past so many people without even acknowledging them.
Another stop along the way was a student village near the city of Sde Boker. Student villages are almost social environments built by hand and run by university students. They are similar to kibbutzim but most students have jobs in nearby cities.
CI Activities
The hotel we stayed at was on the property of a boarding school and our view outside was breath taking… only mountains and desert as far as the eye could see. We participated in a drum circle the first night. Everyone was either playing a drum or dancing around for hours. Later, we had a bonfire with delicious kosher s’mores.
Hikes
The group went on hikes, all with different terrains, 3 days in a row. Flash floods occurred in the Negev three weeks prior to my visit so the landscape was much greener than usual and streams still had small amounts of water. Some of the hikes had manmade steps/ladders while others required rock climbing on steep cliffs. My favorite hike involved first climbing straight up then along the top of the long, skinny mountain. I felt like I was in a biblical scene. The whole time I was thinking about how much my dad would enjoy these adventures. I’ll have to take him on some soon!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Darfurian Refugees
An optional seminar was offered on Tuesday (Feb 16) in which a speaker discussed reasons to obtain refugee status and where refugees in Israel are immigrating from. One of the largest situations in Israel today involves Sudan. The Arab Africans are killing tribes of Black Africans in Darfur as well as Southern Sudan. The UN declared this genocide but has taken little action beyond that.
One area of Tel Aviv houses refugees and has a completely different atmosphere. The types of stores, languages seen/spoken, and ethnicity of the people make you feel as though you’ve left Israel. Ben, a participant in my program, said that one street looked exactly like Venezuela.
We stopped in a small store where two Darfurian refugees told their story. They hung a picture on the wall of their former tribe in Sudan, half of which has been killed off. The men managed to escape and worked as computer programmers for high-tech companies in Israel but the pay was not enough to get by. Now they’ve opened a shop in which they teach computer skills and sell accessories. They are fluent in their native language, English, and are learning Hebrew. Their families are growing up as Israelis but they are barely getting by. In addition, random raids by police checking for legal documents make them fear losing their store every day.
An optional seminar was offered on Tuesday (Feb 16) in which a speaker discussed reasons to obtain refugee status and where refugees in Israel are immigrating from. One of the largest situations in Israel today involves Sudan. The Arab Africans are killing tribes of Black Africans in Darfur as well as Southern Sudan. The UN declared this genocide but has taken little action beyond that.
One area of Tel Aviv houses refugees and has a completely different atmosphere. The types of stores, languages seen/spoken, and ethnicity of the people make you feel as though you’ve left Israel. Ben, a participant in my program, said that one street looked exactly like Venezuela.
We stopped in a small store where two Darfurian refugees told their story. They hung a picture on the wall of their former tribe in Sudan, half of which has been killed off. The men managed to escape and worked as computer programmers for high-tech companies in Israel but the pay was not enough to get by. Now they’ve opened a shop in which they teach computer skills and sell accessories. They are fluent in their native language, English, and are learning Hebrew. Their families are growing up as Israelis but they are barely getting by. In addition, random raids by police checking for legal documents make them fear losing their store every day.
Dance Party
Shopping
After Uplan on Monday (Feb 15), Talia and I went shopping down Shenken Street. The clothing options are awful here… Apparently floral leotards are in style. The few familiar brands I saw (Puma, Nike, Steve Madden, Diesel) were really expensive so I have yet to purchase clothing.
Pot Luck
Erez came over in the evening with delicious homemade vegetarian soup. My kitchen is officially the place to hang out because my roommates cook like crazy, people bring over random foods, and we may or may not have dance parties. Haha We are planning on hosting a pot luck soon but almost every night someone brings food over anyway.
After Uplan on Monday (Feb 15), Talia and I went shopping down Shenken Street. The clothing options are awful here… Apparently floral leotards are in style. The few familiar brands I saw (Puma, Nike, Steve Madden, Diesel) were really expensive so I have yet to purchase clothing.
Pot Luck
Erez came over in the evening with delicious homemade vegetarian soup. My kitchen is officially the place to hang out because my roommates cook like crazy, people bring over random foods, and we may or may not have dance parties. Haha We are planning on hosting a pot luck soon but almost every night someone brings food over anyway.
Valentine's Day
Beet Picking
After Ulpan today (Feb 14), all the participants had the option to volunteer at an animal shelter, picking vegetables on a Kibbutz, or if fluent in Hebrew, accompanying children in a cancer ward. I chose to be a farmer for the day. Just south of Tel Aviv a rich lawyer owns farmland where he grows fruits and vegetables for the needy. Everything is donated to an organization which also picks up leftovers from restaurants and events and distributes food nationwide through a logistics center. (If I had known about this company, I would have been interested in interning there.) About 30 of us picked beets for 2 hours… 2.5 tons of beets! It was enough to fill a truck bed. We even stole some handpicked citrus for home. Yum.
Wish I Knew Hebrew
That evening I had to go to the cell phone store to replace my phone. I got a number and waited on a couch with my net book and wifi so it wasn’t too bad… Until some guy started yelling outside as the cops pinned him to the ground. Everyone ran to the windows and I had no idea what was going on because everything was in Hebrew… Slightly scary moment.
Beach Night
Around 10:30pm, my roomies and a few friends walked to the beach to chill with a hookah. We randomly ran into a bunch of other people from the program singing and playing guitar in the sand. It ended up being a really fun night.
After Ulpan today (Feb 14), all the participants had the option to volunteer at an animal shelter, picking vegetables on a Kibbutz, or if fluent in Hebrew, accompanying children in a cancer ward. I chose to be a farmer for the day. Just south of Tel Aviv a rich lawyer owns farmland where he grows fruits and vegetables for the needy. Everything is donated to an organization which also picks up leftovers from restaurants and events and distributes food nationwide through a logistics center. (If I had known about this company, I would have been interested in interning there.) About 30 of us picked beets for 2 hours… 2.5 tons of beets! It was enough to fill a truck bed. We even stole some handpicked citrus for home. Yum.
Wish I Knew Hebrew
That evening I had to go to the cell phone store to replace my phone. I got a number and waited on a couch with my net book and wifi so it wasn’t too bad… Until some guy started yelling outside as the cops pinned him to the ground. Everyone ran to the windows and I had no idea what was going on because everything was in Hebrew… Slightly scary moment.
Beach Night
Around 10:30pm, my roomies and a few friends walked to the beach to chill with a hookah. We randomly ran into a bunch of other people from the program singing and playing guitar in the sand. It ended up being a really fun night.
Work It
The weather was so nice on Thursday (Feb 11)! My kind of day… Right after Ulpan, we walk to the shuk to buy beach towels, relaxed on the beach, then went to the gym which is conveniently located in the mall 4 blocks away. Working out was challenging because I had no idea how fast I was running or how much weight I was lifting… Everything is on the metric system and all the words are written in Hebrew.
So far I’ve taken ab, spinning, and yoga classes at the gym. Not much different from home, but I can’t understand anything the instructors say. At least I’m practicing how to count in Hebrew while I work out! The spin instructor was pretty funny… She turned on black lights, blasted music, and danced/fist pumped the whole time.
So far I’ve taken ab, spinning, and yoga classes at the gym. Not much different from home, but I can’t understand anything the instructors say. At least I’m practicing how to count in Hebrew while I work out! The spin instructor was pretty funny… She turned on black lights, blasted music, and danced/fist pumped the whole time.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
MES Interview!
Following Ulpan (Hebrew class) today (Feb 10), I took a trip north to Caesarea for an interview with the company I’ll be interning with, MES (Medical Electronic Systems). The journey involves a walk, bus ride, train ride, and another bus ride and takes almost 2 hours. Another guy from the program, Erez, will be interning there too so at least I’ll be in good company for the journey.
MES manufactures Sperm Quality Analyzers (SQAs)! Luckily they have a great sense of humor… And Erez pointed out that I wore a pearl necklace to the interview. HAHA Erez studied biopsychology so he’ll help with research and testing and I’ll work in Quality Control and process improvement. I was given a brief overview of the consultation needed, but the project is mine to create which is why I chose this company.
MES manufactures Sperm Quality Analyzers (SQAs)! Luckily they have a great sense of humor… And Erez pointed out that I wore a pearl necklace to the interview. HAHA Erez studied biopsychology so he’ll help with research and testing and I’ll work in Quality Control and process improvement. I was given a brief overview of the consultation needed, but the project is mine to create which is why I chose this company.
Israeli Politics Speaker
Today (Feb 9) I learned a few more words in Hebrew and I’m still trying to get used to the alefbet. I’m in need of some flashcard studying. After Ulpan I traveled to the shuk to get the final items to make my apartment feel like home. The dried fruit and nuts in the shuk are out of control delicious.
In the afternoon, Gil Hoffman spoke to our group about Israeli politics. The most important issue today is Iran where riots are still taking place due to last year’s election. When Netanyahu was elected, the world told him to take a diplomatic approach when dealing with Iran. France’s leader called Obama out at a UN meeting in September 2009 asking what they will do about the threat to a UN country which was all over the news. Netanyahu placed a 10-month settlement freeze on the West Bank, almost a deadline for Obama and the UN to end the current approach. This freeze ends September 25, 2010 which may be the beginning of military action.
When Obama met with the Palestinians, he compared their situation to the Holocaust or slavery in America. A poll in Israel was taken on Obama’s stand, the results were: Neutral – 30%, Against – 50%, For – 6%, else ultra Orthodox Jews who have never heard of Obama!
In the afternoon, Gil Hoffman spoke to our group about Israeli politics. The most important issue today is Iran where riots are still taking place due to last year’s election. When Netanyahu was elected, the world told him to take a diplomatic approach when dealing with Iran. France’s leader called Obama out at a UN meeting in September 2009 asking what they will do about the threat to a UN country which was all over the news. Netanyahu placed a 10-month settlement freeze on the West Bank, almost a deadline for Obama and the UN to end the current approach. This freeze ends September 25, 2010 which may be the beginning of military action.
When Obama met with the Palestinians, he compared their situation to the Holocaust or slavery in America. A poll in Israel was taken on Obama’s stand, the results were: Neutral – 30%, Against – 50%, For – 6%, else ultra Orthodox Jews who have never heard of Obama!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Acclimating
Ulpan
AHH! Learning a new language today! For the next 3 weeks I’ll be studying Hebrew for about 4.5 hours/day (called Ulpan). I chose to join the faster beginner class which is challenging for me. I’m probably the single least prepared person. I don’t even know the alefbet (alphabet). I have 27 letters to learn the print, cursive, and sound of. Gross.
The Streets
I’m trying to take note of all the different things I’ve seen on the streets here... There is no way to forget you are in the middle of conflict here. To enter malls and trains, guards with metal detectors check your bags. I guess I don't like a threat because I carried a huge bag with a laptop inside wasn’t looked at for more than 2 seconds. Soldiers in uniform are walking around everywhere you go, mainly transporting to and from home. Most have guns over their shoulder and no one takes a second glance. I’m already used to it and feel safer with them around.
AHH! Learning a new language today! For the next 3 weeks I’ll be studying Hebrew for about 4.5 hours/day (called Ulpan). I chose to join the faster beginner class which is challenging for me. I’m probably the single least prepared person. I don’t even know the alefbet (alphabet). I have 27 letters to learn the print, cursive, and sound of. Gross.
The Streets
I’m trying to take note of all the different things I’ve seen on the streets here... There is no way to forget you are in the middle of conflict here. To enter malls and trains, guards with metal detectors check your bags. I guess I don't like a threat because I carried a huge bag with a laptop inside wasn’t looked at for more than 2 seconds. Soldiers in uniform are walking around everywhere you go, mainly transporting to and from home. Most have guns over their shoulder and no one takes a second glance. I’m already used to it and feel safer with them around.
WEST BizzANK VISIT!
West Bank
On Sunday, Amir Chesin spoke about the changing borders of Israel throughout history due to Arab-Israeli conflict. In 1967, Israel won land, expanding almost all borders in the 6 day war. This includes a portion of East Jerusalem is still inhabited by Palestinians which is the West Bank. Following the lecture, the group left the State of Israel and crossed into the West Bank for a tour. Most areas of the West Bank are only visited by Jews in bulletproof buses. Walls and fences separate and protect the people while watch towers and cameras are always in sight. Some areas of coexistence are peaceful yet bombings have happened recently.
Home Sweet Home
After exploring the West Bank, the group ate lunch and relaxed at a park with a picture perfect view of Jerusalem, the Jordan River, and the Syrian Mountains. A 45 minute bus ride took us to my new home of Tel Aviv! The program leaders warned us of super sketch housing to prepare us for our apartments. I lucked out with a large apartment on the first floor - close to the internet router. I share a room with Talya from Turkey and our living room houses Vera from Turkey and Emily from Connecticut.
In order to take a shower, hot water must be generated by “The Dude” by turning it on about 20 minutes prior. I love the name of it. The only problem is that if left on too long (2+ hours), The Dude will explode. Knowing me, I’ll be the first to blow one up. Haha
Shuks!
Our apartment is in the best location 15 minutes from the Mediterranean and right in the middle of the best shopping. The largest shuk (market) in TA is 6 blocks east and the mall is 5 blocks west. There is almost nothing you cannot find at the shuks here. I’m in love!!! They are like farmer’s markets on crack. From home goods to jewelry to fresh produce to hummus, the best and cheapest shopping is at the market. The architecture of the mall is pretty sweet… about 4 stories spiraling up. It has very few familiar stores and is extremely expensive. It has a movie theater, home store, grocery store, and my new gym!
On Sunday, Amir Chesin spoke about the changing borders of Israel throughout history due to Arab-Israeli conflict. In 1967, Israel won land, expanding almost all borders in the 6 day war. This includes a portion of East Jerusalem is still inhabited by Palestinians which is the West Bank. Following the lecture, the group left the State of Israel and crossed into the West Bank for a tour. Most areas of the West Bank are only visited by Jews in bulletproof buses. Walls and fences separate and protect the people while watch towers and cameras are always in sight. Some areas of coexistence are peaceful yet bombings have happened recently.
Home Sweet Home
After exploring the West Bank, the group ate lunch and relaxed at a park with a picture perfect view of Jerusalem, the Jordan River, and the Syrian Mountains. A 45 minute bus ride took us to my new home of Tel Aviv! The program leaders warned us of super sketch housing to prepare us for our apartments. I lucked out with a large apartment on the first floor - close to the internet router. I share a room with Talya from Turkey and our living room houses Vera from Turkey and Emily from Connecticut.
In order to take a shower, hot water must be generated by “The Dude” by turning it on about 20 minutes prior. I love the name of it. The only problem is that if left on too long (2+ hours), The Dude will explode. Knowing me, I’ll be the first to blow one up. Haha
Shuks!
Our apartment is in the best location 15 minutes from the Mediterranean and right in the middle of the best shopping. The largest shuk (market) in TA is 6 blocks east and the mall is 5 blocks west. There is almost nothing you cannot find at the shuks here. I’m in love!!! They are like farmer’s markets on crack. From home goods to jewelry to fresh produce to hummus, the best and cheapest shopping is at the market. The architecture of the mall is pretty sweet… about 4 stories spiraling up. It has very few familiar stores and is extremely expensive. It has a movie theater, home store, grocery store, and my new gym!
Monday, February 8, 2010
First Sabbath
On Friday we packed our bags to move to a hotel on a Kibbutz. For those of you who don’t know, a Kibbutz is a small community with a socialist mentality. For example, someone may go work with cows and another person uses that milk to make cheese which will be eaten by the community while someone else is running a day care to watch their children. Today of the 300 Kibbutzim in Israel, over 260 have become privatized so this is no longer the case and a lot of people work outside the Kibbutz.
Before we headed to town, we stopped at a protest in the street for Gilad Shalit’s return. He was captured 3 years ago after serving in the Israeli Army. In return for him, the Palestinians want over 1000 criminals and terrorists to be freed. Some Israelis believe the trade should be made because their soldiers and all people are held so highly. At the same time, others believe this trade would endanger the country. People with both views meet to protest across the street from each other.
Back at the hotel candles were lit for Shabbat and we had the option to go to text study, prayer, or yoga because everyone’s religious background is so different. Yoga was fun
I finally got more than 4 hours of sleep on Friday night and slept in until an optional group meditation/discussion. Then a native New Yorker who now lives on this Kibbutz gave us a tour of the land and described the past and present community. I found out the neighborhood in the amazing view right outside of my room is actually all Arab. At another location on the hill, we could see the fence separating the Western Bank as well as a view of Tel Aviv all the way on the Mediterranean 40 km away.
Possibly the most awesome part of the trip so far was a tour underneath the Kotel (Western Wall). The Western Wall is the holiest place for Jews – the Holy of Holies. This is because it is the closest spot to the Dome of the Rock which is recognized by Jews, Christians, and Muslims. At one point I was standing at the recently uncovered entrance of a market over 2000 years old. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Wall_Tunnel
Before we headed to town, we stopped at a protest in the street for Gilad Shalit’s return. He was captured 3 years ago after serving in the Israeli Army. In return for him, the Palestinians want over 1000 criminals and terrorists to be freed. Some Israelis believe the trade should be made because their soldiers and all people are held so highly. At the same time, others believe this trade would endanger the country. People with both views meet to protest across the street from each other.
Back at the hotel candles were lit for Shabbat and we had the option to go to text study, prayer, or yoga because everyone’s religious background is so different. Yoga was fun
I finally got more than 4 hours of sleep on Friday night and slept in until an optional group meditation/discussion. Then a native New Yorker who now lives on this Kibbutz gave us a tour of the land and described the past and present community. I found out the neighborhood in the amazing view right outside of my room is actually all Arab. At another location on the hill, we could see the fence separating the Western Bank as well as a view of Tel Aviv all the way on the Mediterranean 40 km away.
Possibly the most awesome part of the trip so far was a tour underneath the Kotel (Western Wall). The Western Wall is the holiest place for Jews – the Holy of Holies. This is because it is the closest spot to the Dome of the Rock which is recognized by Jews, Christians, and Muslims. At one point I was standing at the recently uncovered entrance of a market over 2000 years old. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Wall_Tunnel
First Days!
Took me a while to update because we’ve been so busy, but I’m having an amazing time so far. The program began on Wednesday where I met 90+ new people from over 10 countries. I’m still finding some I’ve never seen and it’s the third day.
About 70% of the participants will be interning in Tel Aviv while the rest will be in Jerusalem. We are split into 2 groups with leaders Itzik and Sharon. All of the Jerusalem interns plus a bunch of Tel Avivs are in Itzik’s group with me which is good because I get to spend a lot of time with them before we split up.
We stayed in a Jerusalem “hostel” the first two nights... More like a nice hotel with bunks. It housed other groups visiting from all over the world. The food is much better than I was expecting. Breakfast options always include Nutella with toast, Israeli salad (cucumbers and tomatoes in a vinegar dressing), and tuna. Every lunch and dinner has had challah, hummus, rice, potatoes, and Israeli salad. And PS Weekends are Friday-Saturday due to Shabbat.
On Thursday, Feb 4th, a Bostonian who has lived in Israel for 25 years spoke about the history and current standing of the State of Israel. I learned that the country is extremely fiscally conservative – they have the 3rd largest income gap between the upper and lower classes. Jerusalem is the poorest city here because many Orthodox Jews study the Torah all day every day while their wives stay at home and neither have an income.
Later we went over regulations and security… obviously important. The program requires that we have a cell phone on at all times so they can text any safety information which is received instantly from The Situation Room (a company in contact with Mossad).
The day ended with a trip to the mall, dinner at the hostel, and a seminar discussing Israeli films. Unlike Hollywood, Israeli films are funded by the government and are often more serious and political. Most criticize Israel openly, which I found to be surprising.
About 70% of the participants will be interning in Tel Aviv while the rest will be in Jerusalem. We are split into 2 groups with leaders Itzik and Sharon. All of the Jerusalem interns plus a bunch of Tel Avivs are in Itzik’s group with me which is good because I get to spend a lot of time with them before we split up.
We stayed in a Jerusalem “hostel” the first two nights... More like a nice hotel with bunks. It housed other groups visiting from all over the world. The food is much better than I was expecting. Breakfast options always include Nutella with toast, Israeli salad (cucumbers and tomatoes in a vinegar dressing), and tuna. Every lunch and dinner has had challah, hummus, rice, potatoes, and Israeli salad. And PS Weekends are Friday-Saturday due to Shabbat.
On Thursday, Feb 4th, a Bostonian who has lived in Israel for 25 years spoke about the history and current standing of the State of Israel. I learned that the country is extremely fiscally conservative – they have the 3rd largest income gap between the upper and lower classes. Jerusalem is the poorest city here because many Orthodox Jews study the Torah all day every day while their wives stay at home and neither have an income.
Later we went over regulations and security… obviously important. The program requires that we have a cell phone on at all times so they can text any safety information which is received instantly from The Situation Room (a company in contact with Mossad).
The day ended with a trip to the mall, dinner at the hostel, and a seminar discussing Israeli films. Unlike Hollywood, Israeli films are funded by the government and are often more serious and political. Most criticize Israel openly, which I found to be surprising.
Monday, February 1, 2010
I'm Here!
Oh, British Airways...
So when I checked in at JFK I found out my flight was 45 minutes late but the crazy lady wouldn't let me switch to an earlier one to make sure I caught my connector. I ended up sprinting through the London airport and made my flight by 3 minutes. My bags? Not so lucky. Hopefully they'll arrive early tomorrow morning so I have them before heading to Jerusalem where the program begins.
I met up with a fellow Gator, Joelle and we're in a cute hotel in the middle of Tel Aviv. The walk to the beach is only 15 minutes so that's definitely happening!
My Internship:
Beginning March 1st, I'll be volunteering with MES (www.mes-ltd.com/overview.asp) which manufactures medical equipment... okay, I'll say it - the products test SPERM. The company has a pretty sweet spermie logo, too.
I chose this position over another because the company has never had an IE. No metrics, no manufacturing schedules, no rhyme or reason. Don't worry, I'm here to save the day (but what else is new..?).
The plant is located in Caesarea, another beautiful city on the coast! My commute will be a bus and train ride so I may only work 3 days/week. I'll know more information after I visit on 2/10.
So when I checked in at JFK I found out my flight was 45 minutes late but the crazy lady wouldn't let me switch to an earlier one to make sure I caught my connector. I ended up sprinting through the London airport and made my flight by 3 minutes. My bags? Not so lucky. Hopefully they'll arrive early tomorrow morning so I have them before heading to Jerusalem where the program begins.
I met up with a fellow Gator, Joelle and we're in a cute hotel in the middle of Tel Aviv. The walk to the beach is only 15 minutes so that's definitely happening!
My Internship:
Beginning March 1st, I'll be volunteering with MES (www.mes-ltd.com/overview.asp) which manufactures medical equipment... okay, I'll say it - the products test SPERM. The company has a pretty sweet spermie logo, too.
I chose this position over another because the company has never had an IE. No metrics, no manufacturing schedules, no rhyme or reason. Don't worry, I'm here to save the day (but what else is new..?).
The plant is located in Caesarea, another beautiful city on the coast! My commute will be a bus and train ride so I may only work 3 days/week. I'll know more information after I visit on 2/10.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Program Itinerary
Hey guys!
Thanks for following. I'll be keeping a blog while overseas so I can share everything I see and do. I'll also carry a netbook at all times, so be ready to Skype and Google Video (or GPC)! My flight leaves Feb 1st and I'll be shutting my iPhone off then... Dun dun dunnnnn.
I'm still finalizing my internship, but I'll prob be living in Tel Aviv :) It has a beautiful coast on the Mediterranean Sea and is similar to a lot of western cities.
Below is the program's itinerary (super detailed for the first few weeks). And the boring info is at CareerIsrael.com and http://careerisrael.com/career_infopack.pdf.
______________________________________________________________________
*Track 1: Orientation and Ulpan
Wednesday, February 3
Arrival
Dinner
Group session
Overnight
Thursday, February 4
Morning: Meet career-Israel staff
Group discussions: regulations and security instructions
Afternoon: Lunch Downtown
Free time for personal errands
Personal meeting with placement coordinators
Opening ceremony+ festive dinner
Overnight
Friday, February 5th
8:30: Breakfast
9:30: Hebrew level exam
10:30: Nachla’ot and Machane Yehuda tour- “Jerusalem preparing for
Shabbat”
Free time in the market
Rest and prepare for Shabbat
Group Kabbalat Shabbat
Dinner
Group activities
Overnight
Saturday, February 6th
Coffee, Tea and cake in morning
Morning: group activity
Lunch at Hostel
Afternoon: group activity
Dinner at Hostel, Havdala
Room Lottery
Optional Kotel Tunnels OR Israeli movie night at the Hostel
Overnight
Sunday, February 7th
Breakfast
Morning Lecture and Tour
Transfer to Tel Aviv and check in
Overnight in Tel Aviv
Monday, February 8th- 12th (including Friday)
9:30-14:40: Ulpan
TA with Madrichot (Optional)
Afternoons:
• Lecture “Israeli Politics”
• Meet with Ethiopian Students OR Darfurian Refugees panel - tour and
lecture
• Lecture- Arab Israelis
Sunday, February 14th -17th (no studies on Thursday or Friday)
9:30-14:40: Ulpan
Afternoons:
• Volunteering options
• Optional "Israeli Cinema workshop"
• Tour options in Tel Aviv with madrichim
Thursday, February 18th- Saturday, February 20th
Negev Trip
Overnight in Sde Boker Field School
Sunday, February 21st-Thrusday, February 25th (No Friday)
9:30-14:40: Ulpan
Afternoons:
• Hi Tech in Israel and NGOs
• Preparation for internships with staff
• Purim Lecture
Sunday, February 28th
Purim Party
Monday, March 1st- Tuesday, March 2nd
9:30-14:40: Ulpan
Afternoons:
• Workshop- Israeli work environment
• Transfer to Jerusalem for Jerusalem Interns
*Track 2: Internships
March
3: Begin Internships
11: MASA Event
18: Seminar Day "Religion and the State”
19-20 Shabbaton: "Periphery and Community Weekend in Dimona”
March 29- April 5: Passover Vacation
April
8: Optional afternoon tour of the new Yad Vashem Museum
15: Remembrance and Celebration in Israeli Society Seminar
18: Yom Hazikaron ceremony (optional MASA)
23-24: Aliya weekend (optional MASA)
April 30-May 1: Dialogue Seminar with Israeli Students in Ein Gedi
May
7-8: Dialogue Seminar with Israeli Students in Ein Gedi
13: Tour of Haifa
18-19: Shavuot
26-29:North Tour
Overnight in Tel Hai Hostel
June
10: “Disengagement from Gaza and Sderot” Seminar Day
22-23: Ending Seminar
Overnight in Shefayim
28: Program Ends
Thanks for following. I'll be keeping a blog while overseas so I can share everything I see and do. I'll also carry a netbook at all times, so be ready to Skype and Google Video (or GPC)! My flight leaves Feb 1st and I'll be shutting my iPhone off then... Dun dun dunnnnn.
I'm still finalizing my internship, but I'll prob be living in Tel Aviv :) It has a beautiful coast on the Mediterranean Sea and is similar to a lot of western cities.
Below is the program's itinerary (super detailed for the first few weeks). And the boring info is at CareerIsrael.com and http://careerisrael.com/career_infopack.pdf.
______________________________________________________________________
*Track 1: Orientation and Ulpan
Wednesday, February 3
Arrival
Dinner
Group session
Overnight
Thursday, February 4
Morning: Meet career-Israel staff
Group discussions: regulations and security instructions
Afternoon: Lunch Downtown
Free time for personal errands
Personal meeting with placement coordinators
Opening ceremony+ festive dinner
Overnight
Friday, February 5th
8:30: Breakfast
9:30: Hebrew level exam
10:30: Nachla’ot and Machane Yehuda tour- “Jerusalem preparing for
Shabbat”
Free time in the market
Rest and prepare for Shabbat
Group Kabbalat Shabbat
Dinner
Group activities
Overnight
Saturday, February 6th
Coffee, Tea and cake in morning
Morning: group activity
Lunch at Hostel
Afternoon: group activity
Dinner at Hostel, Havdala
Room Lottery
Optional Kotel Tunnels OR Israeli movie night at the Hostel
Overnight
Sunday, February 7th
Breakfast
Morning Lecture and Tour
Transfer to Tel Aviv and check in
Overnight in Tel Aviv
Monday, February 8th- 12th (including Friday)
9:30-14:40: Ulpan
TA with Madrichot (Optional)
Afternoons:
• Lecture “Israeli Politics”
• Meet with Ethiopian Students OR Darfurian Refugees panel - tour and
lecture
• Lecture- Arab Israelis
Sunday, February 14th -17th (no studies on Thursday or Friday)
9:30-14:40: Ulpan
Afternoons:
• Volunteering options
• Optional "Israeli Cinema workshop"
• Tour options in Tel Aviv with madrichim
Thursday, February 18th- Saturday, February 20th
Negev Trip
Overnight in Sde Boker Field School
Sunday, February 21st-Thrusday, February 25th (No Friday)
9:30-14:40: Ulpan
Afternoons:
• Hi Tech in Israel and NGOs
• Preparation for internships with staff
• Purim Lecture
Sunday, February 28th
Purim Party
Monday, March 1st- Tuesday, March 2nd
9:30-14:40: Ulpan
Afternoons:
• Workshop- Israeli work environment
• Transfer to Jerusalem for Jerusalem Interns
*Track 2: Internships
March
3: Begin Internships
11: MASA Event
18: Seminar Day "Religion and the State”
19-20 Shabbaton: "Periphery and Community Weekend in Dimona”
March 29- April 5: Passover Vacation
April
8: Optional afternoon tour of the new Yad Vashem Museum
15: Remembrance and Celebration in Israeli Society Seminar
18: Yom Hazikaron ceremony (optional MASA)
23-24: Aliya weekend (optional MASA)
April 30-May 1: Dialogue Seminar with Israeli Students in Ein Gedi
May
7-8: Dialogue Seminar with Israeli Students in Ein Gedi
13: Tour of Haifa
18-19: Shavuot
26-29:North Tour
Overnight in Tel Hai Hostel
June
10: “Disengagement from Gaza and Sderot” Seminar Day
22-23: Ending Seminar
Overnight in Shefayim
28: Program Ends
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