I only was able to teach in Ar'ara, not Barta'a. They dropped us off at the 7th/8th grade building and walked us up the hill to the 9th grade. My kids were about 15 years of age. I walked in, introduced myself in Arabic, and I started speaking with them in English. There were between 35-40 kids in the class, and their English was on a very basic level, but I was very excited to have the chance to talk with "real" people, as horrible as that sounds. I've been missing out on the opportunity to talk with Arabic-speakers in casual situations lately.
Purim Friday was great. Everybody and their mother, father, grandfathers and grandmothers were drunk off their asses, to put it frankly.
Givat Haviva tour today:
1. Holocaust memorial building; focuses on the importance of the people hurt who are NOT Jews
2. Art Center
3. Met with the heads--HaGuy and Dudu
4. Peace library
5. Heder Okhel, talked with the soldiers in Hebrew :))))
Summer options:
1. Work in the Catering Biz
2. Volunteer with Magen David
3. Marva--8 weeks in army training... hmm...
Monday, March 16, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Last Thursday: Bike to Givat Haviva graduation, bike back before the sun is down and the bicycle turns back into a pumpkin, take 5 minutes to change, go to Kung Fu, return from Kung Fu, go to the train station, up to Haifa!
In Haifa: Walk along the mountainside in the nightlight near University of Haifa. Snuggle in warm jackets and nice company. Get a history lesson.
Friday: Eat the delicious nutty cereal, take the neighbor's dog on a walk, head for the train and Tel Abib. Meet Dani and her lovely sister Hila at the market. Walk along the beach to Hila's apartment; have dinner at their grandmother's apartment. Chicken Noodle Soup!! I miss Jewish mothers... (Not that there's any lack of them. But I don't feel the connection achshav.) Sleep for 5 hours at the Mughraby Hostel (Love it! as adina would say) and had a really great time. Met 2 German girls, a French girl, and an undetermined who was determined to change her life of being addicted to cigarettes, alcohol, and sex. I stand with my belief that she is soon going to rebound and go on a shooting spree if she doesn't have her material items soon; she was awesome, but a bit unstable. Sat on my balcony and studied Hebrew from the German girl's book. Learned how to count to 10 in German. Went to a 25+ bar with Hila and friend; I was completely underdressed and obviously under 25, but I said "I don't know have my passport with me" in a very American accent and hakol was bseder. Got bar seats which was great; however, some really pushy girls and some aggressively persistent bartenders made it go from a great experience to an interesting one. After the bar, bonded with the older night-guard front-desk man. Also bonded with him at 4:30 in the morning when I got 3 phone calls and he told me to go talk on the roof. (So cool!) The religious guys were only dancing and singing loudly AND obnoxiously until 2 or 3, so it was quiet by then.
Saturday: (Somewhere in the past paragraph I switched tenses. Cool.) Had tea and toast; tea was great, toast was not worth the time or the stomachache. Started walking up to frisbee at 12:30 and came across the Israeli folk dancing (Horah) in front of the Renaissance Hotel at 1-something! Joined in for every single one of the dances, and after only 20-30 seconds of a song, I was picking up all the steps, depending on the level of difficulty. Partner danced with the Israeli-Joe in what I like to call circular salsa dancing. He was magnifique. Left that, went to Sportex Stadium and played pick-up frisbee at a Hat tournament!
Sunday: Arabic in the morning, trip to Daliyat Il-Karmel in the afternoon to the Druze village.
Monday: Purim day for the majority of Israel. Huge party in Jerusalem. Taking a shot of vodka with Izhar--straight. I was proud.
Tuesday: Played frisbee, made hamantashin, drank at the Purim gathering (not the party--that's Friday), talked with Lydia's son (has a girlfriend, but gorgeous beyond gorgeous!), and did homework with Uria
Tomorrow looks bright with a case of teaching English--twice! In Ar'ara and Barta'a. Fun! But worrisome. I'll figure it out tomorrow when the day arrives...
In Haifa: Walk along the mountainside in the nightlight near University of Haifa. Snuggle in warm jackets and nice company. Get a history lesson.
Friday: Eat the delicious nutty cereal, take the neighbor's dog on a walk, head for the train and Tel Abib. Meet Dani and her lovely sister Hila at the market. Walk along the beach to Hila's apartment; have dinner at their grandmother's apartment. Chicken Noodle Soup!! I miss Jewish mothers... (Not that there's any lack of them. But I don't feel the connection achshav.) Sleep for 5 hours at the Mughraby Hostel (Love it! as adina would say) and had a really great time. Met 2 German girls, a French girl, and an undetermined who was determined to change her life of being addicted to cigarettes, alcohol, and sex. I stand with my belief that she is soon going to rebound and go on a shooting spree if she doesn't have her material items soon; she was awesome, but a bit unstable. Sat on my balcony and studied Hebrew from the German girl's book. Learned how to count to 10 in German. Went to a 25+ bar with Hila and friend; I was completely underdressed and obviously under 25, but I said "I don't know have my passport with me" in a very American accent and hakol was bseder. Got bar seats which was great; however, some really pushy girls and some aggressively persistent bartenders made it go from a great experience to an interesting one. After the bar, bonded with the older night-guard front-desk man. Also bonded with him at 4:30 in the morning when I got 3 phone calls and he told me to go talk on the roof. (So cool!) The religious guys were only dancing and singing loudly AND obnoxiously until 2 or 3, so it was quiet by then.
Saturday: (Somewhere in the past paragraph I switched tenses. Cool.) Had tea and toast; tea was great, toast was not worth the time or the stomachache. Started walking up to frisbee at 12:30 and came across the Israeli folk dancing (Horah) in front of the Renaissance Hotel at 1-something! Joined in for every single one of the dances, and after only 20-30 seconds of a song, I was picking up all the steps, depending on the level of difficulty. Partner danced with the Israeli-Joe in what I like to call circular salsa dancing. He was magnifique. Left that, went to Sportex Stadium and played pick-up frisbee at a Hat tournament!
Sunday: Arabic in the morning, trip to Daliyat Il-Karmel in the afternoon to the Druze village.
Monday: Purim day for the majority of Israel. Huge party in Jerusalem. Taking a shot of vodka with Izhar--straight. I was proud.
Tuesday: Played frisbee, made hamantashin, drank at the Purim gathering (not the party--that's Friday), talked with Lydia's son (has a girlfriend, but gorgeous beyond gorgeous!), and did homework with Uria
Tomorrow looks bright with a case of teaching English--twice! In Ar'ara and Barta'a. Fun! But worrisome. I'll figure it out tomorrow when the day arrives...
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Take a look, take a listen
Ultimate Peace Ultimate Frisbee Tournament for planting seeds in order to foster peace...
Look: http://www.ultimatepeace.org/ultimate-peace-events/
Listen: http://www.ultimatepeace.org/data-files/UltimatePeace_Radio-WROW-Afternnon-Drive-DaveBarkan.mp3
April 1-5th
I'm deciding between this and going to London... I don't think I can legitimize missing more than a week of classes....
Look: http://www.ultimatepeace.org/ultimate-peace-events/
Listen: http://www.ultimatepeace.org/data-files/UltimatePeace_Radio-WROW-Afternnon-Drive-DaveBarkan.mp3
April 1-5th
I'm deciding between this and going to London... I don't think I can legitimize missing more than a week of classes....
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Jerusalem
As a slightly sappy anecdote of this past weekend, I forgot to mention my time with Eric! It was amazing, terrific, wonderful, thrilling, brilliant, relaxing and fun. Probably could fit another few thousand words in their like "eating eating sleeping eating tv lots and lots of rain"-- but I won't.
Probably the most pacifistic, indie, Colorado moment I had happened while I was waiting for Eric and parents to pick me up. I climbed up the side of the hill with my two shopping bags and purse-- this was more bouldering, less climbing-- laid my jacket out on the ground, took out my book, and watched the sun sink further down and lower in the sky while being hugged by the valley walls, the eyes of the houses gazing out overhead. It was very peaceful; the hills surrounded me, the traffic was far below, the pedestrians were nowhere to be found because not everyone has tough skin like me.
The other amazing moment I'll just mention is when Eric and I were talking, we climbed out the window and onto the balcony (there's no direct access) and sat there chatting and watching the world go by until our feet got too cold to take it.
Some pleasant memories to keep the day =)
Probably the most pacifistic, indie, Colorado moment I had happened while I was waiting for Eric and parents to pick me up. I climbed up the side of the hill with my two shopping bags and purse-- this was more bouldering, less climbing-- laid my jacket out on the ground, took out my book, and watched the sun sink further down and lower in the sky while being hugged by the valley walls, the eyes of the houses gazing out overhead. It was very peaceful; the hills surrounded me, the traffic was far below, the pedestrians were nowhere to be found because not everyone has tough skin like me.
The other amazing moment I'll just mention is when Eric and I were talking, we climbed out the window and onto the balcony (there's no direct access) and sat there chatting and watching the world go by until our feet got too cold to take it.
Some pleasant memories to keep the day =)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Endless
[I deleted what was here; you're not going crazy]
Zippori
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sepphoris
Beit She'arim
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beit_She'arim_National_Park
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Was
I was feeling miserable this morning
And I sat on a rock hit by the sun
My ears were filled with tides of roaring
And I sat down with a cup of tea
Feared that this would be boring
And I sat into the soft sofa with my work
Lungs refused to keep on piping
And I sat beneath the world and wrote a poem
Yay!!!! I wrote a poem-like thing today!! Not this; this is an ode to a poem I wrote in Hebrew. I'm not posting it here, it was awful. But I did feel ridiculously awful for the first two hours of the morning. Eric will be here tomorrow, I held an entire conversation about anarchy in Hebrew, and I'm pleased. :)
And I sat on a rock hit by the sun
My ears were filled with tides of roaring
And I sat down with a cup of tea
Feared that this would be boring
And I sat into the soft sofa with my work
Lungs refused to keep on piping
And I sat beneath the world and wrote a poem
Yay!!!! I wrote a poem-like thing today!! Not this; this is an ode to a poem I wrote in Hebrew. I'm not posting it here, it was awful. But I did feel ridiculously awful for the first two hours of the morning. Eric will be here tomorrow, I held an entire conversation about anarchy in Hebrew, and I'm pleased. :)
Saturday, February 14, 2009
A few amazing things I've done these weekend
-Walked around the gorgeous Tel Aviv Art Museum
-Met two Canadians on a bus to Ramat Gan
-Had six kids from Macabi Tza'ir run up to me and ask if I recycled, and to the sign the paper if I did... in Hebrew. SO CUTE!!! I needed help finding a place to charge my phone, and they took me back to their little cabin-place. And then walked me to the bus station to wait for Dani and attacked me with hugs!!!
-Friday the 13th movie viewing of SHAUN OF THE DEAD with Dani, Lihi, Ofer, Chen (Pecker), v'Dana
-Really amazing green apple and cinnamon Wissowsky tea!!
-Reading the next installation in the Assassin's series on Idan/Dani's balcony/plant garden/thing-not-meant-for-people-to-sit outside in the beautiful sunshine
-Spotting Toucanim (parrots) outside of Matan's window. Ofer will e-mail the pictures later. The question is, how did they get here? They're definitely not a native species....
-ERIC IS COMING!!!! to Israel!!! YAYYYYYYY
-Met two Canadians on a bus to Ramat Gan
-Had six kids from Macabi Tza'ir run up to me and ask if I recycled, and to the sign the paper if I did... in Hebrew. SO CUTE!!! I needed help finding a place to charge my phone, and they took me back to their little cabin-place. And then walked me to the bus station to wait for Dani and attacked me with hugs!!!
-Friday the 13th movie viewing of SHAUN OF THE DEAD with Dani, Lihi, Ofer, Chen (Pecker), v'Dana
-Really amazing green apple and cinnamon Wissowsky tea!!
-Reading the next installation in the Assassin's series on Idan/Dani's balcony/plant garden/thing-not-meant-for-people-to-sit outside in the beautiful sunshine
-Spotting Toucanim (parrots) outside of Matan's window. Ofer will e-mail the pictures later. The question is, how did they get here? They're definitely not a native species....
-ERIC IS COMING!!!! to Israel!!! YAYYYYYYY
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Pictures + Descriptions--Taibe + TuBshvat
Warning: This blog should be viewed from the bottom up for concise and clear (vaguely) understanding)
It HAILED! In ISRAEL! Not only did in rain today on this disgusting day of election (weather wise, not politics--although now that I think of it, that applies too...) but hail???? Seriously?? This picture was taken right outside of our room. Mark was outside running and we were all worried about him; apparently he was at the front gate when it started and took shelter, but if his hair was a little fluffier he wouldn't have needed. It was beautiful. And coooooolllld out today. Side note: This is my ONLY PICTURE of election day, a very fascinating day in my opinion.
End result: Happy NANA and SAGE plants at our bayit!
Making our personal plants. Josh is making an incision for the water. He's so focused.
Experiments with algae.
Water falling from the pipes above. Water's falling from the sky above outside right now. I can here the thunder.
One of the coexistance projects was to build something that projected a sound to the other side of the room, etc.....
These water cabbages keep the water clean and have no practical use besides that whatsoever; sometimes that's enough.
My fingers are getting tired. This is the bottom part of the picture below.
Bioengineering. Yaay.
Irrigation system, more.
Irrigation system. Water from shower goes there and feeds the trees (not pictured)
More environemental impact stuff--when the sun goes up, the sun reflects off the mirrors and heats the glass; if you have a pot of tea out there, it boils in 10-15 minutes
This is a very very nifty system. When it's sunny outside the glass heats up and there is a suction that pulls the air in from the outside and carries into the black thing in the back... from the back side (not pictured), there is a door that opens and you can cook things in there slow-roast in the summer, or whatever cooks slowly. Very cool.
This is the front yard of the environmental-guru of the kibbutz. She also incidentally happens to be our Arabic teacher. Complete accident! We had no idea she was so cool. This is a public garden; what you can't see from this picture is the complex irrigation system she has set up to access the water and manipulate it for all the plants around.
Look at us, we're so cool. This is the middle-ish of the greenhouse; I'm hiding behind our guide-person-friend.
For Tu'Bishvat, we headed over Kibbutz Ein Shemier (not spelling it right, I think), a neighboring kibbutz that houses a non-profit environmental research lab. These plants are projects children have completed during their time at Ein Shemier. I mention these kids because not only is it an environmental research center, but it is also used as a coexistance place where kids from Jewish and Arabic households come together from very young ages to even 17 years of age and work on a variety of projects.
Arabic hospitality. Fortunately, they gave us lemonade, not tea or coffee-- I don't know how much more I could have withstood. These are typical sweets eaten after the fast day is over during the month of Ramadan.
Lawyer brother in action. I think that might be the son or grandson?
A giant plot of land that my professor's dad left behind for his children, 5 boys and 3 girls. One of the brothers is on his way to becoming the mayor of Taibe, another is a lawyer, and the divorced sister also has a house on this plot of land. Each one, once there is enough money, builds another house right next door. On the left you can see a house in the making, which is the lawyer brother, and the empty plot of land next to it that looks slightly cleaned out. That's where my prof's going to be. Eventually. He's a teacher, it's not like he makes a great salary. They have an apartment within the city-city area, anyway.
This is the first picture, but because the uploader is stupid, it loaded them in backwards.
Anyway, this is Taibe. It's a very old, old city. My professor lives there, about four or five blocks away; there are actually people who live within these walls now. See, for example, the woman on the bottom right. This was the second or third stop on our way around Taibe--first being profs apartment for lunch, second at his family's funeral room, third here.
It HAILED! In ISRAEL! Not only did in rain today on this disgusting day of election (weather wise, not politics--although now that I think of it, that applies too...) but hail???? Seriously?? This picture was taken right outside of our room. Mark was outside running and we were all worried about him; apparently he was at the front gate when it started and took shelter, but if his hair was a little fluffier he wouldn't have needed. It was beautiful. And coooooolllld out today. Side note: This is my ONLY PICTURE of election day, a very fascinating day in my opinion.
End result: Happy NANA and SAGE plants at our bayit!
Making our personal plants. Josh is making an incision for the water. He's so focused.
Experiments with algae.
Water falling from the pipes above. Water's falling from the sky above outside right now. I can here the thunder.
One of the coexistance projects was to build something that projected a sound to the other side of the room, etc.....
These water cabbages keep the water clean and have no practical use besides that whatsoever; sometimes that's enough.
My fingers are getting tired. This is the bottom part of the picture below.
Bioengineering. Yaay.
Irrigation system, more.
Irrigation system. Water from shower goes there and feeds the trees (not pictured)
More environemental impact stuff--when the sun goes up, the sun reflects off the mirrors and heats the glass; if you have a pot of tea out there, it boils in 10-15 minutes
This is a very very nifty system. When it's sunny outside the glass heats up and there is a suction that pulls the air in from the outside and carries into the black thing in the back... from the back side (not pictured), there is a door that opens and you can cook things in there slow-roast in the summer, or whatever cooks slowly. Very cool.
This is the front yard of the environmental-guru of the kibbutz. She also incidentally happens to be our Arabic teacher. Complete accident! We had no idea she was so cool. This is a public garden; what you can't see from this picture is the complex irrigation system she has set up to access the water and manipulate it for all the plants around.
Look at us, we're so cool. This is the middle-ish of the greenhouse; I'm hiding behind our guide-person-friend.
For Tu'Bishvat, we headed over Kibbutz Ein Shemier (not spelling it right, I think), a neighboring kibbutz that houses a non-profit environmental research lab. These plants are projects children have completed during their time at Ein Shemier. I mention these kids because not only is it an environmental research center, but it is also used as a coexistance place where kids from Jewish and Arabic households come together from very young ages to even 17 years of age and work on a variety of projects.
Arabic hospitality. Fortunately, they gave us lemonade, not tea or coffee-- I don't know how much more I could have withstood. These are typical sweets eaten after the fast day is over during the month of Ramadan.
Lawyer brother in action. I think that might be the son or grandson?
A giant plot of land that my professor's dad left behind for his children, 5 boys and 3 girls. One of the brothers is on his way to becoming the mayor of Taibe, another is a lawyer, and the divorced sister also has a house on this plot of land. Each one, once there is enough money, builds another house right next door. On the left you can see a house in the making, which is the lawyer brother, and the empty plot of land next to it that looks slightly cleaned out. That's where my prof's going to be. Eventually. He's a teacher, it's not like he makes a great salary. They have an apartment within the city-city area, anyway.
This is the first picture, but because the uploader is stupid, it loaded them in backwards.Anyway, this is Taibe. It's a very old, old city. My professor lives there, about four or five blocks away; there are actually people who live within these walls now. See, for example, the woman on the bottom right. This was the second or third stop on our way around Taibe--first being profs apartment for lunch, second at his family's funeral room, third here.
Fooks
Fooks. That is what today is, in a nutshell. Not only is it the day of the Israeli elections, it is also our half-day off and RAINING, of all things, in Israel. Why is this a phenomenon Sam, you may ask outloud to this inanimate object of a computer.
Well, I'll tell you.
Here is part of the e-mail I got back from Today's Haifa Man (THM):
and more over this is so weird or shall I say kind of fate or karma that you write to me (again, I'll explain you tomorrow so dont be afraid or something..).
We were both getting easily sidetracked by fascinating matters pertaining to both of our interests (traveling) and our distractions (politics) and our lifestyles (traveling/classic-Israeli), but finally got to the story. He really really mamash wanted to go on the summer camp program that allows soldiers fresh out of the army. Last month, however, he went on a birthright trip with a bunch of people between ages 25-26 from California... When he applied to the summer camp program, he hadn't yet met this phenomenal group of people from California, and he found out yesterday (when I e-mailed him) that he was going to be in the Poconos, Pennsylvania. The ironic bit of this all is my profile says I'm from Pennsylvania (school...), so he was very overjoyed to meet me. His reasoning: he might be sad over this whole wrong place bit, but it is karma that his first couchsurfer is me, a Pennsylvanian!
... As a side note, I have been looking into being a counselor there this summer as a viable option. It is a possibility, of course. There are a few others available, too...
Second bit of Karma.
I was telling him about the story of meeting the guy on the train from Haifa who works as a civilian for the intelligence and studied Arabic at the same place I do... and he said, "what's his name?" and I said "Guy". He gave me this look of curious/shock/interest and said, "what's his last name?" and I said "I don't know". He filled in this last blank by supplying the last name, and lo-and-behold! The one other person I know in Haifa (more or less) is this guys best friend!!!!!!
We call him up, and he's still at work in Tel Aviv, but we talk on the phone for a few minutes when he's out of work. Probably meet up with them in a few weeks. Basically, I meet two amazingly gorgeous guys that are extremely intelligent and interesting on two completely distinguishable situations.... and they're best friends. WHAT THE FUCK.
This is ironic.
/////
Here is my summary of the Israeli political system slash political summary urging you to do your own fucking research, copied from my facebook:
Israelis can correct me if I'm wrong, and please please do, because I'm not in the business of naivety and I appreciate contribution... anyway, enough of that disclaimer, here is my layout-- you can find out what the individual party platforms argue by reading the news. Arguably.
The political system of Israel is kind of like a rainbow. You have the left, the center, and the right wings and can be grouped into religious and secular. This chart should let you google their names with more or less the correct spelling.
[L] Left [R] Right [C] Center] [S] Secular [G] Religious [A] Arab
Balad (Meaning land in Arabic): L, A
Communist Party: L, S
Habayit Yehudi: R, G
Kadima: C, S
Labor (Avoda): L, S
Likud: R, S
National Union (NU) (Used to be called National Religious): R, G
Pensioners: C, S
RAM/TAL: L, A
Shas: R, R
UTJ: R, R
Yisrael Beitainu: R, S
The frontrunners (supposedly) are Kadima (Tzipi Livni) and Likud (Bibi Netanyahu). It's really quite lovely and rainy outside today. Pointing being, not everyone loves the rain and "bad" weather like I do; I think you get to appreciate it after awhile when you live in a desert, but it does mean that probably a lot of people who would have voted aren't out at the polls because of this. Or because they're apathetic. Or because all politicians look the same. Basically, take all the problems we've ever had with voting, put it in a hypertense situation, and change the language to Hebrew.
Well, I'll tell you.
Here is part of the e-mail I got back from Today's Haifa Man (THM):
and more over this is so weird or shall I say kind of fate or karma that you write to me (again, I'll explain you tomorrow so dont be afraid or something..).
We were both getting easily sidetracked by fascinating matters pertaining to both of our interests (traveling) and our distractions (politics) and our lifestyles (traveling/classic-Israeli), but finally got to the story. He really really mamash wanted to go on the summer camp program that allows soldiers fresh out of the army. Last month, however, he went on a birthright trip with a bunch of people between ages 25-26 from California... When he applied to the summer camp program, he hadn't yet met this phenomenal group of people from California, and he found out yesterday (when I e-mailed him) that he was going to be in the Poconos, Pennsylvania. The ironic bit of this all is my profile says I'm from Pennsylvania (school...), so he was very overjoyed to meet me. His reasoning: he might be sad over this whole wrong place bit, but it is karma that his first couchsurfer is me, a Pennsylvanian!
... As a side note, I have been looking into being a counselor there this summer as a viable option. It is a possibility, of course. There are a few others available, too...
Second bit of Karma.
I was telling him about the story of meeting the guy on the train from Haifa who works as a civilian for the intelligence and studied Arabic at the same place I do... and he said, "what's his name?" and I said "Guy". He gave me this look of curious/shock/interest and said, "what's his last name?" and I said "I don't know". He filled in this last blank by supplying the last name, and lo-and-behold! The one other person I know in Haifa (more or less) is this guys best friend!!!!!!
We call him up, and he's still at work in Tel Aviv, but we talk on the phone for a few minutes when he's out of work. Probably meet up with them in a few weeks. Basically, I meet two amazingly gorgeous guys that are extremely intelligent and interesting on two completely distinguishable situations.... and they're best friends. WHAT THE FUCK.
This is ironic.
/////
Here is my summary of the Israeli political system slash political summary urging you to do your own fucking research, copied from my facebook:
Israelis can correct me if I'm wrong, and please please do, because I'm not in the business of naivety and I appreciate contribution... anyway, enough of that disclaimer, here is my layout-- you can find out what the individual party platforms argue by reading the news. Arguably.
The political system of Israel is kind of like a rainbow. You have the left, the center, and the right wings and can be grouped into religious and secular. This chart should let you google their names with more or less the correct spelling.
[L] Left [R] Right [C] Center] [S] Secular [G] Religious [A] Arab
Balad (Meaning land in Arabic): L, A
Communist Party: L, S
Habayit Yehudi: R, G
Kadima: C, S
Labor (Avoda): L, S
Likud: R, S
National Union (NU) (Used to be called National Religious): R, G
Pensioners: C, S
RAM/TAL: L, A
Shas: R, R
UTJ: R, R
Yisrael Beitainu: R, S
The frontrunners (supposedly) are Kadima (Tzipi Livni) and Likud (Bibi Netanyahu). It's really quite lovely and rainy outside today. Pointing being, not everyone loves the rain and "bad" weather like I do; I think you get to appreciate it after awhile when you live in a desert, but it does mean that probably a lot of people who would have voted aren't out at the polls because of this. Or because they're apathetic. Or because all politicians look the same. Basically, take all the problems we've ever had with voting, put it in a hypertense situation, and change the language to Hebrew.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Kung Fu-Day One
4 of the 5 of us are going to be taking Kung Fu, I think. We went to our first training day today--it's an hour and 15 minutes, and it was amazing. We started with a small stretch, and then started rolling and doing handstands across the floor to get us warmed up a little bit. Following that, we did some hand-to-hand combat, some basic grappling technique, and we ended with form--kata, as they call it at LEMA, but including a pole pattern. All very interesting. Probably tonight is the happiest I've been of any day we have been here!
Also, happy Tu B'Shvat. We didn't have an afternoon class; instead we went to Ein Sheimer, a nearby Kibbutz, and went to their greenhouse. It is an AMAZING place, and I feel lucky that we had the opportunity to see it in action; especially with just the five of us, it felt like a private tour. They have a small greenhouse bit, but mostly this nonprofit organization is used as a kind of neutral-ground for Arab and Jewish children to meet up and work on projects together; whether that involves constructing biotechnology, nerdy computer modules, planting things, or making music, it's a wonderful place with an outstanding philosophy. very chill. And on the inner-Kibbutz competition, they're known as the Polish Kibbutz. Our guide was actually in our Kung Fu class, too. Aiza Kef.
Ran back, Mark and Adina encouraging me all the way. I think I tried to bite their heads off a few times, too. There's a girl from Barkai who trains there, so we might be able to catch a ride that way if need be.
Also, happy Tu B'Shvat. We didn't have an afternoon class; instead we went to Ein Sheimer, a nearby Kibbutz, and went to their greenhouse. It is an AMAZING place, and I feel lucky that we had the opportunity to see it in action; especially with just the five of us, it felt like a private tour. They have a small greenhouse bit, but mostly this nonprofit organization is used as a kind of neutral-ground for Arab and Jewish children to meet up and work on projects together; whether that involves constructing biotechnology, nerdy computer modules, planting things, or making music, it's a wonderful place with an outstanding philosophy. very chill. And on the inner-Kibbutz competition, they're known as the Polish Kibbutz. Our guide was actually in our Kung Fu class, too. Aiza Kef.
Ran back, Mark and Adina encouraging me all the way. I think I tried to bite their heads off a few times, too. There's a girl from Barkai who trains there, so we might be able to catch a ride that way if need be.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Even when I think something is black and white, you manage to find the rainbow in everything!
Robynnnnnn!!!!!!!!!!!
--------------------------------------
That was for the love of me life, Robyn, who lost our engagement ring. Robyn, I want you to know that losing that funky-coloured mood ring has permanently scarred me, and I will never recover. The wedding is off!
--------------------------------------
Besides that melodraumatic tidbit, it is now time for an update, from Wednesday to today:
1. Ein Hod/Ein Hud
2. Taibe
3. Summer plans?
Alright, 1.
Ein Hod is located in a small area in the hills about 15 minutes outside of Haifa. It was originally intended to be a Moshav, but the idea fell through. In 1953, one of the founders of the Dada Movement became the driving force behind the move to make it into an artists' colony. We stopped in a coffee shop that reminded me of something straight out of Pearl Street mall. Verrry indie.
Pre-1948, there lived the family of Al-Hija, constructed of 700-900 people, living in the area now known as Ein Hod. It was an agricultural land; they tended goats and cows, and grew vegetables and other such things you do in an agricultural society. When the fighting began, most people ended up in Jenin in the West Bank. However, 35 people were left and hid for many years in the hill nearby (now called Ein Hud). Sometime around 1988 the Israeli government issued a counting of all the unrecognized villages and wanted to lay down the law; what it did was make the people living in these villages aware that there were other groups just like them out there and biding their time. This is how the associaton of Arabs in Unrecognized Villages first came into existance.
As Israeli citizens, they should have been granted certain rights. Running water, electricity, a good school system... a whole smattering of things should have been given to these people living in what we would call the dregs of poverty. The people there have been somewhat content with there lot in life and make the best of it, but are probably relieved at the changes that have been made.
They were just recently granted recognized status in 2005, and as recently as within the last year, they finally got a paved street. Very few of their houses have legal building permits, and only two of the houses have electricty--however, they're very clever and have managed to work around it. Each house is connected to 9 other houses, supplying the power for them. At this point there are probably 15-20 houses minimum around there, 5-10 in the construction process. The Israeli government was supposed to give them money for building schools and teachers to teach them, but they didn't exactly fulfill their promises. There are 4 classrooms for the elementary school kids; there are no preschools, and anybody who gets past 7th grade will most likely be sent to Haifa or another nearby area for more education. Because there are so few children, the 1st and 2nd grade are combined and 3rd and 4th grade are combined, so on and so forth.
We walked around with the guy who is basically the mayor of the village; if not in name, than in action. He showed us his house that was supplied everyone else with electricty, the new floors that were being built for the children to live when they grew up, and where the army accidentally sent a bullet into his shower while they were training. I didn't really understand that part; the army is posted a decent distance away from Ein Hud (we couldn't see them) and is... well... the army. It really shook me up.
After the walk, we sat in the restaurant for about two hours, and food just kept coming and coming and wouldn't stop... we were warned about it, but it was made clear to us why the mayor only eats one meal a day. There was too much food than is healthy for more than one meal a day. He kept talking to us throughout the meal, and David was translating the entire time. Mayor Man spoke a mixture of Hebrew and Arabic; it was really exciting to be able to understand the majority of the Hebrew. Hopefully the Arabic will come soon......
Sleepy now. 2 will come tomorrow.
--------------------------------------
That was for the love of me life, Robyn, who lost our engagement ring. Robyn, I want you to know that losing that funky-coloured mood ring has permanently scarred me, and I will never recover. The wedding is off!
--------------------------------------
Besides that melodraumatic tidbit, it is now time for an update, from Wednesday to today:
1. Ein Hod/Ein Hud
2. Taibe
3. Summer plans?
Alright, 1.
Ein Hod is located in a small area in the hills about 15 minutes outside of Haifa. It was originally intended to be a Moshav, but the idea fell through. In 1953, one of the founders of the Dada Movement became the driving force behind the move to make it into an artists' colony. We stopped in a coffee shop that reminded me of something straight out of Pearl Street mall. Verrry indie.
Pre-1948, there lived the family of Al-Hija, constructed of 700-900 people, living in the area now known as Ein Hod. It was an agricultural land; they tended goats and cows, and grew vegetables and other such things you do in an agricultural society. When the fighting began, most people ended up in Jenin in the West Bank. However, 35 people were left and hid for many years in the hill nearby (now called Ein Hud). Sometime around 1988 the Israeli government issued a counting of all the unrecognized villages and wanted to lay down the law; what it did was make the people living in these villages aware that there were other groups just like them out there and biding their time. This is how the associaton of Arabs in Unrecognized Villages first came into existance.
As Israeli citizens, they should have been granted certain rights. Running water, electricity, a good school system... a whole smattering of things should have been given to these people living in what we would call the dregs of poverty. The people there have been somewhat content with there lot in life and make the best of it, but are probably relieved at the changes that have been made.
They were just recently granted recognized status in 2005, and as recently as within the last year, they finally got a paved street. Very few of their houses have legal building permits, and only two of the houses have electricty--however, they're very clever and have managed to work around it. Each house is connected to 9 other houses, supplying the power for them. At this point there are probably 15-20 houses minimum around there, 5-10 in the construction process. The Israeli government was supposed to give them money for building schools and teachers to teach them, but they didn't exactly fulfill their promises. There are 4 classrooms for the elementary school kids; there are no preschools, and anybody who gets past 7th grade will most likely be sent to Haifa or another nearby area for more education. Because there are so few children, the 1st and 2nd grade are combined and 3rd and 4th grade are combined, so on and so forth.
We walked around with the guy who is basically the mayor of the village; if not in name, than in action. He showed us his house that was supplied everyone else with electricty, the new floors that were being built for the children to live when they grew up, and where the army accidentally sent a bullet into his shower while they were training. I didn't really understand that part; the army is posted a decent distance away from Ein Hud (we couldn't see them) and is... well... the army. It really shook me up.
After the walk, we sat in the restaurant for about two hours, and food just kept coming and coming and wouldn't stop... we were warned about it, but it was made clear to us why the mayor only eats one meal a day. There was too much food than is healthy for more than one meal a day. He kept talking to us throughout the meal, and David was translating the entire time. Mayor Man spoke a mixture of Hebrew and Arabic; it was really exciting to be able to understand the majority of the Hebrew. Hopefully the Arabic will come soon......
Sleepy now. 2 will come tomorrow.
Done!
I. Am. So. Done!
I am done being depressed, I am done being holed-up inside my own head, and I am done with limiting myself by telling myself I am limited!
I hope that made sense, because I am happy!
And I did absolutely nothing except read a happy sentence of a friend's blog in India. My dad's fine, life goes on with that and plus, it's never really affected my lifestyle or decisions of any aspect up until this point, so why should that change now when I'm an even greater distance away? I'm traveling, I'm learning, I'm in a GODDAMN FOREIGN COUNTRY and it feels like home, so I should relax and stop analyzing my life and live it. Goddammit.
Okay. Done now.
I am done being depressed, I am done being holed-up inside my own head, and I am done with limiting myself by telling myself I am limited!
I hope that made sense, because I am happy!
And I did absolutely nothing except read a happy sentence of a friend's blog in India. My dad's fine, life goes on with that and plus, it's never really affected my lifestyle or decisions of any aspect up until this point, so why should that change now when I'm an even greater distance away? I'm traveling, I'm learning, I'm in a GODDAMN FOREIGN COUNTRY and it feels like home, so I should relax and stop analyzing my life and live it. Goddammit.
Okay. Done now.
Road Blocks
I thought writers block was bad.... not only do I feel like I have nothing to write on this blog, but despite the thousands of thoughts roaming inside my head, everything I think of I judge unworthy of posting on here. The worst part is I'm running into a road block with the languages. I wish I didn't have to speak English at all, but in order to have class lectures, they must be in English. To have dinner conversation, it must be in English. I wanted to put an English ban on our room, but Adina doesn't like to speak Hebrew as much as I do, even though she's so much better with it. It does not make me confident about the Arabic; what will happen once we get to a point where we can communicate in Arabic? Will people be content to chatter on in English at dinnertime, or will they be language-thrill-seekers, excited to jump into conversation in a language we barely know? The best part about this summer was when I left my Hebrew classes thinking in Hebrew... and the next person I talked to didn't speak English, so I had to use it; I had no choice. I had a dream last night that I made aliyah to Israel just so I could become more fluent, but I made a deal with the army first that I would only join if they let me study at Givat Haviva after I could speak Hebrew fluently. What does this say? אני לא יודאת
Thursday, February 5, 2009
אבה שלי בבית-הולים
My dad's in the hospital in Boston. He's out of surgery now and in the recovery period; not sure what this will mean. What it does mean is my mind is a bit preoccupied, and it is unnerving to be surrounded by people who have no idea what it means to me. I'm at a loss because I don't like to confide in people who haven't expressly made it an issue to look beyond the surface and ask the difficult questions, but I would like to talk with someone around here. As much as I appreciate the long-distance care... there's a difference. Sorry if this is a little depressing, but it's what is on my mind.
Also, I'm a huge fan of the Bueno Vista Social Club.
Also, I'm a huge fan of the Bueno Vista Social Club.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
There has been a recently upheaval in my sociability as of yesterday.
First, Tal is a wonderful friend. I tried to tell him I didn't like the book he had brought for me, but he refused to take it back and said I needed to keep trying; it would get better. I'm sorry, but I'm powerless against a guy trying to encourage me to read a book. Especially when he's telling me stupid slapstick jokes in very bad English for about an hour with me rolling around laughing. I can't believe I actually have a good male friend that I feel comfortable around. There's always something that makes me wary. Good Tal.
Second, I went to Tel Aviv for the afternoon yesterday. Our normal afternoon class was moved to 8, and changed to an arts and crafts class. Rachel had the idea to go to spend the afternoon in Tel Aviv, so we took the train together. I met up with a random guy from couchsurfing; my e-mail (to about 5-6 people) was along the lines of "i'm in tel aviv for the afternoon, i'm going to wander, want to join?", and the one who responded soonest was also the one who I'd chosen because of his political beliefs. Although don't tell anyone. I'm in the group that discusses Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process or some bullshit group like that, and I thought he was very articulate and in Tel Aviv, so I emailed him and a few more.
He was really awesome, just like I assumed, and he is also the only person who I've ever met who votes for the Communist/Arab party. I don't remember what it's called exactly. He told me this amazing anecdotal story about how he was in the crowd in 1995 when Yitzhak Rabin [that's what i meant...] was shot, and the atmosphere back then is comparable to pre-election in the states... Everyone was either pro-arab-dialogue or fuck-the-arabs right wingers, not really much in between. Not explaining it well, but we drew some interesting parallels in between the two time periods. His abuela is from Argentina, so we played with a few words. He was also practically drooling over Dante's Inferno in Hebrew; it's only recently been translated.
Third, back to when we were getting on the train; Rachel had went to get a coffee, and when I saw it I wanted one as well, so I went over to the counter, started talking with the guy, and ended up getting half his life story and his number. We were supposed to have a drink after I got back from Tel Aviv, but I was so tired after the art class that I couldn't manage it, sadly enough. He's bringing over a few beers and we're going to chat tonight. BUT cool part being he's basically fluenter (I know it's not a real word) in English than I am. He went to school at Johnson & Wales someplace on the east coast majoring in hospitality and spent a week in Colorado as an Israeli liason for some food festival. He's working at the train station coffee shop because when people's money starts to run out in a crappy economy, the first thing to go is hospitality, hotels, and other frilly stuff. He's also moving to Tel Aviv this weekend, which is why it seems like rushed drinks. [As an after the fact message, he was nice and all, but his political opinions and "differentness" falls in line with the stereotypical Israeli-thing, and as snobby as it sounds, it bores me. I want something new!]
Fifth, on the way back to Barkai (on the train) I sat down at a 4-seater (2 seats facing each other... just like in Europe...) and at the next stop this kid tossed a backpack onto the rack overhead, and when I thought he wasn't going to join me because there were plenty of other places, he did. I kept sneaking looks at him, he kept sneaking looks at me, and eventually i gave up reading my book and asked him if he would wake me up when we got to Binyamina (my station). He said "sure" and we went back to our respective musics. Until he went to look to see if the bathroom was open, and some stupid israeli girl with fluff for brains said "it's okay if you're drawing me" (giggle giggle) and he said he wasnt. ..I asked him what he said. And then we started talking, I found out he was at Camp Ramah in Canada this summer (jew camp), and he asked me where I was staying--when I said Kibbutz Barkai, I was surprised he knew the place.
You should know that I only have 250 people living on my Kibbutz. BUT Givat Haviva is down the street from the kibbutz, and they're actually the people who coordinate everything that we do here. They send the instructors to Barkai, they hash out our learning curriculum, etc.... The other thing they do is pick exceptionally bright guys (mainly) who are quick at learning languages and put them in a five month intensive arabic program, plus an additional intensive program after someplace else. They start at Givat Haviva, though. Anyway, it was ironic because yesterday morning we were at Givat Haviva meeting these kids for the first time. They're so ridiculously intelligent, too. And have pretty awesome backstories.
Point being, he left the army two months ago, but since he had spent the pre-army year at Givat Haviva, he had been in intelligence. He worked in Haifa at a movie theatre with foreign films (=not American) for a while, but then he went back to working for the army as a civilian intelligence worker-person, and commutes back and forth to Haifa every day-- about an hour on the train-ish. We exchanged information and have been writing back and forth on facebook. I left my camera on the train, and someone DID ask him if he left a camera right before he got off, but he didn't even think it could have been mine. BIG bummer, but I'm going to try calling the train station tomorrow.
On a sixth point, my dad's at a hospital in Boston (I think) right now, waiting to go in for surgery and get some fluid drained that's been in his brain and might account for the recent additional malfunctions. It's probably going to happen in the next few hours. We'll see, but there's a chance he might have some improvement after this is all over.
At some point, once there are pictures from Josh's camera, I'm going to try putting some pictures/descriptions of Ein Hud up here. The Arabic village that relocated in '48 and only received recognition 4 years ago, not the artist centre. Btw.
First, Tal is a wonderful friend. I tried to tell him I didn't like the book he had brought for me, but he refused to take it back and said I needed to keep trying; it would get better. I'm sorry, but I'm powerless against a guy trying to encourage me to read a book. Especially when he's telling me stupid slapstick jokes in very bad English for about an hour with me rolling around laughing. I can't believe I actually have a good male friend that I feel comfortable around. There's always something that makes me wary. Good Tal.
Second, I went to Tel Aviv for the afternoon yesterday. Our normal afternoon class was moved to 8, and changed to an arts and crafts class. Rachel had the idea to go to spend the afternoon in Tel Aviv, so we took the train together. I met up with a random guy from couchsurfing; my e-mail (to about 5-6 people) was along the lines of "i'm in tel aviv for the afternoon, i'm going to wander, want to join?", and the one who responded soonest was also the one who I'd chosen because of his political beliefs. Although don't tell anyone. I'm in the group that discusses Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process or some bullshit group like that, and I thought he was very articulate and in Tel Aviv, so I emailed him and a few more.
He was really awesome, just like I assumed, and he is also the only person who I've ever met who votes for the Communist/Arab party. I don't remember what it's called exactly. He told me this amazing anecdotal story about how he was in the crowd in 1995 when Yitzhak Rabin [that's what i meant...] was shot, and the atmosphere back then is comparable to pre-election in the states... Everyone was either pro-arab-dialogue or fuck-the-arabs right wingers, not really much in between. Not explaining it well, but we drew some interesting parallels in between the two time periods. His abuela is from Argentina, so we played with a few words. He was also practically drooling over Dante's Inferno in Hebrew; it's only recently been translated.
Third, back to when we were getting on the train; Rachel had went to get a coffee, and when I saw it I wanted one as well, so I went over to the counter, started talking with the guy, and ended up getting half his life story and his number. We were supposed to have a drink after I got back from Tel Aviv, but I was so tired after the art class that I couldn't manage it, sadly enough. He's bringing over a few beers and we're going to chat tonight. BUT cool part being he's basically fluenter (I know it's not a real word) in English than I am. He went to school at Johnson & Wales someplace on the east coast majoring in hospitality and spent a week in Colorado as an Israeli liason for some food festival. He's working at the train station coffee shop because when people's money starts to run out in a crappy economy, the first thing to go is hospitality, hotels, and other frilly stuff. He's also moving to Tel Aviv this weekend, which is why it seems like rushed drinks. [As an after the fact message, he was nice and all, but his political opinions and "differentness" falls in line with the stereotypical Israeli-thing, and as snobby as it sounds, it bores me. I want something new!]
Fifth, on the way back to Barkai (on the train) I sat down at a 4-seater (2 seats facing each other... just like in Europe...) and at the next stop this kid tossed a backpack onto the rack overhead, and when I thought he wasn't going to join me because there were plenty of other places, he did. I kept sneaking looks at him, he kept sneaking looks at me, and eventually i gave up reading my book and asked him if he would wake me up when we got to Binyamina (my station). He said "sure" and we went back to our respective musics. Until he went to look to see if the bathroom was open, and some stupid israeli girl with fluff for brains said "it's okay if you're drawing me" (giggle giggle) and he said he wasnt. ..I asked him what he said. And then we started talking, I found out he was at Camp Ramah in Canada this summer (jew camp), and he asked me where I was staying--when I said Kibbutz Barkai, I was surprised he knew the place.
You should know that I only have 250 people living on my Kibbutz. BUT Givat Haviva is down the street from the kibbutz, and they're actually the people who coordinate everything that we do here. They send the instructors to Barkai, they hash out our learning curriculum, etc.... The other thing they do is pick exceptionally bright guys (mainly) who are quick at learning languages and put them in a five month intensive arabic program, plus an additional intensive program after someplace else. They start at Givat Haviva, though. Anyway, it was ironic because yesterday morning we were at Givat Haviva meeting these kids for the first time. They're so ridiculously intelligent, too. And have pretty awesome backstories.
Point being, he left the army two months ago, but since he had spent the pre-army year at Givat Haviva, he had been in intelligence. He worked in Haifa at a movie theatre with foreign films (=not American) for a while, but then he went back to working for the army as a civilian intelligence worker-person, and commutes back and forth to Haifa every day-- about an hour on the train-ish. We exchanged information and have been writing back and forth on facebook. I left my camera on the train, and someone DID ask him if he left a camera right before he got off, but he didn't even think it could have been mine. BIG bummer, but I'm going to try calling the train station tomorrow.
On a sixth point, my dad's at a hospital in Boston (I think) right now, waiting to go in for surgery and get some fluid drained that's been in his brain and might account for the recent additional malfunctions. It's probably going to happen in the next few hours. We'll see, but there's a chance he might have some improvement after this is all over.
At some point, once there are pictures from Josh's camera, I'm going to try putting some pictures/descriptions of Ein Hud up here. The Arabic village that relocated in '48 and only received recognition 4 years ago, not the artist centre. Btw.
Monday, February 2, 2009
MAJOR QUESTION
I'm starting to get bored in my evenings even with the tremendous amount of language learning taking place. I just got off the phone with a guy at the Kibbutz next door to mine, and they have training for martial arts on Mondays and Thursdays; that will be good entertainment I think. But besides that, or if it doesn't work out, I have been contemplating taking a class online. I don't think it would hurt me to get some actual college credit while I'm here. No harm done, eh?
So, the big question is: What should I take? How do I find the best one? Has anyone done it before???
So, the big question is: What should I take? How do I find the best one? Has anyone done it before???
Between the newspapers filled with the Obama family the day after inauguration that Adina's dad brought with him, the thoroughly depressing yet captivating seret "Dead Poets Society", and the beautiful sober tones caught within Bach, I'm [this] close to tears.
Don't worry, it's not a bad thing. Well, it wasn't until I read the paper today. Of course, as soon as the war is over, it all goes back to normal. But I forgot what normal was in Israel... and this is worse than usual.... I hate reading the newspaper. Why am I so addicted to reality? I should take my depressing stories from Soaps; at least then I'll know they're not real at the end of the day.
Don't worry, it's not a bad thing. Well, it wasn't until I read the paper today. Of course, as soon as the war is over, it all goes back to normal. But I forgot what normal was in Israel... and this is worse than usual.... I hate reading the newspaper. Why am I so addicted to reality? I should take my depressing stories from Soaps; at least then I'll know they're not real at the end of the day.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Yesh Geshem!
Finally, there's rain!
Unfortunately, I didn't bring an umbrella.
Makes for a day stuck inside studying, you would think. Good for you Sam, you're finally on task.
Oh, but how wrong you are.
At lunch time I ate quickly, and walked to the gas station where Shiran works-- I got there just in time for her to leave, too. Good timing, Me. We walked back and attempted to talk about politics; the most I got was that after you leave the army, your entire political opinions change, most of the time. I can understand that. However, her gorgeously gorgeous twin brother went back to the army last night and he's going to be around Gaza, so I can understand if she's not too pleased...
And then I played on the playground! Shiran showed me this underground clubhouse constructed of cement where they used to hang out when they were younger on the kibbutz... when I said something along the lines of "that's so cool! why is it abandoned now?" she said that it also used to serve as a bomb shelter. I guess I can understand why people don't want to have clubhouses underground, as some sort of statement that the worry for that is over....
Aaaand now I'm addicted the tv show "Merlin". Good thing I only have 2 more episodes to go. Rarr.
Unfortunately, I didn't bring an umbrella.
Makes for a day stuck inside studying, you would think. Good for you Sam, you're finally on task.
Oh, but how wrong you are.
At lunch time I ate quickly, and walked to the gas station where Shiran works-- I got there just in time for her to leave, too. Good timing, Me. We walked back and attempted to talk about politics; the most I got was that after you leave the army, your entire political opinions change, most of the time. I can understand that. However, her gorgeously gorgeous twin brother went back to the army last night and he's going to be around Gaza, so I can understand if she's not too pleased...
And then I played on the playground! Shiran showed me this underground clubhouse constructed of cement where they used to hang out when they were younger on the kibbutz... when I said something along the lines of "that's so cool! why is it abandoned now?" she said that it also used to serve as a bomb shelter. I guess I can understand why people don't want to have clubhouses underground, as some sort of statement that the worry for that is over....
Aaaand now I'm addicted the tv show "Merlin". Good thing I only have 2 more episodes to go. Rarr.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Last time
This is about as close to a Burning Bush/Lion King shot as I can get without having a. a burning bush or b. a lion
There are Josh and Adina walking up the path towards our home. Isn't it pretty?
Josh is telling you to wait/hold on (depending on the context)--this is in front of our building. My room is the door on the left that's open.
A pretty flower shot outside my room....---------------------------
I promise after this no more two-blogs one-day, aval I feel that I haven't given enough credit to the beauty of the place where I live...
Second time
Who is cuter? Boy or dog? Both probably either have fleas or need a hair cut..
This kid is always smiling; you can tell from this shot I think... I didn't have to work hard to get it, all I had to do was point the camera at him. If my Hebrew was better, I'd ask him why he is always smiling, but I'm not at the point yet where I can host philosophical conversations in Hebrew. Too bad..
Action shot.
He might be smoking his cigarette while playing baseball, but this is only further proof of the cross-cultural melting pot present on my lovely, favourite Kibbutz. Oh, and emo boy. Also, I believe Khen (guy on the left) is looking at me in this foto, but I'm on the clear other end of the field. Any guesses?------
Second weekend and probably last weekend spent on the Kibbutz... I stuck around to meet a friend, but he never showed up. Ah, well. He's back in the army now I suspect, so I won't get a chance to meet him any other time this weekend; they probably had fun at the pub last night.
As did I. However, at a completely different pub about an hour south of where they were, so whoo-ee. It was basically a metal barn with alcohol inside of it... and a bit pricey too. And I was still feeling a bit sickly and not up for the stupidity of picking up stupid males, so even though our group was fun, it wasn't the mood I was in.
Oh! And I made a new friend. Her name is Shiran. Funny how I'm not shy or anything in front of girls, but with guys about, I clam up. Since when did I become a girls girl?
Friday, January 30, 2009
למה?????
למה "אף אחד" תרגום ללא אנשים מתי בדיוק
one nose?
אני לא מבינה זה. בבקשה, מישהו סביר??
טודה
סמי
Why does Af Ehad mean Nobody when it literally translates to One Nose? Can someone explain please?
Thanks
Sami
one nose?
אני לא מבינה זה. בבקשה, מישהו סביר??
טודה
סמי
Why does Af Ehad mean Nobody when it literally translates to One Nose? Can someone explain please?
Thanks
Sami
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Being a Sickly Pear is not on my to-do list
I'm a sick one. I'm also mean. Being sick, however, makes me extra mean, and apparently when I'm on any kind of pain medication recently not only do I feel dizzy and drunk without the drinking, but additionally I enter a state of mind where I feel the need to be honest--and bluntly so-- every time I open my mouth. Ohhhhh man that would have been fun with one of the guys.... I really wanted to slug him across the face and make his chin all nice and shiny... but I was incredibly dizzy and it hurt my head to move and they were all walking to fast... He's lucky. I was feeling mean.
Anyway! Point is I have/had the flu, got my antibiodics this morning. Actually, one of them makes my mouth numb so I can eat food and drink things without my throat hurting. It's really nice. And it has a beautiful burning sensation.
I woke up at the first class period beginning and decided to sleep until the second half, when we were working on spoken Arabic supposedly, because that's also the part I don't know. I ended up at the Marp (camp for nurse) and got my meds and joined for the second half... but after I had my bowl of cereal for lunch I skipped the second class and spent the day in bed. (please don't say 'your mom'; i might punch you in the face)
Aaaaand now it's 3:40 in the morning, and I'm writing a blog instead of going to sleep because I'm so restless. But I'm tiiiiired. Why am I not sleeping??? Being sicky sucks.
Anyway! Point is I have/had the flu, got my antibiodics this morning. Actually, one of them makes my mouth numb so I can eat food and drink things without my throat hurting. It's really nice. And it has a beautiful burning sensation.
I woke up at the first class period beginning and decided to sleep until the second half, when we were working on spoken Arabic supposedly, because that's also the part I don't know. I ended up at the Marp (camp for nurse) and got my meds and joined for the second half... but after I had my bowl of cereal for lunch I skipped the second class and spent the day in bed. (please don't say 'your mom'; i might punch you in the face)
Aaaaand now it's 3:40 in the morning, and I'm writing a blog instead of going to sleep because I'm so restless. But I'm tiiiiired. Why am I not sleeping??? Being sicky sucks.
Movies on my list-to-watch
BUT must be available on surfthechannel.com (or I wish it to be)....................
88 minutes
Once
Slumdog Millionaire--check!
Annapolis
Life is Beautiful (may have seen it, but worth seeing again)
Kingdom of Heaven
Amelie
The Great Debaters
Lawrence of Arabia
Life of Brian
The Breakdance Kid
School Ties
Scent of a Woman
Dead Poets Society--check!
The History Boys
Wonder Boys
Flashdance--check!
This will continue to be a constantly updated post.
P.S. To keep up-to-date on the drama/gossip/fun stuff:
Y continues to call despite the fact that I ignore his calls, texts, and facebook IMs. I have very little to talk about with T unless Y is around, and then I have quite a bit to say. E (our Kibbutz Director) has a nephew (R) who's interested in my roommate... they shook hands once when we went to check out the gym where he works. She now knows, but they have not had a chance to talk. Too bad. We will work on changing that throughout the week.
88 minutes
Once
Slumdog Millionaire--check!
Annapolis
Life is Beautiful (may have seen it, but worth seeing again)
Kingdom of Heaven
Amelie
The Great Debaters
Lawrence of Arabia
Life of Brian
The Breakdance Kid
School Ties
Scent of a Woman
Dead Poets Society--check!
The History Boys
Wonder Boys
Flashdance--check!
This will continue to be a constantly updated post.
P.S. To keep up-to-date on the drama/gossip/fun stuff:
Y continues to call despite the fact that I ignore his calls, texts, and facebook IMs. I have very little to talk about with T unless Y is around, and then I have quite a bit to say. E (our Kibbutz Director) has a nephew (R) who's interested in my roommate... they shook hands once when we went to check out the gym where he works. She now knows, but they have not had a chance to talk. Too bad. We will work on changing that throughout the week.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Axis of Evil Comedy Tour!
Is absolutely hilarious. Go watch on youtube.
On another side note, I'm tired. Very much. Night.
Monday, January 26, 2009
I just downed three bowls of cheerios...
With milk... ugh.... I'm going to regret this choice tomorrow...
Feels like permanent shabbaton!
For those Jews out there in reader-land, I have to say: it feels like we are on a permanent shabbaton. When Adina and I are finally called into the other room to join in the sing-song-i-ness of it all, it's "Hinei Ma Tov" of course... I love that song. But it's so Jewish. And the first song we learned was "Shalom Chaverim". Of course.
I literally could not get out of bed this morning. Adina had to jar me out of my semi-slumber. It was hazardous. I had my first alarm going off at 7:25, and I changed it 7 times before 8:50, when I woke up with 10 minutes to get ready for class.
Lunch!
Got a key to the English library, does not have an enormous amount of practical books for our use, but there are plenty of fiction-readings left by Kibbutzniks over the years. Also got contact solution. Must find out if you are allowed to ride ofnayim (bikes) on the road, but even so it is not quite so safe around here because the main roads are highway 65 and 6.
On my run tonight I could have sworn the squeaky sounds I heard were from the bats around the Kibbutz. They were pretty cool; I could see something flying in the night, and I'm pretty sure there are no pigeons flying around in the pitch-black of night looking for food.
Aaaah. My back just cracked 150000 times. It sounded disgusting. Yeah, I said so. Love it.
I can smell the toast from downstairs. It's delicious. But I'm not hungry.
I was supposed to go see Tal and the big cows today at lunch, but I had to go buy contact solution so I could see. I was sooo happy to be able to see while I ran that I scared my roommate when I ran and hugged her yelling, "I can see! I can see again!"... but it was a great run, so very much worth it.
Tal has really great reading taste. He's read relatively the same sci-fi books that I have, but in Hebrew.. and I'm going to get some more from the public library! I didn't realize there was one around here, but Israelis love to read so it makes sense.
I want to go see this: http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1058766.html
Friday, January 23, 2009
Hod Hasharon--first weekend away
Wonderful time with Nitsan here. Ate roasted pecans with her mom and dad. They made the kitchen smell burnt and delicious for the entire weekend.
..Then went to three parties. This is a picture from the last one, which kind of exemplifies it all... everyone spoke with everyone and was off in complete different directions, but were all together, and it was wonderful. I only knew a few people there, and I felt more welcome and comfortable than I had in a while.
Season 8 of Scrubs is magnificent; I love Ted.
Now I'm back. From outer space. I just walked in to find you here with that sad look upon your face...
Took the 921 from Hod Hasharon to Hadera, and from Hadera I thought I was supposed to take the 63, but it ended its route before I got there... Took the 823 to Afula and got off at the Barkai junction.. I met this really nice pair of brother and sister who had been there to greet me on my entrance onto the bus in Hod Hasharon, and live in Pardes Hanna. They're very sweet. We didn't exchange information, but we talked about how people assume that Americans are snobby and stuck-up, but they've never met a mean one. They were cool. And they told me I should go walking in the orange groves in Pardes Hanna because they are very pretty. Maybe I'll do that next weekend ;)
Thursday, January 22, 2009
סְבִיב חָמֵשׁ שֶׁקֶל
Tomorrow I head to Hod Hasharon in the afternoon; Hebrew until 12:30, and then boom to Hadera and to the bus to go to Nitsanipoo! I have had extremely vague, general discussions with Alon, Sagi and Gal about perhaps seeing them when I'm there... but we'll see. Back Saturday night. Lame.
Pictures to come this weekend; we went on a nice jaunt near the kibbutz for the morning, as our Arabic teacher was sick, and brought along the donkey. Yes, the donkey. I said it. I was a Muhlenberg Mule leading a donkey. Laugh all you want. Mwa-ha-ha.
I saw a top ten list recently and remembered I love writing lists. So, top ten reasons I wanted to come to Israel this semester on this program:
1. I like to travel. Israel is a foreign country, a kibbutz is a foreign country--simple as that.
2. I feel more at home in Israel, even when I am constantly uprooted and moved around and caught in the middle of conflict, than I do any other place in the world.
3. Being off-balance is an incredible feeling, especially when you are constantly being questioned about everything you believe by every person you meet. That is a bit of an exaggeration, but only slightly.. Israelis, I love you all, but there are very few limitations on what an Israeli will say, very little formality. It is a welcoming, open place.
4. Over the summer I was living in Jerusalem working at the UJC for the GA and I met a girl who was working there and also was in tour guide school. I thought it was the coolest thing--and I still think it is pretty neat to be a tour guide. She suggested I look into other programs, especially with MASA, because they give you funding and other fun goodies. So I did, and this program really appealed to me because it would give me Hebrew AND Arabic, as well as a chance to do some sniffing around. Educationally sound, a famous institute, and unique. That was important for me.
5. When I first came to Israel, I saw the Arabic writing on the street signs in addition to the English and the Hebrew. Everyone thought I was crazy, but I thought it was an extremely beautiful written language. Actually, I thought for a while that it was like super-spy language, and it was the super-spy organization's secret code. But, I started learning it at first opportunity freshmen year, and my interest in it rose and sank intermittedly. I took it again when it was offered last semester, and I was very disappointed that I didn't get much more than I had already achieved... boring. Although I did get some good tasty yummies. But anyway, now I'm here, and already I know more in one class of spoken Arabic than I took in two semesters. Kick ass.
6. I know I have been to Israel an excessive amount of times, but I think it would be fun to spend six months and a country studying what it is best known for-- six months in France learning about wines and working at a vineyard, six months in Australia learning how to surf-- etc, etc, you get the point. So here I am in Israel, learning Arabic, Hebrew, middle eastern history, jewish studies, minority studies, and volunteering in Arabic neighborhoods. In my opinion only, the Israelis do education the best, especially if I want to learn Hebrew ;p sorry Muhlenberg. And living on a Kibbutz, I get to have the experience of living on a farm (even if I'm not working every day, and only really when I feel the mood take me) and gaining a better understanding of communal living.
7. This is the last time my friends are all going to be in the same place. And this doesn't count for you Americans--I grew up with you. Deal. The Israelis I have met and loved and found friendship with are getting out of the army now, and I will stand with my firm belief that they will all travel the world and do great things, so this is my time for them.
8. It is really, really ridiculously gorgeous here. The cat that has adopted us is curled up at the foot of my bed, the door is open and the sun is shining in and I can hear birds chirping from the moment I wake up in the morning. It's beautiful.
9. It is completely unaffiliated with Muhlenberg College. Maybe I will get credit when I get back, maybe I won't. I took a leave of absence for this semester and perhaps when I come back fluent in two more languages than I spoke when I left, they'll accept that I'm amazing. I couldn't wait to leave first semester.. I love my friends, but I was feeling antsy and confined. I'm glad to have left.
10. And on the only unoptomistic note of this list, I have heard whispering in the shadows that Israel won't be around forever. I could NEVER EVER believe this because it is just not in me to contend with the possibility, but I wanted to be here while I still can.
That is all.
Pictures to come this weekend; we went on a nice jaunt near the kibbutz for the morning, as our Arabic teacher was sick, and brought along the donkey. Yes, the donkey. I said it. I was a Muhlenberg Mule leading a donkey. Laugh all you want. Mwa-ha-ha.
I saw a top ten list recently and remembered I love writing lists. So, top ten reasons I wanted to come to Israel this semester on this program:
1. I like to travel. Israel is a foreign country, a kibbutz is a foreign country--simple as that.
2. I feel more at home in Israel, even when I am constantly uprooted and moved around and caught in the middle of conflict, than I do any other place in the world.
3. Being off-balance is an incredible feeling, especially when you are constantly being questioned about everything you believe by every person you meet. That is a bit of an exaggeration, but only slightly.. Israelis, I love you all, but there are very few limitations on what an Israeli will say, very little formality. It is a welcoming, open place.
4. Over the summer I was living in Jerusalem working at the UJC for the GA and I met a girl who was working there and also was in tour guide school. I thought it was the coolest thing--and I still think it is pretty neat to be a tour guide. She suggested I look into other programs, especially with MASA, because they give you funding and other fun goodies. So I did, and this program really appealed to me because it would give me Hebrew AND Arabic, as well as a chance to do some sniffing around. Educationally sound, a famous institute, and unique. That was important for me.
5. When I first came to Israel, I saw the Arabic writing on the street signs in addition to the English and the Hebrew. Everyone thought I was crazy, but I thought it was an extremely beautiful written language. Actually, I thought for a while that it was like super-spy language, and it was the super-spy organization's secret code. But, I started learning it at first opportunity freshmen year, and my interest in it rose and sank intermittedly. I took it again when it was offered last semester, and I was very disappointed that I didn't get much more than I had already achieved... boring. Although I did get some good tasty yummies. But anyway, now I'm here, and already I know more in one class of spoken Arabic than I took in two semesters. Kick ass.
6. I know I have been to Israel an excessive amount of times, but I think it would be fun to spend six months and a country studying what it is best known for-- six months in France learning about wines and working at a vineyard, six months in Australia learning how to surf-- etc, etc, you get the point. So here I am in Israel, learning Arabic, Hebrew, middle eastern history, jewish studies, minority studies, and volunteering in Arabic neighborhoods. In my opinion only, the Israelis do education the best, especially if I want to learn Hebrew ;p sorry Muhlenberg. And living on a Kibbutz, I get to have the experience of living on a farm (even if I'm not working every day, and only really when I feel the mood take me) and gaining a better understanding of communal living.
7. This is the last time my friends are all going to be in the same place. And this doesn't count for you Americans--I grew up with you. Deal. The Israelis I have met and loved and found friendship with are getting out of the army now, and I will stand with my firm belief that they will all travel the world and do great things, so this is my time for them.
8. It is really, really ridiculously gorgeous here. The cat that has adopted us is curled up at the foot of my bed, the door is open and the sun is shining in and I can hear birds chirping from the moment I wake up in the morning. It's beautiful.
9. It is completely unaffiliated with Muhlenberg College. Maybe I will get credit when I get back, maybe I won't. I took a leave of absence for this semester and perhaps when I come back fluent in two more languages than I spoke when I left, they'll accept that I'm amazing. I couldn't wait to leave first semester.. I love my friends, but I was feeling antsy and confined. I'm glad to have left.
10. And on the only unoptomistic note of this list, I have heard whispering in the shadows that Israel won't be around forever. I could NEVER EVER believe this because it is just not in me to contend with the possibility, but I wanted to be here while I still can.
That is all.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Today (ARARA)
Today was great. In the morning we had Minority Discussion with David, the director. He is not only a wonderful, rambling person, but he always has an interesting story that can touch a point home for everyone, or some ridiculous joke to catch us off guard. Plus, he has one of the largest stores of randomcrap information on any subject than anyone I know, and a completely unique way of looking at the everyday occurrences neither I, nor anyone else caught in the discussions we have every day, would see.
I haven't said too much about my program, have I? I really like the way I phrased it to a friend, so I am going to copy it here:
"I'm basically in israel for 5 months to talk about uncomfortable subjects and learn the languages of two people who can't stand and love each other and have much more in common than either one is aware."
Of course that is neither the basis nor the extent of the program, but that gives a vague idea about it, perhaps. I am learning Hebrew for half the semester every other day, and Arabic the entire semester every other day... But I believe when the Hebrew is over, the Arabic will be taking that time slot. Additionally, I have Jewish Identity, Jewish History (linked with MASA, must have pro-Zionist qualities thrust down the throat), Minority Studies, and Middle East History--kind of a catch-all for whatever is not taught in the other class. Additionally, once a week we volunteer in towns like we did today in Arara, and on the weekends I can travel around Israel exploring on my own terms.
On to Arara... it was a beautiful, beautiful town, where basically every single building is illegally built, but the Israeli government doesn't want to create a huge issue out of this small problem, so any new building is basically ignored.. They apply for building permits of course, but are rejected as frequent as Israelis. Ironically enough, Israelis are commonly forced about, and if it wasn't for not wanting to squabble over seemingly insignificant issues, the Arab population would have a much more difficult time of it.
So anyway back to the day...
We went to a small turn-off, bought some plants like nana (mint) and other scented stuff to add the teas, and went to eat lunch at this amaaaazing place in Arara. Well, actually, we decided that the hummus was better the day before, but the pita was light, fluffy and absolutely delicious. And they had turkey shwarma, so I mixed the shwarma with the pita and ate grease for lunch =P.
Afterwards, we went to David's friends house, were served Arabic tea by this man who is the most atypical Arab man you'll ever met, if you like to stereotype. He hates the customs, he hates doing things by the book, and he keeps a bottle of whiskey around not because he likes to drink, but to make a point. He's quite out there as far as irregular goes, but I hope to get to know him better and prove this nay or yay in the coming months.
Walked to the school, sat in a circle with a bunch of boys 15-17 years of age, and blushed BRIGHT red when asked if I had a boyfriend. Of course they ask me, I'm the only one who hates to answer that question. It's like having a Jewish mother, jeez....
Made a wonderful new friend back on the Kibbutz, Judith; she introduced me to a girl who rides horses and is pretty sick in the awesome sense, and we talked boys and life and it was great to finally make a friend I can relax around. Relief!!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tuesday of nada but okay
What I would like to replace this text with is:
1. A response from Avril once I get an e-mail reply back from the question I asked.
2. A brief description of mepeace.org, and what are (are not) the benefits of such a site.
3. Our housekeepers (yes, we're spoiled once a week) asked if I'm from Russia. It was a treat! Nobody ever asks about my heritage; but this is mainly because I don't know farther than my great-grandparents, and even for those 8 people, I haven't a great deal of information. Although I am Ukranian by blood, I guess. Apparently my great-uncle ran a speakeasy? [This is it. No replacements on this section.]
4. Royal Assassin, by Robin Hobb; great book. I enjoyed the way this series takes on the fantasy/sci-fi genre through the inclusion of magic by way of psychic powers, telepathy, and doesn't stick with the norm of wizards and wand-waving. Not that I don't love Harry Potter... but it's refreshing, and Hobb manages to create a genuine tragic character. You will fall in love with him by the end of the book, but he is continuously forced into these horrible situations again and again. You think he is finally going to get a break, but no; the world falls around him, the rug is pulled out from underneath him, and yet he still manages to forge this character of self filled with goodness and righteousness and an unparallelable (I know it's not a word--thanks google) sense of duty and loyalty. He grows into a young man that a mother can be proud of, despite his lack of either parents.
As an assassin and a bastard child of the dead son of the king, here is an example of why I loved this book: "You should avoid physical struggles, FitzChivalry. You always seem to get hurt in them." --The King-in-waiting (king to be) to the main character.
I haven't read the third book in the series yet, but if its anything like other fantasy/sci-fi books of the same quality, it'll be great until the very end when it must be tied together and I will be left wanting more. So sad.
5. I've also just bought Dexter in the Dark, which I mistook for Darkly Dreaming Dexter. It's okay, I don't mind, but I would have preferred to read the first book.... first.
6. I like ducks.
I have to say, Michelle Obama is stunning
Random questions...answered.
As we only have access to FOX News on our TV in the kitchen, I'm listening to the questions that come up..and answering them here.
-Possibly: George Galloway, Paul Begala
3. How many bathrooms are in there?
The answer is 34, according to William Seale, a historian who has written about the White House.
4. Wouldn't it be great if the president-elect got lost on the way to the inauguration?
5. I think this is my favourite thing ever:
Dear President Obama,
Here is a list of the first 10 things you should do as President:
1. Fly to the White House in a helicopter.
2. Walk in.
3. Wipe feet.
4. Walk to the Oval Office.
5. Sit down in a chair.
6. Put hand sanitizer on hands.
7. Enjoy moment.
8. Get up.
9. Get in car.
10. Go to the dog pound.
Please enjoy your experience as President.
Sincerely,
Chandler Brown, Age 12, Chicago.
6. Funny thing Obama said:
"I’m here tonight to say a few words about an American hero I have come to know very well and admire very much — Sen. John McCain. And then, according to the rules agreed to by both parties, John will have approximately 30 seconds to make a rebuttal."
7.Gates to the Inaugural Ceremony open at 8 a.m. EST. The inaugural festivities are scheduled to start at 10 a.m. EST on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. They will include:
- Musical selections of The United States Marine Band, followed by the San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus.
- Sen. Dianne Feinstein provides call to order and welcoming remarks.
- Invocation by the Rev. Rick Warren.
- Musical selection of Aretha Franklin.
- Joe Biden will be sworn into office by Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.
- Musical selection of John Williams, composer/arranger with Itzhak Perlman, (violin), Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Gabriela Montero (piano) and Anthony McGill (clarinet).
- Barack Obama will take the Oath of Office, using President Lincoln’s Inaugural Bible, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts. Scheduled around noon.
- Obama gives the inaugural address.
- Poem by Elizabeth Alexander.
- Benediction by Rev. Joseph E. Lowery.
- The National Anthem by The United States Navy Band “Sea Chanters.”
After Obama gives inaugural address, he will escort outgoing PresidentGeorge W. Bush to a departure ceremony before attending a luncheon in the Capitol’s Statuary Hall.
The 56th Inaugural Parade will then make its way down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House.
8. Facebook statuses of my friends:
Bush.... eventually people will recognize your accomplishments.
Is what a week, eagles lose, and barrack hussein obama is really going to become our president...
is "Rosa sat, so Martin could walk, so Barak could run, so the children can fly" about to watch the Inauguration with my first graders...
is like Sam Jones: I don't believe in the Republican Party or the Democratic Party... I just believe in parties. (SATC).
jill biden is wearing asskicking boots to the inauguration!!
will be glued to CNN while trying to open the yoga studio this morning. can't wait to be a pawn in the government game. Let's hear it for socialized everything and taxes up the ass! hopes Barack Obama isn't shot at the inauguration, that'd SUCK. is BARACK OBAMMMAAA!!! CHANNGEEE!! is at an inaguration work party. Back to school and excited for the inauguration. hopes y'all got your presents and planned your parties for Obama Day! is wishing i could watch all the inauguration coverage but alas... class. is so ready for bush to be gone... is OBAMA. can't wait to see the Koran that Barack HUSSEIN Obama swears on. is watching her room mates make truffles. They're being called Barak Balls. Happy Inauguration Day everyone! WE IN THE WHITE HOUSE NOW, BABY! OBAMA: what is your BBPIN?! is ready for the first day of a new semester, and more importantly, a new presidency. is waking up... wait... is there something special about today? hmm. is rockin' out with his Barack Out. is ready to watch history. Yay Obama!!!is thinking how great it is to be American today. is having the best day in eight years. Happy Inauguration, Obama! is Happy Obama Day!!! is excited for this inauguration. =) "It's Obama time!" is good bye Bush! has class during the inaguration, so not fair! is standing in line for the inauguration. is today is one of, if not the most momentous day in our lives. is glad to see history... is very ready for a new president. is inauguration on ben yehuda. is going to inauguration!!!!!!! is happy inauguration day! London is having Obamarama. is celebrating the end of the Bush era by watching the inauguration today! 9. Hillary looks amazing and ready to rule. Bill: Not so happy. 10. Link to Obama's Inaugural address: http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2009/01/20/official-text-of-president-barack-obamas-inaugural-address/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)