Same as it ever was?

As I'm getting more accustomed to life here, I'm beginning to notice differences from when I was hear on Nativ. I don't mean in the people, because I haven't really been here long enough or interacted with them enough to sense anything. More so, I'm referring to the cities. They are very developed. Jerusalem has always been this way, but I can tell they are trying to refine themselves and become an elite city (of course it already is in so many ways). The european feel is unmistakeable, I just it doesn't take away from what makes this city and this area so unique to begin with.




On to My Day
Yesterday was somewhat low key, I left the Kirschner's house around 10 AM, and headed into town. Something you must understand about my commute into Jerusalem is that there is not a consistent bus that comes into Kfar Adumim. I can't simply wait for 5-10 minutes and expect a ride. I wait next to the bus stop near the house and put my hand out and wait for someone to pick me up. Now I know some of you are probably reacting with a "What the hell is he thinking?!?!" but you should know that there is a checkpoint to enter and leave Kfar Adumim. All Israelis have yellow licsense plates, and they are the only ones who can enter the town. Also, almost everyone in town that does not own a car uses this as their way of getting to Jerusalem. I got a ride with a very nice man, who did not speak very much. He dropped me off at French Hill where I caught the 6 bus into downtown. I spent a couple hours walking around, seeing if I could remember some old hangouts and try to discover some new ones. I also got my first shwarma since arrving here. Of course I went to Maoz, which is located on King George right off of Ben Yehuda. That stuff is so good. Then it was off to Emek Refaim. I hopped on a bus, and purposely got off much earlier than I needed. I truly enjoy walking down that road. It's one of the great things about Jerusalem. Every neighborhood you go down, it is a totally different feel. Down town is very Israeli feeling. From the shops to the people. One Emek Refaim, all of a sudden you feel like you have arrived to a European town. Everything is very laid back, people are saying 'hi' to one another, and the restaurants and shopping have a very different feel. Instead of touristy shops, there are boutiques. Instead of cliche eating places, there are cafes. I walked down there, and had so many memories. I thought about knocking on doors to the houses of people I knew, but didn't want to take the chance that they had moved away. I made my way all the way down to Pardes, and met up with Aunt Gail. We went home around 5:15, and were given a ride by a teacher at Pardes, Rabbi Reuben Gruben. He was a very sweet man, and very smart. Soon into the ride he wanted to know what my story was. So I gave him my shpiel (I've become very good at this). At the end he said something that I've thought many times recently "Wow, you really do have everything". It's true. I've felt very lucky over the past few years for many reasons. The friends, job, and experiences in Colorado really changed how I feel and how I approach my life. Shosh coming into my life, helped me to feel comfortable with who I am knowing that I was loved. Being accepted to the Educators Program, helped clarify what I want to do with my life, and how I am going to do it. I've never felt more ready to take the challenges that stand in front of me and more importantly to succeed in all of them.

For now, this is all. Take care everyone and I look forward to hearing from all of you.