Its been almost a week!

So the last few days have gone by so quickly!  I feel like I've accomplished a lot since I arrived.  First of all, I need to edit my last post when I mentioned that I made it through Frankfurt security without getting groped.  This was a lie.  After I posted that message I had to go through an additional security to get to my gate and not only did the extremely butch woman give me a full pat down, it included her hands IN MY PANTS.  Why is that necessary?!?!  Geez, its like the Friends episode where Joey gets groped by the tailor.  The only difference is, I actually knew that the groping was bad.

Anyway, I arrived in Israel completely exhausted and zombie like.  I made it through passport clearance quickly and my bags were out almost immediately because of my priority status.  When I walked out to the waiting area I saw both Sima and my cousin Yanki and his daughter Avigail waiting for me!  It was a nice, warm welcome.

The first few days were nice and restful and fun!  On Friday, Sima and I went to the mall.  We had ourselves some fun.  Now for those of you who don't know, Sima and I have a tradition of taking pictures in leopard print attire in every city which we travel to together.  We've never taken one in Jerusalem, so of-course we needed to do that.  We walked into H&M (which of-course would carry a nice selection of leopard print attire!?) and put together what I would say is hands down the ugliest outfits we've ever worn!!  See below:

On Shabbat I went to a bat mitzvah of the daughter of a good camp friend.  It was nice connecting with friends of past and receiving such a warm welcome from everyone.  And of-course, it was wonderful celebrating this monumental life cycle moment with the family!

This week has been busy.  I've spent many hours in numerous cafes drinking coffee and working.  I am applying for a fellowship and have been diligently working on my essays.  I'm also applying for jobs-- lots of them!  If you know of anything in Israel that could be a fit, send me an email! :)  I have had lots of firsts this week- managing myself on public transportation, reusing my Hebrew in all situations, setting up a bank account, getting health insurance...

What can I say, its been exciting yet challenging.  There are moments that are extremely overwhelming and I have to fight back my tears and there are other moments that I feel like I can finally breathe and smile again.  I guess that's all part of the journey.  I'm excited to see where it takes me.  Until next time...