Yom Rishon = Sunday or First Day

Sunday marks the beginning of a new week... something I am still getting used to.  Although last week by Thursday I was extremely ready for weekend so I guess that mentally I have already adjusted to this.  I guess they are working to try and make Sunday a non work day (I'm not exactly sure who "they" is) but it sounds like this change might take a few years.  There is something nice about having Thursday evening come around and knowing that you are done for the week.

On Friday the weather was quite bad (and let me clarify by bad I mean rainy, not like this super cold weather my iPhone keeps showing me of Chicago...) but Sima and I went into the center of Jerusalem anyway and spent some hours shopping (or in my case, window shopping).  A few things to note.

1) On Wednesday and Thursday there was a strike in the country over employment conditions for subcontracted workers so all government offices were closed.  No mail, no bank, etc...  (*note, this is bad for me because I still haven't been able to pick up my bank card/credit card/checks!)  Also, bad because the country wasn't being taken care of.  There is garbage EVERYWHERE.  This is what I saw on Friday in Jerusalem.  (Although by the time I got to Tel Aviv on Saturday it was much much worse there)

2) On Friday afternoons the entire country shuts down.  Shops close early and the whole country gets ready for Shabbat.  Shabbat is clearly observed in many different ways, but there is something nice about everyone preparing to spend some quality time with their family.  At 3:30, Sima and I basically got kicked out of the GAP in Mamilla mall.  (*note about the GAP.  A pair of pants that I bought two weeks ago in Chicago for $11 are being sold here for 150 Shekels.  Thats like $39.50- yikes!!)  By the time we got home, the sky had cleared up and the sun had even come out for a little show.

3) Unless you are in charge of cooking dinner, Friday afternoon is the perfect time to catch up on TV shows.  :)  We started watching Homeland two weeks ago and we've now seen 3 episodes.  This is a show that aired its first season this past semester at home.  If you haven't seen it, its worth checking out.  Seriously.  And for me to recommend something with Claire Danes in it is tragic (Omer, I know... I just broke your heart a little.  Sorry.)

I had the chance this past weekend to catch up with some good family friends who were having a picnic in the Jerusalem area (in Ein Kerem).  For non observant families, the best thing to do on Saturdays in Israel is spend time outdoors (weather permitting).  (*note, pretty much the entire country is closed down until Saturday night).  Anyway, I haven't seen these family friends in a LONG time and their family doubled (maybe even tripled in size!)  All the kids now have kids and it was quite fun spending time in the outdoors and eating delicious food.  I will admit, though, it made me a bit homesick for my own family.  Afterwards, I caught a ride down to Tel Aviv and when I arrived I decided to explore the city a little.  Tel Aviv is still kind of a mystery to me... I dont know her well at all.  I went on a long walk and it was so enjoyable!

This is the tayelet (the beach front path in Tel Aviv)

The beach at sunset

I hit the beach, saw some new neighborhoods and people watched the whole way.  I even played two of my favorite games.  The first one was recently introduced to me by my friend Barb and we will call it "Jew".  It goes like this... As you're walking down the street you look over and see a man standing a sweeping the courtyard to his apartment building.  Jew.  You see a woman up ahead with her child carrying three grocery bags.  Jew.  I think you get the point... :)

The second game is "How much Israeli history do I know?"  You see, streets are usually named after important people in history or events.  Therefore, being the dork that I am, I make sure that I know who is being honored in the street sign.  I must admit, there were a few that I need to look up.  Clearly, not important enough names to have been taught in my Zionism class.

After my walk, I felt like my feet were going to fall off, but I continued on to see my good friends Tali and Ari who are here visiting now.  I feel like their arrival was perfect because it came at a time when I really needed a good hug.  With them was the entire Goldblatt family who was so warm and welcoming and I spent the evening with them and enjoyed my first falafel as well.  I think that's all for today.  Next time I'll tell you all about my experience moving to Herzliya to spend the next few days.  I hope this week brings some luck in the job hunting department- keep your fingers crossed for me!