First, I should say thank you to all my peeps who sent me little messages or emails or IM's in support of my last post. Decisions like that one are definitely not easy to make and I have to say that I have had an outpouring of love and support this week and its just made me stronger and more certain of my decision. So thanks!
Next, I had a fantabulous weekend with BZAEDS at Ma'ale HaHamisha. We hit all the fun stuff- the shuk, Ben Yehuda street, the Old City, and I even got to go in the new tunnel from Ir David to the Kotel. Was super cool (and not 500 meters as they post it is). The kids gave me the warmest welcome, so many hugs and lots of love. I had a chance to connect with a lot of them over Shabbat and catch up, and even got to know a few of them that I never taught and didn't really know before. Shabbat itself was amazing. I helped lead a discussion group, stood up with 4 other students to sing my favorite Halleluya, we danced on the lawn to "Yesh" (Ben B was my partner and he was SO enthusiastic about it!) and had an incredible Havdallah. I was teary eyed to say goodbye on Sunday night.
Tuesday was the worst day ever. In a nutshell, I fell in the morning, slipped on the sidewalk and bloodied up my knee and foot. I was so mad at myself and in so much agony that it took a few good minutes to get up off the ground. I finally made it to the central bus station and got on a bus headed back to Tel Aviv. Apparently there was a crazy guy on my bus. In the middle of the ride, when we were driving on the highway, crazy person decided that he wanted to get off the bus right there so he went up to the driver started yelling at him and tried grabbing the steering wheel. The whole bus swayed and we were all hysterical. One man got up and pulled crazy man off the driver and started beating the crap out of him. This was probably scarier than the first incident. Crazy man was then dragged to the back of the bus and seated there. He tried to get up several more times, but he was guarded by 2 men who threatened to hit him if he didn't settled down. The whole thing was quite scary and I got back to TA really shaken up (physically and emotionally).
Tuesday night marked Erev Yom HaZikaron (memorial day for Israeli soldiers). I was in such a foul mood from my experience earlier that day and did not end up going to Kikar Rabin like I had originally planned. Instead Wednesday morning I took a long walk on the beach and was in a big intersection for the siren. All motion came to a halt. Cars stopped and passengers stood outside of their cars, pedestrians and runners paused and stood tall. I had goosebumps. There is something extremely special about being in a place that can really commemorate loss appropriately and in such a united way. A whole country stands for an entire minute. Its unreal. Memorial Day at home is full of amazing sales and bbq's...
Wednesday night marked the change from Yom HaZikaron to Yom Ha'Atzmaut. A fascinating moment. The music on the radio which has been sad and serene all day is suddenly a-rockin' and everyone gets ready to hit the streets. I decided to head out to Herzliya (probably a little later than I should) and I got stuck taking two buses and walking the rest of the way. Routes were all changed and streets were closed. It was a mess... I finally made it there though and got to experience how the city celebrates. Great dancing and singing and lots of fun! Aviv Geffen performed in Herzliya.
Today, Yom Ha'Atzmaut was another beautiful day. Lots to celebrate.... 64 years of Israel. Happy birthday darling.
I booked a ticket to Prague and am leaving next week. I'll be gone for a week. If anyone has ever been to Czech Republic I would LOVE suggestions. I am thinking 3-4 days in Prague, 2 in Cesky Krumlov, and maybe a day trip to Karlovy Vary and maybe Terezin? or something else day trip-y from Prague. Thoughts? I'm SO excited!!!
Sending you all love...xoxo
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