Wednesday, June 13, 2012

No countdowns, please!

Sunset from a friends roof in Yafo, Israel
During winter, the days couldn't go any slower. Now, the sun doesn't set until 8 pm and the ocean is the perfect temperature. I could lay in the white fluffy sand all day...and never go home. Too late, the plane ticket has been purchased. My year in Israel has been....well, unexplainable. There are no words that I can say to sum it up. Well I guess, perfect? I am not going to be going home fluent like I had planned, but I am pretty damn good compared to my level of Hebrew knowledge when I arrived here. I have met so many amazing people from all over the world - these people have become friends, really, really great friends. That is why I am not going to say, "goodbye." I know I will be back soon enough.

Enough about this going home business. I still have a month of adventures and excitement left here. What has been going on has been similar to a rollercoaster, or a double life. By day I am an English teacher to what are now my favorite children in the world. Nights and weekends are for parties of all kinds and "exploring Israeli culture." I put quotations for a reason, if you can't figure it out, I am sorry, but I am not going to tell you. I love the diversity of my life here. I love how I wake up feeling ready for each new day and each new activity. On a Monday I could be kayaking in the ocean and the next day I can be babysitting a three year old that speaks three languages. Nothing is linear, consistent, or in any kind of pattern. There is lack of balance and direction. Everything is just the way I like it.

Summer Sunset outside of Netanya, Israel





PRIDE

Conquering the Negev Desert
Now is a good time to explain what this crazy life has entailed. Last weekend there was the Tel Aviv Gay Pride Parade and Beach Party. Considering Tel Aviv is a top 5 gay capital of the world, it was up there with most amazing things. The crosswalks were transformed from their normal boring white zebra stripes to all the colors of the rainbow and gays and straights flooded the streets to support equal love for everyone. I am a supporter, so of course I was there marching with all the sexy people under the blazing sun all the way to the beach. Only a day later I had to say goodbye to my dear friend, Anna, she headed home a couple weeks early and I am so sad to see her go considering I spent maybe 18 hours of the day with her, everyday. I went hiking south in the biggest crater in the Negev, to a bachelorette party, a wedding, a three day music festival at the Sea of Galilee, and my students had a concert. Each and every one of these events has made me happier and happier. It has also brought me to the conclusion, or proven my hypothesis, that Israelis are the craziest, most fun, amazing, and wild people I have ever come across. Being in the presence of an Israeli is one of the best things ever. You are sure to a. learn something new and/or b. do something stupid/something you never would have thought you would do.

How is one supposed to leave their "happy place?" Head back to their family and friends and get a job? I need answers. In the Jewish Holy Land you would think a nice Jewish girl could find them. Nope, I only have more questions.