Yea, yea, yea, I know -- I should be including pics. However, right now, whenever I go out I'm just thinking about not getting lost and/or paying attention to where I'm going! I really will add some pictures at some point! (Hopefully, sooner rather than later)
For those of you who've been here before, there is a new mall in the old city by Jaffa Gate. It is a very upscale place. When I say mall, I mean inside the city walls but no roof. They have occasional arches that go across the street, covered with Bougainvillea. There is also a cafe on the top level with a walkway that stretches across the street. There were lots of families out. The Browns took us to dinner there. We wandered the mall a bit first and then went to eat. It was very fun!
Another outing -- we had a ladies night out and went to the German Colony for dinner. We had these huge, crunchy, light bagels with 8 different toppings! Delicious!! It was also nice to get to know one another a bit better. We have some nursing students from BYU-Idaho coming on the program this semester. Their supervisor has been here with us for a few days. She adds another interesting spin to the faculty. Well, I guess she isn't exactly faculty -- she doesn't teach any of the curriculum here at the Center. She works with her nurses at several local hospitals, mostly between classes. Should be nice to have so many medical people around!
My days are full and most of the time I am well and happy. Some days I feel overwhelmed with all that lies ahead, but I learn a little more each day. Kent and the other faculty are in Ein Gev until tonight, checking out the field trip sites for the Galilee trip in November. Kent said it is very warm there - hope it cools off by November. The weather here has become delightful. There is a nice cool breeze mornings and evenings and the temps have been down as well!
We wish you could all be here with us.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
The Sabbath
Here at the Center we have our Sabbath on Saturday. This past Saturday was our first Sabbath here. It was district conference. It was a nice meeting, and the best part was the view! I'll try and remember to go take a picture and add it.
After the conference was over we gathered in the Oasis for lunch. The Center cooks provided vegie lasagna and bread and then the members supplied salads and desserts. It was really fun to get to know some people and what a variety of cultures we have! We have members from the Phillipines, Russia, South America, and America -- all here working. They seem so glad to see one another because on normal Sabbaths, they meet all over Israel. There are members in Tel Aviv, Bethlehem (who cannot come to church unless they have some government job), Haifa, Tiberius, Galilee. Our Relief Society president is a Palestinian who lives in Bethlehem and works at the consulate office in Jerusalem. The church truly is world wide.
After lunch Kent and I went for a drive (I drove, he navigated). He can remember where things are from the last time we were here! It's disgusting!! But, I'll get it yet!
It was a lovely day and, thankfully, the weather is beginning to cool down so we can enjoy a cool breeze at night!
After the conference was over we gathered in the Oasis for lunch. The Center cooks provided vegie lasagna and bread and then the members supplied salads and desserts. It was really fun to get to know some people and what a variety of cultures we have! We have members from the Phillipines, Russia, South America, and America -- all here working. They seem so glad to see one another because on normal Sabbaths, they meet all over Israel. There are members in Tel Aviv, Bethlehem (who cannot come to church unless they have some government job), Haifa, Tiberius, Galilee. Our Relief Society president is a Palestinian who lives in Bethlehem and works at the consulate office in Jerusalem. The church truly is world wide.
After lunch Kent and I went for a drive (I drove, he navigated). He can remember where things are from the last time we were here! It's disgusting!! But, I'll get it yet!
It was a lovely day and, thankfully, the weather is beginning to cool down so we can enjoy a cool breeze at night!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Ramadan
Right now, the Muslim nation is observing Ramadan. Ramadan is one month of daily fasting. It is a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice self-sacrifice. At sundown the fast is broken and celebrating takes place all evening.
The Center is in a Palestinian neighborhood, so we can watch some of the festivities from our balcony. When the sun sets a cannon fires and you can hear a recitation from the Koran being read from minarets all around Jerusalem. Then everyone eats dinner. One evening, a large family had their meal on top of the house, so we could watch. After the meal came the call to prayer and we were able to see the adults performing their evening prayers.
The Center is in a Palestinian neighborhood, so we can watch some of the festivities from our balcony. When the sun sets a cannon fires and you can hear a recitation from the Koran being read from minarets all around Jerusalem. Then everyone eats dinner. One evening, a large family had their meal on top of the house, so we could watch. After the meal came the call to prayer and we were able to see the adults performing their evening prayers.
Many of the homes have lights hanging in windows or around their houses. Some of the streets are also strung with blinking lights. You can hear the children setting off small fire works. It is a time of happiness and celebration.
Friday, August 20, 2010
more apartment pictures
We live on the 5th floor of the Center. Thankfully, if my knees can't take the hike every time, there is an elevator that goes from the 5th to the 6th floor, and another from the 6th to the 7th. The 6th floor is where the gym, Oasis (cafeteria) and class rooms are. The 7th floor is where Kent's office is and the garage. Those my very most basic needs, so I'm good. Anyway, this is taken from the bottom of the stairs looking at the entrance to our hallway. Look familiar Jackson clan? :)
Front door number 1/Room 501:
Living room:
More living room:
Kitchen:
By the way, Kent and I went for a short walk this morning. We walked past the Hebrew University, which used to have a convenient entrance for our students to use. I used to go there to mail letters and buy office supplies. the gate is now pad locked. Kent will continue to investigate. Anyway, across the street from the university, at one point, there is an overlook of the Kidron Valley and the Mount of Olives (where the Center is located). Lots of tour groups stop there, today was no exception. One of the groups was actually a Harley motorcycle group! We, of course, stopped to admire the bikes and Kent got a business card from the owner. There is a dealership in Tel Aviv and for only $200/day and a minimum of a 3-day rental, Kent could go on a road trip. What a deal!! ;) Who knew there was a Harley dealership in Israel?
Front door number 1/Room 501:
Living room:
More living room:
Kitchen:
By the way, Kent and I went for a short walk this morning. We walked past the Hebrew University, which used to have a convenient entrance for our students to use. I used to go there to mail letters and buy office supplies. the gate is now pad locked. Kent will continue to investigate. Anyway, across the street from the university, at one point, there is an overlook of the Kidron Valley and the Mount of Olives (where the Center is located). Lots of tour groups stop there, today was no exception. One of the groups was actually a Harley motorcycle group! We, of course, stopped to admire the bikes and Kent got a business card from the owner. There is a dealership in Tel Aviv and for only $200/day and a minimum of a 3-day rental, Kent could go on a road trip. What a deal!! ;) Who knew there was a Harley dealership in Israel?
It is so hot here right now! That's a nice way to start out my blog today, isn't it? Sorry, I don't really mean to whine! We have been treated so wonderfully since we've arrived. 2 of the wives here have taken me shopping a few times. Kent and I went on our own once, he drove and I navigated. I have yet to drive myself but I THINK I can find most of the places. We went to the pita store and they gave us each a fresh warm one to eat! Fresh PITA!!!! Awesome. I haven't had a falafel yet, but . . .
I'm sure you are wondering why there are no pictures to go with this monolouge -- that would be because I forgot to take my camera on the trip! However, here are some more pictures of our apartment. It is a very tiny place and I am trying to get rid of dishes, etc. that we don't need to make more room for grocery items. We're also hoping they can cut a hole in the wall so that the 3 apartments are connected. Right now we have 2 "front" doors and 2 sets of keys to access everything.
View of bedroom from door:
View of bedroom from corner:
Bathroom one:
View from second front door/Room 502:
Bathroom number 2--there is another door on the other end of this bathroom, that goes into room 503 which looks identical to room 502. Is this all as clear as mud?:
Last night we went to dinner with all present here right now and then took a stroll up and down Ben Yehuda street. This is a delightful, pedestrian-only, street full of fun shops, sidewalk cafes and street entertainers. It was full of families, couples and happy people. For those of you who understand -- Tamara's is gone.
My bone spur seems to be improving, but I fell off of a chair a few days ago and now I have very sore ribs. Not cracked/broken, thank heavens, but sore none-the-less. I'm such a ditz!!!!
We miss you all and wish you could be here to share this with us.
I'm sure you are wondering why there are no pictures to go with this monolouge -- that would be because I forgot to take my camera on the trip! However, here are some more pictures of our apartment. It is a very tiny place and I am trying to get rid of dishes, etc. that we don't need to make more room for grocery items. We're also hoping they can cut a hole in the wall so that the 3 apartments are connected. Right now we have 2 "front" doors and 2 sets of keys to access everything.
View of bedroom from door:
View of bedroom from corner:
Bathroom one:
View from second front door/Room 502:
Bathroom number 2--there is another door on the other end of this bathroom, that goes into room 503 which looks identical to room 502. Is this all as clear as mud?:
Last night we went to dinner with all present here right now and then took a stroll up and down Ben Yehuda street. This is a delightful, pedestrian-only, street full of fun shops, sidewalk cafes and street entertainers. It was full of families, couples and happy people. For those of you who understand -- Tamara's is gone.
My bone spur seems to be improving, but I fell off of a chair a few days ago and now I have very sore ribs. Not cracked/broken, thank heavens, but sore none-the-less. I'm such a ditz!!!!
We miss you all and wish you could be here to share this with us.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Some shots of "home"
This is our patio with its marvelous views! We have breakfast here if it's cool enough!
Roses with a Palestinian neighborhood in the background .
The Old City
More of the Palestinian neighborhood.
Pomegranate tree on our patio.
Roses with a Palestinian neighborhood in the background .
The Old City
More of the Palestinian neighborhood.
Pomegranate tree on our patio.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Day One
Here's us just before the drive to the airport.
All 5 suitcases weighed in at 50 lb. or less , yea ! Fortunately, they didn't weigh our carry-ons. :) The flight to Jerusalem - HOLY COW!!!!
Our Atlanta connection was supposed to leave at 10:15 pm. We took off at 3:15 am! The good thing ? I met a very nice Jewish woman who gave me her name and telephone number in case I ever get to Tel Aviv. The next good thing ? It was bedtime when we arrived at the Center!
All 5 suitcases weighed in at 50 lb. or less , yea ! Fortunately, they didn't weigh our carry-ons. :) The flight to Jerusalem - HOLY COW!!!!
Our Atlanta connection was supposed to leave at 10:15 pm. We took off at 3:15 am! The good thing ? I met a very nice Jewish woman who gave me her name and telephone number in case I ever get to Tel Aviv. The next good thing ? It was bedtime when we arrived at the Center!
We have arrived and the adventure has begun!
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