Shalom!
Yesterday was a really interesting day. Since it was Saturday (Shabbat), I slept in, played guitar for a while, and just chilled out. Later, we drove up through Mt. Carmel to a spot where I had been 3 years ago, to enjoy the sunset (20min drive). A few years ago, there was a huge forest fire in the Carmel Forest, and unfortunately as we drove through the mountains, you could see the effects. Trees are definitely starting to grow more and more, but there are a lot of areas that look devastated. Driving up the mountain, we could see Haifa, a large port city, below. When we got to our spot, it felt really eery being back there. It felt familiar but looked so different because of the fire. We knew we were back in the right place because there were three tall skinny trees that withstood the fire, serving as land markers. I sketched these trees on the rocks where I once sat, feeling the energy around me. The rocks had a cold energy, but it was very clear to me that the forest was still alive with spirit (Ru'ach in hebrew). As the sun set, we descended the mountain, passing through Haifa University campus, making our way back to Kiryat Tivon.
That night, I finally had a night out on my own. I went to the one bar in the town where I ended up making two friends, Eli and Ohad. They both spoke decent English, so we talked for hours. Eli left to go meet up for a date, and Ohad was waiting for a date at the bar. Ohad and I exchanged info and I'm hoping to hang out with him again. It was nice to finally meet some people my age (they were 28, but the age gap in Israel is different from the U.S. Even 10 yrs apart is nothing to them).
Today, I am getting ready for Erev Rosh Hashanah. I believe we are going to the same Kehilla that we went to the other day. It's only an hour service, then we are going to a neighbor's house for dinner. Hope it's not too awkward because neither my aunt nor I know the neighbors yet. Everyone here makes sure that you have a place to go for the Chag. It's nice that people are so kind and hospitable.
Today, I got a SIM for my phone, so I now have an Israeli phone number! If you need to reach me, it is 050-694-4206. Only 60 shekels a month, which is like 15 bucks. Woo!
I am now going to eat some Kasha & Bowties for lunch, and relax before tonight.
Peace
Shan Tova to you and Sue. Like your blog, Forest fires are natures way of recycling, giving new trees a chance and creating a habitat for animals that do better in open space and young forests. You should plan to revisit or have photos sent in 10 and 20 years. popop and yaya
ReplyDeleteUsually I would agree with you on the forest fires. However Israel cannot afford to have their largest mountain range burn since their country is so small. It really is a shame, and people are still sad about it. It started from some kids, so it was not natural. Shanah Tova to you both :)
DeleteShana tova! I want to see more photos!
ReplyDelete