Connection

Today, my aunt took me to a tiny synagogue (Kehilla) to check out this cute art show. Outside of the Kehilla, I noticed this HUGE bush that looked oddly familiar. I rubbed my fingers on the leaves and sniffed it to see if my senses could identify the plant. It turns out it was a giant Rosemary bush! I had never seen a Rosemary bush, let alone one so large. It was amazing and exciting, so I sat with it and meditated. It was so calming and awakening in many ways. For the rest of the day, I've felt in such a better place after interacting with the plant. The dust storm has mostly passed at this point, meaning the air is much clearer and nicer. It's still very humid but at least I can walk around and see things in the distance. 

Shopping today for food was crazy, because on Shabbat everything pretty much closes until Sunday, which is a weekday here (our Monday in the U.S.)

Hoping to be hiking in the mountains or visiting Tel Aviv soon. It's been a long week in terms of acclimating to the culture and weather here. 

שבת שלום לקולם

Caesarea

Today was a day of hard work, cleaning and helping my aunt settle into her new home. Afterwards, we drove 30 minutes to Caesarea, where I FINALLY got to take my first dip in the Mediterranean. It's been three years since I've last swam there. So nice to be back, especially seeing the ancient Roman aqueducts along the beach. Tomorrow night is Shabbat, and then the Chag on Sunday (Rosh Hashanah). Not sure what our plans are yet, but I bet they will be fun.

Syrian Dust Storm Spreading to Israel

I found this article online today which explains more: http://www.haaretz.com/news/israel/1.675047

Imagine fog that has a hint of brown mugginess to it. This is what the dust storm looks like.

As I woke up this afternoon still recovering from jet lag, I looked outside only to find that I could barely see anything. Then I see a note from my aunt saying "Good morning/afternoon. I went back to sleep. Enjoy the Syrian dust storm." So I googled what this was really about and found that it is actually more serious than I thought. The air is very thick and it is definitely harder to breathe than usual, but still manageable. It's very bizarre because last night when I looked out her window, I could see so many tiny city lights in the distance that appeared clear as day. Today, I can barely see 100 feet in front of me. I wanted to take today to wander around Kiryat Tivon, but I think it may just be best for me to stay super hydrated and remain indoors. Gives me more time to acclimate which I could honestly use. Hope this storm dies down soon!

I have arrived!

It's 9:39pm in Kiryat Tivon, Israel. It has been a long day and a half of travel.

My Aunt Susan's house is surprisingly beautiful and amazing and HUGE. Her four dogs who typically don't deal well with strangers all really like me and are friendly and happy. I consciously wanted to emanate a calm and positive energy, and I believe it was very successful.

We just got back to her place after walking into town and getting FRESH falafel. So fresh that they literally shape the falafel balls with a spoon, then put them in boiling oil to solidify. None of that pre-made, microwave stuff. This is the real deal and oh boy, I have waited for this for a while.

I am certainly jet-lagged and tired, but I feel extremely calm, a calmness that I haven't felt in quite some time. No anxiety, no stress, just recognizing my breathe and appreciating every minute. I am looking forward to incorporating this into my lifestyle here.

Looking forward to what tomorrow brings.

So long, farewell!

The day has come!

I have been waiting for this day for what feels like my entire 22 years of existence. My dream has always been to travel the world, immerse myself in different cultures, and meet wonderful people along the way. I am lucky enough to be traveling where I have some family and friends to ground and guide me at times, too. So many of us think that we know what the lifestyles are like in different countries, but you truly won't know until you are there. Having been to Israel three times previously, I am aware of the drastic cultural differences, and am excited to switch my language and way of life.

I truly am jumping out of my skin as I contemplate what the next 6 months abroad will be like. So much of the world to experience and absorb!

Today is purely a travel day, but symbolically it's the start of my new chapter in life. I have no schedules to adhere to. I am breaking out of the system and literally just living as a nomadic human being. I am flying from Newark, NJ to Brussels, Belgium this evening. I should arrive around 7am Monday morning, where I will fly from Brussels to Tel Aviv and hopefully land around 4:30pm Monday. My Aunt Susan and I have coordinated airport pick up, and our first stop will be taking a dip in the Mediterranean Sea, one of the most beautiful bodies of water that I've had the pleasure to swim in. It will be nice to swim after 22 hours of travel, watching the sun set over the sea.

But for now, I shall lug my bags to the airport and enjoy the various aerial views of our planet from the big bird above.

Stay tuned for many adventures to come :)

-Michael