A little bit of America in Israel

It's been a crazy week. 

On Sunday night for the ravens game some friends and i went to the American Sports bar, Mike's Place. Well the game here didn't start until 1 30 A.M....needless to say I walked out of the place sadly around 5 A.M. Two nights later I was back at Mike's for the inauguration- it is the only public place that really broadcasts all important american events. There were some reporters there from NBC and a bunch of israeli reporters recording and taking pictures of our reactions. It was very interesting being all the way over here in Israel and being surrounded by Americans all watching the same screen. When he was sworn in everyone started clapping and cheering. It was great to witness such a historic event, even if i was half way across the world from it. Obama's speech was great and my personally favorite line- especially after having lived here in Israel I would say was "Your country will judge you by what you build, not what you destroy." 

 

Last night was great. Some friends and I went to a dance show here in Israel. The concept of the show was very interesting. We walked in and the stage was elevated above us. The stage itself is filled with holes and we- the audience stand under the stage and pop our heads up through those holes. It was hilarious when we first did- all you saw was your friends little heads popping up as if everyone was decapitated. It was truly and interesting perspective of the show. At times the dancers got right up in your face and looked right at you (by the way everyone had two metal bars around the head to protect you). Towards the end we moved and sat in front of the stage. Although as I said it was elevated so sitting you couldn't really see the top of the stage- instead we watched the dancers weave in and out of the holes in the stage- the things they did with those holes and that stage were ridiculous. The show was all about relationships and it was very moving. 

This evening some friends and I went into Tel-Aviv to see a movie- Slumdog Millionaire- it was verrrrry good. We all really enjoyed ourselves. Heading home something happened that made me laugh. In the cab home my friend who is going through a tough time turned to me and said "isn't it ironic when the song that happens to be on the radio seems to be telling you everything you need to hear?" The song was fitting for her situation and was seeming to give her the 'pick-me-up' she needed. We both started smiling. At that exact moment the cab driver changed the station to some horrible childrens music, or something we're not quite sure what it was. My roommate and I just burst out laughing. It was as if we were in a movie and in the moment where the character seems to find resolution, and then the driver switched us [literally] back into reality. It almost reminds me of Israel, there are great times of peace, but reality will come back and each time Israel will defend herself. 

Tomorrow a group of us are heading wayyyyy up north to Mount Hermon- pretty much the only mountain in this little country that has snow, it should be a good time. 

- Goodnight all- Steph