I'm sorry I haven't posted for over a week. While I have been really busy, I really just wasn't sure what to write about. I have gotten to do so many unbelieveable things while I've been here... it's hard to sit down and write about them. I will. Just not now.
Anyway, I'm leaving in a few minutes for the airport to come home. Home! I'm leaving here a little bit sad but happy to move forward in my life with a renewed sense of purpose. And that, more than anything, is what this summer has given me. A reason.
See you when I get home.
Love, Alexis
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Monday, July 16, 2007
Back from the Dead Sea Again
YO. I am back from the dead sea. It was a good two days. I slept in a goat hair tent for the second time in my life. That's funny. I could've sworn I said I'd never do that again the last time I was there.
Today, we are taking the kids on a bike ride down Burma Rd. Should be cool. Not literally cool. It's supposed to be 100 degrees. YESSSSSSSSS! Later this afternoon, we're taking them to Jerusalem to the Holocaust museum (3rd time for me) and to Mt. Herzl to see the military cemetary (also 3rd time). They get to go shopping on their own tonight which is great news. Tomorrow we are going North to the Golan, passing through Haifa and the B'hai gardens. COooooooL. We're spending the night with the Druze. They have a secrect religion and "delightful" cuisine. I'll be the judge of that. When we come back it will be Thursday. And after thursday, it will be Friday. And Friday and Saturday the kids spend with their host families for Shabbat. And Saturday, when we get the kids back at 7:30pm, we have a goodbye party and sunday, I'M COMING HOME!
Originally, the I'm coming home had 10 or 24 exclamation points. But that seemed a little too eager. Ok, check you later.
Today, we are taking the kids on a bike ride down Burma Rd. Should be cool. Not literally cool. It's supposed to be 100 degrees. YESSSSSSSSS! Later this afternoon, we're taking them to Jerusalem to the Holocaust museum (3rd time for me) and to Mt. Herzl to see the military cemetary (also 3rd time). They get to go shopping on their own tonight which is great news. Tomorrow we are going North to the Golan, passing through Haifa and the B'hai gardens. COooooooL. We're spending the night with the Druze. They have a secrect religion and "delightful" cuisine. I'll be the judge of that. When we come back it will be Thursday. And after thursday, it will be Friday. And Friday and Saturday the kids spend with their host families for Shabbat. And Saturday, when we get the kids back at 7:30pm, we have a goodbye party and sunday, I'M COMING HOME!
Originally, the I'm coming home had 10 or 24 exclamation points. But that seemed a little too eager. Ok, check you later.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Peanut Butter, Brie and Onion Jam
Today I was privledged to introduce David and his wife, Miri, to powdered peanut butter. They liked it. So much that they mixed it with Brie (gross) and Onion Jam (siccccccccccccck) and spread it on challah (yum). They are tasters. They taste everything and mix things different ways. It's fun to watch, disgusting to try. But they know all about my picky eating. One of the only things that I am excited about coming home for is the freedom to eat whatever I want. I am also eager to see the fam, both related and unrelated.
This afternoon, David and I went into Ramla (the next town over) to get some things for a barbeque tonight. Another family is coming over and we're going to celebrate July birthdays. The family who's coming have a daughter who is turning 21 today. David and Miri's daughter, Eliora, is turning 26 on the 25th and I'm turning 24 on the 29th. It will be fun.
Tonight, I am going with the kids (who have Friday night and Saturday off to spend with their host families for Shabbat)to see someone named David Broza (sp?). I think you would like this a lot Mama because it's supposed to be like Stomp or Blue Man Group. All percussion. I'm really looking forward to it. Tomorrow, we're going to the archiological dig site near here to hear from the archiologist... that's def. spelled wrong... then we are moving on to the Negev to sleep in goat hair tents with the Bedouins and climb Masada the next morning. From there, we will swim in the dead sea. And by we, I mean the kids because I am dead sea'd out. That, and a I lost my swimsuit. After the swimming, we'll drive all the way up to the Golan Heights and spend one night there. We'll be home on Tuesday, i think. I don't have the schedule of events because it's in Hebrew so at best, these things are a guess. I don't really care though. My job is to make sure the kids are happy and not homesick. I'm doing that.
I come home in 1 week. I feel like I haven't been here at all which is so funny... see as 5 weeks ago I would've given up waffles or my left lung to come home. The past week here with David has been the most consecutive fun I've had while I've been here... but more than anything, these last 5 weeks have been the best and happiest I can remember having in the longest time. Which is why I deem this summer the best. summer. ever.
I have gotten to do everything I wanted, when I wanted and then more than that. I've slept late, gone out everynight, met new people, learned some hebrew, gotten over some things, written some songs, played my guitar an infinite amount, had some of the best conversations I've ever had, tried so many new foods, figured out the way home on more than one ocassion without a map or calling someone... but perhaps most importantly, I have felt so great and so happy nearly the entire time. What a tremendous feeling that has been.
I am writing so much and telling so little. When I get home, I will tell you everything. For now, I'm going to help them do prep for the barbeque. Most of you know I about as helpful as a punch in the face when it comes to cooking and kitchen related things in general, so it should be a really good expierence for all involved.
See you very soon.
Love, Blex0r
This afternoon, David and I went into Ramla (the next town over) to get some things for a barbeque tonight. Another family is coming over and we're going to celebrate July birthdays. The family who's coming have a daughter who is turning 21 today. David and Miri's daughter, Eliora, is turning 26 on the 25th and I'm turning 24 on the 29th. It will be fun.
Tonight, I am going with the kids (who have Friday night and Saturday off to spend with their host families for Shabbat)to see someone named David Broza (sp?). I think you would like this a lot Mama because it's supposed to be like Stomp or Blue Man Group. All percussion. I'm really looking forward to it. Tomorrow, we're going to the archiological dig site near here to hear from the archiologist... that's def. spelled wrong... then we are moving on to the Negev to sleep in goat hair tents with the Bedouins and climb Masada the next morning. From there, we will swim in the dead sea. And by we, I mean the kids because I am dead sea'd out. That, and a I lost my swimsuit. After the swimming, we'll drive all the way up to the Golan Heights and spend one night there. We'll be home on Tuesday, i think. I don't have the schedule of events because it's in Hebrew so at best, these things are a guess. I don't really care though. My job is to make sure the kids are happy and not homesick. I'm doing that.
I come home in 1 week. I feel like I haven't been here at all which is so funny... see as 5 weeks ago I would've given up waffles or my left lung to come home. The past week here with David has been the most consecutive fun I've had while I've been here... but more than anything, these last 5 weeks have been the best and happiest I can remember having in the longest time. Which is why I deem this summer the best. summer. ever.
I have gotten to do everything I wanted, when I wanted and then more than that. I've slept late, gone out everynight, met new people, learned some hebrew, gotten over some things, written some songs, played my guitar an infinite amount, had some of the best conversations I've ever had, tried so many new foods, figured out the way home on more than one ocassion without a map or calling someone... but perhaps most importantly, I have felt so great and so happy nearly the entire time. What a tremendous feeling that has been.
I am writing so much and telling so little. When I get home, I will tell you everything. For now, I'm going to help them do prep for the barbeque. Most of you know I about as helpful as a punch in the face when it comes to cooking and kitchen related things in general, so it should be a really good expierence for all involved.
See you very soon.
Love, Blex0r
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Last day of freedom
Tomorrow morning, very early, the kids from KC arrive here in Israel. I am meeting them at the airport and work starts from then. They will be here a total of 10 days. One travel day on either side. Travel day one was today. This means I will be home in 11 days. It also means I have already been here for a month. That's pretty crazy.
Today was a great day. The last three days have been great days. I have spent them hanging out with David, sleeping late, going on some tours, playing with kids, watching baseball, being a picky eater, talking for hours and hours and in general, just having the best few days of my entire trip. David is really a blast and it's been really fun hanging around with him on the kibbutz.
We went to a mondo grocery store today. The only grocery store in Israel that sells pork and shellfish. It also has 4 restaurants inside of it. It's like costco on drugs. Incredible. I bought half a kilo of zatar for almost nothing. I also had 5 diet cokes today. This is starting to be a theme. Not good.
Well, that's what I know. Mostly because it is so late and I have to get up mega early to meet the kids. Check you later.
Today was a great day. The last three days have been great days. I have spent them hanging out with David, sleeping late, going on some tours, playing with kids, watching baseball, being a picky eater, talking for hours and hours and in general, just having the best few days of my entire trip. David is really a blast and it's been really fun hanging around with him on the kibbutz.
We went to a mondo grocery store today. The only grocery store in Israel that sells pork and shellfish. It also has 4 restaurants inside of it. It's like costco on drugs. Incredible. I bought half a kilo of zatar for almost nothing. I also had 5 diet cokes today. This is starting to be a theme. Not good.
Well, that's what I know. Mostly because it is so late and I have to get up mega early to meet the kids. Check you later.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
I forgot about Special K
On top of all the new food I've been eating, I have tried and fallen in love with Special K. This is good news for me as I usually won't eat cereal that isn't Reese's Puff's cereal. But really, if you haven't tried that, I'm going to seriously recommend that you do. Honestly. It's life changing.
Speaking of life changing, I couldn't love being on the Kibbutz anymore. I had lunch today with the Israeli woman who will be helping us with the kids when they get here thursday. They leave tomorrow morning. I'm sure they are very excited. I am very excited to see them.
Tonight, after the baseball game, David is taking me to a grocery store for dinner... a grocery store much like Trader Joe's. It's going to be GREAT! Especially now that I eat like a grown up. PS: I had salad for lunch. With tomato in it. And cheese and nuts also. WHOA!
I got to talk to David for several hours last night and our conversation was one of the most meaningful I have had while I've been here, and maybe in my life. He is one of those people who can relate to almost anything you say and that isn't shocked by anything that you say. So all the things I have been thinknig about while I've been here- all the questions I have- all the frustrations and struggles I have... we got to talk about all of them. Before I knew it, it was almost 4am. Talks like that are my favorite. And that was one I won't soon forget.
That's what I know. Two posts in one day, aren't you LUCKY!?
Speaking of life changing, I couldn't love being on the Kibbutz anymore. I had lunch today with the Israeli woman who will be helping us with the kids when they get here thursday. They leave tomorrow morning. I'm sure they are very excited. I am very excited to see them.
Tonight, after the baseball game, David is taking me to a grocery store for dinner... a grocery store much like Trader Joe's. It's going to be GREAT! Especially now that I eat like a grown up. PS: I had salad for lunch. With tomato in it. And cheese and nuts also. WHOA!
I got to talk to David for several hours last night and our conversation was one of the most meaningful I have had while I've been here, and maybe in my life. He is one of those people who can relate to almost anything you say and that isn't shocked by anything that you say. So all the things I have been thinknig about while I've been here- all the questions I have- all the frustrations and struggles I have... we got to talk about all of them. Before I knew it, it was almost 4am. Talks like that are my favorite. And that was one I won't soon forget.
That's what I know. Two posts in one day, aren't you LUCKY!?
Special K and Professional Leauge Baseball
I have to write this quickly as I have somewhere to be at 12:00 and it's already 11:20. Life on the Kibbutz has not only been totally different from what I expected but it's been totally fun. Yesterday, I woke up at 11:00 and walked over to David Leichmans' office. If I haven't written about him before, he is the director of Pinat Shorshim, the biblical garden in the middle of the Kibbutz. He's also the guy who picked me up at the airport. I'm staying with him and his wife. She is the Rabbi at the synagogue on the Kibbutz... right now, she is in America as her mother is ill.
Anyway, yesterday I met up with him to go to a meeting he had at lunch time with some folks from Leawood. There's no way I would know them he said, they aren't Jewish. He should've been right. I dont know many people who live in Leawood (as opposed to Overland Park) that aren't Jewish. We walked in and he was right, I didn't. They asked where I work. I told them B'nai Jehudah. The wife said to the husband, isn't that where Leah got married? I said Leah who? They said Leah Hedrick. Yeah, I work with her Mom. They are her aunt and uncle. Totally weird.
After we met with them, we went to lunch at this crazy place in Ramla called Samir's. Before I left, I would've had nothing to do with any of the food that they make/sell there... but now, having forced my pallet to change, it was so delicious. I had falafel and hummus and pita and kabobs. YUM! So that's good news. I'm eating more grown up food.
Last night, I went to one of the first professional baseball games ever to be played in Israel. A professional baseball leauge just started ehre called the Israeli Baseball Leauge (IBL). You probably heard about it on NPR or PBS or NBC or CNN. David and Miri, his rabbi wife, have a son, Alon, who plays on one of the teams. It was so fun to go and actually know one of the players. Afterwards, I went with David and Alon and had dinner in Tel Aviv with a couple of the VERY christian players from the states. It was an interesting dinner. One I'm glad I went to. And the food was delish. Again, never food I would've eaten before I got there. Yay me.
That's what I know. Today, I'm going to some meetings at Pinat Shorshim. And that's about it. Tonight, another baseball game. Tomorrow, another baseball game. Thursday, the kids get here. This trip is really flying by.
BYE!
Love, me
I have to write this quickly as I have somewhere to be at 12:00 and it's already 11:20. Life on the Kibbutz has not only been totally different from what I expected but it's been totally fun. Yesterday, I woke up at 11:00 and walked over to David Leichmans' office. If I haven't written about him before, he is the director of Pinat Shorshim, the biblical garden in the middle of the Kibbutz. He's also the guy who picked me up at the airport. I'm staying with him and his wife. She is the Rabbi at the synagogue on the Kibbutz... right now, she is in America as her mother is ill.
Anyway, yesterday I met up with him to go to a meeting he had at lunch time with some folks from Leawood. There's no way I would know them he said, they aren't Jewish. He should've been right. I dont know many people who live in Leawood (as opposed to Overland Park) that aren't Jewish. We walked in and he was right, I didn't. They asked where I work. I told them B'nai Jehudah. The wife said to the husband, isn't that where Leah got married? I said Leah who? They said Leah Hedrick. Yeah, I work with her Mom. They are her aunt and uncle. Totally weird.
After we met with them, we went to lunch at this crazy place in Ramla called Samir's. Before I left, I would've had nothing to do with any of the food that they make/sell there... but now, having forced my pallet to change, it was so delicious. I had falafel and hummus and pita and kabobs. YUM! So that's good news. I'm eating more grown up food.
Last night, I went to one of the first professional baseball games ever to be played in Israel. A professional baseball leauge just started ehre called the Israeli Baseball Leauge (IBL). You probably heard about it on NPR or PBS or NBC or CNN. David and Miri, his rabbi wife, have a son, Alon, who plays on one of the teams. It was so fun to go and actually know one of the players. Afterwards, I went with David and Alon and had dinner in Tel Aviv with a couple of the VERY christian players from the states. It was an interesting dinner. One I'm glad I went to. And the food was delish. Again, never food I would've eaten before I got there. Yay me.
That's what I know. Today, I'm going to some meetings at Pinat Shorshim. And that's about it. Tonight, another baseball game. Tomorrow, another baseball game. Thursday, the kids get here. This trip is really flying by.
BYE!
Love, me
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Living the highlife at Kibbutz Gezer
A few days ago I said I was concerned that I might not have cell phone reception here on the kibbutz. I also thought there was no way I would have internet, especially not high speed. Yeah, about that... I was pretty much 100% wrong. Not only is this one of the most beautiful and modern homes I have been in since I've been here, but they have every ammenity you could ever desire in your entire life. Not joking. Oh, and ps: it's beautiful.
evidence:
David Leichman is the Rabbi's husband here on the Kibbutz. He picked me up at the airport when the congregational group left. I'll say, to be brief, that he is one of the nicest, most interesting guys I've ever met. After he picked me up, we went to a restaurant in Ramla called SoHo. I had teriakyi (pretty much positive that is spelled wrong) chicken. It was delish. I also had a margarita. We have tried many times to order margaritas in Israel and they are always hideously disgusting. This one was good. Really good.
Anyway, suffice it to say that I really am looking forward to my time here on the Kibbutz. I will be letting you know how things are going here on a regular basis because I have a computer in the bedroom where I am staying. And that computer? It has high speed internet. Booya.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Love, Lex
A few days ago I said I was concerned that I might not have cell phone reception here on the kibbutz. I also thought there was no way I would have internet, especially not high speed. Yeah, about that... I was pretty much 100% wrong. Not only is this one of the most beautiful and modern homes I have been in since I've been here, but they have every ammenity you could ever desire in your entire life. Not joking. Oh, and ps: it's beautiful.
evidence:
David Leichman is the Rabbi's husband here on the Kibbutz. He picked me up at the airport when the congregational group left. I'll say, to be brief, that he is one of the nicest, most interesting guys I've ever met. After he picked me up, we went to a restaurant in Ramla called SoHo. I had teriakyi (pretty much positive that is spelled wrong) chicken. It was delish. I also had a margarita. We have tried many times to order margaritas in Israel and they are always hideously disgusting. This one was good. Really good.
Anyway, suffice it to say that I really am looking forward to my time here on the Kibbutz. I will be letting you know how things are going here on a regular basis because I have a computer in the bedroom where I am staying. And that computer? It has high speed internet. Booya.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Love, Lex
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