Ivrit

Its ridiculous to me that 3 days ago I could barely speak hebrew - except for a few phrases and that I could only read and recognize a couple words at a time. Achshav, ani lomedit ivrit todos los dias....for real while my writing/reading and comprehending skills have improved, everytime I try to say something it comes out in spanish!! Its nuts that some people know hebrew the way I know Spanish - even 4 years later I can still remember most nouns and verbs.

we went to the shook again today and it always seems like such a waste to go to the supermarket after. I went with barely 50 shkalim and without spending most of it was able to buy a huge thing of carrots (2 sheckles!), a loaf of fresh bread (7), 2 things of ricecakes and noodles (3 for 13), cheese (more expensive here but 7) and a bracelet (8). Since Israel is like the queen of genetic engineering, all the vegetables and fruit are huge and bright. I've never seen strawberries or apples this large! The shook is definitly overwhelming in terms of bargaining and finding products; but today we actually walked around the surrounding Allenby streets and walked into cute boutiques. The other day I bought a cardigan because it was cold and it was 20 sheckles..sometimes its like the prices are American (50 for shoes) - but then u remember to divide by 4! Still, 50 sheckles can take u a long way and I've yet to really go out and spend on something like clothes or applianes etc for that reason.

I was always afraid going abroad would be a lonely experience - since everyone comes back raving about the places they go and things they do but sometimes forget to mention the people they met. I guess Tel Aviv is kinda different or maybe I just think of it differntly because everyone you see is dying to talk to you. Locals are so happy that you're in the country and the people in the program try and make friends at every opportunity. Every bus ride I've met foreigners who made aaliyah or Israelis just wanting to converse. It's definitly a homey feeling and while some people grew up or act differently than me we seem to have alot in common - at home/school people seem surprised about why I chose Israel but some of the people here hardly make it seem like a choice as much as a given to be here. It's great because at least 2 people are vegetarians and a couple more keep kosher. We all made dinner last friday and are prob gonna keep the tradition. Still, I'm looking to do something exciting and worthy of pictures; even though I've been exhausted I really want to explore!

Yet to unpack (still..haha) but once I do I'll take pics of the room and post em!
Meeting up with people from the other dorm for a girls birthday - shes from highland park!

lila tov..

Ps. This is what I've eaten today:
- half a cucumber for breakfast
- a small carrot and 2 ricecakes for lunch
- 2 toasted peices of bread - one w/ pb and one with cheese and lettuce
- dont worry ive had falafel at least 3 times but yet to have meat!