Proud to be Israeli

Well a lot has happened since my last post. There have been many new experiences but none like the one I am currently experiencing.

Some may wonder if I would prefer to be living in the US right now instead of here in Israel during this unsteady time. My answer is no. Living here now and worrying about sirens going off when I'm outside or in the middle of the street has made me feel like a true Israeli citizen. When the first siren sounded in Tel Aviv two days ago, I was definitely scared and part of me wanted to cry. I had been following what was going on in the South but never thought the sirens would go off in Tel Aviv. People talk about Medinat Tel Aviv (the Country of Tel Aviv). We live in a bubble here. We are (usually) sheltered from what happens in the North and South of Israel. Now it has hit home. There is no Medinat Tel Aviv and we are all one facing the same issue of having to run and find shelter when the siren starts blaring. Luckily the Iron Dome has been very effective at intercepting many of the rockets aimed at Israel. This morning I was literally in the middle of the street when the siren went off. I was too shocked that I couldn't think about what to do. A few seconds later, I heard and felt an explosion. A few seconds later, there were three more explosions one after another. I saw the cloud of smoke in the air from the Iron Dome missile intercepting the rocket and exploding it in the air. I wasn't afraid that I was out in an exposed area but was shocked by the proximity of the blasts and the fact that I felt each blast run through my body.

I have been telling my family and friends not to worry about me or my safety. This is the reality of living in Israel. We have neighbors who hate us and want to destroy us. They will attack and send rockets at any time on any day. Hopefully this IDF operation will be a swift one and we can get back to our version of normalcy. I made the tough decision to move here and I do not regret it. I am so proud to be an Israeli citizen and hope my friends and family won't be afraid to visit. Am Yisrael Chai!

Time flies when you're having fun!

I have now been in Israel for a month and cannot believe it has been that long already! It does not seem like that much time has passed but then I start thinking about everything I've accomplished during this time. I have finally moved in to my apartment! I started furnishing and decorating it to make it look more like a home. I have an amazing Israeli roommate who is the nicest guy in the world. I hope my Hebrew will improve and I can help him with English. My new apartment is close to all transportation and the beach. I also took my placement exam for ulpan (intensive Hebrew class) and will begin taking classes on the 23rd. I crammed the night before and did a little grammar refresh. I had to change sentences into different tenses, answer reading comprehension questions and write a short essay about one of three topics. When the teacher went over the exam with me, she placed me in the advanced class and I hope my conversation skills improve quickly. I am so excited to begin my new Israeli life here!

We are now celebrating the Jewish holiday, Pesach  (Passover). My cousin from Atlanta who is here volunteering for a few months came down to Tel Aviv for a few days to celebrate with me. We went to my friend's family's house in Herzliya for the seder. It is always fun celebrating holidays in Israel because it feels so special.

The one thing I wasn't expecting while celebrating a holiday here, was that it would actually be hard to keep Passover (no bread or legumes). So many restaurants are still serving their delicious-looking bread baskets and you see people happily eating their falafel in pita. I walked for an hour the other night looking for a restaurant that would not serve hametz and I only found two pizza places. It is a little discouraging moving to a Jewish country and have to try so hard to observe a holiday. I know there are parts of the country where it is much easier than it is in Tel Aviv, but I still would not expect it to be this hard. There are only a few days left and I enjoy cooking for Passover. This has been an amazing month so far and I know there is so much more to look forward to.

Progress...finally!

This has been an interesting week for me in Israel. I have continued the apartment hunt and realize just how easy we all have it in America. In the US, you find a place you like, the leasing office either has something available or not, and if it is available and you want it, then you sign and you move in. Here, everything is through the owner of the apartment and there are no leasing offices to deal with. It doesn't matter if you were the first person to see the apartment or the last because the owner decides who they like the most and gives it to that person. Apartment hunting here is a popularity contest which is why it takes so long for people to find a place to live. I know people who have searched for one month or two months so I am lucky that it took me only a week and a half. I am moving into an apartment in the center of Tel Aviv with an Israeli roommate! I couldn't be more excited! The other thing I had to get used to was the idea that apartments basically come empty. You have to bring your own refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, etc. You are responsible for getting whatever you want for the apartment. When I was looking at apartments in Atlanta, I made sure to get an apartment with a full-sized washer and dryer and not the stacked ones. Here, that is the last thing I have to think about because the apartment either has the hookups or it doesn't and you have to buy them yourself. I was spoiled in the US but my apartment here will be great too (and close to the beach!).

I am never amazed by the crazy things that may happen in Israel. As I walked down the street the other day, I spotted something interesting. There was a horse parked on the street attached to a little buggy that carried building supplies. People joke that they commute to work on camels here but some still use horse and buggy. Also, in America we are very conscious about using cell phones at the office and using work time to have personal conversations that last a while. As I was checking out in the grocery store (no self-service lines here), the cashier got a call. Of course she didn't think twice before answering the phone because I am sure it was very important.

I spent Shabbat in Herzliya with my Israeli family. I have known my friend Einat for 10 years now and whenever I would come to Israel, we would see each other. I would also stay with her family in Herzliya so I know them well and it is so great to be back with them! We had an amazing Shabbat dinner consisting of just about anything you could think of. Einat and her sister Nofar made fresh sushi, which was amazing! Her mom knows I love schnitzel so she made some special for me. There was also soup, salmon, vegan lasagne, potatoes, cauliflower, salad and pad thai! It was a delicious meal (definitely had to eat the leftovers the next day) and they made a special vegan chocolate cake for dessert that said "brucha haba'ah" (welcome). Einat showed me a beautiful national park, Hof HaSharon, right along the coast with incredible views of the Mediterranean. We stood on top of cliffs overlooking the beach and the sea and it was just breathtaking! We said we will go back one evening for the sunset which is probably even more amazing. It's nice to know that I will get to see her more often than just once a year if I would visit Israel.

Today I had an appointment at the Ministry of Absorption to finalize the rest of my paperwork. You have to make an appointment to go and being the American that I am, I arrived 15 minutes early. Bad idea. The woman I was supposed to meet walked out of her office, asked when my appointment was and was shocked because she couldn't believe I would sit and wait. She was not going to start early, which I expected. She then got her coffee and went to go chat with the woman down the hall in her office. Believe me, I understood what they were saying and it wasn't business. Eventually it was time to meet with her and I did all the paperwork. Even though I already had my Teudat Zehut (Israel ID card), now it was really official that I was here and made Aliyah. I got my voucher for ulpan (intensive Hebrew classes) and will start in April.

Some days have been a little rough since I arrived on the 19th. It has been frustrating at times but I have managed to make it through. There is an adjustment period and I am just starting this new life. I have already met some great people here and I know I will meet many more. I am also starting a list of all the little tiyuls (trips) I want to go on within Israel. There is time to get through that list but let me know if you want to join :)

Attempting to get settled in

Wow! That is all I can say after these past few days. There have been ups and downs but gotta love Israel! I will start with the apartment hunting experience in Tel Aviv. I knew my standards would have to change because the good apartments here are close to bad apartments back in Atlanta. I have gone to see apartments where someone is looking for a roommate and ones where I would move in with my own roommate. One room I saw didn't even have a real door and the curtains blocking it "would not be here anymore" once I moved in...great! Needless to say, I am not moving in there. The neighborhood you are in is very important. Being in the center of Tel Aviv (I cannot give a description because everyone will tell you that is the center no matter where you are) is the place to be. I saw a few beautiful places with amazing views of the Mediterranean. I also saw some great places that weren't right on the beach. It's a tough decision process and I have to find the place that is right for me. Hopefully that will happen very soon (fingers crossed!).

On another note, I had a little family reunion in Tel Aviv this weekend! I got to spend time with my cousin Marissa who is in Israel doing a volunteer program. She came down to Tel Aviv for the weekend with her entire group. We walked through Nachalat Binyamin which is a street that has an artists market every Tuesday and Friday. We also stopped to grab a real Israeli breakfast featuring shakshuka, eggs, salads and spreads. It was so nice getting to be with family during this time. I am still adjusting to being here and being an Israeli so it's good to be with family and have a piece of home with me.

I was finally able to have my first schnitzel last night! My Israeli friend Einat, who I have known for over ten years, came to meet me for dinner and that is all I wanted to have. The meal was great but it was so nice to reconnect with my friend.

 Today I was with another friend from Atlanta and walked around Shuk HaCarmel where they have so many people selling fresh baked breads, fruit, cheese, meat and candy! I of course had to pick up some fresh pita with za'atar, which is a spice you can really put on just about anything. You can find anything you could imagine at the shuk including household items. It is so much fun walking around and seeing what everyone is selling. It gets very busy on Fridays when people are buying things for Shabbat. It is also crazy in the summer when every Taglit Birthright group comes to visit as well.

I love that this city is always so alive! There is so much to do and so many places to explore. It doesn't matter how many times I have been to the artists market or shuk because every time I discover something new.

I'm Israeli and it's scary!

I landed at Ben Gurion Airport in Israel yesterday. It was a rough flight because I was thinking about what I left behind in America and didn't know what I was going to in Israel. I didn't sleep well but did get to watch one of the Oscar-nominated films that I missed  - Philomena. I kept thinking about having to find an apartment, a job and figure out my life in a foreign country alone. Right before dinner was served, one of the flight attendants came over and we figured out we knew one another but we could not figure out from where. She happened to be an Israeli who I got to meet a few weeks ago while she was visiting in Atlanta. Knowing someone on the plane and having her support (and that of the other crew members she told my story to) was really encouraging.

As soon as I got off the plane, there was a sweet older man waiting for me at the top of the escalator with a sign welcoming me to Israel. He is a volunteer who goes to the airport once a week to greet new olim (immigrants) to Israel and help them navigate the airport and government offices. I walked up to passport control to get my border pass and then was welcomed again by a woman from the absorption office. My first stop was to get my Israeli ID number and of course they could not resist taking a picture of me since everyone looks great after a 10-hour flight. That picture is now all over every important Israeli document I have. Since this is Israel, the other office I had to visit figured they did not need to be open yesterday. Luckily, a man from the office came back after lunch to help finalize all my paperwork. I was given my Israeli ID with the beautiful picture along with many other things I cannot afford to lose.

The first thing I did after dropping off my stuff at my friend's apartment in Tel Aviv was walk over to Dizengoff Center to get an Israel cellphone plan and make a quick stop at the grocery store. I got a great deal on a cellphone plan (American plans are so expensive!) and then picked up a few necessities at the grocery store.

There is nothing like Israeli dairy products. You can't even compare them to the American versions because they are just so different and so much better! The chocolate milk is so delicious and the cottage cheese is amazing! I am already running low and there will be another trip the grocery store tomorrow. I love going Friday mornings when there is fresh-baked challah and everyone is shopping for Shabbat.

Apartment hunting begins tonight and there is so much to look forward to! I am excited about getting my own place and getting settled instead of living out of suitcases. I am enjoying just being in Tel Aviv and walking around and exploring. I know I will meet many new people and get to reconnect with old friends. I will eventually find a job, but for now, I am just going to have fun.

L'hitraot

It wasn't until last Sunday that I think it sunk in that I was moving across the world. My day started with a brunch to say goodbye to my family. My day ended with a dinner with friends to say goodbye to them. It was a bittersweet day and I caught myself tearing up many times throughout the day. I just have to remind myself that this is not "goodbye" but just "see you later." 

I finally finished my packing and have been spending the past couple of days in New York City with my mom and sister. I have been lucky enough to see old friends and spend time with them. Now that I have left my home in Atlanta, this is all real. I am in NYC because my flight to Israel departs from here. I am enjoying my last few days in America by being a tourist in a city I once lived in.

Today I had to say l'hitraot to my sister. We had such a fun couple of days eating our way through NYC and seeing some Broadway shows. We've had lots of laughs and there were even a few tears as I opened my going-away present (a framed picture of her). We were out closing down a bar and having a great time together. These are the best memories to have- fun times with my family.

These are my final goodbyes before my plane departs on Tuesday. They have been tough, but there is so much I have to look forward to in Israel. I know I will see everyone again soon.

To My Family and Friends...

T-minus 15 days until the biggest adventure of my life begins! I am nervous and overwhelmed but the support of my friends and family has been amazing!

The decision to make aliyah was not an easy one. At first, my parents were definitely not on board with the idea. They let me run with it and complete the paperwork, probably not believing I would actually take the final step and book my ticket. As soon as the flight was booked, they really came around and have been very supportive. I am glad I have been able to spend time with them having early birthday celebrations and enjoying my last few weeks in Atlanta. Next weekend, I travel to NYC where my sister will meet me so I can have one last weekend with her in the US. She has traveled all over - to Ghana, Ecuador and Israel - but she always came home after a few months. We usually go a few months without seeing one another since she doesn't live in Atlanta, but me living across an ocean and large sea, will makes things very different. Thanks to Apple and FaceTime, I know we will all be able to stay in touch and not just on the phone hearing the other person's voice. It is so amazing to be so far away and talk directly to the person and see their reactions. It doesn't make it seem like you really are that far away.

These last two weeks in the US are filled with lunches and dinners (so much for a diet) with friends and family that I will truly miss. It's so hard to say goodbye but I know some already have plans to visit me in Israel and I will see them again when I come back here to visit (I'm also not forgetting about FaceTime and Skype with friends). To hear everyone saying how happy and proud they are that I am following my dream, has been so encouraging. I've never really been one to not plan ahead and just "go with the flow" so this is huge for me. Their support has meant everything to me.

My friends in Israel have also been amazing. They have all reached out to see if I need any help or if they can answer any crazy questions I may have. I know I would go crazy over there if it weren't for them. I am lucky to have such a great support system in Israel and I can't wait to see them!

To my family and friends - you always have a place to stay if you find yourself in Israel. I am looking forward to having lots of guests and showing off my new home.

Thanks for all the support and I look forward on keeping you updated on my adventure!

A Month To Go!

Exactly four weeks from tonight, I will be getting on the plane to begin my new life as an Israeli citizen! There are a million thoughts running through my head now! I am thinking about the first things I want to do when I get there and the places I cannot wait to see again.

I could not be more excited about beginning my journey and to see the beautiful lights of Tel Aviv at night again. On my first day, I see myself taking a long evening stroll along the Tel Aviv boardwalk and soaking it all in. The smell of the water from the Mediterranean and the breeze that comes off the sea makes it such a memorable walk. During the hot summer months, evenings are comfortable.

There is a great mix of tourists and residents along the boardwalk at all times of the day. There are young adults heading out the bars that line the boardwalk or the few special bars situated on the beach. There's nothing like drinking a cold beer and digging your feet in the sand.

I will be taking plenty of pictures and look forward to sharing them. Pictures are great but nothing beats seeing it in person with your own eyes. I hope more people choose to visit Israel (it is a very safe place to visit) and experience the beauty it has to offer.

The Beginning of my Journey

As I begin to think about the journey ahead of me, there are feelings of excitement and nervousness. I am also overwhelmed just thinking about the packing that goes into moving across the world. I have officially taken over the second floor of my parents' house to begin the moving/packing process.

My sister's room has become my staging area (her bears are taking up some much needed space). I can't begin to think about the clothes I have to pack, which are in two other rooms, so I can only focus on everyday needs.

Thank goodness I already spent some time living in Israel and have what every girl needs - a good hair straightener. With that, I am good to go! Some products that I have grown accustomed to using in the US are very expensive to purchase in Israel so I will be stocking up. I have started collecting toothbrushes, my good razor and you can't go to a hot climate without good deodorant. I started my list of OTC medications I have to bring with me. I know what being sick in Israel is like and sometimes you just need your NyQuil, which cannot be found there. I have also collected notebooks and journals to write about my experiences (I like the old school way of keeping a journal in addition to an online blog). With plenty of converters ready to go so my array of Apple products will work over there, I am a little more at ease. I don't know if I can function without my iPhone and iPad Air.

Now that I have organized all these things, I feel like I have done enough packing for a week (or two). The sense of urgency will kick in shortly since the move is a little more than a month away.

How It All Began

Welcome to my blog! This is my first time blogging and I am so excited to become a real blogger! This blog will chronicle my experience as new olah (immigrant) in Tel Aviv, Israel. I am moving from Atlanta, Georgia and leaving my family and friends here in the US to begin a new chapter of my life in the land of milk and honey. Making aliyah (moving to Israel) has been a dream of mine for many years that I am finally fulfilling.

My love for Israel started when I was twelve years old and visited Israel for the first time. I went with my family and some friends to become a Bat Mitzvah. We did the regular sight-seeing mixed with B'nai Mitzvot services. It was cool to see the places I learned about in my Jewish day school classes in real life.

My favorite Israel experience was studying abroad at Tel Aviv University during my sophomore year in college. It was a whole new Israel experience for me. We studied, we partied, and we lived like Israelis. I made lifelong friends during this time. I loved going to the grocery store early Friday morning to buy my fresh challah and food for Shabbat, which I cooked almost every week. I got to work on my Hebrew (I became fluent) and enjoyed messing with the cab drivers who were looking to increase their fares for tourists. I didn't want to come home at the end of the semester and was ready to stay until my parents voiced their opinion.

I have been to Israel a total of 13 times. During my last trip, leading a Birthright group, I never felt more at home than I did then. My last night there, I stood on the boardwalk in Tel Aviv to watch the sunset. I saw the green flash as the sun fell below the horizon and something sparked inside of me. Within a month of being back in the US, I had completed my paperwork for aliyah and was approved by the Jewish Agency for Israel to receive my visa. I am at my happiest when I am in Israel and I am looking forward to calling Israel my home.

I know there is still a lot to accomplish before the move in mid-March but as THE day gets closer, I get more and more excited. I hope you will enjoy being a part of this journey with me.