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.