6 days going on 30

I have been here now for 6 days, and it feels like much longer! I have had 3 days of Ulpan, and am starting to get into a routine. Wake up at 6. Putz around the apartment/ skype family and friends until 7:30. Leave for school/coffee at 7:45. Hebrew from 8:30-2. RELAX. Homework at some point when Im ready to think in Hebrew again. bed, and repeat. The last two days have not been too exciting, they are mostly filled with Hebrew classes and relaxing in the air conditioning.

Let me start with my Hebrew class. It is really fun, although by the end of the day it is difficult to focus on Hebrew! the 8 of us get along very well, and our teacher makes it fun. I can already tell that my Hebrew is improving just in the last 6 days. What makes it easier is that when we leave class, we are still surrounded by Hebrew! Which can be a good thing (like recognizing words that we learn in class on billboards, etc.) or a bad thing ( like buying sour cream instead of cheese because there is no English). We are starting to find good restaurants and foods here, and it's exciting to try new things that we don't have in the States! Here are some pictures of my roommates and I exploring the city and our new favorite places to eat! my roommates eating a yummy chocolate dessert at a delicious restaurant in the Mamilla mall near the Old City and HUC.

Tonight, I met up with Cantor Schiff from Beth Israel in Portland. She is here on her first visit to Israel, and it was fun hearing about her first experiences here! It was also great to be with an

American friend! just when I was beginning to feel a little homesick.

I will have a fun post soon about Israeli graffiti- keep an eye out for it!

l'hitraot!