First Day/First Night

So let's talk about the day- It was great. Had a boat load of energy and adrenaline from just being not only in Israel, but finally at the program and meeting people. I live in a four person apartment with two bedrooms. My three roommates are sick. So far we get a long fantastically and I think that it's going to turn out that way by the end of the semester. Also, we got four girl living across the hall and I haven't met the fourth one, but the three that I've met are also super tight. I've also met some other people in my tower and so far, the last E tower is pretty fuckin baller. Obviously, this is the honeymoon stage of the program and everyone's gonna be supers cool with everyone, but I'll take it. Got a mall right near us so I'm pretty sure I'll eventually just become a mall rat when I become bored. But anyways... my apartment is a solid size, I got a TV that has American shows that speak English, a good roommate and two other baller suite mates. So far... so good.

Now let's get to the night- We started out in our apartment. We had a ton of people in there. Probably won't be doing that again since I hear there might be some sort of noise ordinance or something. Regardless, it was still super tight that everyone was in there and we were all just laughing and enjoying ourselves. Apparently, Israelis don't go out until like midnight. That's fucked. I enjoy my college let's go out at 11, party gets bumping by midnight, everyone's getting pretty good by 1 and we leave by 2. Nope... not here. So that'll be a change. Another thing is that there aren't any bars/clubs near my university. They're at least a 15 minute taxi ride away, which kind of sucks, but it's just part of the experience. What was super weird was that they have a lot more restrictions than I thought. Like I heard of certain bars/clubs not allowing people in under the age of 25, but when we got into downtown, we found a place no one under FORTY. And then there was another bar that was 25 and then there was another where I was restricted. Didn't really get it. I'm sure we'll find the places that are for us and we'll eventually find our way around the city. It's like freshmen year all over again. A bunch of fuckin kids that stand out, don't know where they are, and just trying to drink as much as possible. But it's a definitely fun. Also, the cost of drinks is A LOT MORE than I thought. I thought that the drinks would maybe be like 10-15 shekels a piece... no way. Cheap bear went for 25. Hard alcohol went for high twenties. My friend got a double whiskey and coke. Cost him 72 shekels. The rate is 3.77-1 currently. You do the math. It's kind of absurd. But I think it's good because it'll stop me from going out all the time for the simple fact that my wallet can't handle it. It'll also make me try to find other things to do that might be a little cheaper. Overall though, it's just part of the experience. More to come... and eventually some pictures.

Pictures from Brussels

I'm Here

Landed in Ben Gurion Airport about ten minutes ago........ THE HOLY LAND!!!!!

Brussels

So I just spent the day in Brussels and it was exhausting. First of all, I am more than happy with myself for choosing NOT to study abroad or live for an extended period of time in Western Europe. Shit is WAY too expensive here. A drink is like 4-5 euro which is like 7-8 bucks and a meal here, they charge you for everything. Glad I chose a place where the exchange rate works in my favor. Anyways, Brussels was a ton of fun. One of the really interesting things was how the place was sort of unofficially divided amongst its businesses. For instance, there was a whole section for fresh fish, ritzy restaurants and then there was a whole place for Middle Eastern types of restaurants and then there was a a section that I saw just Italian. Anyways, I thought it was pretty interesting. The architecture was fascinating and I ended up in without a doubt must have been the center of old Brussels. A square where each building was exquisite in his sculptures, its architecture, its size, etc. I met a guy who went to CU-Colorado Springs. Small world, but that's why I rep CU Boulder wherever I go. You just never know. Anyways, Brussels was a cool place, but I don't think I want to go back. Not sure what the main language they speak is and not a lot of people speak English or even know a little. Trying to get to and from the airport and everything was a hassle because none of the signs were in English and none of the info guys spoke it well either. Think I'm going to stick to more conventional places if I go there again. Probably won't until the dollar gets better because I paid basically 5 bucks for a basket of fries and ketchup. Ya I paid extra for the ketchup. But now… about to board for Tel Aviv. Let the journey begin... Oh and some pictures to come

On my Way to Brussels

So I'm not actually in Israel yet. I'm currently in my 12 hour layover in Brussels. It's pretty exciting. I got off the train and it was 8am and the city was not only still dark (the sun had barely come up) but the city was dead as well. I was wondering where everyone was and why nothing was opened and then realized, it was a Sunday morning. I found a place to have my Belgian waffle and Stella and let me tell you… it was delicious. It's pretty cool actually being here before everything opens up and all the people come out. A totally different type of experience than being thrown into a city and everyone's trying to get somewhere. I'm taking a lot of pictures, but the crazy thing is that I'm about to be in Israel in like 16 hours or something like that. I can't believe it's finally here. But it doesn't matter because right now I'm here in Brussels and I'm going to enjoy the 6-7 hours that I get to spend in the city walking around and just noticing everything. 

The Beginning of a journey...

Well… here it is… the day has come for me to leave this country and head out to Israel, the Holy Land. I'm not really sure what to expect or what will happen. I just know I'm going to have an amazing time. I have no expectations. I don't expect to get with a bunch of girls or make lifelong friends or come back more religious or more right or more left when it comes to my Israeli politics. I simply expect to have an experience. That's it. I'm assuming that there will be ups and there will be downs as any experience would have. But hey… when was the last time a roller coast that only went up was fun? I know that I'll miss a lot of things back in Boulder. I'll be missing Rush, Greek Week, the parties, etc. but it doesn't really matter because well, I'll be in the Holy Land. There really is nothing like it. I said I have no expectations, but the one expectation I do have is that Israel will be… well Israel. And I am secure in that expectation because I know that it will not only be met, but surpassed. Everyone's coming into this thing nervous as hell, trying to make a great and lasting first impression that will set them up for the entire four months that we're there. Me? I'm just going to go with the flow. I love these types of experiences because I go in with no baggage, no background, no history. Everyone knows me for who I am at the time they meet me and hopefully get to know me. It's going to be a hell of a ride and I am pumped for it. I'll miss you all back in the 303, but I'm not worried, it'll be Fall 2012 in no time and we'll party like it's the end of the world when I get back. This is going to be an experience in every definition of the word and I can't wait for it.