Shalom, Israel!

So to pick up where I left off, we deplaned, then headed over to customs. I waited in line with the guy who had been beside Alison and me on the plane, Zev. We chatted for a while and discovered a common love of the Red Sox and theatre! Then we got a luggage cart and collected our baggage. Mine was waiting for me on the carousel, but Zev had to wait quite a while. Then we headed out of the security zone and tried to find where we were supposed to go.

This proved challenging.

We ran into another girl from our program, Cara (also one of my roommates!). Together we wandered until one of the madrichim (basically the RAs for international students) showed up with a sign that said HEBREW UNIVERSITY. We waited around near him until we’d gathered up most everyone, then headed out to a charter bus and drove to Jerusalem.

Upon arrival we were given bags that included our room keys, student ID cards, and health cards. I also picked up my cell phone for the next four months! I went to my dorm, dropped off my luggage, and headed to campus to pick up my health card, which was missing from my bag. (They told me to come back tomorrow. Helpful.)

We took a shuttle over to campus and walked back; it’s a nice ten minute walk! Then Alison, Sean, Malcolm, Steph, Esther, Robert, Rachel, and I decided to go get some lunch. We found a pizza place just outside the north gate of the student village, and even in Jerusalem, I managed to get my favourite – black olive and pineapple ☺ Then we stopped by the market there to buy some basics: toilet paper, soap, paper towels, etc.

After this, Esther and I went back with Alison to her room to make lists of what to buy on the shopping trip that evening, listen to music, and watch Alison unpack. Then we headed down to the bus and went to the local mall.

I walked away with a comforter, fitted sheet, pillow, pillowcase, cup, plate, bowl, mug, towels, and trash can – all green. Not because I particularly like green, I just think it will make it easier for me to keep track! I also bought utensils for my apartment and a Happy Meal for dinner. Then we returned to campus at which point I unpacked, made my bed, and watched a movie with the last of my laptop battery. Finally I fell asleep around 10:00PM and didn’t wake up for eleven hours! What bliss :)