Hiking in the Judean Desert

This past week I decided to take a day off of work (my first since Mom and Dad came to visit) and go on a tiyul (trip/hike) to the Judean Desert. This trip was organized by the local Reform synagogue and I felt like I needed to go as the last trip I went on with them was such a success (I met my girlfriend, Avigail, on the last trip). I am so glad that I went! We had an awesome hike and stunning views.

A few of the highlights: We hiked down mountain trails and stopped at many places along the way to learn about the history of the area and the local fauna. Also, as this hike happened during Pesach (Passover) we were taught about the wandering of the Jews thousands of years ago as they were led by Moses out of Egypt and their experience in this very same desert. Pretty cool to be walking where our biblical ancestors walked. During the trip we also made our own pita/matzah. I was in charge of keeping the fire going, which included putting lots of dry dung on the fire. You can see my role in this photo and the apparatus we used to make the delicious food.

23 days 'til I get on a plane back to the US for Paula's wedding. Wahoo! So excited to see my family and friends... it's been too long. Get ready for lots of Braves games and Chick-fil-a:)

Floating in the Dead Sea

As anyone who's been to Israel can attest, no trip here is complete without a visit to the Dead Sea. A little background on the Dead Sea (or Sea of Salt as it's known in Hebrew):

• It is the lowest place on earth, some 420 meters (1,378 feet) below sea level.
• At its deepest, the Dead Sea is more than 300 meters deep.
  
• The salt content is almost one-third of the water.
• Mounds of dry salt can often be seen around the edges of the sea.
• Almost nothing can survive the high level of salt.
• To read more click here.

A couple of weeks back I visited the Dead Sea for the first time since making Aliyah (immigrating to Israel) some nine months ago. This was my third visit to the sea and each time it still feels so weird to enter the water. When you first enter the water it doesn't feel any different. However, after walking out 10 meters or so, you quickly discover how buoyant you become and how you automatically float. It is impossible to sink to the bottom of the sea. You can literally read the newspaper while floating there.

Also, there are lots of rich mineral mud deposits all around the water. It is common to rub the mud all over your body and then afterwards have very soft skin. The salty water also has healing effects that help to clear up blemishes; this is why the beauty products from the area are so popular around the world. At left you can see a picture of my friend Rafi and I (pre-mud:)

Wow, second post in one week. I'm getting better:)

A Happy Pesach to all!

Return of the long lost blogposter

Ok, ok. I have no excuse for how long it's taken me to post. Many, many things have been going on in my life, but I should do a better job of keeping my 8 blog readers more informed on the happenings here in Israel:-)

Where to begin? Well, I up and moved, again. Good friends Leora and Ariel took off to explore the East (starting in Thailand, check out their adventures here) and needed someone to look after their apartment while they were gone. I loved my studio on Dizengoff Street, but when you compare the two apartments, it's not even close. My old place was 215 square feet, new place = 1,100 square feet. I now have a huge kitchen (Israeli huge) with lots of counter space, table and more. My new home is fully furnished, three balconies and a big screen tv... life ain't bad:) Also, I've got a great new roommate named Shira and she's helping me practice Hebrew (which is very slowly improving). As an added bonus, there's a juice machine, so most mornings I enjoy a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice.

My girlfriend, Avigail, lives in Jerusalem so I've been spending a lot of time traveling back and forth there as well. Here's a picture of us. Over the last few months we've gone on a few small trips together, from hiking in central Israel to a weekend trip up to the city of Haifa to visit friends. We've been dating now for more than 3 months and things are going really well. She's in medical school so she's quite busy this month with tests, but we're planning another getaway for the beginning of May; should be lots of fun!

There is a lot more to report, but I want to get some pictures together before I post again. Stay tuned for these exciting posts: Trouble learning Hebrew in the Holy Land, Wednesday night poker, ATL here I come, Floating in the Dead Sea and hopefully at least one or two more in the next six weeks. Why six weeks? Because in six weeks I'll be back in the States for sister Paula's wedding (check out wedding site here). I am really excited for this trip... it'll have been almost 11 months since I left...

I promise to post again before Pesach (Passover).
Lots of love to all my friends and fam,
e