We'll call this one: Were did she go?!?

I know what you are thinking... Where did Claire go? I don't think I have posted in over a week, and I promise that this was not my intention. I know that you will understand me when I tell you that I just finished my course yesturday, and I have been spending most of my time with a Hebrew book and a white board, writing out verb conjugations. But, you will be happy to know that I am now completely finished with Ramah Alef (Level One) of Hebrew and ready to move on to Level two! I count this as a huge accomplishment, but I must say that even though the course is over, I need to study! I need to pack so much information into my brain this summer...I wish I was joking!

Currently I am waiting for my room mate Anna, to get out of her Biblical Hebrew Exam. I thought it would be a good idea to go with her to school today and get some of the administrative things out of the way. You know, like making sure I am actually signed up for the next class; Because nothing is more embarrasing then not being on the class list on the first day...nothing... or being called to the office and told that you owe 100 dollars... (like last time).

Anyway, I need to get going, I will post more later. I have this week off so I will be able to do some more blog worthy things.

Love,
Claire in Israel

We'll call this one: I make myself laugh.

On Making a lot of food at once to save money:

Yes, it is true, I make "lunch" for the week. Last week it was chili, this week, a much cheaper option... Lentils, Rice, Chicken, and Onions (I got this out of Anna's Israeli Cookbook!) I didn't take a picture of me making this, because I was tired, but after I started to pack everything up I just cracked up! I mean here we have 7 containers of rice, a small cup to try, and you arn't seeing the dinner I sent over to my friend John or the small container that I decided to divy-up between the lunches. That's a lot o' lentils! I think the whole meal cost around 12 dollars, for 7 days of food... $1.70 a meal? Now thats who we do it! Gosh I am going to be so sick of lentils, but I am trying to think of what Dad would say to my Mom, "Well that was a good amount of fiber, doesn't Kathy?"

In other news, I was doing a lot of crying yesturday. I am learning to budget (life is expensive) and also learning everything else about this country which is different in every way. It's exhausting to always be accepting new things. Pray for me.

I am so happy it is the weekend. I plan on sleeping and finishing my Class book, that way I can start on the next book next week.

Blessings,
Claire in Israel.

We'll call this one: Multicultural.

In celebration of cultural diversity, our ulpan class hosted a dinner which included all foods which represented the various countries that we....well that we represent.
Anna did a wonderful job setting up her apartment for around ten guests. Really, it looked amazing, and she was so excited for the company, as you can see.

Here is Francesca from Italy making Pasta with a sauce that was literally to die for. I could havent eatten it forever. Also served was Beet Salad from Anna (Russian-American), Israeli Salad with Feta from Sarah (Jewish-American), Veggie Sushi from Un-ay (Korea), Potato Berakas from Kinaret (Israeli-American). For dessert, Laur from Paris made Milk Rice with Stewed plums, which was rice pudding with hot plums melting inside of it... by the time I got to this dish I could no longer fit anyfood, but I managed to add this to my stomach because it really was the best rice pudding I have ever tasted (sorry mom! but you need to make it with plums!) Then of course we finished of with Turkish coffee and wonderful converstation about what we love about our home culture (topic chosen by our host, Anna). It was a wonderful time of fellowship and so enjoyable. I am so happy that I got to go.

Love you,

Claire in Israel.

We'll call this one: Photogenic

A Trip Back to the City

Anna, Lauren, and I took another visit to the Sep. this last Thursday, the only thing was I was already tired from the Tanach Show and we took a bus and didn't know where to get off...and I was just the littlest bit cranky...anyway it went alright after I got a soda in my stomach.
Here is a shot of one of the streets near the Church. Notice the man holding the tray, they use these in the City to carry around Coffee and Tea.

Here is a nice picture of the ladder thats been sitting on the Church for over 100 years. No one can agree on who put it there so here it sits, waiting to petrify. A cross leaning against the front of the Chruch. I am assuming this is the one that the Monks use when walking the Via Del Arosa each day.

The following are so (I am shocked really) amazing shots I got of the prayer candles surronding the tomb in the Church. I can't believe that came out! Mind you I felt kind of terrible for taking pictures around people praying, so I hurried and then waited in line to inside the tomb with Lauren and Anna, who remembered to bring her rosery this time around.

We'll call this one: Anna's Step. Mostly because Anna is interested in the story behind it. Just like the ladder that no one can agree on. The Monks and Priests argue over who owns the right to clean that little stone slab at the bottom of the staircase. They argue each day over weather it is actually a step or just a part of the staircase. Who knows? Anyway we ended the trip with some falafel from Damascus gate, well I did. She I purchased one, and when the girls went to ask for theirs, they said they were out of food for the day (which is why I kept rushing the ladies to get to the stand), so then we had to walk to another and less tasty place to get the rest of our supper. One thing you should know about the Old City if you ever get a chance to visit, is that most of the shops close around 6 or 7 because men like to go home for dinner. Really you should get to the Falafel stand around 5 or earlier. Also, don't take the bus in the late afternoon, because it's rush hour and getting around takes forever! I miss the subway....

I just wanted to include this picture of a crow from my bedroom window (if you click on it, it may enlarge). Crows here are not completely black, but have a grey body. They remind me of old men because they have grey hair and never stop complaining (lol). Also, every evening before bed, we have to listen to the sound of distant fireworks. My room mate Sana tells me they are to celebrate weddings. They will even shot guns off to celebrate a marriage. Really not my favorite thing, because it sounds like explosions, but I guess I will just have to get used to it. But how am I supposed to know if it's the real thing? Thats what I want to know!

Oh Mommy, for you. When we were in the Old City we met an ugly kitten who was stuck and screaming. So I helped him down. But I wanted to show him to you because I know you love ugly kittens. Also, for everyone else: We found a street fair and they were selling "Cat Whistles" there. I thought this must be like a Dog Whistle and didnt think anything of it. But then we kept hearing the sound of screaming kittens everywhere we turned and we couldn't figure out where in the heck these cats where... It was the whistles! Have you ever heard of this?

Also for sale at the fair were these wonderful colorful puppets. They had every character and animal you could think of, so I had to show you, because they were so pretty to look at. I ended up buying a handmade hair clip made from a real rose. I guess this lady makes these clips from different mediums and resin, and they are really neat. It was a great find and for not so much money. I will get you the web site so you can see her other products.



On going back to the Shook...
I made Chili! and it came out! Mmmmmm. Other than the fact that I had to pay $10 for a pound of beef, (maybe because it's Kosher) it was a great investment. I know have lunch for the entire week...literally, seven meals, plus enough to feed three others after I made it! Yum!

While I was making Chili, Anna was cleaning our porch. Thanks Anna, this was great of you! Now we can enjoy it. They only thing is that porch was so dirty that now its still half dirty...we have decided to clean in waves. I also tried to clean the shower, to no avail. I may try again tomorrow to finish it.

Here is the first stage of Chili; cooking the veggies... thats ginger in there!
This is bascially the finished product... kind of. It got thicker and looked more like Chili when it was done. Yum.

Anyway yall, see you soon.

Love you,

Claire in Israel

We'll call this one: I didn't forget you.

Alright everyone, I just wanted to apologize for not updating a few days. It's just that It have been really busy and I need to charge my camera. But I cannot wait to show you pictures of my adventure to see "The Tanach Show." Also, maybe a picture of my lovely 100% I just got on my latest quiz! (I am not trying to brag at all, but I was just SO EXCITED about how hard work pays off :). This evening I am going into the Old City with Lauren, finally. I will finally get to show her the Holy Sep. Also, I may attempt to make chili this weekend...mmmm. My goal is to make a big pot of something once a week.

YUM! Until you've had the same thing five days in a row. Luckily my beans are about to run out. So I can use the pot again.

Blessings, Claire in Israel

We'll call this one: The Busy Weekend

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! I guess...

It's true...I almost forgot about the birth of my nation, but it's easy here. Anna and I were discussing getting a burger or a falafel to celebrate, so we'll see. The weekend was nuts! But I can't wait to tell you all about it. I am not used to going out so much, so I will have to stay in for a few days and study hard. Also, taking a taxi can add up, will no one show me how to use the bus here? I just need a good teacher! Anyway I've taking the liberty of adding photos to help you visualize, and I hope you enjoy them, because the more photo's you add the more difficult it becomes to put them all in order. Luckily, it is all worth it because I am up to FOUR followers and who knows how many rogue followers there are :). So here it is!

Thursday Afternoon: A trip to the Old City

This was supposed to be an oppertunity for Lauren to see the Holy Sepulchre, but she had a bathroom overflow in her apt., so I took Anna and Anna instead. I was very excited because for Anna (my room mate), this was to be her first venture into the city! We had an interesting time getting there in a taxi. Anna from class and I have been trying to practice Hebrew with whoever will speak it with us, so this was no exception with this driver. However, he did fall asleep at a light! Then, when I was paying, he told me how beautiful I was (in Hebrew of course). I told him thank you, but I should have told him to go home to take a nap!

Our First stop in the City was the Damascus Gate. This is really the most exciting gate in the City because it flows straight into the Arab Quarter. No tourists here! Just real people trying to get their shopping done. If you are ever in Israel, enter the gate and go down the steps, where the road forks, there is a falafel stand. 7 SHEKS ($1.75) for the BEST FALAFEL in Jerusalem, just ask anyone, or any guidebook. I mean you have not tasted falafel until you have had this. Really, I ate mine and everything that Anna couldn't fit into her stomach. My mouth in watering just thinking about it. Really, come visit me and I will take you there.

Our next stop was the Western Wall (Ha Chotel). It was beautiful as usual, and I thought it was very fitting that there was a Dove wondering around. We did not stop to pray, but it was neat to be with Anna as she saw it for the first time. Soon after we sat and had some Lemonade in the Jewish Quarter while we waited for Rabbi Moses shop to open. This is a great place to go if you have a question about Judaism or need something Jewish related (That is good quality).

Next, I made sure (being the ex-JUCer and history lover that I am) that I brought Anna to the Cardo. This is part of the original street (6th Century) that would have run the length of the entire city and with the Holy Sep. situated in the middle. It is currently around 20ft. below street level. A portion has been rebuilt to house shops. Here is a shot of a section which was excivated.

Next was to the Sepulcre itself. If you press on the photo you will get a better look at it. This was my first chance to wonder around for myself, and I am so glad that I did. Due to the constant fighting of the Orthodox denominations, much of it is in disrepair, but it is truely breathtaking...like enough that I was almost in tears. It is such a wonderful place to remember the sacrifice that our Savior made for us, where you believe it happened exactly here or not.

This is just a shot of one section of the roof in the Church. I have never had a chance to see this in person so I was pretty excited. The photo really just does not do it justice.



Ok, so this photo could be illegal... It's the inside of the tomb of Jesus in the Sepulcre. Anna and I waited in line, and as soon as the monk turned his back I got the shot, and then nelt (nelt?) to pray. Anyway the tomb is very small and only five people can shove in at a time. I guess this is where they were supposed to have layed the body out. Beats me how they figure that the tomb of Jesus would be just sitting there waiting for them to build a Chruch around it...but that's just me. Anyway, we really enjoyed our time there, and I am planning on going back with Lauren in toe soon. Afterward, we got the falafel, and then we went to Shabans and got some Turkish coffee and practiced our Hebrew some. Shabans brother offered to bring us some cookies on monday, So hopefully we can go back and try them. Oh and then on our way out of the city, I totally saw George, the old cook from JUC. Never thought I would hug an Arab man in public, but there you go. I was so confused when I saw my named being called from behind me, but I was happy to see him. I can't believe he remembered me. Anyway, he owns a chocolate shop in the Old City now, along with a health/vitamins shop.... strange right? Oh right around this time I recieved the best pick up line EVER:





Boy (Points behind me...): You dropped something.

Me (Idiot, looks): I did?
Boy: Yes, My Heart. (Holds his chest).



While we were in the Arab Quarter I picked up some Hibiscus tea in the market. This stuff is...amazing. You have to put sugar in it or else it is too bitter, but it kind of tastes like... hot apple cider... hot punch.... hot wine... I am not sure how to discribe it other then... I am sending some to the states for you to try because you will be crazy for it. I made some for the girls and they loved it. It tasted even better because I haggled down for it.

Friday, The Shook (Market)

Gosh, I have been working on this forever and my back is burning, but I must continue. I promised mom I would post pictures of the huge open air market in Jerusalem on the top of Ben Juhuda Street. This is the real Israel! Food...clothing...Jewelry....cleaning supplies...everything...and cheap cheap cheap. Also a good place to practice your Hebrew Numbers. It was a successful day, I got goat yogurt, lychees http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lychee, rose bud tea, a roll chart, cheap pots and pans...etc. Gosh it took a lot out of me. Anna from class was running all over getting things to make Shabbat dinner for us.

Fish just out in the open...not even behind glass...mmmm.

Bags of dried goods, with fruit in the background....mmmm.....

I also got some lovely roses for $2.50. Here they are sitting on our table.

Here is a picture of the finds of the day.

That day I made beans in our new pot. I was so proud of myself. Plus, I have dinner for the week now!
















And lastly, Anna, Anna, and Sarah, and I had Shabbat dinner together. I brought beans and Hulah bread. Sarah made Israeli salad, and Anna made Borscht (she's from Russia).

SATURDAY!!

Saturday was lovely. I woke and went to Bible study and Church and saw some Old Friends, namely Seth Haigh from JUC! Then I caught a taxi home where I cleaned and did laundry. I perfect rest from School work.

ALRIGHT. ENOUGH. I have been sitting here for hours and I want to go home to my apt.

Love you all,

Claire in Israel

We'll call this one Happy Memories

BACK TO THE OLD CITY ONCE AGAIN!

So, I finally had the chance to get back to the Old City with some friends yesturday. I just wanted to show you some pictures of the Wall and the Temple Mount, as I know that these are the iconic places that everyone wants to see when they get to "The Holy Land." John, Justin, Ryan and I had a wonderful time exploring and visiting with Shavan the Shopkeeper, who is famous for his hospitality to students. If you are every in Israel you need to meet this man! We also got some awful falafel in the Jewish Quarter (because everyone else was closed for the day) and sat and had nice conversation. I am excited for today to go back and visit once again. I wont have the internet until Sunday, so I will update you then.

In His Service,

Claire in Israel

ps. Anna, any spelling errors?