Well, I’m finally in Israel. I’ve actually been here since Thursday but there hasn’t been too much happening yet to warrant a post. I’ve mostly been trying to adjust, but it’s been a lot more difficult psychologically than I anticipated. I’d like to be able to look back at this post at the end of my experience and reflect back on the transition, and although I initially wanted to document mostly the exciting parts of my journey for my family and friends, this blog is just as much for my own reflections.

Getting to Israel went off without much trouble. I was kind of peeved at EL AL, but I forgot that they handle things like true Israelis… in that it was a complete balagan. I managed to get pulled out of the boarding line to be ‘profiled’ and ended up being one of the last on the plane, had my carry-on forcibly taken away to be checked and found someone else sitting in my seat. The food was halfway decent though.

The first place I went after I landed was to my grandparents, like I usually do, and was promptly fed. My grandmother’s cooking is the best, and she even made her own Baklava, which was probably the best I have ever had. And when I finished that, she tried to feed me more. In my usual fashion, I immediately had a nap and tried to relax some.

The jet lag when I first get to Israel is always the worst. I was so excited when I woke up at 8 AM the next day like a normal human being, but the following day was a disaster.

Anyway, on Friday, my cousin Niv and his girlfriend took me out into Tel Aviv. We went to HaTachana, an old train station that has since been converted into a public space. There was a market going on that had some really unique, hipster-ish jewelry along with several vegan food booths. We all tried the vegan shawarma and agreed that the taste was pretty spot on. I definitely plan on going back to the area to check it out another time.

After that, we walked to Shuk HaCarmel for some hummus. In between the produce stands, we walked into what was formerly a synagogue (It still had the stained glass windows in front) and got in line for some delicious hummus. I never actually realized that people eat it like a meal. Mine was a mix of traditional hummus and another bean hummus, served with an egg, onions, pickles and some charif. Freakin’ delicious! Not to mention, the pita was pretty awesome too. We finished up the day with Shabbat dinner at my grandmother’s with the entire family.

It was really great to see everybody and to see how much my younger cousins have grown, but it was also strange. My Hebrew is really rusty (even more rusty with my jet lag) and I kind of felt that I didn’t have much of a place in any conversation. I love my family but it will definitely be an adjustment actually being an active part in it.

As much as I’m happy about being here, I’m having an insanely hard time with the thought of actually living here. In my mind, I expected to feel the same way I do when I’m here on vacation, but then I realize it isn’t just a vacation and that’s when I start freaking out. I had my life together back home. I was comfortable and confident and independent. Now I’m just lost. I know that when my program starts tomorrow, I’ll feel a lot better, but its still daunting to think that I have to relearn how to live my life. But I guess that’s why I’m here in the first place– to learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.

To be honest, I’ve cried every day since Monday. Every day is slightly better than the last, but I’m still very homesick. However, I did have a moment of clarity last night. My cousin invited me out to celebrate his girlfriend’s sister’s birthday, and we ended up going to a cool little local bar. The group was comprised of international students studying at Tel Aviv University, and they all spoke English. I ended up having a great time and it gave me a glimpse of the good times ahead.

Tomorrow, I head to Jerusalem for orientation and my journey can really begin. Wish me luck.