I sincerely apologize for our lack of updates around here. What started off as laziness on my part (uploading photos feels like work sometimes) suddenly turned into a whirlwind of activity that left me unsure of what to say. SO, I want to dedicate this post to all of the things we did in Israel since the last time I wrote, but I think a brief update on our situation is certainly in order.
The visa process has turned out to be a bit more complicated than we imagined, with the Israeli government deciding that we cannot apply for student visas once we are already within the country (despite the fact that we were told otherwise before we left the USA). With our initial visa long expired, we decided it was in our best interest to leave the country and attempt to re-enter as tourists. Within less than 48 hours of making this decision, we bought plane tickets, boarded a flight to Paris, and arrived just in time for Christmas Eve dinner and carols at Notre Dame. We stayed in Paris through Christmas and left the next day to stay with Eric's aunt Sally in Normandy. Not a bad getaway plan, huh? Sally and her husband Carl have graciously hosted us for the past three weeks, and next Monday we will fly back to Israel to beg for 3 month tourist visas.
Now let's review the past couple months in Jerusalem. I traveled to Haifa on the north coast (where I found a Christmas tree!), we celebrated our first Chanukah, attempted to host an authentic Thanksgiving dinner (with roast chicken instead of turkey), introduced our Israeli friends to the joys of Christmas cookie decorating, and survived a pretty serious snow storm. Enjoy the photos and we'll let you know how our re-entry goes next week!
Kittens resurfacing after the snowstorm.
The Bahai center in Haifa. There are 18 terraced levels leading up to the main building, but only Bahai pilgrims are allowed to walk up the great white staircase. The rest of us have to navigate through the neighborhood and climb the hundreds of steps shown on the right (this was only the beginning).
Citrus season!
I made it to the top and was rewarded with a lovely view of the sea and beautiful gardens to walk through on the way to the temple.
The entrance to the Bahai temple. You leave your shoes in this hallway and around the corner is a medium sized room full of ornate carpets, lamps, and candles. According to the brochure, these objects (which look old and significant) have no meaning and are purely decorative.
Haifa has a pretty large Arab Christian population, so there were lots of Christmas stores around town. After succumbing to the fact that I would have to skip all things Christmas this year, stores like this were a welcomed sight!
A delicious meal in the Arab marketplace. We've got: rice pilaf, eggplant and okra stewed in tomato sauce and spices, hummus, olive and vegetable plate, and pita.
Arab outdoor market in Haifa.
The first night of Chanukah. We walked through the old city to see how the locals celebrate this holiday.
Just behind me is the Western Wall and a Rabbi is saying the Chanukah prayers (is that what they are called?). Out of nowhere this huge band of boys enters the square and starts singing and dancing in this circle. Sights like this were pretty common throughout the holiday week and I was told that these boys are in school studying Jewish theology.
Eric tries a Chanukah sufganiyot (jelly donut).
Cookie shaping and some of our finished products.
Snowy view from bed. We had a lot of breakfast in bed mornings throughout the storm since the rest of the apartment was just too cold to hang out in.
We lost power on Friday, but luckily it came back on just in time for me to bake the challah for dinner. A Shabbat miracle!
This year we were introduced to some British Christmas traditions by our roommate, Clare. One of my favorites was the Christmas Cake, which she started in November and doused with brandy every week until we got to eat it on the 23rd!
Snowy Jerusalem.
Still at it selling bagels outside of the Old City. Very commendable, indeed.
An unexpected Christmas day spent in Paris. Wishing all of you the happiest of New Years and sending our love!
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