Jerusalem: and I will go far away like a bohemian

Hello blogging world,

5th girl, 5th city here. First off, I have to apologize for my absence on this blog thus far. All I can tell you really is that I was in complete denial of the fact that I was leaving to go live in Jerusalem for five months and couldn't bring myself to face the reality by blogging about it. But after being here for seven days, I have finally come to terms with the fact that I have a new home in the most beautiful city in the world.

I have been looking forward to my study abroad experience ever since I lived in Argentina for the Summer in high school. I went on a community service program there and didn't know anyone on the program until the day I met them in the airport. During my time traveling solo, I learned the value of the ultimate freedom of my journey and came out with a new found confidence. My experience in Argentina instigated my decision to travel solo to a completely new place for my semester abroad.

I've been living in Jerusalem, Israel for about seven days now and I can't begin to describe how incredible this place is. I'm studying at Hebrew University and I live in an apartment with four other girls. I am currently taking an intensive Hebrew Language class for four hours every week day (Sunday-Thursday) and have Friday and Saturday off for Shabbat. This class ends in a month, which is when I will begin my academic classes and continue until June. Hebrew University is a beautiful university on a mountain which overlooks the entire city. I am so lucky to walk to class every day amongst the remarkable skyline of the city. My classes are in the Rothberg International School so I have students from all over the world in my Hebrew class. I wasn't expecting to like learning Hebrew, but I actually love learning the language as well as learning from the people in my class who are from all different backgrounds.

My first weekend in Jerusalem was so exciting, I went out in downtown Jerusalem on Thursday night, celebrated Shabbat with wonderful new friends on Friday and Saturday, explored the old city with my new room mates, and took a trip to the Shook, which is basically like an enormous farmers market that happens every day in Jerusalem. I really love the night life here, and had so much fun dancing with friends. The old city is absolutely beautiful and I loved exploring the tiny shops and had to refrain from buying everything in every store. The Shook was definitely my favorite part of the week, as my life revolves around food. It didn't quite feel like home yet here until my refrigerator was equipped with bread, fruits, vegetables, spices, and snacks to experiment with in the kitchen this week.

Well that's about all I can tell you for now, I promise not to let as much time go between posts next time...

Much love from Jerusalem
-Hil