What's been going on?
I'll tell you what's been going on.
I went on a hike to the Judean hills last thursday. We hiked about 8-10 km down this choppy dirt path. Since it is the dry season, the shrubbery do not have leaves, so we walked through narrow passageways of prickers, and the dirt that would have given us footing was like slippery chalk. But the views were breathtaking. We visited an abandoned tomb of a sheik, and cleaned out a 4000-year-old watering hole that was filled with rocks (and spiders).
Thanksgiving was lackluster, but we tried to make it special. Actually, it was the non-Americans who helped me prepare a thanksgiving feast of frozen peas, orzo, cauliflower, roasted chicken, and ice water.
It was fun to see the family virtually eating at Grandma's house. I wished I could be there.
Now Chanukkah is approaching, I feel even more nostalgic for the days of old (not Ancient Greece...like...when i was 12). I bought my favorite Hanukka CD on iTunes (Festival of Light 2). I didn't pack a menorah with me, so I used the clay I accidentally bought (Our ceramics class uses Minerco .02 White...not .05) to make my own. People don't sing Hanukah songs here. The only real Chanukah-y thing I've seen here are sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) in every shop (they smell and look fantastic) and menorahs in every window. Those empty menorahs are so promising. I love imagining them all filled with light.
*noticed I spelled Hanukkah differently every time. Pluralistic Judaism at its finest.
Thanksgiving
The hills
Our Class
Sheik Tomb
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