finally a place to rest my weary head

Actually before I begin, let me say that I just saw the news about the suicide bombing in Tel Aviv. Being in Jerusalem, none of the shrapnel got to me, so don't worry about that. I don't know what time it happened, but it might be interesting that I haven't heard anyone talking about it in the streets or anything (if I would be able to recognize that they're talking about it, that is). Anyhow, I want to take a moment to appreciate that it is not easy to live here and deal with the stress of constantly having to be on guard. You might get a little defensive, too, if you had to think that maybe any one of the people passing you in the street was carrying a bomb that could go off at any time. Kind of puts everything into perspective, doesn't it?

On a totally different (quite a bit more selfish) note, I moved yesterday! Of course, that was after getting dropped of at IKEA, getting rushed out almost immediately, dumped at the train station with no instruction, getting lost in Tel Aviv, and fighting my way to a bus back to Jerusalem. My roommates are really nice, and it feels great to actually unpack and take a look at all that I brought along with me - can you belive I have been living out of a suitcase for over a month and a half?! There are clothes I forgot I own, hah. My room is a little lonely-looking with just the little mattress I'm borrowing until I find a real one, but what can you do. I tried asking my roommates where they got their furniture, and they're like, oh I just found everything. um. what? They tell me that people just put their furniture out on the street. well, ok.... but I don't think I'll wait to find a bed. That seems a little more important.

I went to the shuk today, which is basically like a big permanent farmer's market-meets-the-Middle-East place, I don't know if I've mentioned it before. It's colorful, loud, crowded, full of smells (most of them good), and totally vibrant and full of life. In addition to my various fruits and veggies, I managed to buy fresh hummus and some of the best babaganoush (Romani-style) that I have ever had. I ate some with the pita I bought in a nearby Arab village yesterday (it's the only place you can get bread over Passover, I'm such a sinner - but at least I'll go with a smile on my face and pita-and-hummus in my belly!). Delish. And there's no way you can ever get stuff like this anywhere else in the world.

AND, I got another interview! Ok well really it's with a company I already have interviewed with, but they closed the project I originally interviewed for. So it's encouraging that they still want to find a place for me! I might actually get employed!!! Gosh with a place of my own and a job, the only thing I'll have to work on is the Hebrew thing.... as if it's that easy. Oh yes, and the shiddich-dodging, as well.