I know I’ve written quite a bit about how absurd it is here, but I think I’m finally, finally coming to terms with it. Last week marked a turning point in my feelings about this trip.  I know which stalls at the market are a ripoff, how to ride the bus and where the best hummus places are. Even not having a smartphone this week has made me even more confident, not having to rely on a crutch and realizing that it’s not a big deal if you get lost. Things always seem to work out here. 

I think one of my favorite parts of this trip is getting to spend time with family. I feel like a little kid every time I go to visit my grandparents, telling everyone gleefully that I’m going to granny’s, and bringing back tons of food. I know I can’t make up for 24 years of not being around, but I’m glad I finally got around to visiting for more than a few weeks. I remember when this trip was just a stray thought in my mind. I was driving home from work, completely fed up, and I told myself, “I should just go to Israel.” This trip was always my backup plan, if things in my life went horribly wrong, but it should have never been an escape plan. There’s no reason I can’t have my cake and eat it too, and as hard as things might seem sometimes, I know I will be thanking myself years down the road for finally going.

So, what have I done lately? Things are settling into a routine, so there haven’t been any trips, but day-to-day life has been good. We went to a beer bar on a recommendation last Thursday that ended up being amazing called Porter and Sons. They had 50 beers on tap, and probably another 50 in bottles. I ordered a Quadrupel that was so delicious, and it came in a huge goblet. We were actually drunk after just one glass, and the prices were awesome, especially for Tel Aviv. The following day, my roommate Lauren suggested we go check out Shuk Levinski. After a 30 minute walk, we found it, and it was absolutely worth the hike. Fresh seeds, nuts, grain, dried fruit, you name it. I also found an Asian market there where I bought a kilo of tofu for about $5.

Sunday was my grandparents’ birthday. Yes, both of my grandparents have the same birthday, so this week has been full of celebration. On Sunday, my mom really wanted to do something for them so she had me take them to a restaurant in Old Jaffa called The Old Man and the Sea. They served over 20 delicious salads and I’d like to think my grandma had a good time despite her complaining. My grandfather definitely enjoyed himself though and had a really beautiful piece of fish.

This week also was the election here, so everybody had the day off since I guess it’s considered a national holiday. The streets, once again, were buzzing with people campaigning last minute and also with families just enjoying their day off. As for me, I went to spend time with family again. We went to this enormous park in Ramat Gan and had a barbecue to celebrate my grandparents’ birthday with everybody. It was a beautiful day filled with food and shesh besh. I beat my grandfather twice and almost marsed him once, but it was difficult enough getting that close.

Another week is ending here, and I’m looking forward to seeing what this weekend has in store. Things are already starting off right. Greg finally got his vacation time approved, which means we’re going to Europe in July! I’ve also got some other traveling on the horizon. The week after next, Career Israel is taking us on a trip to the south, which will be the first real trip we take. Also, I’m supposed to be doing some research on going to Eilat next month after Passover. Another girl who dives is coming to join Career for April so now I have a dive buddy and a fire under my ass to plan a trip.

As always, I’m missing everybody back home. Sending my love to everyone and I’ll see you soon!