Life pre-India…

I want to start by apologizing for the delay in blogs. Daily blogs are definitely a thing of the past--of the run, when I had a lot more going on, and was moving around more…but I do want to try to uphold a weekly blog, at least. So, with that said here are my updates…

The move to India is set. I am scheduled to fly out on Weds the 14th, and am very stressed/anxious getting everything situated. The Indian embassy in Israel has hijacked my passport, and is taking their sweet time issuing the visa, despite my constant and incessant pestering. I have no guarantee that it will be ready in time, which is more than a little annoying…but there is really nothing I can do, but sit and wait and hope. In the time being, I have been enjoying the company of my dad here in Israel. He flew in last week, and it has been real nice to spend time with him here. I still have not felt up to making any big trips around Israel (I guess I am still real tired from this summer), but we have made a couple nice day trips—to Haifa, Akko, and hiking around some beach parks.

I got the chance to celebrate Halloween in Israel, which was more than a little interesting. Pretty much, Isreali’s and the bars here just used it as an excuse for a party, but with very little Halloween effects (no dressing up, no trick or treating, etc.), which was to be expected. My American friends here though, did not let that deter them, and definitely held up to a normal standard of celebration. I had a blast dressing up as an old granny—jogging suit, bifocals, grey hair, fanny pack, and all. Despite being the least attractive person at the bar (well besides my other “granny” friend), I had a blast! Can’t wait to see how Thanksgiving is celebrated in India…

I have still been attending Ulpan (the language school) every day…but a little less enthusiastically. It really is full-time school, and a little hard to adjust to. I will be honest, and say I am a little disappointed by how little my Hebrew language skills have improved. I can definitely read and understand much better, but my speaking is still sub-sub-par. Honestly though, I really have no one to blame but myself, and my lack of effort. I am in awe of those who are unafraid to put themselves out there and speak a foreign language, no matter how bad it comes out. I have found a block…some fear I can’t explain…but I hope that it will dissolve soon… I really want to be able to speak another language (languages).

I have tried to keep up my beach ritual, but with the upcoming “winter”, the sun seems less strong (though the sky is just as blue and the sun just as sunny), the wind a little stronger, and my tan slightly less defined. If that’s my biggest worry during the “winter” though, I am very very happy. I couldn’t even imagine being back in the cold, experiencing snow!! Ugh…sitting here in the outdoor café in my t-shirt and shorts, I am shuddering just thinking of it.

My running is still not a possibility, and probably one of the harder things to put up with. I try every now and then, but it’s always the same…painful. I am hoping the move to India will help take my mind off of it, maybe give me the opportunity to throw myself more into other activities—i.e. meditation and yoga. I have found myself recently reminiscing more and more about this past summer and the run, and feeling very nostalgic towards it. I am not sure whether it is the running, camaraderie, or traveling I miss more…probably the running… I hope this passes…

Well, I think that is all for now…please stay tuned for news on my trip to Delhi, including my 24 hour layover in Istanbul!!! =)