Firsts...

Marhabba!

Sorry for the delay in updating my blog. This week has been a week of firsts: first visit to the doctor in Palestine, first visit to the Dead Sea, first blown tire, first Twins game on a beach, and first camel ride.

I’ll begin with the doctor. I woke up on Thursday morning with a swollen and painful left eye. I thought I might have something in my eye from spending the previous weekend in a cave. After the women at my school called an ophthalmologist, I was whisked away in a cab to the doctor. I really didn’t know what to expect and still don’t have a thorough understanding of how the medical system works here. I entered the waiting room to find about 20 people waiting to see a doctor. After filling out paperwork, I am now officially on file as Laurie George Blank. I then passed by two other waiting rooms for our doctor each holding about 20 more people. I saw a doctor immediately who if I ever had surgery on my eye (I did, in 1998) and explained that the swelling was caused by extreme dryness. I was given an ointment and drops and sent on my way. Overall, I was very satisfied with the care I received (a visit was just $25), but concerned that I completely skipped the line. I don’t know why I was allowed to cut the line – it’s a privilege that I’m not comfortable taking advantage of.

Yesterday, our coordinator and American volunteers headed to Ein Gedi National Park and the Dead Sea. On the way there, we stopped for a camel ride in Jericho (Thanks, Suzanne!). Of course it wasn’t without a bit of drama. As we drove along the shores of the sea, the front right tire blew out. It was hot, very hot and the eight of us weren’t exactly sure how to change our tire. Thankfully a kind Israeli family stopped and changed our tire (in the sand!!) and sent us on our merry way. Ein Gedi was beautiful. Overlooking the Dead Sea, Ein Gedi has a hikers paradise with natural springs. Because I’ve never been the hiking type, I stayed with the springs. Afterwards, we headed to the Dead Sea. Unfortunately, I made the grave mistake of shaving my legs that morning and the salt from the sea burned my legs. The water acts as a natural exfoliation, so next time I will not be shaving for several days prior. The Dead Sea is as everyone says it is. It is nearly impossible to go underwater because you are so buoyant, you don’t even feel that wet because the water is so salty. After floating in the sea for a while, we went to a mud pit and covered ourselves head to toe in the mud. After washing it off, my skin felt amazing. Our day concluded with a 3-hour drive home due to a car accident at Kalandia (the checkpoint to Ramallah) – an adventure it was.

Lastly, Beth and I had an evening of fun in Tel-Aviv watching the Twins/Tigers game a week and a half ago. Beth met a USAID employee from Bloomington who invited to a bar in Tel-Aviv that has ESPN. The game began at 11pm our time. Because it went into 12 (I think) innings, it didn’t get over until 3am. Due to the curfew from the Jewish holiday of Sukkoth, all checkpoints were closed from 12:30am to 5am. We decided to pass our time with a nap on the beach. We ended up getting into Ramallah at 6:30am and had school at 7:30. It seemed like a flashback from my days at the U of M. I was tired but watching a baseball game with a pitcher of beer was so worth it.

I’m hoping to post pictures soon. Again, I sincerely appreciate the comments. I hope you’re well!

Bethany and I dressed for wedding


Fencing collects tossed garbage



Wedding Reception



At the Galilee

In Nazareth

Wedding

This last weekend was the best weekend I've had so far. We were invited to a Palestinian Christian wedding on Saturday. The rituals were nearly identical to an American Christian wedding, but with a few differences. The wedding ceremony itself, as far as I could tell as it was in Arabic, was identical. A bride in a white dress, a groom in a tux, a maid of honor and best man (no bridesmaids or groomsmen), and flower girls and ring bearers were all present. The reception was held in Jericho at the Intercontinental Hotel. It was like a mini version of a Vegas hotel complete with pools and vegetation galore, in the middle of a desert. The reception began with everyone waiting for the bride and groom's arrival. They were greeted with fireworks and dancing as they entered. The food was delicious and the live band was great. I'm seriously considering having an Arab-style wedding if and when that day comes... Sunday we were invited to Ma'ale Adudmin for dinner with a Jewish family. Ma'ale Adudmin is the largest Israeli settlement with 37,000 people, complete with swimming pools, several schools, a mall and other conveniences. It is settlements like this that are at the center of peace negotiations at the moment, so being there felt a little eerie. However, once we were in the family's flat, it felt like any other home with any other good family. I can see where it would be difficult to remember that settlements such as these are a breach of international law. Conversation at our dinner was incredibly informative. We learned a great deal about Jewish holiday tradition and current culture. The family had 5 children, all of whom had either served in the IDF or doing national service - national service being volunteering for 2 years after high school in nursing homes or at schools. Completing this service means that the former soldiers are eligible for the social security, public healthcare and everything else that is provided by the government. I also found out that these services come at a cost: a 65% flat rate income tax. Additional there is a 16.9% VAT tax (the same as a sales tax) added to all goods. The family we were talking to was so pleased that they were finally able to purchase their first home at the age of 58. After our visit to the settlement, we went to Tybeh, a local Christian village for Oktoberfest. Tybeh is home to Palestine's only brewery. I recommend trying the beer if you see it, it is delicious. Thanks for reading!!
Mom will try and post a few pictures that I emailed her.