Days 1 - 5 (Culture Shock)

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I have been unable to update. Internet access is not free on the kibbutz. However, there is a little cafe/museum that we found with free wi-fi and thus, this update!

If I had more time, I would carefully think out a way to describe everything I am feeling. However, I need time to process and I just don't have it here. When I do have free time, I want to be in the Sea of Galilee - which I have swam in every day since we've arrived. (Yesterday, Nate and I helped the life guard with English which was absolutely hilarious.) A group of us explored the kibbutz and found a small grocery store that carries local fruit and Israeli products. (I'm assuming the kibbutz cafeteria shops from them because their food is delicious and all very fresh.) Outside I saw a bearded dragon climbing up the wall which I absolutely couldn't believe! (Reminds me of my old bearded dragon-- Puff.)

Man, I only have twenty minutes and I have so much to tell you. I'll break things down quickly.

Travel - the plane ride was a bit rough. I met this interesting man from New York and we discussed everything from art to politics. The two of us disagreed on about everything but we also acknowledged that the root of every problem is wrapped up in shallow black and white thinking. (I wish I could do this conversation justice, it was fascinating.) However, I'm sure everyone would be much more interested in the destination, not the flight.

The Dig - I don't have time to outline everything. I will eventually. But I am excavating a Greco-Roman home and we have found several pieces of pottery, bones, a few beads, among other things that escape me at the moment. I work with two other guys in the sifting station and we are the "sisters" which is what happens when someone misunderstands "sifters" Does that make sense? Probably not.. I'm so scattered.

What else? The Sea of Galilee! Oh it's glorious. There is an open doc in the middle of the bay off of the kibbutz and we lay out and swim there. Israel (the Israeli we are teaching English) took us around on a gondola -- for want of a better word? -- ride.

We are leaving.. I have to go to pottery sorting. This should be interesting.

I miss everyone and would like to tell my family and friends that I feel safe, comfortable, happy, blessed, curious and different here. It's wonderful.

(Daddy-O I just heard a shofar! Haha, oh you would love it here Dad.)

Your very own psuedo-archeologist,
-Lauren