End of the week/Beginning of New Week

Well its been a busy week and now the weekend has passed and we're going into the last week of the year. Its been a busy week and I've learnt more of the job I'm now doing, made some mistakes, mostly small and I admit I did make a bad mistake which I realise comes from me stressing about doing well in my job and as a result making mistakes. I've resolved to try and be less stressed about the job and just try and relax and be logical with it all. Apart from that work has been fine, feels like it goes very quickly from getting there to leaving.
Socially its been a bit quiet the last week or so, with working I haven't had time to really socialise. But in the last week or so, I've enjoyed my roommates birthday party which was a lot of fun, this last Thursday spent a bit of time with friends from the Ulpan celebrating their birthday, last night spent a few hours playing Fifa on the PS3... so out of practice on playing FIFA. Today I met with a friend for coffee as well so I'm getting out there, I still need to find the right balance in my life between social life and work. Got to remember yes I'm here to earn money, but I'm also here to build a life and meet people.. as they say I work to live, not live to work and I should remember that and not let myself dwell on mistakes at work. I need to move on and make sure I don't do them again.
Finally its going to be weird working over Christmas Day and Boxing day as they're not holidays here in Israel, it will be weird as I've never worked before on those days, so while everyone is tucking into their lunches Christmas Day I will be hard at work. Fortunately this week will only be 4 days as I have a friend from the UK coming to visit for 10 days so I will get to spend a few days with her. I am very excited to see her as it was the beginning of October 2011 the last time I saw her and it will be nice to catch up with a familiar face from back home.

Chanukah and working

Hi all. Well we're 3 nights into Chanukah and for those who have seen the pictures I'm lighting candles at home. I like to do it, brings a bit of light into a dark night. Also at work they are lighting the candles and singing songs and eating סופגניות as well. Probably shouldn't have them myself, but somehow got tempted and have had a few so far. Guess walking home from the train station helps me walk them off LOL.
As for work it seems to be going okay so far, I am learning a lot of stuff, I'm also getting to do a bit more work than just practising and observing. Finding that I'm understand and able to do the admin side more easily, but finding part of the process still a bit hard to understand. Still I hope with more practice I'll eventually understand it and settle completley. Hope your all well Happy Chanukah to one and all

1st week done onto the next and the next

Well its been a busy week since I started my new job, I hope and well I want to believe that after 13 months in Israel and several other jobs I've finally found the job that is for me. It has been a lot of information and a lot of learning over the 5 days and in some cases I did feel pretty overwhelmed by it all, but I hope I've weathered the first week storm and now its smooth sailing and with each day I'll gain more knowledge and experience and become confident in this new job. Wish me luck. On the plus side everyone I've met at work are very nice and in someways that has made it easier for me to settle and learn.
Apart from the shock and slightly being overwhelmed by a new job. I've had a good evening out in Tel Aviv for a friends birthday, went to dinner with friends of the family in Modi'in and so really its been a fun week and I'm more than ready for the challenges that my new job is ready to throw at me.

Busy week and 1st day

Well its been about 10 days since I last posted, but I figure its time to post again. I am sure my loyal readers would like to hear from me again. So been a busy week with interviews and socialising over the past 10 days, managed to get out and about with friends on several occasions and even went to a Doctor Who event here in Israel. Okay all in hebrew but knowing the subject matter did help a bit and I also made a few new friends and well friends are cool. I've actually been seeking a new job and last week I was offered a new one in a field I'd never considered but maybe closer to what I did back in the UK so I accepted and started today. I'm actually working for a Law firm and while its only the 1st day and my head is pretty much full of information I hope that within a few weeks I will get a hang of the new job and excel at it. Its strange I didn't see myself doing it and even though I believe I carried myself with confidence in the interview, I guess it did shine through... somehow I think that people see things in me in terms of the ability to do something more than I do myself. Yep honesty from me about myself, I do sometimes lack the confidence in my own abilities, maybe that can change though. Anyway not much else to tell you, getting out and about a bit, seeing friends, having dates and Chanukah is coming :-). Hope to hear from you all bye for now

Ceasefire???

Well after a week of high tension in the region, it appears tonight there is a ceasefire. Though having read stuff on Facebook I've heard that the ceasefire wasn't an hour old and the rockets are flying into Israel again, and Israel is showing restraint, which is more than I feel I would. Coming from the UK I've never had to deal with this kind of thing, sure I was in London when the July bombing happened and I've seen on the news when the IRA struck, but I've never really lived it, never felt the hint of panic the moment sirens started. It is something that I really would like to never happen again, but sadly I don't see the peace lasting and I'm sure soon again I will be hearing the siren and heading for the safe room in my apartment or a shelter. In total in the last week I've been to the safe room twice and on another occasion over the last week to a Underground garage near a cafe I was having lunch at with some friends. If your reading this, your probably thinking, you have a british passport, why not come back to the UK and honestly I've had friends say that to me and I will be honest, the thought has never really seriously crossed my mind. I made the decision to come to Israel to start a new life, I knew that things like this happened and could happen, but still I came. I want a new life and I have it, slowly and surely, friends, work etc and yes there is the shadow of danger hanging over the country, but I refuse to live in fear, to run away at the slightest trouble. Because if I do, then they win and I don't want to let that happen, I want to live my life and I will continue to do so. Am Yisrael Chai

Interesting Times

There is an old Chinese Proverb/Curse that says 'May you live in Interesting times'. Certainly the last few days have been more than a little interesting. And if you don't know what is going on, I urge you to look at a paper or the news and see just what is happening... though sometimes seeing the news or in the paper only tells half a story. The reality is it feels like a dangerous time to be here in Israel and I've had someone ask if I am going to return to England and as I said to her, I won't run away in fear and I won't live in fear. I will carry on as usual living my life, maybe with a bit more of caution and being more alert, but for now its Keep Calm and Carry On as Usual. Hope everyone is well and I hear from you all soon

Driving Test and Geeking out with fellow geeks

Short post again today, nothing really major to post and tell you about. Hung out with friends, gone to work. Had a driving and lesson been told that next week I will have my driving test.... think after the last year I'm more nervous about the driving test than anything else and that includes making Aliyah. Been told my instructor will pick me up at 6am and I'll have my test around 8am, so by the time most of the UK is tucking into their 1st cup of coffee of Sunday I will be hopefully a qualified driver here in Israel. And as for the geek thing, recently attended a convention type event here in Israel and in the next couple of weeks there has been a Doctor Who event arranged which I will attend, so that will be very cool, nice to mix with Israeli's who share a passion for something I like and also something very British. Maybe I will meet a Geekette :-) Otherwise its all very quiet, hope you are all well.

Driving Lesson

Hey all, short update for the day. I've decided I want to write a bit more in my blog, try and do more than one post a week. Well been an okay day today, had another driving lesson today, this time instead of driving in an automatic, I went back to manual. The reason for this is if I pass on an automatic I can only drive an automatic, but I drive and pass on a manual car then I can drive both. So anyway I had my lesson and it went okay, but I think both myself and the instructor agreed I need one or two more lessons with the manual to be good enough to pass the test, so for now my Sundays are taken up with a driving lesson at least. Don't worry I won't take lessons from the Formula 1 drivers which I am currently watching now. Apart from that I was up early and actually did what I wanted to do, which was go to the park and have a brief run round the park as well as use the exercise machines that are in the park, so it was a good way to start the day. Now just relaxing before going food shopping and then its back to work tomorrow :-(. Oh well its how I have money to buy things.

Strange Week

Has been a bit of a strange week if I'm honest, but now its the weekend. Well halfway through weekend anyway at least. Week been pretty busy on and off, saw a few friends during the week, went to Tel Aviv last saturday to see Hull City on television for the 1st time here in Israel and fortunately we won so it was a happy trip. Apart from that I hung out with a friend in Tel Aviv after the game, then Sunday was a busy day with a visit to the Dietitian and my first driving lesson with an automatic car. That went okay, but for tomorrows lesson its back to manual gears, as I've been told pass on a manual and you can drive both a manual and an automatic car, but pass on an automatic and you can only drive an automatic. So the lesson went okay a bit rusty as its been 7 months since I drove from Haifa to Rishon but it went okay, hopefully tomorrow will be fine as well. I also again went to Tel Aviv to visit friends who had been here for the week from England... they brought me chocolate LOL. So it was nice to see them and hang out for a few hours. Also managed to get out on Wednesday night and have a nice evening out as well then. As a result of the dietitian visit I made last Sunday, I am now trying to be a bit more healthy in food and exercise. Except for one night I have walked home from the Train Station every day which is about 3.4km so its a good bit of exercise and I am going to start running around the nearby park as well for more exercise. Also trying to watch what I eat and be careful as well.... okay the chocolate pizza from Max Brenner was a bit of indulgence, but I've been wanting to have it for a while so I did. Apart from that its been a standard week for me nothing really mention, just the usual. Anyway enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed the pizza

Aliyahversary 1 year in Israel

Okay 1 year and 2 days now. Just thought I'd post its been a year since I came here, seems to have passed in a blink of an eye and sometimes feels like it was yesterday that I got here. But it really has been a year and apart from 12 days in the UK in April, I've been here all that time. Not really sure what to put, I could go over my year here, but if you've been reading the blog, then you know what I've done this last year and I don't like repeating myself. I said I don't like repeating myself LOL. So I suppose really I can sum the year up in highs and lows, mostly a lot of highs and I want to say I do not regret my decision at all to make Aliyah, to give up a comfortable life in the UK and start afresh here. And yes some days have been a struggle and I've felt like I don't know what I'm doing or why I am here and why did I give up life in the UK. But I did and I'm here and I think I'm stronger for it, at least I hope I am. I've made some new friends over here and some good ones that I hope continue to be good friends, sadly I think I've lost a few friends here and in the UK over the last year and that makes me sad, but if they read this and they want to be in touch, I am here. I've had the fun of searching for work and being unemployed and going through 2 other jobs before the current one. A lot more interviews in the last year than I had in a year in England, so guess there is something employable about me as well. I've had a lot more dates over the last year than I think I had in the UK in a long time so thats been fun. And generally life has been pretty good, I do miss the UK sometimes and my friends, seeing pictures on Facebook and talking on Chat and Email is not the same, hope some of you would be tempted to come visit me. Overall, I have seen a lot of highs and had some lows in the year, but I'd say its been a good year and I hope its just the beginning for my life in Israel

Has it nearly been a year then

Yep nearly a year since I packed up and moved abroad to Israel. Will post more about my 1st year later this week. Just a quick post today. Mostly all is very quiet, not done a heck of a lot this past 7 days, saw friends and had dinner with them Sunday night, then a full week of work the 1st in a few weeks because of the Jewish Holidays. Have to say it felt quite frustrating as I had little success, probably compounded by having a day off sick :-(. Still not sure that selling on the phone is actually for me, but I suppose like everything in a new life this is a learning experience and its also money to help me live and have fun. Got out a couple of nights this week for dinner and also a movie as well. My weekend was a bit quiet this weekend as I mostly had the apartment to myself. I did spend a very quiet Saturday just enjoying a relaxing day on the balcony and sofa. Then today I was up early to grab a doctors appointment for my blood test results, sadly I have to go back and will do in an hour :-). But I also fitted in a visit to the Hygenist to have my boring teeth cleaned LOL. And assisted a friend in finding the Misrad Hapnim and Sal Klita so she could register with them as she now lives in Rishon. Also possibly go and see a friend who has moved to the area and see her new apartment, but I will see as at last phone call she was in Ikea and that could mean she doesn't appear for another few hours lol. Apart from that its work tomorrw and hopefully a more productive week. Meeting a friend for a drink Tuesday and then celebrating my Aliyahversary on Wednesday, so things to look forward to.

Dentist, Work and Blood Test

Hello all, its me again :-) Well been a busy past week with the end of the festivals and other bits and pieces it has felt like a short week, but I should not get used to that as its back to a normal 4 and half day week from tomorrow. So took myself off to the Dentist for the 1st time in Israel and the 1st time since September last year, it was a very short visit, they took x-ray's and then told me I have boring teeth and that all I need to do is go visit the Hygenist for a cleaning and I'm good. I guess its a good thing really to have boring teeth in this case and not have to have any work done on them :-). Work itself finally was a good day on Friday where I had some if a little success and since after a month of being there it was my 1st success I feel a bit better about work and going into work tomorrow and hopefully the 1st success was the first of many and I will only go from strength to strength at work. Now for the Blood test bit, I went to the Doctors a few weeks ago to register with the local Doctor as well as have a blood test, check see if all is okay with me... apart from the Doctor saying I was overweight!!!! (Thanks Doc) all is good but I still had to have the blood test, but due to the festivals had to wait until today and I was surprised at how quick and how easy it was, not that other tests haven't been the same, now all I have to do is wait for the results. Apart from that, had a nice early evening visit to the beach with a friend for a few drinks and meeting friends later today in Tel Aviv, so I am keeping myself busy. Hope you are all well and I hear from you soon

Last Long Weekend

Well with the end of the Jewish Festivals, the last long weekend is over and I have to say while the festivals were nice and the short working weeks were very nice. I did feel a bit like I missed out and did nothing at all in the long weekends. It would have been nice to have been able to do something in my days off. But guess what didn't so here I am at the end of a long weekend and its back to going to work, coming home, going to sleep and repeat 5 times a week. Followed by a weekend of doing nada, zip, nothing LOL.

The Year of Blogging

Well as promised if you saw my Facebook status, its a year of blogging. A year since I left my job and London, my family and even the UK entirely. I've had 5 months of study and fun, periods of despair when searching for work. And now after nearly a year here in Israel I think I'm settled more or less. Since I moved to Rishon I've dealt with a new city and new surroundings, searching for work and well I've had 3 jobs in a short space of time which I hope with the one I'm in now its 3rd time is the charm and this is a keeper, even if I'm still getting used to said job and wondering if its what I'm really meant to do. Socially I've gotten out and about if not for a while, but with payday and hopefully its a regular occurence I will be able to start getting out and about again in the next week. I've also made some amazing new friends here, but I do feel in someways they were temporary for me, I've lost touch with them and I know you probably say I could get in touch with them, but I've done enough chasing of people over time that it gets frustrating when you send a message or an invite and no-one is interested in replying. Friendship is a two way street and sometimes I feel people take that for granted from me. Someone said I shouldn't be so open and less giving in the beginning, but I can't change the way I am and I don't think I'd want to. After I wouldn't be the person I am today if I changed my personality. But the main shot is I feel like here and in the UK I've lost touch with friends and in a world with Facebook, Skype and other methods of communication it shouldn't be that hard. I'm guilty as much as anyone. I just hope that if anyone is reading this and feels like getting in touch they will drop me a line and we can reconnect. Anyway, for now its back to watching A Town Called Eureka with my room-mate, got her hooked on the series and now just enjoying the final season, plus with a long weekend here we might get it finished. Hope to hear from you all :-)

Yom Kippur and is anyone reading this

Well had my 1st Yom Kippur here and I survived it lol. Now the fasting part was easy, I think what got me was the walking part, where 3 times in the actual day of Yom Kippur I ended up walking to and from where I was attending services which usually wouldn't be a problem, but when your not eating or drinking it does have it downside. Otherwise I enjoyed the service it was slightly different to what I was used to and I'm not sure if I would go there again, though I was made to feel very welcome which was nice. Also they had a break in the middle of the day which is something new. But we shall see as I said to someone I have to find the right fit for me for when I go to synagogue. The other really interesting thing is in Israel everything just stops over the 25 hour period. As I was walking to services there were still cars on the road, but by the time I walked home at 7pm the only cars on the road were either Ambulances or Police Cars. Instead of the usual traffic there were kids aplenty on bikes, with people walking in the road and even on the highway. So very strange to see that as well as on a normal day the idea of walking/cycling on the road would be sheer lunancy.... (okay I've managed to get lunancy in a blog..nice) But seriously I would have loved to have taken a picture of it all, but as I don't carry my phone on Yom Kippur I couldn't which is a shame, but having seen other people's pics it does look very strange. Apart from that work is good, slightly changed from what we were originally doing, but still similiar. I'm still trying to find my style for this job and I hope that this week I will find the style and confidence with it. But otherwise it feels like a nice place to work and I'm working with a good team of people, (majority is young ladies) so I hope that though this job is temporary it will become full-time at the end of the year. And the other thing in my title is, I am wondering if people are reading this blog, I know a few people have commented but they are few and far between. I started the blog as a way for people friends and family to know what's going on with me now that i'm in a new country. I'm not insisting on replies, but it would be nice to have a few comments on what's I'm posting just to know that I'm not writing this just for myself.

1st Rosh Hashana

Well my 1st Rosh Hashana here and it felt a bit weird as this is the first time I've been away from my family at Rosh Hashana. Even back in days when I was still in London, most of the time I would be at my parents for the holidays or if not I was at least in the same country. Still it felt very weird to be here and not with family. Still I went to the Massorti for services and also via them had hospitally for both day's lunch and Erev Hag Dinner, so worth the walk to get there :-) I'm really looking forward to seeing what it is like here for Yom Kippur, I've been told that there are no cars on the road at all except for Police and Ambulances so to have a brief period where there is silence and no car horns and no screeching tyres will be interesting to see. Anyway what else to tell you since last I blogged and pretty much nothing else to tell you, back to work tomorrow and while I'm glad to be working, its good for a short week as well :-). And at least in my position I'm dealing with the UK so I don't have to worry about understanding someone or them understanding me. I think the most amusing thing is 1 of my fellow employees is a girl I made aliyah with nearly 12 months ago so that is kind of cool. Otherwise, 1 friend has moved to Rishon in the last 2 weeks and a friend also looking to move here... The Brits are taking over Rishon. Seriously though it will be nice to have a few more friendly faces in the area and to hang out with as well Oh forgot this, went into work last Monday and there was gifts from the company I am working for and for the Recruitment Agency who I am officially working through for Rosh Hashana. Needless to say I have a lot of chocolate now and a bottle of wine. Plus some bathroom stuff. But I think very cool. Anyway hope everyone has had a great and happy Jewish New Year and you all have a safe and easy fast. Shana Tova.

This title is a temporary

Long time since I blogged, a lot has happened since the last time. Since the last one I've changed jobs, started a few days ago and I think I will like it once the training is done, a lot of information and I think my head exploded at one point... so any flying brains you saw during Wednesday was mine!!! Its only a temp job, but decent wage for it and maybe it will be permanent... we will see. Otherwise, I've been out with friends, had a few dates, got a new Kindle as the old broke... broken my phone :-(.... I actually had a dream a few weeks ago about my phone being broken so its kind of come true if not the damage that was in my dream. Apart from that sorted myself out for plans for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Also going this week to the Israel versus Russia World Cup qualifier so that will be cool and hopefully it will be an Israel win. Anyway sorry for the rambling post, felt I should let people know I still here, still alive. Hope to speak from you soon, comment please

Birthday and Technology

Well done another week of work and it went okay, no sales yet but think I am getting close. Yesterday was my 1st birthday in Israel since making Aliyah, been here before over my birthday but not living in the country. And well it was okay my birthday nothing special, went out Thursday Night with a few people into Tel Aviv for a few drinks, Friday my actual birthday I worked for a few hours and then just chilled out at home as I have done today, though going out tonight for dinner and to a bar so fun there. But generally a very dull birthday, pretty much expect that don't think I've ever had a really exciting birthday LOL. Decided that I may end up living in a cave as it seems all technology I have is rebelling against me, my Laptop isn't working 100%, my Kindle is playing up and so is my IPod and even my phone is going nuts though it might be the heat for it all, I'll send a forwarding address to my cave for any mail anyone wants to send me LOL. Generally all is good, getting out and about slowly, slowly and things seem to be going well.

Tiring and Frustrating Week

Aren't you lucky, 2 blog posts in a week, been a while since I've felt like doing that. But anyway Well completed my second week at work and it was fun but as the title says frustrating. I'm doing a job where I've got to talk to people over the phone and well its mildly frustrating that I get one of a few possibilities when I ring someone. I either get A) All Circuits are busy, please try later. B) It rings but no-one answers. C)Voicemail or finally D) where they answer and aren't interested. I suppose those of you who have done a Sales job before will tell me that its never easy over the phone to sell something to someone as you don't know what they are doing at the time you ring them, but its frustrating to just be sat there dialling the same numbers and hoping for different results. Oh yeah there is also the chance that when you get to speak with someone they don't speak English!!! Still I'm remaining optimistic my first sales isn't too far away and then I'm sure it will become easier, keep your fingers crossed for me and wish me my 1st sale... Ideally by the end of this week in time for Birthday :-) Anyway what else to tell you, nothing much I spent time with friends on Thursday night at a club in Tel Aviv for a birthday which was fun, tiring as well having done a 9 hour day and knowing I was working Friday morning I was a little tired when I got to work, fortunately only a 5 shift because of Shabbat... I miss the days I could work/study all day, party all night and have a few hours sleep and do it all again. Still that's what the weekend is for :-). Apart from all that, nothing much, going to Tel Aviv to see a few friends tomorrow and just enjoy the rest of my weekend.

First Week of Work

Yep the title isn't misleading, I've finished my first week of work. After my previous entry where I mentioned interviews, I was contacted on the Wednesday after all of them and offered a position. The Role is a Sales Representative and your probably thinking Adam as a Sales Person....... But after the 1st week I've been on the phone and while so far I've not had the success and made sales I've been able to talk and grow in confidence, so I hope the first sale isn't far behind and its the 1st of many. The company is relatively new and small which I really like as it means I've hopefully found myself in a company that is only going to grow and evolve over time and hopefully I will as well. Travel is about an hour and a bit for me so it feels like a long day and having geared myself up to work Sunday to Thursday which here in Israel is traditionally the working week I find myself working Monday to Friday though with Friday being the Shabbat I work till 2.30 so in some ways I work 4 and a 1/2 days but its all cool. On the non work front it was cool to watch the Olympic Opening Ceremony from London last night and I was mightly impressed and proud to be British... best bit Queen skydiving in with 007 or was it when some caught her not really paying attention LOL. Apart from that is been a pretty uneventful week as I said 1st week of work I've been concentrating in getting through that. This week its more of the same though I'm Tel Aviv bound to see friends at least 1 day and a birthday party later in the week so got things to look forward to instead of just going to work, coming home, going to bed and repeat LOL. So that's it for now hope everyone is safe and well and those based in London aren't having too much trouble with travel.

Busy week

Well been a busy week for me, started the week off with 5 interviews lined up for the 1st 3 days, plus a trip to Jerusalem for an Interview Skills Workshop, so I have put the travelling in this week, was grateful to have the last couple of days to relax and enjoy the sunny weather. Also wondering if the summer will ever come for the UK or will the Olympics be rained off LOL. However back to the interviews, all were similar roles and I suppose from each I learnt something and hopefully if I have to interview again in the distant future I won't make any mistakes and I'll be prepared. Apart from that, the Berlitz training didn't unfortunately happens, but fortunately a good reason why and I hope maybe I'll be able to do it at some point in the future as it be nice to be able to instruct people in speaking English. Socially I got to hang out with friends on Tel Aviv beach on Friday and that was very nice as I made some new friends including one who managed to get me an interview at her company, even if the result wasn't positive. Still its the weekend, time to sit back and relax and prepare myself for going back to a routine of getting up for work.

Weekly Update

Okay, couldn't come up with a really great title LOL. Anyway thought I'd blog, bit quiet this last week, nothing more than job hunting as usual, had a few interviews and no success sadly from them, but nothing more than keep trying :-). Did have my quickest interview/chat yet on Sunday or was it Monday... the days go by so quickly they blur into one. But thanks to a friend here in Israel I got put in touch with someone in regards to a job and literally I went through to Tel Aviv and sat with them for 5 minutes before they had to leave. The outcome is I'm waiting on a phone call tomorrow I hope to say whether they want to see me again for another chat and see if I am suitable for this position, I will keep you all posted. On the plus side I did get to see a couple of friends whom I haven't seen since Ulpan finished for a little while so that was good and tomorrow I will see another friend who is here from the UK so that will be good and hitting Tel Aviv beach Friday daytime to celebrate a friend 1 year here in Israel. Also good news for me as a friend will be coming in December for 2 weeks so I get to spend new year in Israel with a friend :-) Otherwise not much to say, feel a bit out of touch with people both here in Israel and in the UK, so if your reading this get in touch and say hi let me know how your doing :-) Finally end it on a high as they always say. On Sunday I will start training with Berlitz Language Center, its not a full time job, but I see it as something new to learn and do and hopefully when I find the elusive full time job I can do the Instructing a couple of nights a week and bring in a little pocket money. Anyway that's all from me, hope you enjoy reading and always leave a comment.

Family and Frustrating times

Well its been a few weeks since I blogged so here I am again. I've had a good couple of weeks as my family has been here, mostly to see me and also a family wedding last week. Was nice to see them especially as they brought stuff from home including Chocolate Biscuits :-). Managed to spend a lot of time with them and I'm not quite sad, even though we'll speak on Skype I'm not sure the next time I will see them in person. Still my Dad's older sister is still in Israel and I'll be joining her and her partner for dinner tonight. The frustration comes from many interviews but no final result and its hard to not feel a bit down about it all, I know something will come but its now a case of when and I know people will say have patience something will show up but my patience is wearing thin really lately. I was also asked in an interview why I chose Rishon when its not particularly full of English Native speakers and my answer which I only thought of after the interview should have been, I'm wanting to learn the language and what better way than in a location where people don't rely on English, after all how I can learn if all I speak is English, (think I will use that from now on if anyone asks). Otherwise things are good, just need to work on finding work and finding that ever so elusive social life. And finally as today is the 4th of July I would like to wish all my American friends and readers of this a Happy Independence Day

Nothing to report

Hey all, I know you've been wondering why I haven't blogged, all 3 of you that read it have probably wondered where I've been the last few weeks LOL. Well in all seriousness there has been nothing to really tell you, most days have been the same, get up, get washed, go out, come home, go to bed, so not exactly exciting to blog about. As some people already know or may have guessed I'm not working now and its not because I didn't like the job, its simply because of the very long commute turning every day into a very long day and I felt that I could get something closer to home that would allow me to have a life. I know reading this people are probably thinking what an idiot for ditching a job, but I made my choice right or wrong I hope you'll accept and if not understand support that I made the right decision. Now onto the good part of the last few weeks. Started off a couple of Sundays ago with a wedding in Ashdod which was amazing and was great to see friends and my friend get married and I hope he and his new bride are very happy together. The pictures of the wedding are up on my Facebook page. Now onto other things, for the 1st time since I made aliyah my parents and sister are here having arrived Monday night and I've spent time with them and they also brought stuff for me including English Tea, Chocolate Digestives, a George Forman Grill and Dairy Milk. They even visited my apartment here in Rishon today and I believe it passed inspection :-). They and the friends of the family who also came are all off to Jerusalem tomorrow for the rest of the stay, though I will meet up with them Sunday and then next Thursday for the wedding of my cousin. So all in all its been a busy week for me, I'm looking forward to relaxing Tomorrow and Saturday.

1st 3 days

Well I've had 3 days of my new job and its actually if I'm honest boring. I've so far sat there and really only listened to someone take phone calls and answer emails, not exactly fascinating. I'm hoping that this week starting tomorrow will be more fulfilling and by the end of the week I may have an idea of what I'm doing!!! To get there is a bit of a pain in terms of travel, but for my 1st job in Israel maybe I can't afford to be that choosy and need to take what I can get for now. Always got my kindle to keep me occupied during the travel part. Its also shift work which is something I'll have to get used to, but I'm seriously considering that once I get settled maybe I can do the afternoon or evening shifts as the evening shift is a little more money and I could always do with that, I will see how thing go as this week progresses. I think like with everything over the past 7 months its just a new thing that I will have to settle into. Of course the hours and the travel do play havoc with my social life during the week, but since I don't really have a social life here, not sure it matters LOL. Anyway work recommences at 5pm tomorrow, having been in for the Day shift, to see a evening shift in action will be interesting, though then having the Monday morning shift, probably I'll need coffee by the bucket load to handle Monday hehe. Anyway nothing else to really report, got a couple of weddings coming up this month, looking forward to my friends wedding a week on Sunday, so will get to see a few friends from back home which be very cool and later on in the month a family wedding so I will get to see my family again. Even though it was only April when I saw some of them it feels a lot longer, so it be nice to see them and if possible work around work to spend time with them while they are here.

I have a job

Yep the title is correct, not a joke. I have work :-). After a few months of searching and after at least a dozen interviews I've got a job. Last week I had 3 interviews and an informal chat with Berlitz Language School. Of the interviews the first one didn't go well and was a no within minutes of the interview. The 2nd also in Tel Aviv went well but seems I didn't get it. Even rang to follow up and didn't get a reply so a definite no then and then Wednesday I had 2 more interviews, the 1st with Berlitz here in Rishon and they are quite happy to put me on the training if I want to, at present though I do feel that I need a full time role first before I can look into teaching English. Anyway the second interview on Wednesday was in Lod and is for a Customer Service role and after 24 hours of waiting I was rewarded with the nicest phone call I've received in a while asking me if I wanted the job :-). Needless to say I said yes and I start training tomorrow. It’s actually a bit scary as it’s another new thing here in Israel, but also amazing as it’s my 1st job in a new country. But as I said scary because it’s new, but with training I hope that I will not only enjoy the job but excel at it. Apart from that, this past weekend was Shavuot and it was a quiet one, but I was good and went to synagogue, still getting used to the fact that services are earlier here than in the UK as the service on Saturday for Shabbat was finished by 10.45... I got there at 10 as they were starting the Mussaf Amidah and Sunday the service started at 7.30 and was finished around 10.30. Still get used to it, like everything it takes time.

Fun week, busy one again

I seem to be getting a bit lazy in updating this blog, so sorry for those who read and hope to keep up with my adventures in Israel. Last Week was actually quite fun and busy, probably the busiest I've had in a while. Sunday started off with a visit to Tel Aviv to go and look for recruitment agencies and although I didn't find I got to hang out with friends. Monday was a visit to Tel Aviv again for a Job interview, which sadly I didn't get but, plenty more out there. On Tuesday I had a meeting with an Employment Counsellor to discuss what could be done to help me find a job. Then on Wednesday I went to Haifa to visit friends and pick up my Ulpan final exam grade and having started in Kita Aleph I finished in Kita Bet, so I did learn something from my time in Ulpan. I still have basic hebrew, but I'm sure I will pick up more as more time goes on. Then after that I hung out with various friends from my Ulpan who still live in Haifa. Then Thursday I went to the beach with a friend who lives in Bat Yam, also from Hull originally so that was cool, chilling out on the beach. Friday was fun as I went Fruit Picking in an event arranged by Nefesh B'Nefesh and Leket. And in the space of 1 hour 40 of us picked 800 kilos of Beets which were to go to the needy. Then Friday night I went for dinner with someone who lives in Rishon also from the old home town so that was cool. Then Saturday I relaxed for most of the day, before going to see the Avengers again and then heading into Tel Aviv to watch the Champions League Final and eventually getting home at 3am... which might sound like a good night out, but when you have to be up for 7am... not so good!!!. Still a very good week that I enjoyed and I hope its the first of many fun and busy weeks for me here in Israel.

Down but not out

Well its been a busy few weeks, applying for jobs here in Israel trying to find my 1st start and first wage here. Its a struggle, but I've had interviews which is more than I had back in the UK. Still very tough and getting the interviews but not getting past the final hurdle. Its quite disheartening and I hope that someone very soon will recognise my potential and give me the opportunity to work for them, in the meantime its keep applying and trying to stay positive. Though I admit that has been a bit of a struggle the last few days after some job interviews which I felt went really well and then I didn't get. But persevering I will continue to apply. Apart from that, been pretty quiet, its difficult to do much when you have little money so most of my time is on the PS3, Computer or watching DVDS, also feeling very isolated from friends I've made here in Israel, especially those in Haifa. I realise everyone has their own lives but in the 5 weeks since I left Haifa, I've barely heard a peep from any of my new friends and its hard not to feel a little abandoned and hurt that no-one isn't even interested in dropping a quick text to say 'Hi Adam, how are you?. Okay maybe that a bit of rant, but hey when you got no-one to talk to, got to voice your frustrations somewhere LOL. Apart from that, had a good Saturday night, went to play pool with a few new friends even though my Pool skills are shockingly poor LOL it was fun and today, hanging with David and Tal Allen was fun, nice distraction from the empty apartment of the last 3 days :-).

Memorial Day and Independence Day

Well its been a busy few days and now the weekend, or rather a long weekend here in Israel, on Tuesday night till Wednesday Evening it was Yom Hazikaron a day to remember those soldiers who have given their life for the protection of Israel and the civilians who also died during the years. It starts with the siren going at 8pm and lasting a minute, sees everything just stop, even cars, come to a halt and the drivers get out to observe the minute and there is a second silence at 11am the following day and the same happens. From someone who has never been in the country around now, its quite an amazing sight to see, that for just a few minutes there is silence. From the night fall of the day of Yom Hazikaron, its quite different as Yom Ha'atzmaut (Independence Day) begins here in Israel and its time to party, for me and my room-mate we attended 2 local parties, with music and stalls of food and kids having fun and fireworks going off and the parties going on long into the night. Yesterday on Yom Ha'atzmaut Day, I was invited to two Barbecue's, one here in Rishon after getting in contact with some fellow English Speakers, so that was fun to go to and I made some contacts as well, so that may help me down the road as I settle in here in Rishon. Then it was off with my roomie to a BBQ in Tel Aviv, both for Independence Day and for a birthday as well. One thing I noticed, wherever I walked and there was a park or somewhere nice to sit, there were people, enjoying the weather, the day and having their own barbecue's. From someone who has never seen this before, it was amazing to see and I hope that this is the first of many times I get to see this.

6 Months on

Well its been 6 months since I made Aliyah, still feels like only a few minutes since I boarded the plane to come here, its amazing how fast the time has gone, done so much in my 1st 6 months in the country. Started to learn the language, explore the country and make some really good new friends and have a lot of fun. It has been a lot of fun the last 6 months, but the hard work begins, I've got an amazing place here in Rishon LeZion near Tel Aviv, all I need now is a job and got to say I've had more interviews in the past 2 months of searching than I had back in England in nearly 5 years. Not sure what that says about the employment situation in the UK, but still, I'm not employed yet, but soon, someone will take the chance on me, like I did taking the chance coming here and when it does, I'm going to grab the opportunity with both hands, so look out job wherever you are, I'm coming to get you.

Hello England, Goodbye England and Hello Israel

Well its been a busyish couple of weeks, moved from Haifa to Rishon LeZion and then after a few days of settling in, it was off back to England for Pesach and see my parents and sister. It was a pretty quiet 12 days back with my family in Manchester, one difficulty of Pesach is not being able to go out to many places without taking food with us, so it was nice to kind of relax at home, watch english television and enjoy some quiet. I did see my cousins twice and that was nice and also went with my sister to see Hull City play, I still have a perfect record for games attended this season in that I've been to 5 and not seen them lose if I've been there... maybe if I'd been to more before I left we would have made the play-offs LOL.

Anyway as of yesterday evening I'm back in Israel and its nice to be back here, a lot warmer than England is. Today was a day of doing a lot of my administration things from having moved and most of them have been done, I just have a few things left to do tomorrow and in the next week or so. But now the hard part comes and the part that scares me finding working so I can pay and stay in Israel, I'm applying for jobs as I see them and if I feel I have a chance of getting somewhere, I'm even hoping to find somewhere to print off my CV'S so I can go round all of the stores in the Malls here in Rishon. Ideally I'd love a job at Cinema City, but I'd just as soon settle for a job as a shelf stacker, if only to help pay the bills while I find something more to my liking. So please keep your fingers crossed and wish me luck... oh and if you happen to win the lottery, send me a few quid please LOL.

Goodbye Haifa, Hello Rishon

Well it has happened, I've now moved from Haifa to Rishon LeZion near Tel Aviv. I drove myself and my new roomie Jovana in a car full of our stuff.. A bit scary to not only drive in Israel, but also drive a fair distance in a very full car, but I made it, I think once I got out on the main roads I was a lot more comfortable driving. After arriving and dropping our stuff off in the apartment, we took a trip to IKEA in Rishon to buy various bits needed for the apartment and finally before settling down a trip to a supermarket to buy various bits. Monday saw me return the car to the firm we had hired from and that was weird as this time I drove on my own and not with an instructor or even my friend. But I managed it and in some ways it proves that I can drive in Israel, I just need a bit of practice.

Following that Monday and Tuesday were spent getting the apartment suitable for us to live in it. It was clean but Jovana gave it a clean for her standards :-). And so far before I left the apartment on Wednesday, we had received all we ordered, with the exception of the Television and organising the Television, Phone and internet package. Also on Monday I actually returned to Haifa to pick up the last few bits we had left behind in Haifa and also retrieve a friend of ours Hena who was coming to stay for a couple of nights before she and I flew back to Manchester for Pesach.

Yep that is right people I've said goodbye to Israel for 12 days and returned to England to collect my DVD player and Playstation 3 and more DVDS...... okay and visit my parents and sister LOL. I've been back since Wednesday evening and it feels a bit weird to be back, I know only 5 months have passed, but still very strange to be back. Still its good to see the family. Then its back to Israel to continue my new life and find myself a job, fingers crossed I won't be too long out of work when I get back... though I will have my PS3, so I shouldn't get bored lol.

Finally Happy Easter and Chag Sameach

Ulpan over and now just waiting

Well that is it, Ulpan finished earlier this week, we had the final exam on Tuesday in the afternoon, I'm not sure how it went, all I know is I did my best and hopefully I come away from Ulpan with a good grade. It doesn't feel like 5 months since I got here and started Ulpan, in some ways it feels like I've barely scratched the surface here in Israel in terms of Hebrew and life here. Now the fun comes as its real life again and I've got to find work here in Israel.

Though my first step is to move to Rishon on Sunday and get settled there, before I can get myself a job. Not nervous about moving, nervous about driving there yes though. But I'll take it like I think I've done everything since I moved in my stride and enjoy it. Maybe I'll learn to like driving here in Israel.

Anyway its been fun here in Haifa, made some good friends that I hope to stay in contact with, but now its time to move on and see what else is in Israel for me. Next stop Rishon LeZion

My new Friends

Okay well 5 months since I moved here to Israel to find a fresh start on life, a new dream and start to learn a new language. Hard to believe that its only 5 months, feels like only a day has passed. But in a few days we'll do the final exam of Ulpan Etzion and then everyone in the dorms will go off to do other things, some are staying on here in Haifa to do another Ulpan, others are Army Bound, others going to work, in other parts of the country. All I really want to say is I've made some really good friends here, at least I hope I have LOL. And that no matter where we all are in the country we'll all keep in touch and that this isn't goodbye, its 'Until we see each other again.

Final Ulpan Trip

Well we're now in the final days of Ulpan, on Monday we had our final trip before the last few days of study and the exam. And it was a great day out, good company and a fun was had as we went near the Kinneret and Naharayim the site of the border between Jordan and Israel where the remains of a Hydro-Electric plant stand. Then after the education was the fun, a Barbecue and presentations by each of the classes from the Ulpan, ours was a song with pictures, if you got Facebook, you can see the pictures of my trip. I'm also including again a picture of myself, my class and teacher from Monday :-)

Now onto the serious part, continuing to search for a job for after the Ulpan finishes. While I've applied for many jobs, I've only had a few responses, however its more response than I've really had from when I was in England so I suppose its good. I've had a few interviews and maybe they weren't successful, but its all practice for me and hopefully in the very not distant future, someone will interview me and say I want you to work for this company. All I can say is keep your fingers crossed and maybe a few prayers for me hehe.

The Final Countdown

Well time is ticking on, its nearly the end of the Ulpan and coming up to nearly 5 months in Israel, I feel like I've learnt a lot, still so much to learn in terms of Hebrew and hopefully after I've left Ulpan and gotten a job, I'll be able to find another Ulpan to continue my Hebrew studies, but I think I will try and study during my spare time. But anyway I had a speaking test for the Ulpan on Sunday a couple of days ago and it went well, I feel like I've actually learned something and even if I'm not going to be fluent in Hebrew I can communicate with people in the native language here. We still have the final written test to take, so a lot more study and revision to do before the Ulpan finally finishes. We also have one final Ulpan trip next Monday so something to look forward to.

Meanwhile post ulpan I continue to look for a job here in Israel, I have however at least a place to live now, sharing with one of the girls from the Ulpan near Tel Aviv in Rishon LeZion, so that should be fun, hopefully a job won't be far behind so I can pay for my new place to live :-).

Time marching on

Well we're into March here and I've been in Israel for just over 4 months now and somehow it still feels like a dream some of the time. Still learning in Ulpan and hoping my poor old very full brain will keep learning stuff, I had forgotten how hard it was to learn stuff, and especially learning a new language. Still I think I've learnt a lot in the past few months I certainly know more than I did before I came to Israel, not sure if I'll ever be brilliant at Hebrew, but maybe I'll be at least able to hold a conversation with someone in Hebrew.

Anyway, what else to tell you all, we had a talk on what to do if there were rocket/missile attacks and also if there is an Earthquake. Interesting talk :-). Also I finally picked up my Gas Mask.. never thought I'd ever say or write that sentence, but I have and hopefully it will remain in its box and never have to be used ever

Now onto Jerusalem, I always love going there, love being in the Old City having spent so much time there on my 2 Aish Trips back in 1998 and 1999. And on our way into the Old City and towards the Kotel, I realised we were going the same route I've travelled many times when I was leaving the area to go out for a night. Anyway we went into the The Wohl Archaeological Museum, for a brief tour round there before heading on towards the Wall. Now going to the Wall and standing there for a few minutes is such an experience I can't really describe it. But its such an experience that I enjoy. Anyway after the Kotel we went for Lunch before heading to The Knesset for a tour of Israel's Parliament, which was very interesting as well.

Now I should mention the weather, this week I've seen Sun, Rain, Hail and lots of wind... if I had wanted this kind of weather I would have stayed in England.... Sun come back where are you.

Another week on

Well been a busy week last week, spent a lot of the afternoons after Ulpan travelling to interviews, so not only did I get chance to interview, I got to see more of Israel, unfortunately I've not heard from any of them, so I guess its a no, but I'm not disheartened at least I'm getting the interviews, I hope that with all the jobs I'm still applying for that one of them will come good for me and it will land me employment. I'm not looking for anything fantastic, I'm just looking for something to give my 1st start here in Israel in the job market, give me chance to get settled wherever I end up living. I'm remaining positive and applying for jobs, amusingly one of the jobs I've spotted today, I have to actually fax my cover letter and CV across, which is something I've not done for many years, so tomorrow after Ulpan its hunt down a fax machine and send in my application. Apart from that there was a job fair but it wasn't much use really, still I did hand in 1 CV and maybe something will come from that.

Apart from that I'm getting a little worried as we're nearly in March and the way time is flying Ulpan will be over and I might not have a job, hopefully though I'll have a place to live though lol.... Its either that or buy myself a tent and a sleeping bag and beach here I come!!!!

Nothing else really happened, we're off to Jerusalem on the last Ulpan tiyul so that will be good, we'll be going to the Wall so maybe a little prayer will help me out in the situation LOL.

Productive week :-)

Well into another weekend here, thought I better update my blog. Been a fun week, studied hard, done a small test which I got 75% on, should have got more, but I decided to change 2 of the answers on the test just before I handed it in...bad mistake LOL. Should have stuck with them as they were right!!! Oh well it happens, proves I have a way to go in learning Hebrew. On the Job front, been applying for jobs and getting positive responses which is more than I can really say I had in England for a long time, so fingers crossed something will come from these positive responses and maybe I'll have a job before I finish the Ulpan at the end of March... might not have a place to live... but a job at least LOL. Also considering how to continue my Hebrew studies, I realise I'm still not that good at the language, but I feel while I would like to do another Ulpan, really I need to be working. So I think I will find work and maybe an Ulpan for the evening, see if I can continue to improve my Hebrew.

On the social front, 2 parties this week, both birthdays a lot of fun, was nice to hang out with people as it seems like everyone has been very focussed lately on post ulpan plans. So to David whose birthday it was on Wednesday just gone and to Maya who we partied for her birthday on Monday last night, many happy returns and I wish you both much success in your next year :-)

Weekend and 1st Driving Lesson

Well another weekend nearly over and back to studies. Think I've had a semi productive weekend, done some study, written up my vocabulary list to add words I've learnt from the past few weeks. Gone for a walk and a chat with a couple of the people in the dorms, nice to get out and it was sunny and quite pleasant where we sat as well, so nice to do that.

Now onto the driving lesson, my 1st time behind the wheel of a car in Israel and the 1st time behind the wheel of a car in probably over 2 years so very nerve-wracking but as I'm writing this blog, I obviously survived to tell the tale LOL. I'm definitely rusty in driving, but hope that just like riding a bike, you don't forget to drive. While my gear changes could do with work, I think generally it went well and with a bit of practice I'll take and pass my test to get my licence converted to an Israeli one. Next lesson is Monday so hopefully that goes as well as yesterday's

Meanwhile, I'm still applying for jobs and hoping that any I apply for will see my potential and give me employment, I'll even drop CV'S into shops if its necessary to do something to earn a little money. Not trying to get to worried but with just over 6 weeks left of Ulpan its getting to a point where I have to hope I find something soon. The apartment hunt is something after a bit of advice I don't think I have to worry about until the beginning of March, but again would be nice to get that sorted out sooner rather than later.

I know that I need to do a 2nd Ulpan, sadly at present I also need to work 1st to earn the money to be able to afford a 2nd Ulpan and hope by finding a job, in the evenings I can find another Ulpan to do, so keep your fingers crossed for me on all counts.

Ulpan Tiyul

Well today was a break from classes and we headed off on another day out. This time we went towards the Golan, we stopped off in Ein Gev for a brief stop and a bit of lesson, before heading off to plant trees in an area run by KKL and JNF and that was pretty cool, there is a picture at the bottom of the tree I planted... hope I can go back and find it, see how it growing :-).

Then for the afternoon we went to Hamat Gader Israel's Largest and Oldest Spa Complex, which apart from contain hot pools for people to swim and relax in, also has a hotel, and animal enclosures including a crocodile farm which is the largest in the middle east. So that was pretty cool to see. There was also a Parrot show which was very entertaining to watch. After that it was onto the Hot springs for an hour and a bit, if someone had said I'd be in an outside heated pool in February a few months ago before I left England I would have thought they were crazy, but I was and it was fun and very nice to relax. Sadly it had to come to an end. Back to classes in the morning, but hey the weekend is just 1 day away :-). And we have a tiyul to Jerusalem to look forward to, so all in all fun and interesting times at the moment, long may they continue

Standing Alone

Well we have about 7 weeks of Ulpan left and for me its time to sit down and start looking for a job, plus a place to live. I've narrowed it down to probably Tel Aviv for somewhere to live and I've been passed some websites to look at, still its very stressful, somehow as always I find myself alone in this endeavour as my goals don't match those of anyone around me or they've all sorted themselves out, so got to look after myself, which I suppose is the main thing, yes it would be nice to work with others here in the Ulpan and maybe share a flat etc, but somehow I guess its always going to be me doing it by myself.

Okay a bit of a little rant on the state of feeling alone on things, apart from that I've had some fun in the evenings with some of the people from the Ulpan, a welcome distraction but sadly it seems like its become very dull around here at the moment and I do not like it. On the plus side I've sorted out my driving licence form, I can now find an instructor and get a few lesson before taking my test and being able to drive here in Israel.. yep I'm going to be on the road, stay in your houses!!!! Still it should be a fun experience as they drive on a different side of the road to England and I also not set foot in a car to drive in several years... hope its a case of not forgetting how to drive or this could be embarrassing.

Jerusalem, not very well and other things lol

Well been about a week since I've blogged bits and pieces have occurred since then. I spent a great weekend in Jerusalem with a friend who made Aliyah in July last year and was the Jerusalem Ulpan Etzion. She now lives in South Central Jerusalem and is just starting her 2nd Ulpan. Apart from visiting her, I was also going to a Communal Shabbat in that area and it was fun, I made a few new friends, got to practice a bit of Hebrew with one person, the only Israeli there, the rest preferred English LOL. But I managed to get a bit of practice in and I was understood which is good. The food wasn't fantastic but it was good, dessert even better. On Saturday itself I'd been invited to join where my friend was going for Shabbat dinner and that was a lot of fun as I made a few new friends for Facebook and one of her neighbours even suggested I send them my CV, so I did and he hopes to be able to help me he will so all positive there.

Also started applying for jobs and actually had a few responses which is more than I did in England!!! Unfortunately due to factors like the Ulpan I can't go any further, but one of them was very nice and said get in touch closer to the end of my Ulpan. But I'm going to still keep looking and hope maybe I find a job that I will wait for me until I finish Ulpan. Still also have to find somewhere to live so a lot got to do in the next 2 months.

Apart from that, had to miss a day of Ulpan today :-( very disappointed as I had a 100% record of attendance, but I wasn't feeling very well before I got there and within a few minutes was feeling a bit worse. As a result half an hour into my day I ended up coming home and back to bed... still got homework for the weekend LOL. Apart from that not much else to tell I had a nice evening out with a couple of friends from the dorms, was nice to do something different than stay in my room which seems to have become a bit of a pattern lately, still the weather is good today and I feel better than I did earlier today, so I think things are looking up.

Sports Day and Envious

Well been a busy couple of days or so, went to the pool with Simon and David... okay we didn't actually swim at all, but spent most of the time in the jacuzzi and then for me the steam room, but fun, though the walk from the Sport Centre to get the Carmelit was exhausting, quite steep walk uphill... either that or I'm unfit. Then today after a shorter than normal day at Ulpan we had a sports day a short distance away from the Ulpan and the dorms. While I only participated in the basketball game, it was fun to watch and also tiring even for a few minutes... Realised I am so very unfit LOL. Tomorrow there is no Ulpan, instead we have ten minute interview slots to check up on our progress as we're at the halfway point and then its the weekend.

As for the envious part, some of the people on the Ulpan have part-time jobs and as such are quite busy and at the moment I'm feel a bit bored, stuck in a routine, hopefully once I've found work and everything this will change, so its possible I should enjoy the downtime now. Also a little envious that some people have social connections here in Israel, I have a couple of connections, but it would be nice to be able to just go away for the weekend and see friends. Again I suppose this will come with time, I've been here not 4 months yet, so I should expect everything to come now, but I think I'm a little bored of the routine at the moment. Oh well, everything comes to he who waits.

Halfway Point

Hard to believe but its the halfway point of Ulpan and I've been in Israel for 3 months, it feels like its flown by, but now at this point, the hard work begins. With 2 months left of Ulpan, it finishes the end of March, I now have to start looking for a job here in Israel and somewhere to live as well. All very daunting as it was bad enough to search for work and a place in London, but here in a country where English isn't the native language, its even more scary. Still I've applied for a few jobs already and just waiting to hear from them, but I suspect I'll get more determined and serious as time gets closer to the end. As for the apartment/room hunt, I've got a few websites to look at, so hopefully something will come from that. I'm still undecided on whether I want to share, having done the shared living in rented places back in London for nearly 10 years, I'm not sure if I'm at a stage where I'd like to go it alone. But then again Israel is brand new and the more sensible idea would be to work with someone to find something, but then again I've never been that sensible LOL>

Apart from that Ulpan is going well, we had a big test on pretty much all we've learnt since we started and I think it went well, I hope it went well, I will find out this week I hope. We also have a Sports Day on Wednesday and interviews about our progress on Thursday. Also Thursday I'm going to visit the Doctor for my medical to continue my driving licence conversion process. Doctor probably take one look at me and say nope, your not fit to drive!!!!

I'm also feeling a little fed up at the moment, feel like at the halfway point, I'm feeling a bit alone, everyone is going off doing their own thing, as well as keeping to themselves, and feel at a loose end or stuck in a routine at the moment, sure its just temporary but still, I don't like it.

Ulpan Trip and a little worried

Well we had our fourth trip as part of the Ulpan, today it was to 3 destinations, the 1st was near to the town of Atlit to go the Detainee Camp situated there, it was a camp set up to prevent Jewish refugees mostly Holocaust survivors entering what was then Palestine. After a tour round the camp and a few short films detailing the Jewish Refugee's journey to then Palestine, we headed off again towards Tel Aviv. There after a brief history lesson we went to Independence Hall which was the site of the signing of Israel's Declaration of Independence in May of 1948. After that it was a brief walk around Jaffa and then we went off for dinner in Jaffa and after that we returned to Haifa.

Now for the worried part, we're halfway through the Ulpan and as we get closer to the end I'm getting worried that I'm not picking up the language well enough or that I'll find a job or an apartment, I'm sure I'm not the only person in the Ulpan worry about these things, but it feels like it LOL. Still I'm determined to remain upbeat and not lose hope that everything will fall into place.

הרבה גשם

Well its now the weekend for me, so time to relax, I don't think I'll be venturing out too far though, as like yesterday, today its raining and according to weather reports its set to be like this all weekend, so might be an indoors weekend. This week has been busy with Ulpan studies, on Tuesday we went on an Ulpan trip to Tel Hadid, Ben Shemen and Tel Aviv. It was a fun trip, nice to get out of Haifa and the Ulpan for the day and the weather was lovely and warm. Then it was back to Haifa in the evening and more studies. I think i'm progressing in class and understanding more as time goes on, I hope by the time I leave Ulpan at the end of March I can talk at a competent level, enough to get me through everyday life here in Israel, but we shall see. Today's Ulpan was only for 10.30 as we had a guest lecturer Yaron Svoray who told us his story. Please see his Wikipedia entry. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yaron_Svoray. Apart from that its study hard, and have fun when I can. This Friday night we are having a Shabbat Meal with Chabad and that should be fun as it will be nice to mix with others and everyone who is here for a Friday Night. Saturday i'm hoping to get people together and we can go see a movie :-).

Friday Nights

The one thing I never really thought about when I got here, is what I would do on Friday nights, back in England it was either a quiet night at home by myself where I would make Kiddush for myself and get some Challah's in as well or I would be at an organised Friday Night or at my parents having a family Friday Night. So when it came to having Shabbat Dinner here in Israel over the Ulpan I was wondering how I would spend it. Fortunately thanks to people in the dorms apart from a couple of Friday nights and one Friday in the company of friends of the family I've spent most Shabbat Evenings in the company of my new friends with good food, good conversation (okay they're actually speaking French which I never learnt at school) but still you get the idea and its fun, so to everyone who is a part of that I appreciate being included :-).

On other subjects, I've started the process to get my Driving Licence converted for use over here in Israel. Yep it means keep everyone off the roads I'm getting wheels LOL. But seriously I've started the process, I needed to get a form and a picture taken as well as an eye test which I've managed to get done all in one go, so thats one thing out the way. I now need to get a medical to check i'm healthy before I can take the paperwork to the relevant authority, to get it signed off and then be able to go to a Driving School, I think when I do go, I will probably need 3 or 4 lessons as i've not driven at all for about 4 years, so I maybe a little rusty when it comes to driving, though if its like the old saying its like riding a bike you never forget, then maybe I will be okay after a couple of lessons, we will see.

New Year

Well its the 4th January and i've been back at Ulpan for 2 days after the Chanukah break, i'm surprised at how much I do actually understand of the hebrew, even if it is very hard to remember. However I'm persevering and hope I'll come away in March with a good basic knowledge of Hebrew to get by in the real world. Had an Employment Workshop yesterday evening the 1st of 3 in as many weeks. Hopefully it will be of some help, i've updated my Linkedin profile with a few changes that hopefully make it read better, especially if any prospective employer here in Israel checks it out. I accept that it will be hard to find a new job, but fingers crossed luck is with me and its not that hard.