The Shuk

I have been experiencing a lot of firsts since I've been in Israel. Today was another first for me: it was my first time at the Shuk. The Shuk is an outdoor market, very similar to flea markets (at least the ones I've visited in Dothan and Pensacola) but much more condensed, more crowded, and more smelly. I purchased six tank tops, each at the amazing cost of 15 shekels a piece (and since $20=90 shekels, I ended up paying less than $4 US dollars apiece for the tank tops). I also purchased two planners, a small one and a large one, which together cost 35 shekels. (As a rule, it goes 4.5 shekels to every US dollar. Hope that helps.) Anyway, the shuk (I went to Shuk Carmel) was quite a cultural experience. I'm still not used to the fact that noone here really cares if they're standing immobile directly in your way, but I'm slowly getting more accustomed to it.



I talked to Marion today about whether or not I should learn Arabic. She said that I should focus on Hebrew first, since that is the language of the country, and that at some point I might look into Arabic lessons. She's coming at it from the idea that since I'll be among high school age students mostly, and the accelerated learners at that, that English should be spoken exclusively in the classroom. Nice thought, but I remember my Spanish II class where the same was expected of us. Never happened. But nonetheless, I think I'll follow her advice and just focus on Hebrew for now. More people will know Hebrew than will know English anyway, I imagine, so it will help with communication. Today in our meeting, the man from the municipality of Tel Aviv who was supposed to come and speak to us never showed up, so we just had an hours worth of question and answer time. Marion kept on answering the questions of those in the group and said (more than once), "Teresa, this will be more difficult for you because...." and so on. I think she might have added that two or three times, but it was enough to intimidate me slightly. I am really very excited about it though, and expect it to be considerably challenging, but I pray it will also be rewarding.



That's just about it for now. I'm going with Mary tonight to take her puppy to the vet, and we've got to get going in a little bit here. Love you all!