Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
AJJ EuroTrip '09: Warming Up
From: AJJ
Date: Sun, Dec 20, 2009 at 8:24 PM
Subject: AJJ EuroTrip Update
To: The ParentsDear Parents,
First off, we wanted to let you know that we are alive and well!
As you probably know by now, our flight to Milan this morning was CANCELLED due to inclement weather. So, we write to you from Brussels, where we’ve ended up staying. Although we were offered seats on the flight tonight, after a long and thorough discussion, we decided that it would make sense to stay here in order to optimize our safety and time with each other.
Since there is a snow storm today and another predicted for Tuesday, we did not want to risk missing our return flights. In addition, had we decided to continue to Milan, we would have had a total of one and half days there, with nothing to do and nowhere to recoup today. Thus, we are happy with our decision.
We are currently staying at:
Hotel ETap - ROOM 009
Bessenveldstraat
1831 DIEGEM
BELGIUMTel. (+32) 02 709 55 90
We hope to take one or two day trips in the area. But, most importantly, even if we are snowed-in for the next two days, this trip will still have been a success as we will have enjoyed quality time together.
Since we do not have internet in the hotel, we can only correspond when we find free Wi-Fi. Thus, please do not expect a quick response from us if you reply to this e-mail. But, you can rest assured, as usual, that if, god forbid, there is an emergency (don’t worry, this won’t happen), we will be in contact with you immediately.
That’s all for now as we try to stay warm, rested, and fed.
Hope you are enjoying the nor’easter (sorry we’re not home to shovel)!
Love,
Adi, Jason, and Josh
More to come...
Sunday, December 20, 2009
AJJ EuroTrip '09: Where are we?
- GREAT friends
- Lots of of spontaneous adventures
- Beer that taste like candy!
- Waffles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner...
Friday, December 11, 2009
A HANNUKA GIFT FOR YOU!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
5 PhDs and Me
Weekly Recap
Where have I been…
- Last week, our entire class went on a Negev Field trip.
- We visited a legal one-family-farm, Yeruham (a Development Town), unrecognized Bedouin villages, a massive industrial park, a stream of pollution, the first Bedouin woman entrepreneur, and government environmental efforts.
- We met with lots of people along the way.
- I feel that we heard a lot important stories and overall the Institute structured a well-balanced experience.
- At another time I will write about an occurrence with the group that is still being discussed today.
- We celebrated Thanksgiving with Palestinians, Jordanians, Israelis, Canadians, Australians, and, of course, Americans. Not to mention Christians, Jews, and Muslims. We had a pot luck feast with lots of tasty food. I made cranberry-pineapple aspic and a large jello shot (see photos in AIES album)!
- Mike Schwartz came for Shabbat and we had a great time. Best of all, he brought a homemade pecan pie!
5 PhDs & Me (and Bill)
This year I am interning with the Tal Fund and personally working with Alon Tal. After he won the Bronfman Prize in 2006, Alon created this fund with the mission of: "expeditiously supporting effective community activism that seeks to preserve Israel's air, water and land resources and to encourage sustainable development in Israel."
On Tuesday I traveled with the board to do some site visits for potential grantees…
- I got up at 5am to travel with Bill, whom I’ve mentioned before (my Kibbutz cycling buddy) and is Alon’s best friend and board member, to meet the group.
- At times during the ride there were seven of us squeezed into a small Mazda van-type vehicle (definitely not an American minivan!). As intimate as we were, I felt very undereducated. When the first guest arrived, Alon was introducing all of us and it went something like this, from front to back of the vehicle: “Meet Dr. Orr Karassin, Dr. David Tal, Dr. Yonina Rosenthal, Mr. Adi Segal, and Mr. Bill Slott.” Remember, Alon and the guest also hold PhDs. Not that either of us (Bill is a Cornell graduate) is stupid, but it was funny to have these introductions and then see these two dummies crammed into the two back seats…what I called the peanut gallery!
- We saw (photos to the right):
- Attempts at environmental efforts in Rahat, an underserved Bedouin city. This is a very difficult project, because it will also take a sociological change on the side of the community. The best part here was that we stopped at Ahmad’s home, where we were treated to real Bedouin hospitality in his personal tent…none of this large tent tourist stuff that big groups usually see.
- Next, we went to Arad where, for the last ten years, they’ve been fighting the building of a chemical factory that will emit large amounts of phosphates. Not good for you.
- Finally, we saw the very important efforts to ban the construction of a hotel on the beach in Palmahim, one of the only undeveloped areas on the coast. With some funding, there’s a lot of promise for this project.
- The best part was the picnic lunch Alon packed for us, which we ate in the middle of a JNF forest!
- As we returned to Ketura, Bill and I were talking about the Fund. He mentioned that as esteemed as the Board of Trustees looks, it’s basically Alon’s birthday party, with his best friends, parents, wife, and kids (and maybe one or two outsiders). But, then Bill realized that this isn’t so strange, because most of the big foundations (which have a lot more money than the Tal Fund – like Ford, Vanderbilt, and Bronfman), began with families sitting around a table giving away money.
Finally, as little attention as she may want, I need to wish my little sister, ORLI, a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
~Adi
Befuddlements
- Is it a good or bad thing that I have been to every rest stop in Israel so many times that as soon as I get off the bus I know exactly where to go to the bathroom?
- As I traveled through the country on Tuesday, I realized that the development here is very strange. They literally dropped towns and forests in the middle of the desert, with no surroundings, and hoped for the best…it didn’t always work out!
- I really don’t think kibbutz, at least in the middle of the desert, is for me…
When Bill and I stepped off the bus at 9pm, after a full day of travel, he said: “And now you have a real taste of what it’s like to live here. And, that’s when you realize it’s easier to never leave!” He was slightly joking, but there’s definitely a lot of truth there…
Shoutout #40: Evyatar Asher – We met this summer and now we’re GREAT friends. U DA MAN! Thanks for always checking in and taking care of me in your country. And more importantly, THANKS for being the 40th follower!
Shoutout #41: Becca Farber, how come I have not heard from you yet? Welcome aboard! You are a great environmentalist and it was a pleasure working with you last year as our team pioneered JTS EcoReps. I hope you are having a good time in Israel and hopefully we can hangout when I get to J-Town.
P.S. For those of you who have been thinking about eating recently, I urge you to read this piece: The Carnivore’s Dilemma
P.P.S. I love all of Eliav's posts, but there's something about this one that really struck an emotional chord in me. For those of you who are camp/Ramah people, I think you’ll really enjoy this... A Return trip to Ramah in New England, an emotional journey
P.P.P.S. So…Chelsea is engaged to a nice Jewish boy…WHO CARES! But, did you hear they were at JTS for Kol Nidre? Apparently, she and Arnie are friends from Stanford!
AYS
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Thinking on Thanksgiving
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
This paper discusses the global issue of inner city food deserts. These are areas in which healthy and affordable food options are not available. Research has shown that a lack of nutrition leads to further health problems, cognitive gaps, and unpromising trajectories. This paper reviews the social, health, and environmental impacts of this problem. Here, past research is analyzed and current programs are evaluated. This article focuses on food deserts in New York City, specifically in Harlem. Some field research is also included. Following a detailed review of the situation, practical recommendations are made to alleviate this crisis.
The full article: Food Deserts: A Global Crisis in New York City
I apologize in advance for any editorial errors.
When the editors decide to finally publish Issue III, you can view my article here: Consilience: The Journal of Sustainable Development
And, if you get bored, here are three more articles to peruse:
Remind Me Why We're Doing This
8 Easy Green Thanksgiving Tips
5 Steps to an Eco Black Friday
HAVE A HAPPY AND MEANINGFUL THANKSGIVING!
~Adi
Saturday, November 21, 2009
It’s Always an Adventure Here!
Everything with Evy
I didn’t stop eating…
- Background: Evyatar Asher is a good friend of mine from Camp. He was a member of mishlachat and we worked together in Shorashim this past summer. He currently lives at home with his family in Yehud and attends Bar Ilan University.
- On Thursday night we went out with two of Evyatar’s high school friends to a quaint place called Café Gidi in Ramat Gan. There was a line out the door. But, that’s ok, because they brought us free, very tasty, hot coco as we waited outside. Once we entered, it had a lovely ambiance (similar to Max Café on 122nd and Amsterdam), good/quick service, and delicious food. If you’re ever in the area, I recommend grabbing a bite there.
- On Friday morning, we did some marketing with his mother and brother at the shuk, during which I bought a finjan, small glass cups, and shuk/homemade coffee blend. My tea/coffee set is almost complete!
- Then, the two of us headed off to a place where Evy eats every Friday: Birenbaum (located at the top of Nahalat Binytamin)! This was another great restaurant, with a cool atmosphere. Except here, it was like visiting family. Evy gave a hug and kiss to every waitress and chef and we got everything we wanted, plus dessert on the house! The food is all vegetarian, served buffet style, and VERY scrumptious. Another must for your next visit to Tel Aviv.
- Next, we walked through the famous art fair that happens every Tuesday and Friday.
- I think this is such a unique thing. I’ve never been to another place that has high-quality artists in the same location twice a week. I love it!
- I was able to walk up to the exact table, in the exact place, where I bought a very cool class snake five years ago and found a similar piece of art waiting for another patron.
- I love seeing this street full of creativity.
- However, every time I visit I think, this would be great…but I don’t own a home, so I have nowhere to put these cool fixtures (like toilet paper holders and baskets for newspaper)….I must return…
- Over Shabbat we went to three different minyanim. Friday evening we davened with a group that Evyatar and his friends help organize. They call it a Carlbach minyan. But, only a few of the niggunim were distinctively Carlbach (at least to my ears). Nonetheless, they had a great showing and now have to look for a bigger place to hold services.
- As my list of reasons why I wouldn’t make Aliya continues to grow, there are sometimes glimmers of hope. Friday night after dinner was one of those beautiful times. Evyatar’s friends from town came over for a small “oneg.” It was great to see people of all shapes, sizes, colors, and religious observance hang out together as one “chevre.” As some studied a bit of Talmud in one corner, another couple arrived in their car. The memorable moment for me was when Moshe, with his large kippa seruga and flailing tzitzit, said goodbye to Siyum, a secular Ethiopian, holding car keys. They threw a few love punches, gave a great big hug, and discussed the details for Moshe to sign the Ketuba as the eid next week at Siyum’s wedding.
- Did I mention, Evy’s wonderful mother didn’t stop feeding us?
- Finally, as my father always says, Israel is “The One Disk Country.” And….now with modern technology, it’s even easier to swap files. Needless to say, I left Yehud with a lot more Israeli music on my computer.
Over Shabbat I read a wonderful article from a recent New Yorker about the current Israel-Gaza situation. I highly recommend it. It’s very detailed and objective (hard to find these days). After reading it, you can come to your own conclusion about an “appropriate” solution: Captives
Food for Thought
I guess going to a food conference has become an annual tradition for me.
Pre-Convention:
- I arrived in Tel Aviv on Wednesday evening. I had arranged a place to stay.
- While out to dinner with some friends, I received a text message from my original host saying, “Do you have an Alternative? If that’s ok.” So, I asked Joe (name changed for confidentiality) if I could stay with him. Joe, who was staying in a hotel, was staffing the Conference the next day, so it was a perfect arrangement. He checked with his roommate for the night, and all was set for success.
- After an exciting evening with friends and some new, eye-opening experiences, it was time to catch a few Zs. But, Joe had disappeared. Furthermore, he was not answering his phone or text messages. All I wanted to know was where the hotel was so I could go back on my own.
- Eventually, we made contact with him and he said to meet on the corner of Allenby and Rothschild, a main intersection.
- So, I left the group with whom I was walking to find Joe.
- But, Joe was nowhere to be found. Thirty minutes later, at 1:25 AM, as I stood in the brisk wind, Joe had still not arrived, and was once again not responding to cell phone communications.
- It was at this time, that I decided there was nothing else to do, but find a hostel. At one point during the evening, another friend had mumbled “48 Hayarkon” amidst our conversation about places to stay. So I started walking towards Hayarkon St and eventually hailed a cab.
- I asked the driver if he knew of any hostels in the area, but he didn’t know, so I told him to go to Hayarkon St. During the ride he radioed the dispatcher, who confirmed that there was indeed a hostel at 48 Hayarkon.
- I arrived and walked into this gloomy lobby with one guy behind the counter. I was in luck:
- With my passport, as a “tourist,” I was able to get a bed in a dormitory-style room for 78 Shekels (~$21). This was perfect as I was just happy to be inside, warm, and have a place to sleep.
- After I paid, he gave me the sheets and told me I could pay to lock up my valuables.
- Despite the warning, I took a chance and didn’t lock up anything.
- But, I did rent a towel for 3 shekels.
- I went up to my room to find two girls and one guy occupying the other bunk beds. I washed up and went to bed.
- A few hours later, after a light sleep, I awoke, showered, shaved, and headed off.
- I’m not sure my roommates ever knew I was in the room.
- While I could have been angry about this situation, I realized it wasn’t worth it. It is just better to laugh about it and tell myself, it’s always an adventure here!
Discussing Sustainable Food and Agriculture:
- The Food Conference, sponsored by the Arava Institute and the Heschel Center, was very impressive.
- Over 500 people attended!
- They had a bunch of big names speak including the Minister of Agriculture, the founder of Israel’s Green Party, and a few of my professors.
- I met some interesting people and reconnected with old friends.
- Like the Bike Ride, I was the only current student at the Machon to partake.
- It was another good experience away from the Kibbutz!
I would like to thank everyone for their overwhelming support of my Israel Ride! Feel free to visit my ride site for the latest stats or if you have a last minute urge to contribute.
Now, I’m off with my class on a three-day Negev fieldtrip.
Until next time...
~Adi
Befuddlements
- Do you REALLY have to smoke?
I just don’t understand: If you’ve grown up and gone to school (with health education) in the last twenty years, especially in the States, how could you possibly want to smoke?
- Only in Israel will you find a car zipping down the street blasting the song “Yo Ya” by Kveret.
- Why does every Israeli think they can treat you like a sibling? This can be both good and bad. Often times they are very endearing and you get a lovely homey feeling wherever you may be. BUT, I don’t think a shop owner should reprimand potential customers. Hey, whatever works!...
Shoutout #38: Ariel Touger – WOW! It’s great to see you out here; welcome! Well, what can I say, you are simply a good friend. In our former years…Be it a quick visit in Milburn or a whole weekend together, we always seem to have a good time with a lot of laughs (usually about other people). Hope College Park is treating you well.
Shoutout #39: Allison Guttenplan (Alli G!) – You are such a kind person. You will go out of your way do anything for most people. Plus, you are a lot of fun! Welcome aboard!
P.S. If you didn’t get a chance yet, take a moment and Vote for the Edot Names at Ramah Outdoor Adventure.
P.P.S. Do you know what you’re eating? Maybe you should think again: Corn-based Meat
P.P.P.S. SERIOUSLY?! Who does Fox think they’re kidding:
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Sean Hannity Uses Glenn Beck's Protest Footage | ||||
| ||||
I apologize for the plethora of external links above. However, as a fellow procrastinator, I would actually find them helpful…ENJOY!
AYS
Notes from the Field
Here are two meaningful things that I’ve been intending to post for over week now…
The Value of Breira in Peace-Building
I recently wrote to my friend, mentor, and former boss, Dr. Beth Jaret, Director of Breira B’Ramah:
As part of the Arava Institute all students must take part in the semester-long non-credit “Peace Building and Environmental Seminar.” Last week we had a six hour session (yeah, I know) on Compassionate Listening. Although I thought this was going to be long and drawn out, it actually was very good and helped people open up. I realized again what I have noticed in the last year or two, that working with Breira and the training you provided has made me a pretty good listener. As we know, most people (especially our campers) usually have the best solutions to their problems. So, if you just give people a chance to talk and truly express themselves, it can make things much easier. Thank you for that.
But, I also noticed that sometimes when I'm not specifically in the role of "Breira Counselor," I forget this important skill. I believe this especially happens in situations like here, where everyone feels they must really defend their opinions. Thus, this session was actually a very good remainder of one of the most important communication skills. As many of the conversations here are often very politically and emotionally charged, I am working hard to actively listen well and "give peace a chance."
Seriously, you should try it. It really works in everyday life. And, it’s definitely a start in peace work.
A Biblical Note
While sitting in my class Bible as a Key to Environmental Thought, I found an amazing verse about the joining of beloveds, hidden in the middle of B’reishit.
Genesis 2:24
Hence a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, so that they become one flesh.
I think this is a beautiful view of love, marriage, and family!
[In addition, feminist readers, take note: Man clings to Woman. WOW!]
While there is a lot I could say, both negative and positive, about this one verse, I will simply say that I hope part of this philosophy is a major part of my marriage one day.
And, if you are in the mood for an enchanting, heartfelt, exemplary love story, read this (plus it even mentions “kibbutz”): The Obama’s Marriage
This post had a bit of a different tone than normal. I would love to hear your thoughts. Simply hit “comments” and tell us what you think.
~Adi
Sunday, November 15, 2009
The Day I Lost My Hair
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| From The Day I Lost My Hair |
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| From The Day I Lost My Hair |
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Ride Recap
I’ve just completed the most amazing
315-mile journey!
Again, THANK YOU to all those who have already supported me. If you didn’t get the chance yet, please take this opportunity and Follow This Link to promote PEACE, PARTNERSHIP, and ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION…and pass on the word. If just 18 more people contribute $18, I will definitely meet my goal. Together we can make a difference!
There’s so much I could tell, but that may bore you. So here’s my takeaway:
- Luckily my first adventure was not indicative of the entire experience…When I stepped onto Bus 394 at 1:45am in front of Ketura, the driver did not have my preordered ticket. So, I was forced to pay again AND sit/lay on the floor for the 5-hour ride. I did not sleep as planned and arrived in rainy Tel Aviv at 6am, very tired.
- I mentioned a bunch about the basics in the last two posts. But just to reiterate, we ate and slept VERY WELL. They really took good care of us!
- Here’s something impressive…Two of the lead riders included:
- Israel’s #1 Cyclist - Ayal Rahat
- The Chair of the Chemistry Department at Hebrew University - Gil Shoham
- I became friendly with them and the entire crew. In fact, I spent a lot of time with the Crew, who are Arava alums, during breaks, because I am closer in age with them then most of the other riders.
- Nonetheless, I think I had a conversation with every participant.
- The CREW deserves a huge round of applause. They did a spectacular job. There was not one time when I felt confused or stressed during this week. (Honestly, it felt nice to not be in charge or give directions for once. This week I was able to sit back and just participate. Though, I did “crew” at times for fun.)
- Moreover, I believe the Ride was very well done, because no matter if you cycled the whole way or rode the bus for half the time, everyone left feeling accomplished.
- On our way to Ketura on the second to last day, we hit a WIND STORM. I don’t know if you’ve ever tried this, but cycling in a headwind that is moving faster than you is much harder than biking up a mountain.
- I was really impressed by many of the cyclists. I hope when I am three times my age I can beat a youngster up steep hills. But, as Ed Loebl (Rachel’s dad) put it, “When you ride five times a week, it’s not so bad.” (Not to mention, I didn’t really train for this.)
- Finally, this Ride provided a very unique vantage point of Israel. I’ve seen most of Israel in many different ways (small groups, large groups, hiking, busing, driving), but rolling through the country on a bicycle in an extraordinary experience. To physically move yourself, at your own speed, through the land, allows for a whole new perspective. You better appreciate the height of mountains, the geographic and climatic diversity of the small area, surrounding nature, and even the people within. I strongly encourage everyone to do this at some point in your life. Speaking of which, SIGN UP NOW FOR NEXT YEAR IN JERUSALEM - October 19th - 26th, 2010!
I’m always available to answer questions and share more with you. Can’t wait to hear from you...
And, tomorrow we celebrate Ketura's birthday!
~Adi
Biking Befuddlements
- In the last post when I discussed my fear of the downhill, I forgot to mention that another risky factor is that I am attached to my pedals. This does not make for an easy fall!
- However, I’ve also learned to love the downhill, because after a climb, the ONLY thing you want is a nice, long, steep, descent. OY!
- You know you’re working hard when you take off your sunglasses and can wipe off actual salt crystals.
- In case you don’t know, THIS COUNTRY HAS A LOT OF HILLS!
- I’ve decided I should not be so hard on myself when the #1 Israeli cyclist beats me in a sprint… even if he’s only using ONE foot!
One last time (I hope), PLEASE DONATE TODAY!
AYS
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Israel Ride: Almost There…
First, I’d like to thank everyone who has already supported my efforts. Without your help this would not be a success. For those of you who have not had the opportunity to donate yet, there’s still time. We will complete our ride by cycling from Ketura to Eilat tomorrow. Please take a moment and Follow This Link to support PEACE, PARTNERSHIP, and ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
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| From Israel Ride 2009 |
I am a bit tired and must be up early, so I’m not going to write a full post now.
But here are a few highlights:
- Our ride began by leaving Tzfat towards the Kinneret; winding back to the to the Mediterranean (Yam el Yam!); bused down to Meshabim (near Be’er Sheva); from there to Mitzpei Ramon à Ketura à Eilat.
- After spending so much time in the desert, it was really refreshing to be up north.
- We’ve done a lot of mountain climbing. Ironically, my thighs, which could have burst open, feel better today than they did after a full Shabbat of no riding.
- The community that has been created is really amazing. A lot of great people from all over the country.
- I sat down with Nigel, the Founder and Executive Director of Hazon, to share a few of my ideas. We had a very fruitful discussion.
- I’ve uploaded some photos. But, I really haven’t taken that many because there’s a photographer capturing all the good moments. Check out the Fall Israel Ride web page for further updates.
As always, more to come…
~Adi
Biking Befuddlements
- The old guys love the downhill. I could reach the peak of a mountain 10 minutes before them, but sure enough, they’ll whiz by me on the descent.
Quite frankly, I get slightly scared. I really don’t like roller coasters, so you can imagine what it’s like for me going down a mountain just as fast, with switchbacks, on bike that’s not connected to a track that’s been tested for safety!
- This ride is very Jewish. I think I’ve actually gained weight, because of all the eating.
- For some reason, Israelis seem to think that it’s very supportive for cyclists to honk their horn and then zoom by.
P.S. I promise a full post is on its way. But until then, please make a small difference in this world by supporting me on the Hazon Arava Institute Israel Ride: CLICK HERE TO DONATE NOW. Toda!
AYS
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Israel Ride: Stage 1
- We completed our first 70 miles and I'm feeling great! I was able to ride in the front of the strong group for the entire day.
- Food is delicious and we're eating like kings (queens...royalty....whatever you want).
- Social Environment and camaraderie is amazing!
- Accommodations are lovely.
- Weather: Went from my teeth chattering this morning to a burning neck in the afternoon. Tomorrow's forecast is even better.
- I wish I had pictures to share, but I didn't take that many because it's a lot easier for the photographer to take pictures of us while we're riding. Soon, there should be photos posted HERE, along with other ride information that's already out there.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Help me support Israel and the Environment!
I am determined to fulfill this dream but need your help to do so. As a participant in the 2009 Arava Institute Hazon Bike Ride, I am committed to raising at least $3,600 and I need your support to do so. Remember, from $10 - $1000, every dollar counts. Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts. In addition, please help spread the word. Please tell your friends and family about this important cause and send them to my web page: http://arava.ki
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Life Here
Just to keep you posted...
- Yesterday it RAINED. In NYC we get upset. Here, it's a celebration!
- I served my toranut (volunteer duty) in the dining hall tonight...
- I really enjoyed it. I think this may have been what was lacking in my time here.
- I was washing dishes, or unloading after they got washed in the kitchen “car wash” thing; reloading the supplies in the dining hall; sweeping; and cleaning. It was really a lot of fun. And, it was another way for me to interact with the members here.
- Best of all, I dropped and broke a few plates and the entire chadar ochel started clapping and yelling “mazal tov!” I felt like I was in camp again…it was quite exciting!
- They had a memorial service for Yitzhak Rabin tonight, but I missed it because I was getting covered in food slop, while cleaning the kitchen.
- PLEASE SEE ABOVE FOR SOME VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION….
~Adi
Befuddlements
Life here doesn’t really change. I must get off of Kibbutz to bring you more worldy wisdom.
Shoutout # 37: Seffi Kogen – It was a pleasure seeing you the other week. Thanks for all your help, even though none of it really worked out in the end. Until you told me, I didn’t realize how much I’ve influenced you. I’m sorry. But, if you ever need a ride, you know who to come to!
P.S. Seffi has requested that I "pimp his blog," so feel free to check it out @ http://seffikogen.blogspot.com/.
AYS
Monday, October 26, 2009
And the Fun Begins
Best Bud Reunion
Jason just left yesterday, after spending five days together, and I am very sad. We had a GREAT time together. We:
- ENJOYED quality time together
- Ate a lot (at least he did)
- Participated in taking pictures for 350 (see AIES album to the right and 350.org)…one picture actually made it into Yediot (a big Israeli newspaper) on Sunday:
- Went on three wonderful hikes
- Hitchhiked to Yotvata and back. DELICIOUS CHOCOLOATE MILK in A BAG and ICE CREAM!
- Learned a bunch
- Bummed around in Eilat
- And just had a “gay ol’ time!”
J-man, you are my best friend! THANK YOU so much for coming. It was truly my pleasure to have you. You made my week/month/semester!
Can’t wait for more adventures when AJJ reunite in Europe (location TBA)…
In Other News…
Here’s what I’ve been up to.
Social Scene
- Everyone is beginning to settle in.
- There is a nice balance of Israelis, Palestinians, Jordanians, and others. Slowly, people are finding their place and becoming comfortable with each other.
- Everyone (or most people) is very friendly. While I have had some wonderful conversations, both personal and political, there have yet to be any truly heated discussions. I think that’s a good thing for starters.
- I have already come to the conclusion with many Palestinians that if we could return to the situation after the Oslo Accords, in the mid ‘90s, where everyone was living happily side-by-side, that would suffice. At least as a starting point. I’ll keep you posted as discussions progress.
- And, yes, I HAVE made some close friends.
Academics
- The Student Life Department ran a very nice orientation. The main day was held in Eilat. I posted pictures two weeks ago.
- I am not so happy with the schedule, especially on Sunday. I have a 10am class and then two mandatory three hour classes…NOT GOOD. But, such is life. On the other hand, on Monday I only have one class, which begins at 4pm. I wish it were a little more balanced, but it’s difficult since they have professors coming from far away and can only teach once a week.
- I am currently enrolled in:
o Sustainable Agriculture
o Intro to Environmental Science
o Alternative Energy Policy and Management
o Research Methodologies
o The Bible as a Key to Environmental Thought – GREAT TEACHER!
o Eco-Health – MOST EXCITING…MY PASSION! And…love the professor.
o Peace Building and Environmental Leadership Seminar (PELS) – pretty cool – not for credit, but compulsory for all students.
The semester is going very well. Many of the courses seem easy so far, because they are introductory or surveys. But, it's only the second week, so I will refrain from judgment as of yet. Nevertheless, the experience is phenomenal. To live in the desert, in the middle of nowhere, with Arabs, Israelis and others is truly amazing. Since there is REALLY nothing else to do, we have plenty of time to hang out, become friends, share interests, and THEN discuss the things that may divide us. I believe this is a unique experience that will greatly influence my life.
Off to build a grey-water system…
~Adi
Befuddlements
- I am truly amazed. I do not understand how Americans, who move to KIBBUTZ KETURA, fumble for words in English. Is there something in the water?
- Eilat is really a boring place. You know it’s bad when a seaside city, which prides itself on its beaches, has more cement than sand.
Shoutout #32: Navah Kogen – You have very orange hair…and I love it! I’m glad I could inspire you. Visit Navah’s entertaining blog @ sevendailyreasons.blogspot.com.
By the way, while I love it here, I completely understand why you chose not to live in this country. I, too, will return home in June.
Shoutout #33: Oren Pollak – I’m assuming this is you, since you didn’t put a last name nor a picture. First thing that comes to mind about you is when you spelled deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in NITZANIM…you’ll always be smarter than I! Whatever happened to you and the CRB Green Team? There’s always next summer. I hope you had fun this weekend with our boys. Can’t wait to see you in Kayitz 2010!
Shoutout #34: E-loosh, Baby! Thanks for finally signing on. I always knew you would come through. I hope you are having a GREAT time in college. (I know Cornell can get cold, so I just wanted to remind you that it’s 86 degrees here!) I miss you and the entire gang. L’shana haba b’Teaneck Ha’b’nuya.
Shoutout #35: Yasmin Khoury, you are the Arab (girl) I’ve always been looking for. We became such good friends in such a short time and then you left. We miss you here. Tell the UN they can wait. Come back ASAP.
Shoutout #36: Rachel, Rachel, Rachel (Steinbach). You are very special to me. From the day you were born, I knew we’d always remain close. I can’t wait to have another event in Connecticut. ALSO, I urge you to reconsider your decision and come to Israel this spring…
P.S. For those of you, especially the non-outdoorsmen and OA ’05, who didn’t catch this article a few weeks ago, you may enjoy it. I’ve hiked in these exact mountains and they are truly glorious: Adventures in Washington State’s Wonderland.
P.P.S. For the last few years, after Rabbi Herby Kavon showed me this clip, I’ve held Wafa Sultan’s view as very, very important. Unfortunately, she may be the silent or SILENCED majority. As I move forward with my journey here, I wanted to share this clip with you. I’m hoping to plan a program around this for PELS:
AYS
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
NEW RELEASE: My Campers
I've been working on this for awhile. This is my first cinematographic production and I'm really proud of it. I now truly appreciate the film industry.
For those of you who know what this is, I think you'll REALLY enjoy it. All others, I hope you will too.
Due to security precautions, I have only publicly released the trailer. For the FULL version please e-mail me at AYSEGAL@GMAIL.COM. Then, you can really indulge.
ENJOY and let me know what you think...
Adi
P.S. A real update with Befuddlements and Shoutouts to come soon!
FYI...All is well and I am making great new friends!
