Akko

Well all, it feels like July over here in Israel. I realized this as I awoke in an actual pool of my own sweat. Currently, I am in my room wearing a light dress with the fan going at full speed and I still feel like it might be a problem getting to sleep in the heat. This wouldn’t worry me if it were in fact June or July, but it’s April and what’s worse is that just a few days ago, I needed a sweatshirt and scarf when going outside at night. What will May and June be like?!

Good news is that it is Pesach and I have a few days of rest and relaxation before we go into what is bound to be a completely hectic home stretch of the program. We have 5 more working days before we have a big performance at a Holocaust memorial ceremony of sorts and we don’t even know the structure of the piece we will be performing. I also have to get kicking on my pieces for our performance in early June. I have quite a ways to go. It’s good that I have a chunk of time to rest and re-organize myself because I can definitely feel my body telling me that I need it!

The Shuk in Akko

Earlier today to celebrate the start of our holidays, a few of us went to the neighboring Arab town of Akko. Akko is apparently home to the best humus in all of Israel. Let me tell you, my friends: according to yours truly, this rumor is completely true. I had the best humus ever today for lunch. I can’t even describe it. I can say that it tastes pretty much completely different from regular humus. It is so unbelievably fresh and tasty. For desert, we went next door where they sold bars of fresh nuts and honey. I got a triple layered chunk of goodness that had sesame seeds at the bottom, pistachios, almonds and hazelnuts in the middle and unsweetened coconut on the top. A little slice of heaven in my mouth! The Shuk (or market) was home to fabulous textiles, chachkes, spices and best of all fresh fish! I wish I could have bought some fish to take home, but it would have spoiled in the heat. Next time! … For the other chunk of time we have off from dancing, a few of us were contemplating renting a car and taking day trips to the Golan and Tsfat among other places. We’re getting together to discuss cost tomorrow.

View of Akko from the harbor

This week, I have decided to cut myself off from all forms of chat on my computer including Skype. I have also decided not to email many people unless it is necessary. I am doing this because I recently realized that I have been too tied to the computer and haven’t been present enough around the kibbutz. I re-recognized that this time is supposed to be for me before I delve into the ‘real world’ - as it were - and I need to be living in it as much of it as possible. Most recently, I have been too concentrated with home and my future. It’s amazing how much I have done in the few days that I have gone without these things.  I started and finished a book, took a long walk by myself, wrote lots in my journal, had several meetings, am currently writing my second blog posting. My mind feels much clearer already and I am thinking that I’ll try to keep a simplified version of this plan for the rest of my stay. Sorry all. I’ll continue to write blog posts.

I am off for now! I am going to clean up a bit before I go to a massive Passover Seder. Can’t wait. Sending love and Chag Sameach to all! Xx, Marissa