First week in Ashkelon 9/7-9/11

We are living in Calaneet Absorption Center, which basically means its subsidized housing for new immigrants, students, and volunteers. The housing is modest. I live in a one bedroom with two other girls. I live in the living room. On the upside, I don't have to worry about snoring and I have my own closet. On the downside, our room is a popular hangout and never quiet. I have not taken one hot shower since I arrived. There is this device called a "dude" that you have to turn on when you want hot water. It is a water timer, so you have to plan your showers in advance. Its just too hot to take hot shower right now...

Our afternoons have been spent volunteering in the community. On Wednesday, we volunteered at the Ayalim Student Village. They are the future pioneers of Israel. They build their own housing and help rebuild communities. Otzma went to work cleaning up a community center that would be used later in the week. Our first project was planting grass. Some people sewed the land while others brought them patches of grass to lay down. Sooo messy. My entire body was covered in the dirt. Other people were removing rocks from the garden or sweeping the basketball court. It felt good to get down and dirty and give back to a community. On Thursday, we delivered Rosh Hashana packages to community members in need. At points I had to walk up four stories to deliver a package! Like most things in Israel it could have been more organized...

Our evenings have been spent having potluck dinners with small groups of friends or the entire Otzma Corps. I am now obsessed with Israeli salad and have began eating tomatoes. Fruit and veggies are pretty cheap from the market. The happening nightlife area is down at the Marina or the Beach. It cost 20 shekels to get anywhere in the city. 20 sheckels is about a little more than 5 US Dollars. At times, the entire Otzma group takes over the bar. I think the bars are happy for our business. Next week, we begin Ulpan (Hebrew Classes) and going to our individual volunteer sites.