This Is(not)rea(ae)l Life.

I can't believe I'm already writing my third post. It's crazy, I feel like I've already been here a month, but it's only been a little over week, just about under two weeks. I guess it's true as the saying goes, time flies when you're having fun. This past week has been the true start of my study abroad experience because we began Ulpan (Hebrew) this past Sunday, yes, in Israel they have school on Sunday...it's a weird adjustment but I will get used to it. Another adjustment has been the waking up at 7:45 for Ulpan at 8:30 AM until 1 PM every day - it's hard, it's intensive, but I find that it will be worth it. Surprisingly or maybe not, I am enjoying Ulpan and it's definitely making me a more confident Hebrew speaker. So much so that I've been trying to communicate with the locals רק בעברית (only in Hebrew); it's working somewhat.
So updates for this week. Number 1...after a tiring 45 minute process of going back and forth and up and down, I finally was able to join the gym with my small towel (which they require at "all gyms in Israel") in hand - and have been going every day after class, which has been great. At home, gym time was "me" time and it's nice to have it in Israel, my new home, as well.
This past week came and went pretty quickly, I'm off on my days because of class on Sunday, so even though today is Saturday I'm in the mindset that it's Friday...Anyway, on Thursday night a bunch of us went to Tel Aviv's Hottest Club: Wonderland (anyone catch that Stefan SNL reference?), but I call it Wondaland in a British accent because it's much more fun. This club was trippy...it's an Alice in Wonderland themed place with funhouse mirrors and a bar in the center of the room. It was funky to say the least but I do not see myself going back there that soon, it's a hotspot for creepy Americans, so naturally, we will stay away.
Yesterday around 11 AM, myself and three other friends decided to venture the 5 mile walk (hike) to the Shuk HaCarmel in Tel Aviv. It was about 65 degrees here - sorry to all my friends and family stuck back home, I don't miss the snow at all. We stopped midway for Brunch at Cafe DVD on Dizengoff Street; I ordered the Chicken salad with strips of Grilled chicken, chunks of sweet potato, cherry tomatoes and a lemon vinaigrette on the side. The Cafe was retro with old album covers covering the wall and the food was delish. After we finally arrived at the Shuk, we were exhausted, but it was time to do some Shabbat food shopping for the Potluck dinner we were having later that night. About an hour later we returned back home to campus and began to prepare - the finished product was a room full of 9 girls, two Israeli salads, a quinoa dish, grilled vegetables, Guacomole, Challah, White Wine and homemade Pita chips. This meal was so totally delicious and it was all in good company. To end this night on a positive note, when asked what I did last night, my answer was Valium. (Me on Valium = !*@#&!) But I don't mean the drug, I mean the club! Valium has been the best club so far with an amazing venue and the best music. We danced all night to the best songs ever (thanks for the quote 1D).

I apologize for the length of this post, I just have a lot to say! Overall, I'm loving it here and I'm really happy...I can't wait for the new adventures ahead this week.