I've arrived, I've legally ordered, and i'm learning

Hello everyone! I have officially arrived safe and sound in the lovely land of Israel! I left this past Monday and traveled on a plane from Newark for 10 HOURS so I could get to this great place and I’ve finally arrived. I know everyone wanted a post sooner (if you didn’t please lie. It makes me feel awesome.) but you have no idea how intense this week has been! We got in on Monday and had a small orientation for the actual program we are on which is Nativ. On Tuesday we had the real, long orientation for the program and I ordered MY FIRST LEGAL DRINK! Probably one of the most exciting moments thus far I must say. I had myself a nice little mojito because it made me think of Family Guy which, in turn, made me laugh. On Wednesday we took a tour of the city of Jerusalem and I kid you not, my dormitory is in the middle of one of the most exciting cities in the world. I can take a walk to Ben Yehuda. I can waltz over to the Kotel if I get the inkling. I can EVEN walk across the street to an extremely packed full super market that has all of my needs. That night we went to a nice bar-b-que so that all of the group could bond and we have a nice evening out at the park! On Thursday I had my first day of classes! We took a bus to Hebrew U and had our orientation for classes and since I have to actually learn Hebrew before we start the true semester I had to stay for 4 HOURS to learn some letters and words. Don’t get me wrong it was nice and interesting but that didn’t mean I had to like sitting there for that long. I was put into the beginner instead of intermediate classes but looking at how fast paced the classes are I’m very glad I’m getting a refresher before I start classes in October. My uncle also came to visit! He was brining me a sim card but it still made me feel great seeing him. Literally everyone except me went out partying this night. Instead me and my friend stayed in and watched the second Sherlock Holmes movie (I didn’t like and it I was so distracted! Sorry, bud.) and watched people slowly stumble in. FRIDAY AND ITS SHABBAS! Since I was still in the Ulpan classes we had an extra day to make sure we made up for the crunch time. I got the pleasure of waking up at 7:30 AM on a Friday (which here is like Saturday) while everyone else was sleeping off hangovers or just sleeping off the terrible jetlag (which was are slowly but surely getting over). After class we enjoyed a calm day without any pressures and the knowledge we had a day of rest coming up. We davened at a site where we could look into the past and also see the future of Jerusalem and see where we actually were getting to spend a year and see its significance. Saturday we went to shul. Each of chose our own and small groups went to different places to try it out. Mine wasn't exactly what I liked but eh, I have nine months to decide what's really for me. I took a three hour nap so the rest of it is a blur but that night my uncle, cousins, and step aunt all came to visit me and it made my night. I also got to talk to each one of my family members which is more than I have for most of the time I've been here. Sunday we have school. Its the worst feeling in the world to wake up at 6:30 on a sunday with the intention of 4 hours of intensive hebrew, 45 minutes for lunch, and then 3 hours of a History of Jerusalem course with a total of a 45 minute break between them all. Although all are fun, I could do without waking up that early. WE got home around 4 and the day has been spent hanging with friends, doing homework, and trying to fight the need to sleep. (Jetlag still sucks) Its now sunday night and i'm sorry I haven't been so up to date on this whole experience. Believe you me, its been a hectic and over whelming week but its also been so amazing and eye opening that I am absolutely loving it here. I'll start posting pictures when I remember to start taking them! Hope America is as fun as it is here! Keep It Sassy Miriam