"...making the best of the Holy Land"

This past week I've been in a sort of loop. Deciding how I feel about studying abroad in Israel, how I feel about Binghamton...there have been a few stresses and a few positives. My midterm on Monday went well. Studying paid off. Actually, Sunday had been a hectic day because I ended up showing a friend all around Jerusalem (it was her first time here). Also on Monday my Hebrew teachers decided to let my class know that we'd be having a test on Thursday (earlier today)...yay? I know this sin't reflective of all Israeli culture, but much of what happens at the international school is not well organized. Its a sad fact, though I understand the difficulty when dealing with an ever changing student body. I spent most of the week stressing about the upcoming Hebrew midterm, getting ready for Pesach (passover). The latter included starting to clean my apartment and, because I didn't want to buy food for half a week before my food consumption religiously changes for a week (Pesach has extra odd restrictions), finishing whatever food was in the apartment. Unfortunately, that meant that on top of the stress eating I was eating unhealthy snack foods that I had purposefully been staying away from for the past two weeks. Whatever, so I've put on a few pounds in the past month and a half. I'm the only one that notices and I'm sure it'll be gone soon enough (or is my metabolism finally biting me in the ass and slowing down?).
I love being here in Israel. Its a beautiful country that manages to exist as both one of the most modern technologically advanced societies in the world as well as one of the most religious. For all that, this country is a bit backwards. I hate the way bureaucracy works. Israelis claim their culture is far more direct then in the US, but honestly I find it to be the reverse. In Israel, things can change at a moments notice and you won't be told. In the US, you can generally rely on some sort of organized structure. Then again, I've been limited to academic experiences which are very different then anything else. So yes, LOVE Israel, not do found of the Rothberg school.
I just wanted to let you all know that I'm doing well. There were a few issues with Binghamton during the week, but now they seem to be working out. There was a grade on my transcript that was VERY incorrect (I don't get "F"'s, k?) and whether or not I TA next semester is in limbo, but whatever happens I should graduate on time. Oh, and I think I"m adding on a 3rd minor. Don't tell my parents.
OKAY, its past midnight and I'm getting up at 5 for a 4 day hike from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of Galilee. I also get to spend part of the weekend in a Druz village. And, when I get back, Pesach will be starting and thats one of my favorite holidays!!! YAY!