Midterm Week

Hey babes!

I feel like we are all in different timezones and phases in our plans right now. I just finished my midterm week, Syd is pushing through exams, and Alexa is preparing for travels.

It really scares me how fast time flies. I have just over one month (gah). My goal for this semester was to really explore and get to know Israel (through sampling restaurants, hiking, and attending events all over the country) before this semester ends (*tears).

We had a two-week Passover vacation and everyone at the international school decided to travel to Europe and Northern Africa. I decided to stay in Israel and check items off my bucket list. My school was leading a “Sea to Sea” hike, where you hike for three days from the Mediterranean Sea to the Sea of Galilee. Hiking is really fun. I love the challenge, the sunshine, the fresh air, the soggy sandwiches and the awesome conversations. When you’re hiking for seven hours a day you really get to know people. Small talk ends really quickly and then I always find myself having fascinating conversations about politics, love, nature, travels, and anything that comes to mind. In such a fast-paced daily life it is so hard to find time to have deep conversations and find the time to breath deeply — hiking is just wandering with a purpose. It is strange, but I love the burning feeling in my lungs and the burn of my thighs when hiking uphill. The feeling of accomplishment, mixed with shortness of breath, sweat, and a big smile when reaching the peak, is wonderful. At the top of the mountain we were able to see the border with Lebanon and we were on the hill directly opposite from Tzfat (a cool mystical city in Northern Israel where everything is painted in “blue”). Due to Easter and Passover vacation, there were so many students and groups visiting from many countries. We were running late, so we had to run for part of the hike. It was challenging but so much fun! We were jumping on rocks and climbing hills and enjoying the warm sun on our cheeks. At night, we made smores and sang by the bonfire! Sunrises are free. Waking up early to watch the sunrise by the Kinneret (Sea of Galillee) was so peaceful. Our last day of hiking was pretty relaxed — more walking than hiking. We had to walk through banana fields to finally make it to the Sea of Galillee to go to the beach, for a well-deserved and necessary dip in the water. The water was so cold but so refreshing! I learned how to skip rocks on water and sipping fresh mint tea on the beach was heavenly.

My cousin from Germany came to visit me for a few days during my break and we had the greatest time. We hiked in a beautiful nature park, hitchhiked to the Dead Sea, and explored Jerusalem! I am really glad I decided to stay in Israel instead of running around Europe. It is now hitting me that time is running out — and that scares me.

Thursday was “Yom HaShoa” — Holocaust Remembrance Day. All the restaurants and cafés were closed to pay respect to this special day. Israel was established after the Holocaust and there are many Holocaust survivors living here. There is a siren that is sounded throughout the whole country and everyone pauses for all the people that didn’t make it through the Holocaust (Here is a video of the siren — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeozUSWdoQA). This day gave me chills and I am going to Poland next week to go on a special Holocaust remembrance trip.

Tonight is “Yom HaZikaron” — remembrance day for fallen soldiers. I am going to a ceremony tonight and am going to the military cemetery tomorrow to pay respect to the fallen soldiers. Apparently a family member or friend sits by the grave all day and shares stories about the buried soldier. I know I am going to be an emotional wreck, but I am really happy to be here on this day. Tomorrow is “Yom Haatzmaut” which is Israel’s Independence Day!! I am SO excited. There are Israeli flags all over the city and there are massive parties and bbqs which take place. We have a huge student party on a rooftop in the Old City tomorrow and I am really looking forward to it!

In the next few weeks I am also going to Turkey for a couple of days. I am going to Istanbul and Coppadocia (google a photo!). Can we all please skype soon!

Love you babes!

– Anna

Procrastiblogging

GIRLS! WHAT IS NEW!

It’s exam season around here except mine haven’t started yet and half of Queen’s is already home! My first exam is on Monday so I should be studying but it’s beautiful out and I’m bored so I’ve decided to blog.

I can’t remember what I wrote about last time I checked in but it was undoubtedly not too different than everything now. Queen’s is really lovely and I’m so happy to go here, and really grateful. It’s been absolutely weird to be here for half the year and you guys know how I feel about the lack of diversity and sameness around here. All that said, it really is a supportive, encouraging environment, and I feel like it’s the perfect place for self discovery. Or it is what we make of it, which has been a bit of a challenge for me this term. I’m used to being really involved and that has just not been the case coming back in January. Half term opportunities are something to definitely put in the Queen’s suggestion box!

I’ll just write about my interesting week. As per AMS standards, one must apply for absolutely everything. Because of that, I applied for multiple jobs/volunteer experiences next year, hoping to get maybe one of them. I was thrilled to get interviews at TAPS, MHAC and Peer Support Centre. The interview stress was real but I sucked it up and was so stoked to get the TAPS job. So on Tuesday, there was a welcome BBQ for new TAPS workers. Except surprise! Apparently everyone but me understood that BBQ meant kegger and I got casually drunk with my new coworkers. I made a friend though so A+. I’m really excited to be a part of the TAPS team next year. THEN, I got offered the MHAC position. When I applied for MHAC, I assumed I was applying to be a volunteer, but I was actually applying for one of 8 committee member positions so I think MHAC is going to be my biggest time commitment next year. I’m absolutely passionate about mental health awareness and this term especially have become increasingly frustrated with how terrible the resources are on campus, so I’m beyond thrilled to be the Residence Outreach Coordinator next year. And now I’ve been hired as a Peer Support Centre volunteer which is so exciting also and I can’t turn it down!

Wednesday night, my housemates and I went to Tango Nuevo, which for whatever reason was one of the best nights ever. We talked about politics and life goals and how we feel about where we’ve come. We drank red wine and split the bill and I realized that It was one of the first times I’ve felt happy to call myself and adult with adult friends. We all couldn’t believe how it was such a great night. Then on Thursday, Georgia (one of my housemates) and I were studying in the park (it was so nice out!) and decided to head over to the grad club patio. We then pub hopped to stone city ales and the brooklyn and had a hilarious time. And last night she and I ate ice cream and watched five hours of Grey’s. This has oddly been one of the best weeks ever.

I feel like things are looking up. Naomi and I are staying in Kingston until we move on the 1st, and then I’ll be home and in full camp mode. I’m a little nervous about all my commitments next year but mostly excited. I’m writing a thesis and I’m so stoked for that too! I might go to Edmonton and San Diego in May, so that would be exciting. I miss traveling!

My friend Alex and I are planning to take a year off after 4th year and travel Southeast Asia. That’s one longterm goal that I’m really looking forward to.

Now I need to learn everything about the philosophy of medicine and the cold war. Wahoo. This time on Friday I’ll be done, at least. I’m going to miss school. It’s been a really interesting semester. Kingston is beautiful and I’m sitting in Cogro surrounded by smiling people. It’s a good place to be. I hope you two aren’t dreading coming back too much.

All my love chicas xxxx

Syd