A week full of lasts...:(

I find myself reflecting more and more as my first three months in Israel comes to a close. I can't believe I'm leaving Bat Yam in less than three days. Where'd my time go?
Here's what I loved most about living in Bat Yam:
1. The scouts. My real life Israeli friends. Getting to know them has been one of the funnest experiences I've ever had. They're from all over Israel, and yet everyone is so friendly. I've made some real friends in them, and words can't even begin to describe how much I'll miss them. I guess because I started the year out with them, I feel like they're part of Section 2. So I'm dreading this big hole I know is coming in the next two semesters without them. So here's a shout-out to my Tsofim (in no particular order):

• Noy: You're an absolute ray of sunshine. I love your hugs, and your smile, and how cute you dress. 
• Tal: You were one of the first scouts I became friends with. I know that I can always expect to laugh around you, even if its at ourselves.
• Guy: Oh Guy, what to say about you? I poke fun at you a lot, that's for sure. But I know, if I ever needed to count on anyone, I can always count on you.
• Shir: You're SO incredibly nice. I can talk to you about a million and four things forever. You are an absolute doll.
• Daniel: If I have a hostile relationship with any of the scouts, obviously its you. We hate each other with a fierce passion and can't stand being around each other ever. I'm not going to miss you ever. It's funny and meaningful because I mean the exact opposite of what I just said.
• Maya: I'm like 86% sure you just think I'm really really weird, but you  like me for it, so its ok. You're WAY to sweet for words.
• Gal: You make me laugh all the time. All the time. You're great and fun to be around and I better get to hang out with you while I'm at Yemin Orde, otherwise I'll cry.
• Itamar: You were the first guy scout I talked to. You were really nice, you still are. I personally believe you're the nicest scout, really quiet, but really nice.
• Shani: Remember that time I mistook you and Maya for Americans? Yeah. Great start. I know I can always be myself around you. Its been that way since the start. And you've always been so delightful to be around, it can just brighten up my day.
• Sapir: Our first real connection was that we can both bend our elbows backwards. From there it was history. You're so friendly and charming, it hard to be unhappy around you.
• Yair: The smartest of the scouts, for sure. Just wait, soon you'll be Prime Minister or something fantastic like that. Because that's what you are, fantastic and awesome, and kind of silly sometimes.
• And of course, I've saved the best for last, Adi: These past three months have been awesome living with you. And I've said it once, and I'll say it again (even with all the other scouts potentially reading), you're by FAR the best scout. I don't think its possible to even be angry with you. All you are is nice, and sweet, and pretty. Plus you put up with living with me. Which you should get an award or something for. Its going to be weird living without you. Its actually something I REALLY don't want to do. You cook food I eat, and you don't make fun of me when I'm weird, and you're one of my best friends. I love you!
• But also, I love you all. Don't let me leave :(

2. My volunteering:

• For those of you who didn't know, I volunteered at a community center teaching English to the elderly. I absolutely loved it. I'm so sad I had to leave. At first the idea of teaching English really scared be, I can barely speak Hebrew, how am I supposed to each people who only speak Hebrew English? But eventually, the language barrier was broken. I'm sure I'll tell everyone back home stories of the friends I made there. I wish I didn't have to leave

3. My other roommates-Becca, Danielle S, and Rayn (and during the day on most days, Alec):

• Ok, so we didn't always get along and our apartment was usually dirty. But whatever. I always felt the apartment was a safe place, it was our home. I'll always be grateful for that. 

4. Section 2 together:
 While section two is infamous for its known shenanigans and pandemonium, I wouldn't trade you guys for any other section in a million years. This is a mishpacha, a family. Its going to be sad not being together all the time, but I know we still have Jerusalem, so there's a light at the end of this upcoming three month tunnel of darkness without each other.

Aside from sadness, I am looking forward to my second semester in Yemin Orde, with my village homies. For my readers, you'll be hearing quite a lot about Ali G, Ellie G, Eli S, Ari G, Jacob B, Nadav C, Jonathan B, Nora S, and Danielle M. In February, get ready for Rwanda! Less than 150 days to go!!
Thats all for now! Feel free to shoot me and email or facebook message about a T-Shirt, or just to say hi!
As Always,
Julia Rose

A few days in the life of a Year Course refugee.

Well first off.....
Happy Thanksgiving to my fellow Americans! and happy November 22, 2012 to my non-american readers, because I don't discriminate.
 Before I get to my refugee story, I want to fill y'all in on a few Siyurs we've had that I've neglected to blog about.
1. Channel 2 News, October 24. Basically one of Israel's news channels. It was pretty neat. Honestly, nothing too special. We saw some of the cool equipment that they have there, met the weather guy, talked about hurricane Sandy. Nothing huge. Saw the set of the Israeli Big brother and a sign for the Israeli Voice. Click here for photos!
2. Hebron, November 13. Hebron is in the southern area of the West Bank. Its where the Tomb/Cave of the Patriarchs (where Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Rebecca, and Leah are buried). Its home to over 200,000 Palestinians and between 500 and 800 Jewish settlers. Its a really confusing and complicated situation, I recommend going to this website, to read more about the conflict in the West Bank. Click here for photos! Warning: they're really sad.
3. Sderot, November 27. Sderot is less than 1 KM away from Gaza. I actually stood on a big hill and could see Gaza. For over 12 years, Sderot has been under missile fire from Gaza. We saw over 50 rocket pieces, ones that had already been fired. Its some serious stuff. Pictures to come soon! Crazy fun fact: On play grounds and stuff, we saw these giant hollow caterpillar tunnels. They were huge and made of thick cement. They were not only for the children to play in, they were also bomb shelters. Can you believe that? The threat of rockets is so bad in this area, that bomb shelters have been built into children's playgrounds. I also want to mention the fact that the particular play ground we visited was across the street from a synagogue, that had been victim of a direct hit. A synagogue across the street from a playground getting hit by a rocket. Its crazy. I was entirely safe of course.  Holla ceasefire!
Anyway, let me just get to the good stuff. You wanna know what happened to me? Here we go...
....Let me take you back, many, many nights ago.
November 15, 2012: A Thursday, I was hoping to go out. I woke up late, because I don't have volunteering on Thursdays. I pretty much bummed around the majority of the day. I went to Ulpan aka Hebrew, which was actually fun because we had a substitute named Aviv and he's really really funny. You HAD to be there to understand (shout out to my Hebrew Level 1 homiez). This was followed by a short break to get a snack or drink at the shops by the Michalah, before my second class, Israel Update. I don't remember what time or what the exact situation was when I found out that a missile had been launched not too far from Bat Yam. 13.5 kilometers to be exact, which is 8.5 miles. That's pretty close, right? I was a little unnerved about it, I'm not going to lie. I did sneak a couple of peeks at my twitter feed during class (@IDFspokesperson has been my favorite source of information these few days). Gradually as class went on and we went into our weekly sikkum (like a final meeting with our group before the weekend begins) I had made a list of things I would need in case I had to go to a bomb shelter. Fun fact: most buildings and homes in Tel Aviv have bomb shelters built in, kinda cool, right? Well anyway, soon we start receiving texts that dictate our travel restrictions (ex: Do not go anywhere within 40 km of Gaza, not even to travel.). I make it back to the apartment to greet Alec and Rayn. I'm basically in mini-panic mode at this point. I pack up the stuff on my list, and sit in the living room and wait. I was really hoping I was overreacting and I would fall asleep on the couch and wake up in the morning and everything would be fine, it didn't work out that way. No sir, not at all.  Then, we heard distant sirens. I suggested they were in Holon, which is 4.8 km (about 3 miles) from Bat Yam. I'm looking at Alec who's still standing at the open window, when I hear a sound that is nearly indescribable. It was loud, and heavy, and big. A missile. The three of us in the apartment go into basic panic mode part 2, and get ready to head into the stairwell (because my apartment is on the seventh floor, and the siren only gives you 30 seconds to get to a shelter).  Soon enough we received a call from Gabby telling us to pack a bag and that a bus would be at our apartment to pick us up somewhere between 9:00 and 9:30 PM. Eventually we made it to Beit Ar-El. The Young Judaea Jerusalem campus. It was late, I was majorly disheveled from that night's events, so I went straight to bed. Shout out to my TMR friends--thanks again for letting us stay in your apartment girls!! Also hi Estie.
Here's a summary of my activities and major events that happened over the next few days. 
On November 16, I got my ear pierced. And the alarms went off in Jerusalem. Which has never happened before. Everyone was panicked. Now it wasn't just one section in danger, by then it was 2. This was also our second night sleeping at Beit Ar-El apartments.
On November 17, there was virtually nothing to do but bum around, because its Shabbat in Jerusalem. I watched High School Musical with Maddie and Alyx. Our third night in the BAE apartments.
On November 18, Young Judaea wanted to try to give us a "normal" schedule, so we had classes. Zionism and hebrew. Everyone was so exhausted by that point. Then we walked around Jerusalem and sold flowers for 10 NIS to raise money for children in the south. Then I went shopping with Alyx and got more pairs of pants. Because I only brought one to Jerusalem with me and they were starting to smell. That night we slept at other apartments. Apartments where YC used to live, which were really really nice. The apartment I stayed in had three bedrooms, with full size beds, and two balconies. TWO BALCONIES. Crazy.
On November 19, we went to the zoo for an hour. Which was fun! Then hallelujah we drove back to Bat Yam! But only to get more/new clothes. Then we drove up north to sleep in a hostel in Haifa. I watched the movie Training Day with Max, a section 3 madrich.
November 20, 21, and 22 were spent at a food army base place called Tira, where we boxed cans of food into boxed meals for the soldiers in the south. We boxed a lot, but I don't have the exact number...sorry. On Thursday (the 22) we went home to Bat Yam! Just in time for Thanksgiving. My grand feast consisted of edamame and pizza. Yum. I'm really thankful for the ceasefire, I think all of Israel is.
We've been home for a week since then, re-adjusting our remaining days in Bat Yam. My goodness. I can't believe we only have less than two weeks here. Time flies. Next semester I will be living in the north, at Yemin Orde, which is a youth village, which was the outline for the Agahozo Shalom youtgh village in Rwanda.
WHAT IS THAT? You may ask. Great question.
The Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV) opened in December 2008 and provides a home to up to 500 teenagers orphaned by the Rwandan Genocide, AIDS, and other causes. ASYV is not just an orphanage nor just a boarding school; but rather the the village is an innovative community in which the youth join together in order to form families of peers. Additionally, at Agahozo-Shalom, the youth receive essential education and support from a network of dedicated staff as the Village was initially designed with the intention of allowing traumatized youth to “dry their tears” (Agahozo) and “live in peace” (Shalom) while restoring the rhythm of life.

The Village provides:
• A safe environment conducive to healing
• Nutritious food, clean water, shelter and clothing
• Comprehensive medical and mental health care
• Quality education that emphasizes the value of critical thinking, practical vocational skills, social responsibility (Tikkun Olam, repairing the world), and emotional growth (Tikkun HaLev, repairing the heart)
• Sustainable social networks for youth without traditional families

As you may or may not know, I will be living at the ASYV for 25 days in February. Exciting, right? The rest of the Rwanda goers and I have set the goal of $5000 to donate to the village. So help me (us, but mostly me) out! Go to our donation website and make a donation. Make sure you write that I sent you there ;). Just kidding. But you can remain anonymous if you want. Honestly, every single penny, dollar, shekel, pound helps this really great cause.
AAAAND, I have some great news! I'll be returning home to Chicago for 10 days! I arrive at O'hare International Airport, at 4:15 PM on December 21st, and I leave on the 31st. I'm so excited to see everyone! Honestly, ask any of my friends here, every five minutes I'm talking about what I can't wait to get back to. But me coming home also provides an opportunity for YOU (yes you, the one who doesn't want enter a credit card number into the computer) to help the ASYV! We've made some awesome T-Shirts that have been selling for 40 NIS, which is only $10.00 AMERICAN DOLLARS. So email me, Facebook me, contact me in some way shape or form! Tell me your size! We have extra small, small, medium, large, and extra large. I will gladly bring YOU home a T-shirt if you tell me to! As many as you want, as long as you have the money when I get to the states. ALSO, if we don't live in the same place, but you want a shirt, talk to me! I'm sure we could figure something out. Whether my mom brings it to you, or I mail it to you. Its for such an amazing cause. I had a meeting about my trip yesterday, and now I'm even more psyched to go. Its really going to be life changing. ahh I can't wait.
So you have two methods of helping out, I'd totally love it if you did both, but I'd still love you a lot if you did at least one. :)

So thats pretty much my life at the moment, also I have bronchitis, so talk to me because I'm bored.
As Always,
Julia Rose

November 15, 2012

There are so many things that need to be said right now, and I'm not really one for serious posts. There are a million things on Facebook, and yet half of my friends don't even know whats going on. Gaza has been hitting Israel with rockets for three years, more than ever this year. And now with the Hamas military leader, Ahmed al-Jabari, has been killed by the IDF, the situation is really getting heated.  
I'm safe at the moment. I was just on the phone with my Dad, and he said a very true statement. "If any army is going to keep you safe, it'll be the Israeli one." the IDF is amazing beyond words. Please keep yourself informed on how they keep me and this state safe. This won't be over tonight.
A rocket hit two miles from where I live. Two miles. I never thought I would actually hear a rocket or bomb go off, and I know I don't ever want to hear one again. But the fact of the matter is, I probably will. 

We're at war ladies and gentlemen. This much is true.


As always,
Julia Rose

hey there stranger (part 1)

I'm an awful blogger. Aren't I? Sorry! October came and went so quickly! I didn't realize until Halloween that I hadn't blogged. So here we go:
I got all messed up the week after my last blog post, because I had three REALLY busy and exciting days. So I'll start with those!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012: 

We visited the Kinneret. Which is in the north, in the Sea of Galilee region. If you would like to see photos, please click here! "What is the Kinneret?" Good question. I'm going to try to explain this as clearly and as simply as I can. The Kinneret was a farm-settlement-type thing that was founded in 1908 by a very small number of pioneer Labor Zionists (like, less than 50). They believed that a Jewish state could only become a reality if people built their lives there in Israel/Palestine, opposed to a political Zionist who believed (at the time) that if the Jewish people advocated to the higher European powers (Britain, Germany, and the Ottoman empire) basically it would happen. So the Labor Zionists were just a little more proactive about making this whole "Jewish State" thing happen. 

We learned about the struggles that these early settlers endured, and specifically the role of women in the Kinneret. They were equal, which is pretty cool. Hana Meisel started the an agriculture school specifically for women. 

I particularly enjoyed learning about Rachel Blewstein. She moved to Palestine and joined the Kinneret when she was 19, where she attended the agricultural school. She was good friends with this guy named Aaron David Gordon, also known as A.D. Gordon, he was just, like, one of the most influential Zionists and the driving force behind Labor Zionism, I mean its casual. She also kind of dated this guy, Zalman Rubshov, who like later became Zalman Shazar, who was the third president of Israel. Which, you know, is pretty cool I guess. However in 1913 she left her beloved Kinneret to study more agriculture things in France. Shortly after WWI broke out and she found herself unable to return to Palestine. She lived in Russia for the entire war and returned home in 1919, but to a settlement not too far from the Kinneret called Degania. At some point before returning to Palestine, she contracted Tuberculosis, which was incurable at the time. Because they didn't want it to spread through the community, Rachel was kicked out. She died in 1931, at the age of 40. She's buried at the Kinneret cemetery, which we also visited. Other important Zionists are buried there as well, but I didn't mention any of them, so why name them now? I'm not going to start explaining those guys, as cool as they are, we still have like three weeks of catching up to do. 

After the learning part, we went on a nice hike on Mt. Arbel, which is over 500 ft above sea level, so that's pretty cool. And that concludes my short summary of Tuesday, October 16, 2012. 

Wednesday, October 17, 2012: 

First we stopped at the Hadassah Neurim Youth Village, and basically just talked to a ton of tourists visiting Israel about Year Course. I'm not going to lie, I worked the room. A very nice woman came up to me after I spoke and made jokes and said I was adorable and introduced herself. It wasn't until the next day I realized that she was Marcie Natan, the national president of Hadassah. So that was kind of super awesome.

After that we went to Nachal Taninim! (Click here for pictures!). To make a long story short, its like a park reserve thing. They have animals in a river and trees, and some other stuff. But honestly it was just a nice pleasant walk that ended at the beach. It was fun, I took a lot of photos, but I didn't learn much. Still a good day. 

Thursday, October 18, 2012:

 I had volunteering that morning, I taught a little bit of English for the first time, and it like worked, they understood A B C and T. I threw T in there because there was a cat walking around the room, who they really didn't like, and so it was a good way to get a real life example of some words. That was totes fun. 

That afternoon we put our cute little Year Course button downs on and headed to Jerusalem. We got off at the International Convention Center for a Hadassah event. 

Now if I were you, I'd be asking, "What's Hadassah? Why were you at an event for it?" 

Well my friends, Hadassah is the Women's Zionist Organization in America, which was founded in 1912, so that means this is the 100th year of Hadassah, a very good reason to celebrate. Year Course was there because Hadassah used to fund a number of Young Judaea camps in the states and they continue to fund Year Course. So we were there to show everyone (because a very large number of women and men traveled to Israel to celebrate) how important Year Course is. And it is important, because without Year Course I would've been at Tulane which was hit by a hurricane right at the beginning of the semester, so thanks Year Course (But in all seriousness, this program is great. Thanks Hadassah!)! Ummm what else? It was basically a concert, and oh yeah, the PRIME MINISTER OF ISRAEL, Benjamin Netanyahu was there, casuallyy. I got some really great photos of the whole event (click here!).

Ohkay I know I've only covered three days, but I feel like my eyes are going to melt out of my head if I stare at this computer any longer. I'll write a sequel to this post soon (actually soon).

As always,

Julia Rose

I know what you're going to say....

I KNOW I KNOW I KNOW! I am a horrible blogger. I know! My dedication to my faithful readers has been absolutely atrocious. My bad! Most of my first month spent here has been holidays! So I've been super busy celebrating Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah. What are these things? Good question!
Rosh Hashana is the Jewish New Year festival, held on the first day of Tishri (aka September). Its the holiday where we blow the shofar, and then 10 days of repentence follow before before Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashana directly translates from Hebrew to "the head of the year."
Yom Kippur is the most solemn religious fast of the Jewish year, the last of the ten days of penitence that begin with Rosh Hashana. Yom Kippur is also called the Day of Atonement.
Sukkot is a week long holiday (although we did not get a week of from classes and volunteering) is also known as the Feast of Tabernacles. On Sukkot we are commanded to live in a Sukkah (which is like a temporary hut-house), which I didn't do, because I needed sleep in a bed. But it was definitely a fun time hanging out with all the Tsofim (the wonderful Israeli Scouts).
Until just now, I didn't really know what Simchat Torah was, but now I do. Its the conclusion of the annual cycle of the public Torah readings, so basically we go back to Genesis and start reading again from there.
All of those holidays, except Sukkot, were spent in Bat Yam. I went to Arad (in the south) for the first night of Sukkot and man, is it boring. I swear all of you should email my dad and ask him for my mailing address, because I am going to need a LOT of crossword puzzles. But I did actually have a really fun time with Josh and his friends. You guys are pretty cool, not going to lie. I'll be visiting again soon, hopefully. A special thanks/shout out to Vanessa+ her roommates for letting me stay at their apartment!
Anyway, I could tell a few stories about what I did over the last two weeks. Or I could just talk about what I did yesterday...and my new plan for my blog!
Yesterday we had our second Siyur (See-oor)! Which is like a weekly field trip associated with our Zionism class. So after a very interesting lesson (I mean it Alan!) during which we ventured out onto the streets of Tel Aviv.
We explored the fascinating streets of Neve Tzedek, which is like southwestern Tel Aviv. Neve Tzedek means the Abode of Justice, in case you were wondering. Neve Tzedek was built originally as the first Jewish neighborhood outside the old port of Jaffa (which is southern Tel Aviv, but not Bat Yam). A part I found particularly interesting is when Alan (my awesome Zionism teacher) told us about Aharon Shlush. He was born in Algeria and by the time he was my age (18) he owned a significant amount of land property and assets  He basically founded this part of Tel Aviv. This dude was actually really important too--they even had a bridge built, creatively named the Shlush bridge, specifically so he could do business in other parts of Israel quicker. Plus he's a total boss, at least that's what I've gathered.
So, if I haven't mentioned it before, I'll mention it now: Tel Aviv is absolutely beautiful. You have the beach and such a architecturally diverse location, you couldn't ask for more! For a really special treat of my photos from that day, click here! Listen to music or something while you look through the pictures, it makes it a lot more exciting. I recommend the song "It's Time" by Imagine Dragons or "Israeli Caves by Maps & Atlases or "Israel" by Miles Davis. Silence is fine too though! If we're friends on Facebook, I'll be posting these photos there too, if you want to know who is who or you want to read my witty comments I caption them with.
Earlier I mentioned a new plan for my blog. I'm adopting the concept the famous YouTube vlogger Jenna Marbles applies to her vlogs, which is every Wednesday. Siyurs on Tuesdays are the perfect occasion to take lots of photos, and then the next day I can fill you all in on my week's activities and any fun stories, along with what we did on the Siyur.
Today I went to my volunteering at a local community center. Me, Avi G, and the Seniors did a little dancing to some hoppin' Israeli songs from the days of their youth. Then they had a little mini workout. I really do love volunteering here. Today I spent time talking to a woman named Hannah, who is very proudly the youngest one there (at age 76) and has 17 grandchildren. She's really sweet and I'm hoping she'll be able to teach me a little more Hebrew.
How is that going? Great question. I LITERALLY KNOW A NEGATIVE AMOUNT OF HEBREW. And our Ulpan intensive classes didn't help much. I don't need to know how to say ice cream (gleedah), flag (degel), and shoes (nah-ah-lie-eem). So I've been doing my best to teach myself and learn as much as I can from just being immersed in the language. I will master it before I return home, I think.
And now, alas, every blog post must end. Email me if you want to get in touch or just say hi! Hopefully I'll be blogging again very soon!!
As always,
Julia Rose 

And as the weekend comes to a close.....NO

This weekend was honestly a blast. But of course I get to end it on my first Israeli fever of 99.3. That and a sore throat has landed me in bed for (at least) the day. Which sucks.
But lets talk about this weekend!
I'm trying to think back to Thursday...ah yes. Thursday evening: Ben W., Hannah, red-head Danielle, Alec Z., Rayn, and I played a really fun game called "Cards Against Humanity" Its like an adult/racist/really funny version of apples to apples. Not reccomended to kids under the age of 16. Josh D arrived from Arad at some point and Hannah left, and then all the gentlemen returned to their own apartment to let us ladies sleep.
On that note: Gideon, Jeremy, Ben, and Alec---Thank you guys SO much for letting Josh crash at your place for the past few days. You guys seriously rock. I owe ya'll pastries or something.
So basically the rest of the weekend was a lot of beach. I got crazy tan. I know I keep promising pictures of stuff, but its not happening this post. Cause I'm sick.
But overall the weekend was good fun with good friends. Our Rosh Hashana dinner was cooked by Josh, because we (the girls, Danielle, Danielle, and Rayn) were WAY too lazy. I had intended to make a real feast for all of us, with chicken and salad and cake. But the thought never dawned on me that everything would be closed. So...we had to make due with pasta and tomato sauce with cooked peppers, still delicious!
That was a downfall to this weekend for me: the lack of food in our apartment and the lack of cheap public transportation. I need those things.
Tomorrow I'm volunteering again, lets hope I'm feeling better.
Shana Tova my friends
As always,
Julia Rose
P.S. sorry for the lame post, I'm falling asleep and grumpy.

Its Shabbat and the beach is far.

So here we are, I'm sorry I haven't posted at ALL in this past week. Life got busy! Here are some highlights:
-Rayn, Nir, Josh L, Hannah, Danielle S, and I tried to go to a nice club in Tel Aviv following the Israel vs. Slovakia basketball game (Israel won, duh!). The plan was to have one or two drinks, but all I wanted was to dance. That night, a group from Section 1 (they're in Jerusalem right now) had rented out a floor or something for the night. So about 50 or so YC kids show up at this seemingly sketchy club located in a mall all saying that "we're part of the group!" long story short, the six of us stood in a inactive mosh pit waiting to get into the club. After about an hour and a half of waiting around in other people's sweat, I gave up. I led this mini group to the nearest gelato place. So that night was a bust, but the gelato was pretty good.
-We went on a three kilometer hike somewhere in Israel. It was pretty. I got nice and sweaty. We climbed through these tiny caves and got really dirty too.
-I got most of my class assignments! I'll be in Zionism with Alan, who read a story about a man named Bancha and compared him to the struggle of the Jewish people. ...that should be interesting, right..? I'm also in Israeli Film, and for our first day of class (which lasted three hours), we watched a movie called "Walk on Water" which was long, but still kinda interesting. Don't ask me my teacher's name because I can't remember it to save my own life.
-I also received my volunteering assignment! Avi G, Rob S, and I will be hanging out with a bunch of cute old people on Mondays and Wednesdays. I'm supposed to be volunteering all day on Thursday too, but the community center isn't open that day! So I get a beach and/or laundry day all by myself...yay.
Also I almost drove to Haifa at two in the morning with Rayn, but we didn't have a car...so we didn't.

So now its Rosh Hashana weekend and its Shabbat, so there is NOTHING to do in Bat Yam. This week I've kinda found my group of people, I think. I'm going to say the people who are in my apartment currently as my group...cause they're at my apartment. yeah.. The ladies (all of whom slept here last night actually): Me, Becca, Danielle S (my roommate), red-head Danielle, Danielle M, Rayn, Josh D (who's here from Arad), Josh L, Jeremy, Alex, Alec, Ben W,  and tall Jake (who turned 19 yesterday, happy birthday!!!)
Ummmm so yeah. I apologize again for my lack of blogging. I've been so busy. Also I got my bus pass! So now I can go anywhere in Tel Aviv and some of the surrounding suburbs! Except for today...cause its Shabbos..so yeah.
If anyone has any ideas on what we could do today, we're really really REALLY bored. The beach is out of the question because its like 20 minutes away walking and taxis only hold four people per cab and are extra expensive during the weekend cause its frowned upon to drive a car. We wanted to have a picnic, but alas we have to picnic basket. So email me! I miss you!
So I'm done blogging for now.
As always,
Julia Rose

P.S. Soon enough I'm going to put some pictures up of like my apartment and friends. Eventually.

My mommy was right!!!!

So its Shabbat right?! I get all dressed up nice, put on my nude pumps, and head out. We walk all the way out to the Ulpan (or however you spell it) and sit in a hot room with the rest of YC section 2 and light candles and then we get our assigned Shul, where we will be attending services that night. Ours was on Anna Frank (which is a street here in Bat Yam). We walk up once, we don't find it. Walk back. Walk up again. Walk back once more, before finally getting directions down a smallish side roadish thing that leads to the synagogue. We walk up four flights of stairs before reaching the top floor where we, the women, look down and watch the men pray. Everyone else falls asleep, I tend to my injuries.
What injuries? you may ask.
I don't just have one or two, I have six blisters on my feet. Four on my foot with the pinky toe cut and two on the other.
My mom was right when she said I didn't need to pack those shoes.
As always, (in pain)
Julia Rose

Shabbat Shalom...HEY#1

SO tonight is my first Shabbat as a student living in Israel, cool right?
We'll get to that in a second, first I want to talk about yesterday in Jerusalem!!

super mega casual.
I went on a lovely hike in Jerusalem before a quick visit to the Kotel! After which I attended the opening ceremony for YC. I had lots of fun with lots of friends, and it was just like a sign that this year is going to be awesome.
So I'm getting lazy and I think I'm just not going to write anything about Shabbat dinner until later.
Shabbat Shalom snitches!
As always,
Julia Rose

Let's go to the beach, each let's go get away (because EVERYTIME someone says 'lets go to the beach' someone has to sing these lyrics.)

I have NO idea how many days its been since I last blogged. The days kind of just melt together here, and by days I mean time.  I feel like I've been living here for a significant amount of time, except I still don't know my way around.
The last few days have been "orientation" days. Booooo. Its been sitting in a kinda air-conditioned room, listening to the rules and other stuff that's boring. Two nights ago a bunch of people went to the beach! Which was crazy crazy fun. I went in in my clothes (YOLO, right bro?). Yesterday my roommate Becca and I went to the beach! It was so pretty and awesome and OF COURSE I didn't get tan (not everything changes abroad). But I still had fun!
Roommates! that reminds me!!!!!!
1. Becca F! She lives in Michigan. She's really nice and cool. We're sharing a room!
2. Rayn D! She lives in Georgia! She's absolutely adorable.
3. Danielle S! She lives in New York! She's totally chill. I love it.
4. Adi!!! She lives IN Israel, cause she's ISRAELI! She's precious. She laughs at all my jokes and is always sweet and nice. I like her. She's the best scout EVER!
I was lucky, I got a nice small apartment. BUT I didn't even tell you the best part! My bedroom has AIR CONDITIONING! That's right my friends--every single morning I get to wake up freezing cold, while the rest of YC (year course) is sweating their faces off.
This weekend will be a closed weekend, but today I'm going to Jerusalem! For opening ceremonies (whatever that is)! I get to see Josh D (remember him? from the plane? He's not in my section, but we've decided we're still gonna be best friends, so whateva)!
I'll be posting photos (on Facebook and on here) soon!
As always,
Julia Rose
P.S. Estie, I'm trying to figure out the postal situation as fast as I can, don't worry! Your letters are coming soon!

EVEN BETTER UPDATE!!!!

I was trying to unpack my clothes (P.S. Jenna I got your letter, I love you and miss you SO much!) when I stubbed my pinky toe and blood just starts rushing out of this little tiny crater. My apartment has stolen a chunk of my pinky toe. Even now as I type, I feel it bleeding more as the pain slowly increases.
GREAT START!

This just in....

I've made it! Yes ladies and gents--I'm sitting here in my apartment in Bat Yam on the internet machine instead of unpacking and showering. Be right back.
OHKAY back. I had to get a refreshing glass of water. My past few hours have just been a blither, but I'll try to cover it the best I can.
I left my dogs tearfully and headed for the airport. Daddy, I miss you a lot, and it was really nice of you to be so open with your emotions. I miss you a lot. Fish, I think you actually hurt my nose when you hugged me that hard. And Jenna, I just miss you! Make a facebook or something (but not really...)
My mom and I headed to NYC a day before my flight to Israel. We saw my Aunt Holly and David, which was great! We also saw Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark. Which...was....an experience...
SO my flight, right! After a tearful goodbye with my mom (love you). I could not sleep a wink! But I was fantastically entertained by the lovely Josh D. Amongst other avid readers of my blog and cool chill people.
We arrived safely in Israel! Obviously. Aaaand now I'm sitting blogging in my cool apartment at like 11:10 at night. I kinda have to pee though.
You might've noticed that part of me is lacking in my usual writing voice, which I apologize for. I'm a little out of it.
Problems of the moment: Daddy--none of my converters apply to Israeli plugs...so......yeah. Also check Mom's facebook inbox for more info. :)
As always,
Julia Rose
P.S. Shout out to my Italy photo friends and my Classic italy homies! I keep talking about you guys. I miss you!!

My last post from home

Well this is kind of sad. Today my flight out of Chicago to New York City leaves at 1:11 PM. I'm going to be with my mommy. So don't worry about me. I just wanted to clear up some serious confusion I was faced with a few days ago.
On Thursday, Jenna (my younger sister) and I went to a salon to get our nails done. The woman was painting my nails when she asked my age and if I was going to college and such. When I explained to her about my gap year, she says "Oh so you'll be living in a tent, yeah?"
So to clear up the ever-so-common misconception that I'll be living in a tent for nine months, I have to say this is unfortunately untrue.
So yeah that's my story. 
As always,
Julia Rose


P.S. Mazel Tov to Amanda and Ricardo on gettin' married yesterday! 

Here we go again!

Less than a week ladies and gentlemen until I start my newest adventure.
But first, let me apologize for not writing up that final Italy post I promised. I'm not going to do it now, but I am sorry that never happened.
However, it is a new day, a new month, and (in case you didn't notice) a new blog layout! For those of you who don't know, I am taking a gap year.

LOGAN (AKA WOLVERINE)

But, what's a gap year?

I'm glad you asked Logan. A gap year is the newest craze among recent high school graduates. Instead of heading straight to college, a student chooses to take a year off before going to college. The USA gap year fair website defines it as this:

A Gap Year is a period of time between completing high school and beginning college when a student steps outside the traditional classroom experience. This is a time to explore the world, reflect on their personal values and goals, and prepare to take the next purposeful step in life. Gap Year programs give students a developmental advantage over their peers by providing them with an opportunity to expand their perspective and gain direction that give the college years meaning and focus. For many students, Gap Year programs provide them with time to develop independence and confidence as well as pursue various fields of interest.

LOGAN (AKA WOLVERINE)

But what's a gap year fair?

Since I'm having more trouble wording this definition as well, I'll quote the pro's again.

USA Gap Year Fairs is a national circuit of events that bring together reputable Gap Year organizations, interested students and parents, high school college counselors and the Gap Year experts. These events are designed to provide students with a broad exposure of Gap Year Programs and the opportunity for face to face conversations with the people who work in the field. For students and parents interested in Gap Year, these fairs are the legitimate source to connect with reputable organizations that focus on Education, Service and Personal Growth.

Each booth gives you a brochure too, so you have like 50 at the end of the day. But not everyone goes abroad, many kids choose to work or take a few classes from home. Which is cool too. 

LOGAN (AKA WOLVERINE)

So, what's your gap year?

 I'm glad you asked Logan! I will be spending one academic year, nine months in Israel (and some time in Rwanda), the program I chose is called Young Judaea Year Course. And its great, go check out the website! 

LOGAN (AKA WOLVERINE)

I'm too lazy to actually look around on the website, can you just tell me what its all about? Where will you be living? How many kids are on the program? What will you be doing there? Will you be safe there? You also said something about Rwanda? 

You sure ask a lot of questions Logan. But I'm glad to answer them for you, since you clearly care so much about my personal well being. I'll answer these one at a time.

Q:Where will you be living?

A: I'll be living in three different places while in Israel, the program has three sections (section 2 represent!) we rotate locations every three months. My biggest problem right now is that I don't know who I'll be rooming with yet, though I'm sure it will be fine. For my first three months I'll live in Tel Aviv, specifically Bat Yam, in an apartment. My second three months, the "Israel Experience" section. I believe I'll be living in Yemin Orde Youth Village which is near Haifa. The village is home to around 400 high school students who have recently immigrated to Israel from Ethiopia and the former Soviet Union. Its their home, school, and family. For my final three months, I'll be living in a dorm in Jerusalem.

Q: How many kids are on the program?

A: About 300, but around 100 per section.

Q:What will you be doing there?

A: I'll be taking classes part-time and doing a lot of volunteering. What I really love about YC (Year Course) is that its going to help me learn how to be independent. I knew if I wanted to take a gap year that I didn't want to be treated like I'm still in high school. I'll be completely responsible for myself, just like any other 18 y/o in college.

Q: Will you be safe?

A: Yes! The thing about Israel is when we do hear about it in the news, it usually isn't a positive event we're hearing about. But just in case you're not convinced, I'll have an Israeli cell phone (that will have very minimal texting...) with a GPS tracker in it that only Young Judaea can see. And if (God forbid) something does happen while I'm there, they can text me and say "Don't get on the bus" or "Stay where you are" in 50 years of YC's existence there hasn't been a serious injury or death that relates to Israel's national security or anything of that sort. So I'll be good.

Q: You said something about Rwanda?

A: Yes! I did! I'll actually only be spending two months in Haifa. The middle month of the three will be spent in Rwanda living at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village. Similar to the youth villages set up in Israel following the Holocaust, the ASYV was created for kids who were orphaned during the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. It's a very sad and dark part of Rwanda's history, and if you want to learn more about it, I suggest watching the movie Hotel Rwanda. It is fantastic.

So there are all your questions answered Logan, I'm gonna go now...

LOGAN (AKA WOLVERINE)

Wait! When are you leaving? And when are you coming back?

Oh right, I'm glad you asked. I leave Chicago this upcoming Saturday, September 1, 2012 to NYC. My flight for Israel leaves out of JFK at like 11:50 PM on Sunday, September 2, 2012. There are two one week-long breaks over the nine months. I may return for one, but I also may go to Greece. I'll be sure to let you know Logan. I return on June 3, 2013.

LOGAN (AKA WOLVERINE)

Isn't that your nineteenth birthday?

Yes. Yes it is. 

Buuut yeah! That's about all I have to say for this post. I'm going to try to post at least once a week. But no guarantees. One new feature I would like to mention is the little box on the right above my blog view counter. Above that box it says "Meet me in your inbox!" That means that instead of checking back every day or having to subscribe to my blog, you can just type in your email address and you'll receive an email that tells you when I've written a new post. 

Now, my mom wants me to go finish packing. But I think I'm just going to go watch Mean Girls. 

If you have anymore questions or you want to say hi or something of the sort, email me at JuliaRosiee@yahoo.com ! or message me on Facebook. And if you send me your address I'll be sure to send you a post card at some point! 

As Always,

Julia Rose Katlin

Ooopssss :)

So remember that times I said that thing about blogging errydqy? Yeah no. That didn't exactly happen my friends!!!
I'M SORRY!
Tonight was my last night! And I'm really really tired, so I promise I'll write you an extra long post while on the plane tomorrow!!
Enjoy these photos in the meanwhile

Just love me,
Julia Rose

Hey mom! Guess what?! I'm a sports!!

thats right ladies and gents: I am a sports. On this fine day I, Julia Rose, hiked the Cinque Terre trail...well part of it! Over two hours of beautiful views and lots of sweat! I actually love it here! Then after some gelato and French fries, we went swimming in the mediterranean sea! It's weird to think that I'll be living on the other side of that sea for nine months in less than two months (..I think). Anyway enjoy a few photos!
As always,
Julia Rose

CINQUE TERRE! ...Whaaaat?

hey so yeah! Ask me where I am! I'm in Cinque Terre! where is that? Pshh...I have no idea!
This has has to be a quick blog post because I'm about to run out the door! But it's SO beautiful here! I've never been here and today will be an exciting day to explore!
As always,
Julia Rose

PS I can see the ocean from here!

What day is it??

So, my blogging hasn't been as on point as I'd like it go be. Sorry!
Today I have nearly an entire free day in between the two trips I'm going on. I'm currently in Venice, where Italy Photo just ended yesterday, and where Classic Italy will begin today-ish!
I had an amazing amount of fun with the kids on last trip, but I'm also really excited for the new kids! And this new trip!
Two days ago(I think??) we visited the Islands of Murano and Burano. I took some pretty sweet photos if I do say so myself. And tomorrow I will be returning to Murano and Burano! Yay!
Well I don't have much else to say this morning, perhaps I will post again later today. But who knows? I surely don't.
Sorry for a bit of a disappointing post!
as always,
Julia Rose

OH. MY. GOODNESS

Gah! How many days has it been??? I have lost all sense of time and space these last few days! Plus I had a flakey Internet connection that caused a lot of apathy in the blog writing department, but here we go!
So the day after my first full day (what day that was I simply can't recall), went to Pisa! With its wonderful leaning tower and what not! Upon returning we went to see the David! And even though you aren't supposed to take photos, I might have anyway! That night we climbed some thing ( not the Duomo) and it gave us a BEAUTIFUL view of Florence at sunset, what a lovely day 'twas.
Yesterday we left the beautiful (and very hot!) Florence and came to Venice by train! The day consisted of a lot of photo taking and walking about, nothing too exciting.
Today we will be visiting the Islands of Murano and Burano. The islands of lace and glass!
Stay tuned for more soon!!
as always,
Julia Rose
P.S. enjoy just a preview of my best photos :)

FFD (first full day!)

WOWWWWW! Today was great! I'm über tired! Not too tired to blog though!
First, as I said this morning, we went to the Boboli gardens. Which are some awesome gardens behind a palace that the. Medici (spelling????) family bought out when their rivals went bankrupt!
Then we did a bit of shopping, which is always fun. Then we went to the Uffitzi (again..spelling..my iPad doesn't have Italian spell check. #foreignstruggs #lizziemcguiremovieproblems) gallery. Which is this awesome museum with just a TON of renaissance art. I cannot CONFIRM or deny, but I MAY or may not have taken some sweet pictures of the "Birth of Venus" painting and some others...by accident of course.
After the museum we did a bit more shopping (albeit I have yet to buy anything other than gelato and post cards). But last nights adventures might've been the best part of the whole day! We went to basically a live screening of the Italy vs. Spain Euro cup game! There were TONS of people. I did a glorious amount of people watching. Unfortunately, Italy did loose; 3:0 (see what I did there? It makes me sound like I know sports!!!) and we walked home alongside the defeated on our way back to the hostel.
Today we're going to a winery, and I'm just absolutely so excited! We crossed paths with the TFT Discover Europe trip (which consists of about 34 kids, 30,girls and 4 guys) and they went yesterday. They absolutely loved it.! So, to express my own excitement, today is a blue dress day! yay!
Until next time,
Julia Rose



PS I'm posting this from Montaclino! It's nice, I guess!

#FINALLY

Basically...I made it!!! Baggage and all. I am in Italy! The kids on the trip are crazy nice and fun, and they didn't judge me when I had a cone and a half of gelato! The Internet at our current location is fickle, so I'll post when I can!
But as far as yesterday goes, I got here. I ate pizza with Derek, a counselor, and I walked around Florence a bit.
Today we're going to the Boboli Gardens! Which should be major major fun! Can't wait to blog ALLLLLL about it!
Till next time friends,
Julia Rose

That last post was supposed to be posted last night....

HEY FROM GERMANY! I made it! To Europe! The flight wasn't all too bad. Although I sat next to a bigger woman who's leg fat pooled over onto my seat. Otherwise all went as planned.
I already facetimed with the parents, they still exist without me.. Who knew??? Anyway, no offense to those of you who are still in the states, but I was waaay ready to leave. But have no fear, plenty of presents and post cards will be sent to all! hopefully my next post will actually be from Italy!!

The good news...and the bad news.

hah! So you might think that because you're reading this post that I've made to Florence and that this post is a celebratory one.
I mean, of course you're wrong.

I can't remember if I did mention it or not, but I originally thought that the next flight to Frankfurt from Newark was at 5:50 PM tonight. I was sadly mistaken. The next 5:50 flight to Frankfurt from Newark is tomorrow. So the solution? A 9:50 flight from JFK.
That's right my friends, I'm in New York City!
My day actually wasn't that bad.'Twas quite nice actually. Thanks to my wonderful parents and Aunt Holly, I was able to catch the 2:00 matinee of the Book of Mormon!!! Which I have been DYING to see! So that worked out quite nicely.
But actually I need to get to Italy...right?
So here I sit, at gate 5. If everything goes as planned, I should arrive in Florence around 5:20 PM. I'll still have 18 ish days abroad. But American adventures can be fun too- haven't you seen national treasure?
Hopefully my next post will actually be from Europe. Cross your fingers for me!!
Until next time,
Julia Rose

The wrong kind of Italian Guidos.

Once upon a time there was a art$y edgy girl named Julia who was supposed to take a flight that left Chicago at 10:00 AM and arrive in Newark NJ at 1:10 PM. She checked her bag, hugged her mom goodbye, went through security, boarded the plane, and took off without one single problem. During her flight she filled out part of a puzzle book her Aunt Jill gave her and listened to music to pass the time. She noticed after about a half hour that the plane was unusually hot She recalled the conversation she had with her mother that very morning:
Julia: Do I have to bring Plummer's sweatshirt on the plane?
Susan: yes, it always gets cold on the airplane and it's hard to fall asleep and be cold at the same time.
But young naïve Julia didn't think much of the sweltering heat. Instead, she continued listening to her music and filling out her puzzle book. One hour passed.
Suddenly, the plane took a surprising turn. She heard the mumbles of the pilot over the intercom but couldn't hear what he. Julia turned to the woman sitting next to her and said,
"what's going on?"
The woman simply replied'
"they're turning the plane around."
Whaat??? Are you kidding me? we were halfway there and turned back??
I would continue telling the story the way I have been, but I can't because it frustrates me way too much.
Anyway, we fly back to Chicago. BACK TO CHICAGO! At that point I was like "screw the rules I'm using my phone"and I inform my parents. There was something wrong with the pressure system in the plane, thats why it was so hot. Which doesn't really make sense to me or add up but whatever, I told my parents the deal. I guess my dad just gets on the phone with the United Airlines people and my mom is texting me motivational words and stuff. So I walk to A8, the gate we were told to go to. And it's another flight to Newark. Of course I got right in line. I got put on standby. Number 5. I wait anxiously. I really don't want to miss my flight to Germany, who would? At last "Kate-Lynn" mispronouncing my last name, classic. I was seat 39B. I was on this flight. I immediately board the plane, it was 1:00 and the flight was scheduled to leave at 1:08. Perfect.
And then we sit...and sit..and sit. There was some problem with the weight? That apparently took a whole hour to fix.
Long story short, I missed my 5:50 Germany flight. So here I sit, in a Bew Jersey hotel with french fries while watching NCIS. I should be on my flight to Germany, but alas, I am not. The flight I will be taking leaves at 5:50PM tomorrow. So if you know of any fun things to do (besides jersey turnpike-ing with Pauly D and the situation) let me know!
Until next time friends!
Julia Rose

It's Tomorrow!

I mean... finally (am I right ladies?)! Its finally here--I'm finally headed to Italy! ...tomorrow!
So...technically its almost here. But still.

For those of you who don't know, I'm traveling with a group called Travel for Teens (or TFT). This is the teen-tour type company I've traveled with the past three summers And for those of you who are a little unfamiliar with where in the world I've actually been, here; summer '09: Italy Photography, in summer '10: Fiji Community Service and Adventure, summer '11: Paris Photography. And now, for the summer of 2012: Italy Photography AND Classic Italy. What's particularly special about this summer, is that I will be a CIT (counselor in training), which means I could potentially get a job one day with TFT! Which would be too cool. Just imagine:

 BRUCE WAYNE/BATMAN

 Oh hey, Julia. what's your summer job?

JULIA

I just travel the world, its whatever.

BRUCE WAYNE/BATMAN burns with jealousy and admiration before disappearing into the night.

So here's hoping!
But that conversation probably won't happen for a while, so let's talk about now!
Tomorrow, June 28, 2012, I leave for a 22 day adventure in the beautiful country of Italy! Many of you (my family and friends) have asked where exactly I'll be and when, and I didn't exactly have an answer that I was 100% sure of. So I figured I would give a mini version of my itinerary for the next three weeks. Try not to be too jealous :) P.S. I've included links to the major places and things I'll be seeing, in case you don't know what they are..or you just want to see some pictures!

Thursday June 28, 2012-Day 1: Travel day, everyone's favorite. I'll be flying from Chicago, IL to Newark NJ. I'll meet the rest of the kids on the Italy Photography trip at the airport before flying to the Frankfurt Airport in Germany.

Friday June 29, 2012-Day 2: I arrive in Frankfurt at about 7:30 in the morning (thank goodness-- over night flights are much easier anyway!). And then from Frankfurt I fly to Florence, Italy! Hopefully, if all goes as planned, I'll arrive at our hotel in Florence by 2:00. Fun Fact: My hotel will be right by the famous Duomo, in the center of the city! The rest of the day and night will consist of eating and relaxing after two long days of travel.

Saturday June 30, 2012-Day 3: I'll be in: Lucca! and I'll: see the cathedral and a cool medieval wall.

Sunday July 1, 2012-Day 4: I'll be in: Florence! and I'll: take pictures in the streets, see the Boboli Gardens, possibly visit the Uffizi Gallery, and walk up to the Piazzale Michelangelo

Monday July 2, 2012-Day 5: I'll be in: Siena and I'll: tour the massive Duomo.

Tuesday July 3, 2012-Day 6: I'll be in: Pisa and I'll: tour the Campo dei Miracoli and tour the Accademia

Wednesday July 4, 2012-Day 7: I leave Florence and I'll be in: Venice!

Thursday July 5, 2012-Day 8: I'll be in: actually I'll be ON the Island of Murano and the Island of Burano!

Friday July 6, 2012-Day 9: I'll be in: Venice and I'll: visit a Venetian fish market and go to either the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or the Ducal Palace

Saturday July 7, 2012-Day 10: My final day of the Italy Photography trip! Everyone else will be going to the airport but I will take a bus back to Venice!

Sunday July 8, 2012-Day 11: A relaxation day in between the two trips! I'll probably do laundry and lounge around before meeting the kids on the Classic Italy trip!

Monday July 9, 2012-Day 12:  I'll be in on the Island of Murano..again! and I'll again have the option of seeing the Peggy Guggenheim Collection or the Ducal Palace! I guess I'm going to get the chance to see both!

Tuesday July 10, 2012-Day 13: I leave Venice! I'll: stop for lunch in Padua before continuing on to Cinque Terre

Wednesday July 11, 2012-Day 14: I'll be in: Cinque Terre and I'll: hike the Cinque Terre Trail.

Thursday July 12, 2012-Day 15: I'll be in Cinque Terre! There seems to be nothing planned yet for this day! But we'll see!

Friday July 13, 2012-Day 16: I'll: stop in Pisa on my way to Tuscany!

Saturday July 14, 2012-Day 17: I'll be in: Tuscany and Siena! I'll go on a Cooking and Winery Tour, visit the Duomo, and explore Siena again!

Sunday  July 15, 2012-Day 18: I'll be in: Florence and I'll: visit the Accademia, the Duomo, the Boboli Gardens, and the Uffizi Gallery!

Monday July 16, 2012-Day 19: I'll be in: Rome (AT LAST!) and I'll: visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Tuesday July 17, 2012-Day 20: I'll be in: Rome and I'll: go to Ostia Antica and go to either San Clemente OR Capitoline Museums, then I'll walk to the Piazza Navona before heading to the Santa Maria Sopra Minerva Church. After dinner I'll go to the Trevi Fountian.

Wednesday July 18, 2012-Day 21: I'll be in: Rome and Vatican City and I'll see all the famous things there! Like the Pietà, the Laocoon (which inspired Michelangelo's David), the Raphael Rooms, and of course the Sistine Chapel ceiling!

Thursday July 19, 2012-Day 22: I leave Italy all together :( I'll fly from Rome to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Newark, and finally Newark to Chicago.

And I know what you're all thinking--Thank goodness! She'll be back for opening of The Dark Knight Rises 
I'm going to try to post as often as I can! And post some pictures as well! Not all of them, but some!
But TFT is wonderful and they have the counselors post pictures online everyday, so to see pictures of me on the Italy Photography (June 28-July 7) trip click here, and to see pictures of me on the Classic Italy (July 8-July 19) trip click here.
And if you want, don't be afraid to email me and say hi (or something of the sort). My email is JuliaRosiee@yahoo.com
Sorry this post has been impossibly long. I can't wait to share all the stories and pictures with you guys when I get back!
Ciao!
Julia Rose

P.S. Don't loose the link to this blog after I get home from Italy! I'll also be in Israel from September 2 until June 3 (my 19th birthday)! I'll also be in Rwanda for the month of February! So I'll definitely be posting then too!

Basically

This is the official travel blog of the one and only Julia Rose Katlin. I haven't actually left the country yet, but rest assured, when I do, I'll try to post every day!
Here's my schedule:
June 28-July 19: Italy
September 2-June 3: Israel
^at some point I'll be in Rwanda for six weeks at one point!
Ta Ta For Now!
Julia Rose Katlin