So I said a couple of months ago that I was going to really try blogging more, but alas it didn't happen. In the mean time Christmas and New Year's have passed by without much notice. The build up to the holiday season was almost non-existent although I did buy myself a little Christmas tree complete with red globe lights and olive wood ornaments made in Bethlehem. Ramallah was surprisingly Christmasy with lights decorating the streets and windows adorned with tinsel and images of Santa Claus. There is a decent-sized Christian population here, which might explain why although it seems that the Muslims here use Christmas as a good excuse for celebration too. I had planned to go to Bethlehem to feel the atmosphere on Christmas Eve; however transportation is many times difficult here and this time was not an exception. I was disppointed since I don't know if I will ever be here again at that particular time of year.
On New Year's Eve I went with my friend Hani and his family to their farm in Jericho (which is about 30 minutes from Ramallah). I hadn't been to Jericho yet and I have to say that I quite liked it as it seemed very laid back and relaxed. Hani's farm was amazing... huge plot of land with everything you could possibly imagine: lemon and orange trees, banana trees, mint, parsley, spinach, tomatoes, cabbage, corn, etc. etc. etc. We wandered around picking fresh, organic produce for awhile and then had ourselves a wonderful barbecue before heading home. I ended up taking home bags and bags of fruits and vegetables like I had just been to the market. It was wonderful!
University started back up a couple of weeks ago so I am trying to get into the swing of things -- reading, writing, studying. I was finally able to find the book I was looking for at the American Colony Hotel in Jerusalem. That same night, K's niece showed me around the Old City, which is even more amazing at night... we tried to sneak in to see the Dome of the Rock; however it was more difficult than we first thought. She also took me to a really nice Israeli outdoor mall by the name of Mamella with really nice coffee shops, book stores, and clothing stores. Unfortunately I didn't have any money to spend, but you better believe that I'll be back. Although I haven't spent much time in Jerusalem since I have been here, everytime I do go I enjoy myself thoroughly.
Other than that, life is going on as normal, as normal as it can with the war in Gaza happening 100km away, but that is a whole other story.
