And the countdown has begun!

On top of Masada. February 23, 2005

Welcome to my blog! I will openly admit that I have absolutely no idea what I am doing on here, or how to do any of it, I'm sure to the dismay of the professors who spent countless hours in the classroom with me, trying to convince me that the Web was the "way to go!" For someone who has spent their life hell-bent on working in the newspaper industry, this is more than a little unnerving. However, I am going to get over my fear of the all-consuming Internet, wash my hands of the stains from the newspapers I enjoy so much, and give the twenty-first century a try!

I am primarily interested in blogging because on August 8th, I will be embarking on the greatest adventure of my life (ok, my life so far!). I will be making my third trip to Israel, this time for six months, on a long term program called Destination Israel, run by a company called Oranim. August 8th by the way, is right around the corner, and no, I am not packed!

Five years ago, when I was at the peak of my high school career and gearing up to become a freshman at Westfield State College, my mother, brother and I joined my temple congregation for a two week trip to Israel. It was, and still remains the best experience of my life. I learned more in those two weeks about who I was, what I wanted to do, and how important it was to be Jewish and a part of my Jewish Community, than I did in a lot of years in Hebrew School and a lot of Fridays spent in services. Israel changed my life, it turned the world as I knew it upside down, and it gave me an itch for travel that I have been trying to scratch ever since.

In the years since 2006 I have made it back to Israel once, for a Birthright tour. I have also taken classes and done studies in Italy. I have realized that there really is no limit to what you can do if you set your mind to it and if you have the right people helping you along the way. (Thanks Mom!) And so, in 9 days, I will get on a plane bound for Israel, again. This time, I will go with the goal of being completely immersed into the language and the culture of the country (not as a tourist) and the anticipation of what I am about to do is just about making me burst at the seams! Not to mention, I will have someone fantastic by my side. My very best friend Rachel is coming with me, and together, we are going to have the trip of a lifetime.

Join me as I travel through Israel and share my thoughts, pictures, and experiences here on Oh... the places you go! (Absolutely inspired by the Great Dr. Seuss!) It is going to be an incredible ride.