“So how was Israel?”

The most frequently asked question!

Gaga. I must keep moving until the end.

It’s no doubt that this Spring semester has taken a lot out of me. We finished off our choreographic works, have performed student works and professional repertory, the highlight of which was dancing on the main stage at Suzanne Dellal. This week, I finish my studies with technical exams. But in an effort to squeeze out just a little bit more dance from this experience in Israel, I’m turning to Gaga.

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Photo Credit: Gadi Dagon

A Letter to Myself, In the Spirit of Packing Lists

Dear August 2011 Carlo,

With approximately two weeks left in Israel, I am preparing to leave in the way I know best:  making lists. As I decide what to pack and what to do away with, I find myself revisiting a familiar place in my mind and it’s where you are now, packing and freaking out about leaving for Israel. Now almost ten months wiser about living in this place, I’ve decided to compile a few packing lists for you, my August 2011 self:

• things you’ll be glad you brought
• things you had no idea you needed
• things you need to buy right away
• things you totally don’t need

Earthquake in Jerusalem?

I think we just felt an earthquake. Updates to follow.

 

Social Media Feed

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News Source Feed

I guess there was an earthquake this morning at 6:17am.
http://www.timesofisrael.com/earthquake-hits-dead-sea-region-shakes-jerusalem/ 

Ynet has the scoop, at 10:16pm.
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4227887,00.html 

JPost joins in at 10:31pm.
http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=269610 

 

Exclusive interview with Kyle Georgina Marsh

Can you describe exactly what happened?
I was just sitting in my apartment enjoying a regular Shabbat, watching YouTube videos and talking to friends, and suddenly, my roommate says, “Quick, shhh!” The whole building was shaking. It was like being gently rocked to sleep. We heard people screaming in the hallway.

Did anyone get hurt?
No. We just folded our legs, sat on the couch, and enjoyed the moment.

Have you been in an earthquake before?
Yes. I grew up in Hawaii and Japan, so it’s pretty normal.

Yasmeen Godder’s Storm End Come

As you may know, I am enrolled in a unique-to-Dance Jerusalem lecture course called Dance in Israel. As you may or may not know, I adore it. Though all lessons are filled with great information, video, photo, and opportunity for discussion, the most effective (and my favorite) progression of these dance history (or current events?) lessons ends with a trip to see a live performance. Just last night Dance Jerusalem hit the Suzanne Dellal Center once more for another amazing demonstration of Israeli dance. This time, we visited Tel Aviv to see Yasmeen Godder’s Storm End Come.

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Photo courtesy of Gadi Dagon

Hebrew Update: YouTube Videos

In Hebrew class, we sometimes use YouTube as a audio-visual aid. I’ve included here two of my favorites. If you can’t understand Hebrew, listen to the rhythm and sounds of the language. It’s really quite beautiful, in my opinion.

TLV: The Perfect Stay-cation

I write this from a PC in an apartment in Old Jaffa. The computer and apartment belong to a friend, Smadar, who is a fellow student at the Academy. I came out here with my good friend, Elly, to celebrate Purim, which is like Jewish Halloween.

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Purim Dance Party

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I must say that this three days spent in Tel Aviv was amazing. There’s something about staying in someone’s home that obviously trumps staying at a hostel to spend a few nights out of Jerusalem. Aside from saving money, it was great to be able to cook our own meals, shower privately, and not have to worry about the other guests staying in your domitory-style hostel room. Elly and I rented bicycles, explored parts of Old Jaffa, spent some hours on the beaches in Tel Aviv, and went out to eat a few times.

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Photo courtesy of Elly Hollenhorst

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It was pleasant to get away from Jerusalem for the weekend and feel at home in a different city, just a short bus ride away. I hope to be able to do it again soon. Thank you so much, Smadar!

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Carlo

P.S. The only regret is that I didn’t bother to bring my running shoes with me. The weather was PERFECT for it!

P.P.S. Can we just acknowledge that just a week ago, I was blogging about snow?