Ulpan Week 1 and 2

[fanofstuff666]

I...really don't know how I keep forgetting they don't serve lunch in the cheder ochel on Fridays. I hear that's going to change soon, but so far that's three weeks in a row I've gone and forgotten about the lack of food after class. Fortunately, there's bread and cold soup in the maodon, or break room

Comments

Being prepared

[anonymous]

Comment #1: Good comments on how to prepare for in- and outside work. I believe that your blog shows that the Kibbutz does not do much to feel you welcome and integrated. Did you receive a "welcome to the ulpan" pamphlet with useful information? It should have been provided to you day 1 and contain information about the availability of warm water, transportation, communication and a syllabus for your studies. If not, then I believe this to be a sever shortcoming on their side.
Assuming there was no such information available, why don't you volunteer to put such a brochure together for them? First of all, that would show that you are proactive, second, it would get you recognition as a proactive Ulpanist and volunteer, and third it would allow you to "legitimately" ask for information because you are gathering it FOR THEM, so THEY can come across as more professional than they obviously are. According to their web site, they seem to place great emphasis on such an image but seem to experience a severe downfall on how they treat paying guests. They should be more than happy to remedy that situation and accommodate responding favorably to your inquiries.

Comment #2: One CAN plan a weekend without support. It is called planning. Use a guide book, look up a place where you want to go and find out during the week how to get there on Friday. use the internet and ask kibbutzniks direct questions, such as: "I want to go to Caesaria for the weekend. What bus should I take? From where? How can I get a ride to the bus stop? What ATM machine is close by? Do you know a safe cheap place in Caesarea where I could stay for the night, such as a youth hostel or a cheap hotel?" Then you hop on the bus or sherut and go and have a great time. Take the guide book and enjoy the sights and activities that you planned. Waiting for other people to do things for you is not a realistic plan.

Comment #3: Interesting observations on emergency reality in Israel. This is one of those things one has to be there for and cannot experience from the comfort of the couch in the States. Keep blogging.