Happenings

There has been a lot in the news lately about Olmert (the Israeli PM) for alleged corruption. Very interesting given the Israel's 60th birthday party with Bush, Blair, Kissinger, Buffet, Adelson, Jon Voight and others in the country. Jerusalem is supposedly a zoo because of the security issues with so many heads of state here. I read that it's the most complicated security event in the country's history. Today marks Independence Day on the standard calendar (not sure of the real title for it) whereas the fun last week (see post below) was the day on the Jewish calendar. I'm not gonna get to Jerusalem to see it but maybe I'll find a TV and watch. I can't imagine what the city is like right now.

The campus of Tel Aviv University has been a party for the last few weeks. Seemingly everyday there is a fair, concert, rally, or speech. Tents are always up and kids are all over the quad. Last week there were 1 shekel beer sales (30 cents) and food stands everywhere. Concerts are a constant. Maybe this is what happens at big universities. Bowdoin can't quite match the energy, but we can sure try. Tomorrow is Yom Hastudent (Student Day). It's the equivalent of the "Spring Weekend" that takes place in the US, except it's one day. Some of Israel's top bands/DJs will be on campus. There are stages set up all over campus. There are kegs everywhere--I counted 30 kegs right outside one of the academic buildings. Not sure how classes are gonna work tomorrow. I should be an awesome day of Israeli music.

Tonight is the final banquet for my program: a sad night indeed. Classes end tomorrow and then exams are all of next week. It's been a sad few days though I get the sense that most people are ready to leave. There's a lot of bittersweet chocolate going around. I'm going to staying in Tel Aviv for a few weeks after the program ends and before summer plans begin. A bunch of friends will be here so I'm excited for it. I'm also excited to see a few friends who are doing birthright. It'll be great to see a few familiar faces.