So long Winter!

 

Hello to the world of blogging once again! As the Winter chill disappears from Brisbane, I have decided to emerge from my cave just in time for Spring to greet me with open arms. And honestly, it's been so gorgeous lately! Sitting on the slightly dry lawn at the uni campus with friends, taking in the sun's warmth is actually something that makes this term bearable. Bring on the 'before Summer officially hits' tan so I'm not completely white when the time comes for those beach trips!

 

In fact, those beach trips seem to be coming ahead at full speed which is slightly unnerving. Since coming back from Israel, my motivation has gone from an ultimate high to a moderately low stage in a matter of only a few weeks. Yep, things were going strong til about half way into this semester, when I just felt like I could not be stuffed doing anything. Gym visits became non-existant, healthy eating habits went out the window and now I'm struggling to catch up with the past week or two's workload.

 

What went wrong?

 

As silly as it sounds, I think it was just a matter of burning out of body/brain fuel. Jumping straight back into study after travelling took its own toll, but contemplating another 14 or so weeks ahead of constant readings, planning, examinations etc, seemed to overwhelm my brain to the point where I didn't want to keep going. But the more I think about it, the more I realise that's exactly what I needed. Even if this sounds super cliche, I've realised it's really important to listen to what your body needs not just physically, but mentally in order to keep yourself going. My plan now is to slowly go back to those weekly gym sessions, ditch those all-over-the-joint eating habits and possibly clean my room to get a whole new perspective on things (I bet my family will be ecstatic to hear that...you could say my 'cave' has become a little less than 'luxurious' lately)

 

Well that's a small self revelation session complete. For anyone who'd like to sign up for the weekly newsletter, please contact me on.... just kidding ;)

 

Before I sign off though, I'd actually like to write a little note on a skin condition I have had recently - and before you screw your face in disgust, it's nothing THAT bad. I just noticed on the side of my arms these small white bumps/red spots that didn't itch etc, but were just happy to reside on my body. Too bad for them I wasn't so happy, hence after a bit of google research I came to the conclusion I had a small case of Keratosis Pilaris. Relieved it wasn't something life threatening (yeah, I know, I was massively exaggerating thinking it was) I was disappointed to read there wasn't any hard headed cure to get rid of it. Keratosis Pilaris by the way is when the human body produces an overload in keratin, which is a natural protein in the skin. It can surround and trap hair follicles in pores, leading to mild or severe cases depending on how much keratin is being produced.

 

 Lots of advice on using this type of cream, or that type of cream seemed relevant, but I was looking for something that would give me results in a matter of days, not weeks. (Being the patient person I am) Fortunately I came across this small comment from a lady who used Apple Cider Vinegar on her arms twice daily, which took care of the matter in no time at all. I drink Apple Cider Vinegar every morning, so I thought I'd give this natural remedy a go - and boy did it work! It's only been three days and my arms are clearing up like there's no tomorrow.

So for anyone who comes across this entry if they google a cure for their own case, give Apple Cider Vinegar a go. I only used it once in the evening before bed, and directly apply it onto the skin with a cotton pad. It's also worth mentioning the one I used was double strength and hasn't dried my skin out as such yet. I'll continue moisturing like normal and see how things go from there.

 

So there we have it! Kudos to anyone who continued reading after the half way point of my small advice column, and to reward your interest I'll post in a link to my Pinterest account where you can browse to your heart's content on all things images wonderfully inspirational. Really, I'm partly obsessed. It's so fun looking for things that peak my creative interest. Check it out -> http://pinterest.com/lisahakola/

 

xxx

 

 

Petra, Jordan.

My last adventure in Israel: it was simply incredible. 

The recovery process since arriving home has taken me a few days but I'm finally feeling right as rain! Semester two has started and already the work is piling up. My hair will probably fall out by week 5 at this rate...

xx

Eilat Arrival.

We eat and we sleep.

Oh Maghar. What a place you have been. There's only one more day to go of the camp before it's time to say goodbye and move onto one last adventure before heading home. I have not had any energy (literally) the past few days since my last post as every excursion, daily lessons or dinner gatherings have sapped all my time and strength, leaving me as one more-than-ready-to-go-home girl. 

I had a bit of a stressful afternoon searching for hotels that were decent/cheap looking plus close to essential bus stations and airports for my upcoming trip to Petra. When I was satisfied with one called the 'Blue Hotel' in Eilat and booked it happily, I noticed with a somewhat horrified manner that there was an "Important Notice" section that explained anyone under the age of 21 MUST be accompanied by an adult. Frantically I tried to see whether I could backtrack and cancel my booking, however the internet kindly told me that I could cancel - as long as I paid the $100. I was SO aggravated and angry at myself for making such a stupid mistake, my host mum quickly noticed my subdued mood and told her husband, who reassured me not to worry and that he could fix any problem I had. Hmmmm...right. 

I tried to keep my nerves (and anger) settled when they called me down for a lovely dinner that also reminded me of home. I'm talking meat, rice and salad. Perfect! Afterwards Noha still wanted to cheer me up and decided to take me on a shopping trip which ended up failing miserably as the shop she insisted we had to visit had closed up early. 

Once we returned Zaki and Noha ushered me down the street to their office where one phone call was made and all of a sudden I was talking to a guy with perfect English who happens to be the brother of the camp's main leader AND lives in Eilat AND who owns a restaurant AND who will pick me up when I arrive on Friday at 2pm, feed me, drop me wherever I need to go, take me shopping, most likely get my money back from the hotel and let me sleep in one of his numerous apartments (or then at least just get into a room) AND most importantly - take care of me until I need to leave on Sunday morning. 

Wow. 

Zaki, you and your connections rule. Once again, more blessings just keep coming my way on this trip. I can't thank this family enough, nor the people in Australia making sure I'm okay on a daily basis or those who just continue to keep me in their thoughts and prayers while I'm over here. 

I am most definitely a very happy and less-stressed person at this moment. It'll be very hard to say goodbye to this wonderful group of people tomorrow!

xxxxxx

Ps, I couldn't help but snap a quick photo when I was enjoying the lovely weather/sunset on the balcony. For those sceptical of visiting Israel - don't be. Of course it's important to always keep your guard up and be aware of the dangers unfamiliar places can pose, but it's so ridiculously refreshing and beautiful discovering cities, towns and people that continue to give, give and give to the point where you don't even understand their generosity anymore. 

Ahhh.

Simply put - I love Israel! :D

Day Off.

Oh how wonderful it was to have a day off! I spent most of the morning calling the family via skype and just catching up on how things are going back home (which was so lovely ♥). 


After the parents returned home from work we enjoyed another wonderful 'early' dinner, which consisted of traditional Druish food where they wrap rice mixed with spices, herbs and chicken in these massive grape leaves. You then cook them for an hour or so in boiling water and bona petite! The verdict? Pretty tasty!

One hour later (after the food had digested) we made a quick stop at a few clothes shops in preparation for the evening's events. As I mentioned in one previous post, I was invited along with Siwar to go to her friend's engagement party. Almost every few nights there have been weddings and celebrations heard throughout the town, so it was nice to finally get to go to one ourselves! The women were so gorgeously dressed and I just loved watching everyone in their separate groups, going about their business (The servers, the guests and the VIP's). 

After many congratulations and compliments, we walked up the street to enjoy an evening of music. The kids were soooo cute! There is definitely a lot of talent within the community. 

Tomorrow we are off again on another adventure in another town. So til then! x

Quick update...

My, these people never cease to make me feel loved! Check out the feast that was prepared in my honour (at Siwar's cousins house)! A little bird told me the lady who cooked it all is famous within the town for her culinary skills... no argument here ;D

Such a beautiful home!

Where the magic happens... ;)

Bon appetite! 

Summer Camp Update:

So it’s been 5 days already at the Mughar Summer Camp and it’s safe to say I’m exhausted! Siwar is already sleeping soundly after today’s teaching (it’s only 3.30pm) in order to get a bit more energy for a family gathering tonight at 5. 

The structure of the camp is fairly simple, with each day organised in a way where from 9-12.30, three separate workshops are completed which include Art & Crafts, Circus activities and more-so Sculpturing with a morning tea break at 11-11.30. The lessons run for one hour each, and so far we’ve gone through mosaic pictures, jewellery making, building houses (out of natural resources: rocks, sand etc) and practising acrobatic movements (I have discovered my flexibility levels = dangerously low). After these lessons we are given free reign to teach for 1 1/2 hours anything we like. Songs, dancing, puppet making and vocabulary testing have so far been a big hit. Our group decided to give each student some homework at the end of the day, and even this is received enthusiastically! 

The kids have really taken advantage of practising and speaking English whenever they can. It’s so encouraging to see smiles all round and lots of teamwork happening no matter what we do. 

Yesterday was a particularly fun day when we visited Superland in Tel Aviv. The bus ride there nearly took all my energy as the girls (who are definitely not as shy as they were on the first day) decided to make sure I knew how to say almost every part of the body/bus/scenery in Arabic AND then I had to make sure they knew how to say the same words in English. My brain was on fire! 

The most popular word of the day would have been ‘Maa’ (pronounced mu-ai) which means water – as the temperature was steaming hot from morning til night. As the camp has been separated into different age and English speaking levels, we all organised a few boys and girls who were to stay with us for the entire duration of the trip. I was with a lovely group of my favourite girls and a fellow Arabic volunteer who made life so much easier as she was fantastic with the children.

The rides were definitely a highlight and we chose to stick to a lot of those surrounded by water to cool down.

Going home should have been a little less tiring (thinking the kids would sleep on the bus) however Round Two of ‘Let’s Name Everything’ began. I don’t think I’ve slept as well as I did that night…

Tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday are our days off, so we will be taking advantage of sleeping and leisure activities for us ‘grown ups’. Cue shopping, engagement parties and did someone say kayaking? :D

Aside from the camp, two days ago my host family took a fellow volunteer from America and myself to spend an evening in Nahariya, which is a Northern coastal town here in Israel. All I can say is - wow! A gorgeous beach was there to greet us as well as plenty of smiling faces and a great avenue of shops for anything and everything. We took plenty of pictures and walked along the walkways until a young lady coaxed us into small couches near the water and we ordered some dinner. I chose the Dennis fish (not knowing what I’d get exactly) and was rewarded with a freshly cooked piece of the ocean with a side of salad and rice. I know I always seem to talk about food, but damn, that meal was so good. Seafood back home has some competition that’s for sure ;D

It’s hard to believe one week has already passed and I only have until the 22^nd to enjoy this magnificent country. As always, the blessings keep coming and I’m thrilled to be experiencing this trip of a lifetime. I cannot wait to see what else is in store over the next week! xx