So, if you are connected to my facebook or xanga page, you've already seen this.  But, if not here you go . . .

Top 12 Things I've Learned (Or Re-learned)
After Living In Jerusalem For a Month

Well, I've been living abroad for almost a month now and I thought I'd update you.  Today's update comes in the form of a list—the top twelve things I've learned (or re-learned) after living in Jerusalem in a month.

1.      How to Wash Dishes:  Step one, place two plastic tubs in the sink. Step two, boil water in the hot pot.  Step three, place boiling water in one tub with dish soap and some room temperature water.  Place room temp water in the second tub.  Wash dishes in first tub, rinse dishes in second tub.  Place on dish drying racks.

2.      How to Take a Hot Shower: Twenty minutes prior to shower time turn on the water heater.  Take shower.  Use squeegee to clean up the water now on the bathroom floor.  (Try not to fall down in the process.)

3.      How to Do Laundry: Guess which buttons to push on the washing machine, since they're in Hebrew.  Hang clothes to dry. 

4.      How to Drive:  If approaching an intersection where there is no light, "butt in" in any way possible.  There is no "right of way" per se, it's just get yourself in.  If driving on any four lane road, the outside two lanes are only optionally driving lanes.  Primarily it is for parking.  In general, driving is like playing a game of chicken—drive towards each other and see who is going to have the most guts.  Finally, don't drive fast—you never know who is going to jump in front of you either on foot, scooter, motorcycle, or car. 

5.      How to Conserve:  Conservation here is not something you do only if you're "green" and eco-conscious.  You conserve because it saves money, because natural resources are scarce, because it's just how things are done.  You walk instead of drive, you don't leave the water heater on all day, you don't turn on lights until the sun sets, you wash dishes by hand, you hang clothes to dry, you walk your plastic bottles to the recycle bin, you use "half vs. full flush" options on the toilet, and more. 

6.      How Not to Be Lazy:  I've discovered I'm lazy.  It's an odd discovery, I've never thought of myself in that light before.  But, it is by virtue of my culture.  That's right.  Just by growing up in America I have learned to be lazy.  I come from a place where the idea of walking to the grocery store (and everywhere else really) is unheard of.  Where seeing a grocery store with no ready-made meals, boxed and canned foods ready to go or pre-cut produce seems like another world.  Where I can't remember the last time someone here made everything for their meal (from spaghetti sauce to Italian dressing) from scratch.  Where everything is simplified and ready-made.  So, I'm learning to become nice and un-American—I'm learning to do things the long way. 

7.      How to Turn On a Gas Stove:  I'm not sure I can fully explain this one.  I'm still trying to get the hang of it, but I'm making progress.  I do know you push and turn till you get to the little triangle mark, then turn it past that and hope it stays on. 

8.      How to Buy Groceries:  Walk to the grocery store.  (Or drive if it's an unusually large shopping trip.)  Walk through the aisles to find what you need.  Get to used to the fact that the entire grocery store would fit into my one bedroom apartment in Orlando.  Try to decipher what you need through labels in Hebrew and Arabic.  Watch the butcher actually grind your hamburger and chop up your chicken before placing it in bags for you to take home.  Translate prices and try to figure out what things cost.  Check out and try to guess what the cashier is telling you.  Walk your groceries home.

9.      How to Walk Through the Old City:  When walking through the "tourist-y streets" don't make eye contact with shop vendors or their merchandise unless you plan to buy.   Otherwise you will be fighting them off like crazy.  Also, make sure to bring your phone for when you get lost in the maze of narrow, winding streets.

10. How to Provide Snacks at a Kids Event:  Forget the candy and sweets or goldfish and pretzels.  Instead clean and chop fresh veggies.  Stuff pitas with cucumbers, tomatoes and salty cheese. 

11. How to Warm Up On a Cold Day:  Drink hot tea.  Take a walk.  Get out of the house (outside is almost always warmer).  Put on a blanket.  Don't use heaters.  Heaters are for wimps.  (Although, technically, I think I classify as a wimp in this case.)

12. How to Eat a Great Meal:  There are many options.  One of my faves—a great salad made with fresh avocado, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, salty cheese and homemade salad dressing.  Falafel in pita!  YUMMY!  Another interesting and wonderful item—plain yogurt (a completely different taste and consistency from what you find in America) served on a variety of things.  It takes the place of sour cream for the most part.  Shwarma—thinly carved meat served with pita and "salads."