Israel (Part 3)

The last batch of pictures from my wonderful, exciting trip...

Me, Mayaan, and Shaked in their uniforms

Mount Herzel Cemetery

The Dead Sea

It's seriously awesome!

The Kotel, or Western Wall

The beige-stone streets of Jerusalem

A cool picture that Avra took

A book of pictures that I made using Blurb.

If you want to see more pictures or want to know more about my trip, please don't hesitate to ask!

You can email me at sara.strauss8922@yahoo.com.

Israel (Part 2)

Here are the next several days of my trip...

Partying it up at a bar

Independence Hall

Avra, Shaked, and me
Every group gets to hang out with eight Israeli soldiers for five days

The Mediteranean

Flea market in Jaffa

In an underground room that we had to crawl through tunnels to get to

(My eyes look a little crazy)

Bedouin tent

About 100 people slept in here.
Forty-four on one side and fourty-four of another group on the other side,
divided by thick carpets.
Forty birthright-goers, two counselors, one guide, and one medic

Riding a camel with Kira

Walking up to Masada

Part 3 coming tomorrow.

Israel (Part 1)

In honor of the fact that it was exactly a year ago today that I left for Israel, I thought I would post some photos of my trip. Last year, I went on birthright for two weeks with forty other 18 to 22-year-olds from around the U.S. through Taglit Birthright. Luckily, I got to go with two friends of mine (Avra and Kira), which I think made the trip easier and better since I already knew two people and we'll always remember that we went together.

If you're under 26 and Jewish, I would definitely recommend going on birthright since it's a wonderful experience and it's free! If you're over 26 or not Jewish, you should make plans to see this amazing country!

I met some extraordinary people, saw marvelous things, did incredible things, took hundreds of pictures, connected to a country and a people, felt like I belonged, had tons of fun, and I will never forget this experience. EVER.

Here are the first couple days of my trip...

Layover in Kiev, Ukraine 

We arrived! Ben Gurion Airport

The group!

  

Baha’i Gardens in Haifa

The Mediterranean

Sasha, Kira, Avra, and me

Emily being eaten

Part 2 coming tomorrow.

Last Day

It's the last day of 2011! Are you excited? Sad? Hopeful?

Since it's the new year I've decided to clean my room (I still live at home with my parents) of any unwanted and needless things. I want to start the new year with a fresh perspective, and of course a tidy room.

I'm also excited about what's coming in 2012, especially the Olympics in London, the presidential election, the fact that it's a leap year (I don't know why, I just think it's cool), and The Hunger Games movie.

Are you going to kick back and relax tonight or join the party the world is throwing?

(Pictures via Bing, Facebook)

Movies I Want to See (December 2011)

I love watching movies and I'm always excited about the next crop coming up. The last month of 2011 looks like it's not going to disappoint.

Sleeping Beauty

 

In this Australian erotic film, Emily Browing plays Lucy who is willing to be put to sleep while men, let's say, admire her physically. It looks both intriguing and terrifying. What is really going on while she sleeps? (December 2)

New Year's Eve

An esemble movie about New Year's Eve. I'm not sure how great this will be with all of the plot lines, but we'll see. (December 9)

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Gary Oldman plays a retired M16 agent looking for a mole within the British secret service. Not only am I interested in who the mole is, but I can't wait to find out if Oldman will be nominated for an Oscar. Fingers crossed! (December 9)

Carnage

How great is this poster? I think it shows perfectly what's going to occur in the movie: two sets of parents start out nice and civilized and slowly become angry and hostile. I wonder who's going to throw the first punch. (December 16)

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

No explanation needed honestly. It's Roberty Downey Jr. and Jude Law reprising their roles as Holmes and Watson respectively. I'm also interested in seeing Noomi Rapace in this. Looks like a fun ride! (December 16)

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Daniel Craig as Blomkvist and Rooney Mara as Salander in the American version of the film. At first I was wary when I heard it was being re-done in the U.S., but now I can't wait to watch it. Will there be differences from the Swedish version? I guess we'll find out. (December 21)

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

This poster is simply amazing. The hints of gray and blue and the fact that he's covering his face makes it somber. Those who have read the book, like me, will know why that is. I can't wait to see if the movie will be as fantastic as the book. I think it will be. (Limited December 23, wide January)

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Since I've seen all the previous Mission Impossible movies, I would be lying if I said I wasn't interested in seeing this one. The premise looks promising since Ethan Hunt's team is now suspected of bombing the Kremlin and they are on their own. It actually looks good. (December 23)