its different

one would assume that upon moving to another country (or even another city for that matter) there is a period of acclamation that must take place. It has been interesting to say the least, which of the conveniences we take for granted are NOT readily available here in Israel. And its not so much that certain things aren't available per se, its the way in which things occur and to what extent that is different.

lets start with ziploc bags for example. they are impossible to find, and when you do, they cost an arm and a leg for a few bag. fortunately i'm into "reusing" bags. general toiletries and personal items cost quite a bit more, as do personal electronics. "orange juice" is often reduced to a tang-like substance (i call it fake orange juice) so Ive learned to ask for 100% orange juice, "meets tapoozim mehakooze." When i did this at a beachside bar in Tel Aviv, the server responded something like as opposed to 70% orange and 30% grape?

There are also a few other common items of business which should not be overlooked. In my apartment (which is very nice compared to the dorm, don't get me wrong) "taking a shower" means a) I MIGHT have hot water, and b) there MIGHT be water pressure (not contingent upon whether or not there is hot water). While on campus, I can access the internet from my laptop, but NOT any mail sites or password sites (such as hotmail, gmail, myspace, or blogger). I must use a public machine for those sites (most of which one must wait in a line to use). Printing is generally possible from one such machine, but many of the printers have been too backed up or out of service.

I am keeping my head up during all of these little "hurdles" (it definitely could be worse), and am acclamating quite nicely despite the fact that "its different" here :)