stepping forwards and sideways

so last night was randomly pretty awesome. Emil came to pick up sam and i so he could take me to a place that teaches Krav Maga in Kfar Saba. we went there and conveniently class was going on and i watched them practice fighting multiple attackers with knives. then the power went out, so they improvised by training in the dark for a little while. Because I have pretty extensive martial arts training in the past, the head guy, Z'ev was his name i think, said i'd probably be able to learn the most in the few months i'll be here by just going to the advanced class. So wednesday i'm going back to try out the beginner class so i can experience first hand what the deal is, but next week i'm hoping to start training in their advanced class at least two days a week if my body can handle it. I'm so excited to learn such a combat oriented and practical fighting style.

but then Emil drove us over to a really nice place in Kfar Saba to get pickup games of basket ball. we then stopped for a refreshment and snack and then he drove us to the Marina in Hertzalia where he is learning to sail. This area is so nice and is one of the richest areas in israel. the homes were beautiful as were the aparments lining the beach. we then drove down to tel aviv and relaxed at a bar right by the American Embassy called Mike's Bar. I had a delicious Guinness and we shared some gravey fries. it was amazing especially because there was a live band playing the blues.

so what i thought was going to be a short night driving in the pouring rain to see if i could learn Krav Maga turned out to be quite an entertaining one. i didn't even bring my camera because i had no idea we were going to be doing anything, but Emil is one heck-of-a host.

So, how are the goals i posted yesterday coming along?

1. I spent time in the park today learning hebrew. it's a long slow process but i'm learning what i can.
2. I was told that one of the doctors at the hospital i'm supposed to be interning at is supposed to be reviewing my health forms. For the record, i turned in the form from my doctor at home about 2 months ago and their health questionare that just popped up 3 weeks ago. I know there is an enormous amount of beurocracy involved in hospitals, but this is getting very frustrating. i could start exploring other options but i was told that the hospital has a position for me and it's just a matter of time before i get it. GRARG
3. I start learning Krav Maga on Wednesday. I was so excited that today I went on a 40 minute run so i could work on my endurance as Krav Maga is notoriously brutal and stressful on the body and mind.

fyi, i'd love to hear from people about what's going on at home. i've been in touch with some, but would love to hear from everyone about what's new or old or what's coming up or what is only staying the same.

although the most important thing i have to sa