If the shoe fits....

Ok story time.

So I, at the last minute, yes shamelessly at the last minute, decided that I was fully going to attend services for the Jewish New Year. The reason for my tardy decision had to do with the fact that I just signed on for the Jewish society the day before and inquired only then about these services. I called the rabbi the next day and he was so amazingly welcoming and hospitable. He arranged everything, as I stayed with a family down the street and attended services with other students.

Despite my personal views on religion, which I won't delve into, the one thing that I do appreciate about it is the fact that no matter where in the world you are, you are always welcome and always feel at home in the Jewish community, as you are met by the familiarity of customs and traditions. Although this is an exclusive community, it is a comforting feeling to be made at home.

Having said that, I missed Friday night services because I somehow set my watch an hour backwards, but I joined them in time for dinner. I met other students in first year, mostly from Britain, and one from Brazil and had a nice time. I stayed overnight with the family down the street and met up with the students the next morning to attend a reform synagogue. The prayers were nice, although not quite what I am used to as some sections were skipped, and others were read quite differently. I was accompanied by two gentlemen, Ash and Jack who were so nice.

The story here is that the arrangements were such last minute that I had to work out clothing last minute. Sophie and Anna, my flatmates were kind enough to come shopping with me in the city center. I love Primark, let me say, best deal I have ever seen even with the currency exchange. After some coffee and Anna trying to give me convlusions and seizures from so much coffee in one day, I rushed homne to realize that I did not have any shoes- Jo saved my arse and lent me hers, and although they were painful to walk in, as I had to stuff them with kleenex, they held me over.

Now, I was supposed to leave Saturday afternoon to come back here, but my hosts were no where to be found. I trecked back and forth down the street 3 times hoping they'd be home, to no avail. THey arrived back at 6 and I took a taxi (yes shame on me, on rosh hashana), back to residence with Jack and Ash, who waited for me this whole time :S

So I think the moral of this story concerns the fact that hardly anything ever works out the way you expect it to. So if the shoe fits, all is well, and if it doesn't, then I guess you just make it fit and make it work for you. So despite my religious beliefs, however unorthodox and incompatible they may be, I was able to enjoy a religious, customary experience with a rabbi, his pregnant wife, and their 3 crazy children (not to sound stereotypical at all..).

Now walking a mile in my sore moccassins, I have another story- I went to a club a couple nights ago and some guy asked me if I'd buy him a drink. What makes it worse is that drinks were 50 pence (1$).... very impressive. I basically turned to him and said that he should be buying me a drink. Well I had a very nice night with me, Anna, the Americans and Sophie! My flatmates are adorable and posh and I adore them more and more everyday. Life is absolutely crazy and all over the place at the moment. And to all those at home, I have pictures of all of you all over my wall! I love and miss you dearly and please keep in touch if I haven't been doing a good job of it.

All in all, I think my friends and I have basically decided that we have had enough of the party scene. It's been a great couple of weeks but I think I am hearby announcing my retirement. It's beginning to seem mundane and I am taken back to first year back to my residence room where I had an amazing night sitting around and talking and I realized that a night in with quality people is far nicer and more meaningful than a night of crazy partying.

THis is my two pence for the past couple of days, as I am excited to begin classes! (I know I am a nerd, thank you). p.s. this weather realllly hates my hair and vice versa. I mean, even the locals are telling me that England is the best country ever, yet they hate the miserable weather. At first I thought I just needed better hair products, but I took my flatmate Amy and Sophie's advice and I'm left looking like a frizzball with more afro than carrot top..... sheesh. peace luvs!

btw. settings have been changed so that anyone can comment, so let me know if you are reading!