You know those negative things you hear about living in Israel? Like, for example, that it’s harder to get by financially here than in North America? Or that it can be hard getting used to the cultural differences here? Well, there is truth in those statements. There are certain aspects of life here that are a greater struggle. But, there are so many amazing things about being in this vibrant country and specifically in Jerusalem. Since I moved back here around two months ago, I keep having the urge to pinch myself. It’s not that I’m desperately bored. Quite the contrary. I feel like I’m living a charmed life and am interested in determining whether or not this is a dream. I’m scared to believe it.

Granted, we all have our own lives and our own situations, and mine happens to be really lovely right now: My family lives here, I speak Hebrew (lived here for 16 years already, growing up) and I did what I had to do outside of Israel so I’m just happy to be back. But living as a Jerusalemite can feel quite lovely.

Ah, you need an example? OK.

Right now I’m sitting in one of the many fun, delicious cafes on Emek Refa’im, a bustling main street in the German Colony of Jerusalem. My decaf-”cafe hafuch” (I think that’s a capuchino but all I know is that I love it) came with a heart in it (pictured below). It’s November 12th and my friends in Vancouver are telling me about the snow falling on Grouse Mountain outside of Vancouver (soon to fall in Vancouver proper) while I’m sitting here in a t-shirt and the sun shines outside.

Say it all together: Cafe Hafooch!

Don’t get me wrong. I love Grouse. I love snow. I love Vancouver. But there is something so vibrant about the life here, it’s almost hard to put your finger on it. Maybe it’s like that so that only those willing to come here can experience it for themselves. Come on. Next hafuch is on me.

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