Yesterday afternoon I returned from Istanbul where I traveled with a friend for a long weekend. We had a great time sightseeing and shopping in the Grand Bazaar. I was ecstatic to discover a Starbucks next to my favorite baklavalari – a tall, non-fat latte never tasted so good (a little piece of heaven after a long five months). Then, we were off to the Hamam. I’d take a Turkish bath over a beating in the Russian banyas any day!
I am so excited to be back in New York one week from today! Still, this is a busy few days with my final fundraising seminar for local Jewish professionals, continued work on the Do Good Ukraine! website and an exam in Russian to complete my language certificate. I am also looking forward to a tour of the matzah factory.
I will be home for three weeks before I begin my second assignment with JDC’s International Development Program which focuses on non-sectarian projects around the globe. These programs are based on the Jewish value of tikkun olam or repairing the world and are rooted in a longstanding tradition of Jewish humanitarianism. I will be based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and look forward to sharing more details soon!!
Finally, I was asked by a friend for a list of things I am craving or looking forward to when I get back to New York. As some of you already know, last week I ran out of books, magazines, DVD’s, sudoko and my iPod has been stuck on John Mayer since January.
So, besides that and the obvious (husband, family and friends), here is what I can’t stop thinking about: GOOD food, specifically: veggie burgers, fresh fish, pizza, bagels and cream cheese, Hale & Hearty salads, Swiss cheese, non-fat yogurt and strawberries; Whole Foods; takeout; Law & Order reruns; and, Charmin.
Though, there are always two sides to every coin so I would be remiss in not mentioning what I will miss about life in Ukraine. Those two things are: my driver (I’m chauffeured in a 1986 Mazda 626) and the washing machine in my apartment.
In all seriousness, I built a lovely life in Dnepropetrovsk and leaving such a warm Jewish community with wonderful friends and colleagues will be bittersweet. I have no doubt that I will be back again to the city where my great-grandparents were born and where I lived. Until then it is l’hitraot (so long) but not goodbye.
P.S. I hope to write one more blog entry and then will take a short break during April. Please check back in May for my adventures in Ethiopia!
8 comments:
We have loved following your progress and all your adventures. We are so proud of you and that you are doing well by doing good for so many.
We love you,
Aunt Kimberly, Uncle Richard, Blair and Kendall
Wow Joy,
Your blog has really grown up. I remember your first entry, "Welcome to my first blog, ever!" You've taken to it well and have done a great job keeping us all up to date. I know the time has gone by really fast for us, at home, and it sounds as if it has for you too, Da? (the extent of my Russian). Good luck on your exam. You're like a mini United Nations of languages. What will they speak in Ethiopia? Maybe Swahili.
All for now. Cowabunga!
Love, Auntie Dana
Well at least I was first on the list of things joy's excited to come home to! I hope Dnepropetrovsk realizes what it's missing...
Your number 1 blog fan
Have a safe trip home. I'm looking forward to talking to you and reading all the new entries from your next home away from home in Ethiopia.
Love, Auntie Dana
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