freedom

if there ever was a case for 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' living in gaza would certainly be the necessary proof. everytime i have the opportunity to walk on the street, sit in a restaurant, bump shoulders with other people, drink alcohol in public, i appreciate it.

we made it out today. just. as usual, quiet morning, then all of a sudden everything picked up and it was chaos! and then we made it to erez - finally, after many a long story and heartache - then we sat at erez, as per usual. we bonded nicely with the OCHA and FAO guys. good bunch. erez is always good for meeting some other internationals.

i think they are beginning to remember me at erez. it was a bit easier. there were some smiles. i said todah and we all offered each other a good weekend. yay for no misunderstandings!

then there was aromas. coffee with real milk - like from a cow. and a sandwich. on amazing bread. i love pita bread, but i miss real bread. i really, really do. this is coming from the girl who pronounced that she could live off coke and bread - until reminded of scurvy and added some oranges to the list.

and then jerusalem. and we had a lovely dinner. dustins back so it was good to catch up, and claire and her husband lance are such fun! and i got to meet rob - i had previously met his wife, who is just lovely! - and he offered me a place to stay that is not the hotel...since i've already paid for tonight i will stay, but i am debating how adventurous i am to take advantage of an offer from someone i've just met to use their spare room. is that really too presumptuous? we'll see how i feel about it in the morning.

i might complain about the restrictions on freedom in gaza. but its really become home. while i am looking forward to shopping and the freedom here. i am also looking forward to going back and having everyone over for dinner or a drink and relating everything that happened here. there is home where you take the stories back to. here is where you make the stories. maybe thats weird. i don' know.

the girl at erez asked me where i lived. i looked at her and said: 'i keep a flat in gaza city. thats it' she looked a bit confused. but really, i can't help that.

and now bed. its been an exhausting week, and i have this lovely room, i might as well enjoy it, at least for tonight. then the grocery story bright and early tomorrow, and then shopping!!!