"A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words" by Yoni Abres




In my last blog, I hoped to express my thoughts on Israeli culture: ‘a beautiful chaos.’ I hope to show you in this blog, through pictures, what this experience has been like. Since starting school, I have never absorbed so much information, though I have also never been exposed to so many new cultures, ideas, and people.
The expected
          Going into medical school, I knew certain things would for sure happen. For example, I knew I would have to work hard; therefore, my daily routine has changed...

My new Saturday mornings

My new Saturday nights





My computer reminding me that I should be asleep, but I am no where near done my work, so another sleepless night awaits.
 
My room in the aftermath of a crazy week in school...
 
The Unexpected
Many things did come as a surprise. For example, I knew I would make new friends, I did not think they would become more of a family. My class is made up of people from different backgrounds and ideas; just like Israel, it somehow works.


Class trip to Sde-Boker – my 35 new brothers and sisters <3 span="">


 

My brother, אח, شقيق, Aerin ‘Masoud’ Philip


















Families unite: my mom meeting Aerin’s family at the Oath Ceremony 

Meeting friends from all walks of life...







Having fun in a microbiology lab (maybe the most unexpected) – thanks to great lab partner, Maya
New Cultures
Given the nature of the school and the area, I have been exposed to many different cultures, people, and ideas. Learning about global health has allowed me to build a framework to approach the unpredictability that comes with these experiences.

Camping in Mitzpe Ramon – met a Bedouin Family that took us lovingly into their home


 

 
Celebrating Dashain, a Nepalese holiday, with Aerin and Alexa
My little brother, Yitzchak, and his family from the local organization I volunteer at: Perach (meaning flower).
 















Purim Celebrations with family and friends
 


Shabbat (Saturday) holds a different meaning in Israel and walking through the empty streets is serene.











The escape
When school takes its toll, Israel has provided me with many opportunities to escape.
 

Surfing with my cousin in Ashdod

Longboarding in Be'er Sheva

Weekly swims with Nadav

Hiking in Be'er Sheva
Sunrise Concert, by Mush Ben Ari, on top of Massadah, in the Dead Sea
Lastly coffee & hummus, because you can never have enough of either.

L’Chaim,
Until next time
Yoni
(photo credit to Hadar Kfir, Aerin Philips, and Maya Amar)






 


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