"Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart." -Anne Frank

Went on a BIKE ride the other day. We went to go see the Anne Frank's house. It was so neat to be in the actual house. I've read her diary and seen the play. I really enjoy her story and look up to her. It was very emotional to be there but WOW! What an experience!

If you don't know much about her please read her diary Learn more here: ANNE FRANKAnne Frank at 13

My new RIDE!

My new BIKE to get around here in Amsterdam. I bought it because it was cheaper than renting one for 3 weeks. I love it already!

On my way...

to AMSTERDAM!
I am really excited I have never been there. Plus, I hear they have GREAT WEED and its legal! hahaha. Good thing I don't smoke.

Anyway, Tel-Aviv was an amazing place and i had a great time. I wish I had more time to visit more places but I wouldn't mind coming back. Yesterday was a great day though. I had a chance to go to church. Whats funny about church here is that its on Saturday to be respectful of the Jewish culture here in Israel. They met in a bomb shelter for Sacrament then moved into rented rooms at a Hostel Guest House that was around the corner for the rest of the meetings. It was a small branch but everyone was so warm and inviting. I really do miss going to church. My soul was truly fed yesterday. I hope that I can go more in the up coming months.

Killer Killer Killer!

Our dress rehearsal here in Tel-Aviv. They took some publicity photos. Check them out:

Press Photos -Israel

Introducing Travis W.....what's your last name again.

My NEW roommate. Yes, he is a JET. We'll try to get along. Due to both of our roommates wanting to room together we ended up pairing up. I think it will be good. I like change. Makes it more interesting. It's good to shake it up a bit.

Its my Dad'sBirthday!

So I was going to call my dad to wish him a very Happy Birthday when...of course the internet goes out....and the guy in the front desk could care less to try to help the situation. Ughh! But now its in the middle of the night there so I will have to try later. But It was my dad's birthday and I want to wish him a HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY Birthday.

Te Quiero Mucho Pa'

Feliz Cumpleaños!

I want it!

So the new sexy iPods came out and I want them all but I think I am going to go with the iPod nano again. I think I'm in love. My old iPod is kind of dying so this is a perfect excuse to get the new one. And I think I want it this color! I CAN'T WAIT! Check out the features:

• Video Camera
• Genius
• FM Radio + Live Pause
• VoiceOver
• Fitness

I was actually REVIEWED!

So if you blink you will miss it. Make sure you read all the way to the bottom. They misspelled my name...but whatever. You can also read it here as a google doc.

THEATER REVIEW

Jerusalem Post – Jerusalem

Author: Helen Kaye

Date: Sep 7, 2009

West Side Story

Music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Arthur Laurents

Original choreography, direction by Jerome Robbins

Revival director and choreographer Joey McKneely

Israel Opera

September 3

Such joy, such energy leap from this near perfect 50th anniversary production of West Side Story, and oh, the delight of this great musical in English. Conductor Donald Chan offers a crisp, spirited interpretation of Bernstein's score to which the Ra'anana Symphonette beautifully responds. Vocally this West Side Story is impeccable throughout, chorus and soloists alike, and you hear every word.

The dance numbers crackle not only because the dancers are technically awesome, but because they bring soul, and then some, to Jerome Robbins's still thrilling choreography. The company's white-clad interpretation of "Somewhere" brings a catch to the throat. For that, and for the direction overall Joey McNeelly is gloriously accountable. Renate Schmitzer's costumes are cool, the lighting by Peter Halbsgut enhances, and Paul Gallis's adaptable, see-through metal-scaffolding tenement set is both vulnerable and unyielding, like the characters and situations in this modern Romeo and Juliet.

New York in the 1950s. Two bickering teen gangs - the Jets and the Sharks. The Jets are American-born, and white. The Sharks are Puerto-Rican, first of the Hispanic immigrants. Racism and intolerance of the 'Other' rear their ugly heads (sound familiar?). American former-Jet Tony (Scott Sussman) and Puerto-Rican innocent Maria (Ali Ewoldt) fall in love. A rumble is determined to settle the question of turf. At the rumble tempers flare, knives flash, the Sharks' Bernardo (Tybalt ), and the Jets' Riff (Mercutio) lie dead on the ground and the end is preordained.

In particular: Sussman's Tony seemed to be on automatic pilot for Act I, but he pulled himself together and came through wonderfully in Act II. Ewoldt's crystalline soprano bewitches as does her passionate, grow- up-in-a-hurry Maria. Oneika Phillips' Anita runs a marvelous gamut from brassy to moving and as Chino, Antonio Jumenez rivets. During the final minutes of the play, the auditorium became utterly silent. That is tribute.

Credit: HELEN KAYE

www.jpost.com

Masada/Dead Sea

Yesterday was one of those days where the world stops and you think...."Wow, I am blessed!" Being able to travel and experience what I did yersterday was a chance in a life time. We went to Masada which has a history behind it. If you are interested just click on "Masada." Then we went to The Dead Sea. Where we just floated. It was amazing. I guess because of the high salt content in the water when you get in the water your body automatically starts to float. You feel so buoyant! It's so weird and amazing at the same time. The view of the mountains and of the country Jordan on the other side of the sea is just breath taking. I was in awe the WHOLE DAY.

Check out the COOL pics:

Masada/Dead Sea

"Now when Jesus was aborn in Bethlehem...

...of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. -Matthew 2:1

I feel so lucky and blessed to be near such a sacred place. Tomorrow is our day off and I am excited to go explorer. I have a couple of things on my list. City of David, Dead Sea, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and I am sure there is much more I can see if I find the time. I have a feeling this is going to be an uplifting experience. I can't wait!

Look who's in town...

Mr. Joey McKneely. He is our director and Choreographer. He came out to Tel-Aviv for vacation and to check up on the show. Tonight we had a full dress rehearsal and a full house. Joey saw the show so we have notes then rehearsal tomorrow after a Press Call. So it should be fun to hear what he has to say after a couple of months of the show being out. I feel like we got better but there is always room to improve.

Shalom from Tel-Aviv

So I am here in Tel-Aviv, Israel. Been here for a day and I am loving it already. We are beach side and the weather can't be better. Our hotel is a little shady but it has a pool and a really small dinky gym. So that helps a bit. I went walking around yesterday and took some pics. Check 'em out.

Tel-Aviv, Israel