Got my wish

Before I came here I think I remember telling someone that I hoped something historic and non-explosive happened while I was in Israel. Between Arafat's death and the disengagement from Gaza, I think I got my wish. Of course, there were some bombs, but you don't always get everything. It makes me sad to think of the people who died in attacks near me while I've been here.

I almost feel like I could have come here at any time and gotten that wish. For such a small country, things happen awfully fast, and awfully loudly.

I can barely believe Christmas is in only a few days. I should play some Christmas music at home or something to simulate the usual overdose of holiday season spirit we get at home. I miss seeing the Nutcracker and decorating the tree. Hopefully Christmas Eve in Bethlehem will make up for it, but I wonder how different the atmosphere will be there compared to a US Christmas.