Israel and America have some clear differences, however, some are less obvious without residing in Israel for some time. For starters, the people are very different. Unlike most Americans, almost all Israelis are bilingual. You can go to any restaurant or store and it is practically guaranteed at least one employee speaks English. While this is typically very helpful, it also allows Americans and other English speakers to stay in their English-speaking bubble without the need to learn Hebrew. Also, Israelis tend to be a tad more blunt, to say it politely. Whether this is due to a language barrier or Israeli culture itself, I am unsure. 

As far as the landscape of Israel, it is definitely different from the part of America where I live. Israel is hot, dry, and in some places mountainous. I am from Miami, which is hot but humid, and very flat. These changes took a toll on my body for the first couple of weeks as I was battling sickness and facing multiple nosebleeds per day. As time has progressed, my body has gotten more used to the climate, but it is definitely different from home. The one topographical similarity between Israel and Miami, besides heat, of course, is the ocean. However, these two oceans could not be more different. Miami’s beach is calm and smooth, while Israel’s has a strong current, choppy waves, and a rocky bottom. Perhaps my favorite aspect of Israel’s geography is the mountains. Although they are not similar to the Rocky Mountains which I am used to in America, the beautiful hiking, abundant history, and breathtaking views give it a unique charm. Israel is truly a magnificent country, however different than the one where I come from, and I cannot wait to further explore the qualities that make it so special.