When I think about the cultural differences in Israel compared to America it makes me aware that my “normal” is not similar to an Israeli person’s “normal”. When our group was first brought into a city in Israel, I expected a madrichah to be with us all of the time but really we were left in a large public place alone with no adults. This seemed strange to me because when I am at camp or at home and I am in a big city or area, an adult is us with us to be sure we are okay or don’t get lost. In Israel, we are given more freedom and the adults trust teens with more responsibility. At first, it seems strange to be given so much freedom in a large public place, I would look around to see if one of the adults was near us. Now, I think it will be extremely strange to not have that level of trust when I go back home. In addition, I noticed when I was shopping in the shuk people did not stand in a line and take their turn like we would at home but instead they seemed unaware of other people around them and they would push ahead to order or buy something. I don’t know if they didn’t notice others waiting or they thought others were just looking because they are used to people looking in the shuk and not buying or if they are in fact just wanting to order and move on. I realize that my normal is forming a line and taking turns but this is not everyone’s normal. I have also noticed  that at first some Israelis come off as rude or act as if they are in a hurry. After talking to people who have made these first impressions on me, I have realized that they are actually extremely welcoming and friendly. I have been invited into varies people homes of friends who I met 2 weeks ago and I continue to meet many different people. In two weeks, I have already figured out how different the culture in Colorado is compared to Israeli culture.