Contrasts between the United States and Israel are glaringly obvious. Even from the air, I could notice the distinct architectural style. Unlike the skyline in urban America, sleek minarets tower over most of Israel. This, coupled with the plethora of sand-colored, rectangular apartment blocks, causes the cities here to feel quite foreign to me.

Additionally, there are fields growing various crops reasonably close to the center of most of the towns I have visited; on the other hand, most agricultural activity in America strictly takes place in rural areas. Another aspect of the environment here that continues to surprise me is the blending of modernity and antiquity. For example, on a hill in Jerusalem, there may be ancient farming terraces within thirty feet of brand new housing developments. In my hometown, Miami, any building more than eighty years old is considered to be a historical site, so the ubiquity of ruins from the Biblical era is a bit of a shock.

The natural environment is vastly different than the climate in my state, Florida. Although some parts of Israel are coastal and look similar to what I am accustomed to, I am out of my element in the desert portions of the country. Of course, the culture as a whole differs from that of the United States. The coexistence of Arab, Israeli and Western culture is fascinating. Most street signs are in Arabic and English as well as Hebrew. Fast food stands in Israel mostly serve falafel and shawarma, as opposed to cheeseburgers and hot dogs in America. Bagels and lox, the Jewish food I am used to enjoying, are nowhere to be seen.

In terms of school, I am afforded greater freedom at Muss. Much like in college, we are simply expected to find our way to our classes and may return to our dorms at any time. In general, the academic atmosphere here is informal when compared to America. We are allowed to refer to teachers by their first names and the relationship dynamic is, in general, less strict than back home. Overall, Israel is unfamiliar to me; however, I am confident that it will feel like a second home to me soon.