Best Night Ever & I Saw the Pope...video included

My Australian roommate and I decided to get fat and go get gelato. We said "we're in Rome, we might as well." We were walking around looking for a gelateria, but couldn't find one anywhere. We were convinced that the people of Rome were hiding the gelato from us, and our Italian lovers (of whom don't actually exist...DON'T WORRY DAD). We walked past this one restaurant where one of the waiters, who was standing outside trying to get people eat there, handed us a card. We walked into the train station and found gelato that satisfied both of our needs: variety of flavors and enough gelato to make us happy. We got 3 flavors each. Then, we decided to go get dinner and walked to the restaurant that we had walked past previously. We sat down, ordered our food and a half bottle of wine (red wine for me). During the meal, we learned the waiter who handed us the card was Moroccon and the inside waiter was Indian. As we were finishing up our meal, the Indian waiter came up to us and said at 11:30 we close, you will come out with us? At first, we thought it was a joke, but he was persistant about it and we realized he wasn't joking. We asked for the bill and quickly left. We got back to the hostel, met a new roommate (also from Australia). We ended up talking about religion and history and it's interpretation, then she and I decided to go to the Trevi Fountain and make a wish and take pictures. I put on a dress, and we headed out. Along the way, we decided we might as well get more gelato. We went into this restaurant/gelateria, paid, then got gelato. I got kiwi and watermelon. It was delicious. The guy who served us gelato knew I was from the States and asked me if I spoke Italian. I said no, but he still said something to me in Italian. As we were looking for the Trevi Fountain, we asked someone if we were going the correct way. He said we were. After we left him, I wanted to go back to him because I thought that he looked and sounded like Seth Rogen. We continued on our way and got to the Trevi Fountain. We took pictures and a couple asked us to take a picture of them. The husband was from New York and the wife was from Colombia. As my roommate was taking pictures, one of the picture-taking-mosquitos came up to me, asked me my age, said he like 18, and told me I was very beautiful. Then as we were taking pictures of ourselves, 2 Italian men (who were kinda old) came up to us, one asked "are you from Texas?" and I said yes. We soon realized he was asking my Australian roommate. Then they asked where she's from. They guessed the United States and Canada (even though she has a distinct Australian accent). We talked for a bit, then for some reason, they asked me what my astrological sign was (the second time I had been asked that question that night). As we shook them off, another mosquito-picture-taker came up to us, handed us roses, we took pictures with them, then he asked for money...so we handed them back to him. We had decided that from the time we found the first gelato place to the time we got back to the hostel after the Trevi Fountain, everything had worked out for us.

I was suggested to go to the Vatican today to see the pope speak in St. Petersburg Square. So I said why not, I have nothing else to do today. Everything I really had wanted to do, I did the previous day: the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain (twice in fact), the number of churches, etc... So as I arrived in the Vatican, I said to myself "I'm in another country." Then my next thought was "I'm actually at the Vatican. Wow." Finally I said "I'm going to see the pope today. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity." I stood around St. Petersburg Square for an hour just waiting to see the pope. I videotaped everything he said, including the blessings he gave. Imagine...me, a good Jewish girl, receiving a priestly blessing from the pope himself in St. Petersburg Square. After he said his blessings, I think I was the only one who did not respond with 'amen.'

When in Rome

So I am in Rome. This is the last stop of my journey unti lIsrael Experience Week (where I will be in Poland). Yesterday, in Florence, I came down to breakfast and saw 3 fellow Nativers. After breakfast, we went our separate ways for the day. I went to the Vecchio museum (which has a copy of the David outside in case any of you were wondering how I managed to take a picture of the David), I went to the Accademia Gallery (which hosts the real David), and I went to the Uffitzi (which hosts my absolute favorite painting, The Birth of Venus). I had walked around a bit more and when it began to get dark, I went back to the hostel to relax for the night. The 3 Nativers I saw at breakfast came back, we talked for a bit, then they went to bed. I stayed on my computer. An hour later, 6 more Nativers walked in. I knew I was going to see them in Rome, but I was surprised to see them in Florence. This morning, we learned that all 10 of us were staying at the same hostel this weekend. After breakfast, I checked out of my room, got on the bus, and headed to the train station for a 9:25 train to Rome. A smooth ride for the most part. When I got off the train, I learned that the hostel was a 5 minute walk from the station. I checked in to the hostel, but I couldn't get into my room until 3:00. So I decided to walk around Rome to get to know the area a little bit before I actually went sight seeing. I walked to the Trevi Fountain and around. As I walked around even more, I felt nervous. Of all the places I'd been travelling in alone, I did not feel safe in Rome. I came back to the hostel to relax some more. 15 til 3, the 3 Nativers I first met up with in Florence asked me what I was doing for Shabbat. Not realizing it was Friday, I had nothing planned. I have a very limited time in Europe because I head back to Israel Sunday night, so I plan on spending Saturday sight seeing in Rome. I also learned that even more Nativers are staying at the same hostel. It should be an interesting weekend. As they say, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." I'm not quite sure what that means, but I sure plan to find out

Venice and Florence

I arrived in Venice in the afternoon. The hostel's website had a list of how to get there depending on where you were. After the airport, I got on a bus that takes you to the central bus station. It cost 3 euro. When I got to the central bus station, I bought a 24 hour waterbus ticket and hopped on the waterbus that would take me to the stop near my hostel. A 30 minute waterbus ride isn't that bad. I got to the hostel, went to my room, chilled for a bit. Realizing I forgot an alarm clock, I went out to see what I could find. On the bus ride, I discovered my ipod has an alarm clock on it. Problem solved. The next day, I went out to explore the city. I went to the Rialto bridge, explored around, managed to get lost a little bit. In the process of getting lost, I managed to find a synagogue and a Kosher restaurant. Go figure. I then decided to go to the other side of Venice and explore St. Mark's Square. I did not go into Doge's Palace because the line was too long and why bother if I feel no connection to it. I did take pictures of the outside of course. I walked around a little bit and saw a great thing: The Ferrari Store. Yes, I did go in and yes, I did buy a Ferrari....

...set of golf balls. I walked around a little more, got lost again, but found my way after a little while. I went back to the hostel and decided to go out for dinner at a little restaurant right next to the Rialto bridge. I sat outside, under a heater, got pasta and a dessert. The outside waiters/host were very friendly, energetic, funny people. After a wonderful dinner, I went back to the hostel, relaxed a bit, then went to sleep. This morning I made my way to Florence via train. I found my car and seat (Car 7, Seat 36: next to the window). I was unaware that the train made several stops before reaching its final destination. Getting on 2 stations after me was a nun who ended up sitting next to me (of course my חיnecklace was hanging out). Now to figure out what to do in Florence

Silvester in Berlin

I am currently in Berlin. I am staying with my dad's college roommate, Duane, in Berlin. I was here for New Year's (which I have recently learned), called Silvester. Here during Silvester, people set off fireworks, cracklers, sparklers, etc. Berliners like to drink glühwein, beer, and sparkling wine. They eat döner kebabs, apple strudel, pastries with numerous fillings. Fillings include chocolate, a mixture of 4 fruits, banana, cherry, egg nog type cream, etc. Yesterday, I walked around East Berlin and saw the Brandenburg Gate, a Holocaust memorial, Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz (Sony Center), Unter den Linden (Under the Linden trees), Hackesche Hoefe (traditional courtyards development), the Bebel Platz (underground library commemorating the book burning), the New Synagogue and many museums. Last night, I was in West Berling and saw the ruins of the memorial church, Charlottenburg Palace, and the Schinkel Pavillion (where a nymphomaniac queen had a balcony so that her lovers would not have to see each other). I went back to Brandenburg Gate to see what happened during New Year's. It wasn't much. I had a beer (because I'm in Germany and that's one of the things that you have to do), but still, I don't like the taste of beer. Still, it was my first legal New Year's. There was a band (but they weren't very good). At 23:00, live coverage began there, but I had left about an hour before because it was quite boring.

Germany is a lot of fun. Today I went to the Jewish Museum. The museum is about Jews in Berlin from the mideval times until the present. It was a very interesting experience.

Pre-Farewell to Jerusalem

Tonight, at 19:45, Wendy and I will be getting on a Sheirut and heading to the airport in Tel-Aviv. I am heading off to Berlin, Germany from December 31, 2010 until January 3, 2011. After my time in Germany with my father's college roommate and his wife, I will be heading off (on my own) to Italy. Starting off in Venice, then heading off to Florence, and ending my time in Italy in Rome. Not to worry, I will be meeting up with a couple friends in Rome due to the fact that we are staying at the same hostel. I will try to post a blog entry everyday for my duration in Europe. I will also post pictures of the amazing sites that I will be seeing.

Next time in Europe.

Christmas Time, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Girls Night Out

As a cast member from the show, I got a letter from Andrew Lloyd Webber. It says:

"Dear Mr. Berl and the cast of Joseph,

May I express my joy in hearing that students in Jerusalem are staging our production. It gives me particular pleasure to know that the presentation will be staged with the creativity and distinction that befits its standing in the music theater community. It is great to know that Joseph will be presented in the Holy City by dedicated and talented students, and that it will add to the holiday festivities in Israe. It was my first musical venture and remains close to my heart.

Know that I salute your efforts and will be interested in hearing of your success.

With the best wishes for a smash hit and the glorious fulfillment that comes with the performance. I remain,

Pretty cool, huh?

As you all know today is Christmas. But here in Israel, it doesn't feel like Christmas. Last night, a bunch of us Nativers tried to go to Midnight Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Unfortunately, the church was full and we couldn't get in. We tried to go to another church, but you needed a ticket to get into that church. My friend, Tanya, and I decided to go to the Kotel (Western Wall) instead. Some background information for all of you: I feel no connection to the Wall at all. I see it as a wall that the Romans built and had every right to tear down. Jews idolize the wall (which is breaking the Second Commandment.)

Tonight the Carmiel girls had "Dessert and Wine" aka Girls Night Out. We had planned to go to this restaurant called Little Italy. We had made reservations for 20, but only 15 could show up. Right off the bat, we could tell it wouldn't be a great night. They were rude to us the second we walked in. You should never be rude to a paying customer. We sat down and ordered desserts and a bottle of wine. Then, the manager came up to us and yelled at us saying how this was a restaurant, not a coffee shop. That we had to order real food and spend 60 NIS each. So we all got up and left and walked next door to a restaurant/coffee shop called Cup-O-Joe. They had no problems with us there and the night went smoothly from then on out.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Many of you are probably unaware that I was just in a production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." We had a total of 7 shows in 5 days. My roles (in order of appearance) were: the sister, Dinah (it makes sense because my name is Dena), jazz dancer, Harem girl, Joseph's subconscious, chorus, Screaming Egyptian girl in Pharaoh's court, Waltz dancer, Calypso dancer, and the coat bearer. Backstage, I was dance assistant and makeup assistant. On the first night of the show (Thursday December 2), I was surprised with how well we did. The first night Wendy Brodsky, Sara Fletcher, Matt Goldberg, Tanya Werger, Sarah Lesser, Allie Griff, Ariel Lubow, Ariel Wertheim, Jenny Bromberg, Kayla Reisman, Calah Hardin, Becca Rosenthal, Robyn Klitzky, Dave Yedid, Jason Kornblatt, Corey Rosen and Shira Anis all came to see the show. It was great. Monday the 6th, we had 2 shows. I didn't know anyone at that show. As our director called matinee performances "Sesame Street Shows." He was right. It was all kids. Monday night, I knew people that came. All of Nativ staff came, Carmi Cheskis-Gold, Ben Fiedler, Matt Goldberg, Sean Haber and Aaron Gillman. I knew a couple other people that came, but they aren't on Nativ. Tuesday the 7th went pretty well too. I didn't know anyone at this performance because Tuesday nights are Erev Nativ, so the Nativers weren't allowed to go. Wednesday the 8th's matinee performance wasn't quite that clean. But our evening performance was much better. Zoe Kronovet (my roommate), Ashleigh Hayflich (my roommate), Lauren Binder, Aaron Soskin, Gordy Volk, Tali Marcus, Elana Petelnik, Tamar Friedman, Shoshana Coven, Daniel Lewis, Matt Alfasso, Levi Mastrangelo, Dana Bornstein, Amy Shumer and Hilary Zarnett. It was such a great show. Thursday the 9th was our final show. Our director, kept telling us that we had to push each other. This show was not for the audience, this show was for us. He also told us no pranks. (The ones I planned for on stage were modified for backstage). Elie Dickler, Aviva Pollack, and Matt Goldberg came to see us for our final performance. I pulled a fantastic prank. Yisrael (who played Joseph) is afraid of snakes. My original plan was to get a rubber snake and tape it inside the sleeve of the coat so that when I brought it down and he put on the coat, he would freak out. It wouldn't have worked because he found out about the rubber snake on Tuesday. Because I hold his gold outfit in my costume bag, I give him the gold outfit during intermission. For my prank, I carefully folded the gold, put the snake in the middle, and folded the rest over it. I proceed to hand him the gold. He tells me to put it down. I tell him he has to take it because I have to get to the other side. As he takes it, I move a little farther from him when suddenly he screams "Oh My Gosh! Oh you bitch!* That was well played." Prank equals success. Then our makeup lady takes pictures of me with the snake. It was a great night. Our cast party was a lot of fun too. I'm glad I took part in this show. It was a great experience and I made so many friends who live here who can't wait to have me over for a Shabbat or whenever. I even got to keep some of the props. I got to keep the pants, my harem skirt, the harem earrings, and of course the Joseph finale shirt. On the first night of the show during warmups, our director read a couple letters to us. One was from Shimon Perez. Another was from Andrew Lloyd Webber himself. I am going to get a copy of the letter from the composer. On the last night, the show was recorded, so I will also be receiving a copy of the show. I'm sad the show is over now because I don't know what to do at 7:30 on a Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday night anymore. I'll figure out something to do, I always do.

 the cast

 family

 harem

 holding the coat

Makeup! Miriam, on the left is our actual makeup lady. Adina (right) and I (middle) assisted

 Pharaoh

 Snake

I am waltzing in the right hand side of the picture.
*If you are reading this to younger children, please insert a different word here (like meany).