Today I took my first trip into Be’er Sheva, the nearest city. I spent most of my time shopping around since the one mini mart we have on campus has some pretty inflated prices. However, it turns out even in the city things are just generally more expensive than in the US! For instance, I’m seriously kicking myself for not grabbing sunblock from Target for <$10 before coming here; instead I paid three times that in the supermarket today!
Busy intersection in the middle of the city.
The part of the city I was in felt pretty safe, especially because there were security guards and military officers with assault rifles walking around the bazaars or waiting for buses. I picked up a SIM card to use with my phone, then walked around for a bit.
I also found a large supermarket and picked up a few things, but ended spending about 40 minutes in line because the people in front of me decided to purchase a metric ton of food with a handful of problematic traveler’s checks.
The major thing I took away from my visit was that knowing Hebrew would be really really useful. I started learning the alphabet and basic words today (luckily there are similarities to Arabic), and will keep looking for a summer class.
When I got back to campus, I couldn’t resist strolling outside and taking a few pictures of the canyon basking in the sun. I also managed to catch a herd of Ibex (mountain goats)!
Ibex!
Can YOU find the Ibex(s)?
Just chillin on a very steep hill.
Om nom nom trash is so good!
Desert lizards are pretty cool too.
The canyon in all its glory!
View of my compound from afar.