the beginning of the end.
These past few months have been a mess, in all honesty. I endeavoured to learn and grow, build solid foundations for my future here, but now that the circle is closing, I look around me and see it for what it is: just a circle. A circle of confusion, of inactivity, of laziness, of frustration, of hope, of joy, of secret smiles, of love, of an intense love for both man and land and nation and language, of new friendships, of awkwardness, of non-communication, of self-focus, of learning, of leaving, of longing, of living in Jerusalem. As a tourist. For six months. Dividing my time between Haifa and the City of Gold. Dividing my time, my life, my body and my mind, between relationship and friendship. Between Australia and Israel. Between homes.
This is my last week here in Jerusalem. As a tourist. Living in the German Colony, a three minute walk from Emek Refaim, from the restaurants, the coffeeshops, the movies, the bars, the craftstores, the bakeries. I lived in a quiet corner of Jerusalem, where a leafy garden, the centre of Merkaz HaMagshimim, helped make many memories of mine during that time: Birthday Wine and Cheese party, Shabbat lunches, quiet discussions, wine sessions on the veranda.
Who knows where I'll end up next? However one thing remains to be sure - next time I return to my city, I'll be an Israeli citizen.
