So about that $12K

Okay, okay. I'm ready to shop. It gets harder each day to spend the money for me. Today I have $12,000 to spend. I still haven't found the skirt I want, so I'll have it custom made. I'm going to budget $250, because I want it to be amazing. No. I'm going to budget $500 and get the coveted skirt and another cool long one.

Why? Because I only have one frum skirt and if I'm going to spend six weeks in Israel studying Modern Hebrew on a Kibbutz, I might need more than one cool skirt. (Don't worry, I'm not going all orthodox, just want a couple kick ass long skirts to wear over there.)

First of all, I need a plane ticket. I am not flying coach on El Al EVER again. No way, jose. I am not going to sit in the middle of the Orthodox Shuffle and be squeezed in for 12 hours. I'll take business class, please. And I can't find Business Class from Chicago. That's fine. I'll go from New York instead. That is $4013.00, plus $250 for a flight from Chicago.

Now, surprisingly, it is hard to find an Ulpan that takes people who are over 28. I think I found one and the costs are: Tuition: US$ 1,500, Housing fees (if required) US$ 440. It seems to be a six week program.

Perfect.

Also while I'm in Israel, I'm going to want to do the things I didn't do last time. Go to Eilat, spend a real day or two at Ein Gedi, hike up Masada for sunrise, drop in on Haifa, visit a kibbutz or two. More time in Tel Aviv and more time in Jerusalem, of course. All that unbridled travel will be about $2500. (yes, I know. It can be done for tons less money, but if a girl is going to travel. There is going to be a tour guide and there is going to be a car and there is going to be at least one night at the David Citadel.)

I still have $2797 left to spend on this journey. I think what I'll do, is add on a fun weekend in New York. Have more time than just a brunch to chill with friends, eat good food, wander the streets, ride the subway, and write. That isn't very specific, but it will be fun.

Business class to Israel.
+ Six weeks of Hebrew Lessons.
+ Two weeks of fabulous, guided travel.
+ A fantastic weekend in New York.
+ Hand made coveted skirts.
$12,000.