It's all relative...

Prior to moving to Arad, we would hear our friends from the section who lived here previously making comments such as "I don't live near anybody" or "It's a ridiculously long walk to the mall from my apartment". Coming from Bat Yam, where everything was easily accessible by bus, we were all considerably worried about the prospect of living extraordinary distances from each other, not to mention the staples of Year Course: the Ulpan (school), our volunteering spots, the supermarket and the bar.

After one day and two walks around town it was clear that our fears were unfounded and the last section of Year Coursers were either incredibly sedentary people who disliked walking or simply had no skills at measuring distances. My apartment, which was considered "far" from the merkaz (center) and mall is a 7 minute walk if I'm going at a brisk pace and 12 minutes if I take my time. The Ulpan, where we take classes is quite literally a 1 1/2 minute walk from our door, and the one good bar (which is considered to be on the opposite end of town is a 15 minute walk if I'm strolling along.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that:
a- Arad is ridiculously small. Everywhere I walk, no matter where or when, I will without fail pass another Year Courser in the street. Nothing is more than a 15 minute walk away...including middle-of-nowhere desert.
b- Distance is all relative. My apartments in Bat Yam and Arad are comparable distances from their respective supermarkets/malls, however in Bat Yam I most always took advantage of the bus. Here I walk. It's a nice change of pace.

It's been less than a week but I already know that I'm going to love living in Arad. (I just wish my bedroom was a little warmer at night).