So, funny story.  Remember that time that we put three months of hard work into getting the student discount on our Jerusalem property tax?  Well, apparently our hard work only ended up helping our landlord’s mother.  Somehow in the mix up we paid Hanna’s taxes instead of our own…we know, we were surprised too.

The point is, because of all of this and needing to pay the 2010 tax (and fix the 2009 before getting an ‘Execution Order’), we were blessed with another day at the Jerusalem Municipality.   We apologize in advance for forgetting a camera on this memorable day…On to the Top 5!

1. Finding the ‘archives’ where our 2009 paperwork is allegedly being stored.  Don’t worry, they were easy to find as they were stuffed in cardboard boxes stacked three high and ten wide against a wall.

2.  We learned that for 44 shekels you can officially declare something (new vocab word: התציר means declaration) - in this case we had to declare that we were students and reiterate the fact that despite being American Jewish girls that no, we are not supported by our parents. Also, this office uses the advanced filing system called “throw all papers together into a cabinet”.

3. Waiting for our number (G70) to be called.  When we walked in they were only on G30.  Contrary to popular belief numbers do not need to be called in order and in fact can be called in reverse order for a few moments as well as having the numbers disappear all together on the screens informing you of the progress (or lack there of).  Also, someone with less time and a better number had to leave so lucky for your favorite girls of Moshe Hess moved up to G55.  FYI: This waiting process only took 90 minutes.

4. Being lucky to encounter 3+ Israelis working at the municipality that helped make this process possible and trying to hold it together when we were told that we successfully received the discount!

5. Because nothing can go completely smoothly (clearly) we were told that we had to pay the tax for the entire 2010 year instead of for the six months that we will be in the apartment this year.  You’re welcome Allie and Sarah

Process from start to finish: 4.5 hours