Today we were able to visit and walk around East and West Jerusalem, to better know the city that we will be living in for the next four months. We started out early and the weather reminds me alot of San Diego's weather because it has a cool morning but by the afternoon it burns off and was a gorgeous day. For those who may not be really familiar with the layout of Jerusalem, here is a quick recap. The BYU center is on the mount of olives which is in East Jerusalem and many Muslims live in this part of Jerusalem. With the Muslims comes the call of prayer that has huge bells and songs that go off at 3 and 5 am I believe, not for sure because I was trying to get back to sleep but definitely heard them. This part of town is where the center has a very trusted money exchanger that has been used by the center since the 80's. It is a bit crowded at times and many people rushing by. Arab men love to whistle at the girls and get their attention, but I just ignore it. The West side has alot of Jews in it, and has a lot wider streets. Many more shops are a bit high quality and it has a coffee Bean, which i was really surprised to see. The streets are a bit more cleaner and there are alot more European tourists in the area then the East. We are able to stay out longer in the West then the East, which is nice because I will most likely be shopping in those areas.
During our adventure in the East, our group of 8 people were a bit lost and had to stop to look at directions again and the little map provided. While figuring out where to go, the group behind us came along and joined us. We then were looking for a bit and I started following the other group and then my group was gone. Three other guys and I got left behind and decided to stay with the other group that was leaving and didnt want to try to find our group in the busy market place. It was so chaotic and crazy that the decision made was fast with out really figuring out any other way. Well the group that we joined ended up getting lost and had to call the center for directions on where to get out and go to the next stop. Within 4 minutes one of the security men found us, and was a bit out of breath, and we were able to find our other group. We asked the group leader to call ours and he did and we were able to join up with the right group. I just found it interesting how I got lost with all the boys in our group, kinda tells what i was thinking during the time.
From then on, the security men would be everywhere and the only way i could recognize them were their glasses. So i started a game that is called "Where's Waldo", meaning where is the security guards in the city. It is a fun game and its amazing how they knew where all of us where just by knowing the city and what goes on in the city.
These last couple days have been hard because I am trying to fight jet lag, keep up with my studies, try to get to know everyone and know battling what started as a sore throat, to a congested and now a runny nose. I do not enjoy being sick but hope to get over it fast and be able to enjoy this adventure a bit more by being healthy.
Well in order to get better I have to get to bed, so good night!
Kelsey - this is not a post your mom likes to see especially on your first trip to town. Do I need to send you the walking ropes we used in nursery for all of you to hold onto so that you can all stay together? Please take care and get sleep and take your cold medicine.
ReplyDeleteOh man mom, this just make everything more exciting when you get lost, and its the best way to learn about the city! I was with a group the whole time, just got separated from my original group and joined another. Don't stress over these situations, or I will not be able to write about situations like these that will most likely occur in the future! :) It is an adventure in life, just remember that. If something does happen to me, you are welcome to have my stuff in my room and Emma can have my clothes! :)
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome!! I feel the same way Kels if you don't get lost you have not had a true adventure! How was the airport? Did the backpack work out okay? what about your shoes?
ReplyDeleteThe airport was fine, no problems coming into Isreal, which is always great. I had no problem with the backpack, the flight attendent just told me I would have to put it under my seat and I told her that was not a big deal at all and I was planning on putting it there anyone. Long flight, but it is over now its trying to fight the Jet lag while keeping up with my studying and touring the area. My shoes are great that I have, but I haven't used the new ones yet, so I should probably be wearing them around to break them in. Thank you for your and Dave's help with everything, I really appreciated it!
ReplyDeleteWhy do i feel like i have just been chastised? Kels - just be careful and be safe that is all I want you to be. You are not in San Diego anymore. I just thought it was ironic that the first outing you do...,. you guys get separated and that you were the only girl separated with the boys........ Glad things are working out. Are you feeling better>
ReplyDeleteI know it was just a funny email and blog post so I was hoping to ease your worries.It was ironic and funny that we did get lost and I was with all the boys that were in my group. I am feeling a bit better but just have a runny nose and now a cough. But it is improving and that is all that matters.
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