A beautiful day in Jerusalem! Blue skies, warm and you can see Jordan in the horizon! The last few days have been a bit chilly so I was glad to see the nice weather when I woke up this morning. The city is back up and running post Shabbot and attempting to learn Hebrew is in full swing.
Hebrew is my biggest challenge. After three hours of Hebrew everyday my brain feels like mush. But I am improving so hopefully I will be able to speak some by the time I leave. We switch teachers every few days to keep you on your toes so you won't get used to a learning style. I hate that part because I want to get used to a teaching style! Anyway Hebrew is still Hebrew and I still can hardly read a word.
Yesterday after Ulpan my friend Marissa and I wanted an adventure! We decided to walk and follow the light rail path to the Old City. This became quite an adventure. Taking in all the beautiful sites of the city we started to see poorer sections. Buildings had been bombed and it needed a major clean up. But we continued because we wanted to go to the Old City. After awhile we realized it was an Arab section, more importantly East Jerusalem. When the flags go from Israeli to Islam you enter "The Red Zone." We had been warned to be careful in this section but not entirely forbidden and so we continued forward. Security forces refer to this section of town as the Red Zone but it is not really a major issue. But either way two American girls power walked through trying to figure out where we were. We saw a United Nations van, my first thought was "So cool a real UN car" but it was a working UN car used to help keep peace. It reminded us that this is still a dangerous place. But we finally made to the Damascus Gate of the Old City. This gate leads into the Arab quarter. We wondered for hours up and down alley ways taking in the scenery. Bought falafel in the Arab quarter (they have the best) and wondered into the Christian and Jewish quarters. Last time I was in the Old City just a few days before I could not tell a difference between the Arab and Jewish quarter but yesterday the moment we crossed over I immediately knew. It is amazing how aware of the divide I have become after only being here for a week. Needless to say we had an amazing adventure UN car and all!
Every citizen, boy and girl is required to serve in the Army in Israel. So most people I have met my age have been in the army. The only people allowed to carry guns in Israel are those serving in the Army and Israeli's that live in settlements. Israeli soldiers carry their guns everywhere when they are on active duty. So in the market or restaurant people in regular clothes are carrying M-16's. M-16's are the hottest accessory in Israel.
The food has been delicious! Hummus is to Israel as ketchup is to America. People put it on everything, eggs, pita, pasta and anything else. So if you like hummus this is the place to be.
I love Israel and I have already learned a lot about the city. Yesterday someone asked us for directions! I'm really becoming one of the locals! I've figured out the train system and how things work. I'm really getting settled into the Israeli lifestyle.
Last night we went to the Shok party. It is every Monday night where the alley ways of the market become a dance floor. A little bit strange but still a lot of fun. It was very Israeli because only in Israel would they turn a market into a club.
Israel is becoming home more and more everyday.
xoxo
Katy Ann
PS. Uploaded pictures to shutter fly http://searcyk.shutterfly.com/
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