9/1 | Exploring Jerusalem

There is no place in the world quite like the Western Wall, known as HaKotel HaMa'aravi in Hebrew.  The only remnant of the temple complex destroyed in 70 C.E., the Wall has become the focal point of Jewish prayer from all over the world.  It is our holiest accessible site (the Dome of the Rock stands on the actual holy of holies) and its stones have been worn down by centuries of Jews who have come to weep for all that was lost.  It obtained the nickname "Wailing Wall" from the Jews that sit by the wall weeping and moaning.  Today was my third time visiting the Wall and it was just as impressive as the first time I visited.  There is absolutely no place in the world that carries the same meaning or has the same feeling.

My third time at the Western Wall!

The Kotel was the first spot we visited today.  After taking a bus down to the Old City, or HaEar HaAtikah in Hebrew, we grabbed a quick snack and made our way to the Kotel.  After the Kotel, we did a little exploring of the shops, trying our hand at bargaining prices.  The shopkeepers do not take Americans too seriously, so they can take advantage of you in a major way if you are not quick on your feet.  One of the girls I was with managed to haggle a handbag down from 150 shekelim to about 80 shekelim, which is very impressive.  After a few hours in the Old City, where we managed to walk through parts of all four quarters--Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim--we were on our way to the market, or shuk, at Mahane Yehuda.

To get to the shuk, we took the brand new Jerusalem Light Rail.  The light rail mass transit system is still being tested, so we were able to ride for free.  This was so much more convenient than the Egged busses, which are nearly impossible to navigate (19?  19א?  Who knows?).  The shuk is a sprawling outdoor market where venders try to sell you everything you could possibly imagine.  In one trip, I ended up with grapes, pasta, and pita bread.  There were even stalls for alcohol and kitchen goods!  My favorite stall was the one with all the colorful spices because it smells incredible.  I had the good fortune to visit the shuk on my last trip with Birthright, but this time I was able to spend as much time as I wanted.

Some of the vendors at the shuk.

After returning to the Student Village, a few of us decided to check out the bookstore on campus.  Again, I got very lost in the confusing maze of buildings only to find that the bookstore was closed.  We then walked to the small supermarket to pick up some supplies for the rest of the week.  In the process, we decided to make dinner, so we used the pasta we bought earlier at the shuk (3 packages for 10 shekalim) to make ourselves a meal.  After dinner, we watched The Prince of Egypt, which is especially appropriate because of our stay in the Holy Land!

Tomorrow begins a two day trip up north to Tel Hai for a pre-ulpan shabbaton.  I won't be back until Saturday night so there will not be any posting tomorrow.  The plan is to go hiking, swimming, and even to visit a museum, so it should be a lot of fun!