Thursday Sept. 30, 2010
i went to the--> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_City_(Jerusalem). Saw the --> http://orthodoxwiki.org/Church_of_the_Holy_Sepulchre_(Jerusalem) and the -->http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Wall . we ate --> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falafel for dinner.
Friday, October 1
utilized public transit--took a bus to the main market called the SHUK (http://www.inisrael.com/tour/jer/vt_market.htm , it is the center of the city. Had the most delicious frozen coffee and pastries (chocolate and marzipan croissants). Wandered through the market and different shopping distracts. Delicious, authentic falafels. Bartered for some bargains; still not good at mentally converting sheckles to dollars (1sheckel=$0.28). Took the wrong bus back...an hour of scenic detour. Down time then rehearsal.
Saturday, October 2
realized after an unsuccesful attempt at using the elevator, being hurried out of breakfast, and seeing the covered tv's and computers that today was SHABBAT. Jerusalem does not take the shabbat lightly. We mostly rehearsed and practiced our pieces throughout the day with some down time in between. We had rehearsal at the Pavillion (a renovated theater turned church) with the band. After 3 hours of practice a group of us went out to eat--soooooo delicious and affordable. Food coma/sleepy time.
Sunday, October 3
Went to the GERMAN QUARTER to pick up costumes. Hung around there till 1ish then caught a cab to the pavillion. Day of Prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem from 2-8--AMAZING view of the whole city (included in view: mt. moriah, mt zion, old city, mt. of olives, west bank, david's city, etc. etc.). Walked up MT. ZION, visited the DORMITION ABBEY and david's tomb. Walked through the armenian quarter. Ended up eating more delicious falafels for dinner. Packed up luggage at hostel.
Monday, October 4
Early trip to the SHUK for amazing pastries and coffee! So good and so cheap. Packed up at the hostel, one last trip to the 24 hour market called "Yellow" (and funny encounter with the employees there), and hopped in the rental car with Bethany, Ray (trumpet player from UK), and Kurt our kindly driver (drives the dance company; from Germany). We drove to DEAD SEA: the lowest point on earth. Mostly elderly people (who can afford to) at the Sea; but really what kid wouldn't love a warm sea (air temp. was 105 degrees) which you can float in vertically, and which has the most delightful mud for mud pies. It's quite comical to see all these well to-do adults slathering mud all over their body. Somethings are just undeniably enjoyable for humans. Saw the cities of Jericho and Jordan form a distance. Drove through the dessert and the WEST BANK--surreal; Tanks and building reunions scattered about. Had arabian food for dinner, explored TIBERIOUS a little, then went back to our inn in MIGDAL (where mary magdeline was from--beautifully situated between tall mountains and the sea of galilee. magical at dusk)
Tuesday, October 5
Banquet of a breakfast at the inn--mango, cottage cheese, veggies, pomegranate juice--all fresh. Olives and figs from the yard. We went to the TEL DAN nature reserve (http://www.parks.org.il/BuildaGate5/general2/data_card.php?Cat=%7E25%7E%7E970478950), the NIMROD FORTRESS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nimrod_Fortress), the village of MASADA which is occupied by welcoming DRUZE (http://www.everyculture.com/multi/Bu-Dr/Druze.html). Ate the best bakalwa of my life. Saw the VALLEY OF TEARS (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valley_of_Tears) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Six-Day_War). Hanging out at the inn and hitting the haystack soon!
Wednesday, October 6
Church of Fish of Loaves, Mensa Christi (Table of Christ- where Jesus made breakfast for his disciples), Mount of Beatitudes, saw the JESUS BOAT, went on the worship boat, Capernaum, and TIberius. Met a lovely Arabic family who spoke practically no English. Ended up having us take a picture with their little boy and giving us apples. The people here are so hospitable. Highlight: Hassidic Hippie Jews who blare music out of their shady van, stop, and have random dance parties in the street. Learned: DO NOT tell men what time it is if they ask!!!
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