Day Three: Finding Our Roots in the Old City
The day started like yesterday with a traditional Israeli meal. Our group continues to grow and bond together as a mishpacha (a family) and we are really hitting our stride.
After a short bus ride to Jerusalem, we began our journey at the entrance to the Old City. The small alley ways and twisty roads are distinctly Jerusalem. As we explored all the nooks and crannies, we were able to relive where people lived, prayed and shopped over 2000 years ago. The tour culminated in what most would consider our most sacred religious site, the Kotel (Western Wall). After an amazing conversation and a chance to prepare personal notes, we descended to the plaza and visited the Wailing Wall. The whole scene was enriched with many Bar Mitzvot taking place while we were there. We took part in the singing and throwing candies as we observed the Jewish coming of age ceremony.
We left the old city and headed to the Shuk, an open air market, for shopping and lunch. This bizarre is a must see in Jerusalem. There are hundreds of shops with food, spices, produce, clothing, Judaica, and more. We broke up into small groups for some bargaining and grub. Back on the bus we headed to the Biblical Zoo. Not only was it fun to see monkeys, elephants, reptiles and flamigos, but we also got to ride in style from the comfort of the zoo's train tour. It was particularly interesting seeing the differences between zoos in America and Israel.
Tomorrow, we are on to Tel Aviv.
Warm Regards