We are here! We are in the Middle
East! After a long and (thankfully) event-free flight we have landed
here in Tel Aviv. It is hard to believe that our adventure has just
truly begun! I am very happy to report that I finally have a stamp in
my passport! Immediately after our sojourn through bag claim and
passport control we were able to meet one of our tour guides (peter)
and then our small group of 22 people jumped on our bus and we drove
off into the hot Middle Eastern sun for our brief introduction into the
city.
I could
hardly tear my eyes away from the sights. Everything is so exciting and
new. I am struck by the architecture of the buildings and in a
combination of jet lag, adrenaline and exhaustion I stare out my window
in a sort of mezmerized daze. When we reached the overlook and were
able to look out over the entire city, gazing on such sights as Mt.
Olives, the Dome of the Rock, Church of the Holy Seplechre. Church of
All Nations, Kidron Valley, mosques, cathedrals, and historical sites
abounding in the horizon it is enough to take your breath away.
Although
the architecture of each of the new things is incredibly interesting,
the people draw my attention more so. The sites are beautiful and
historical to be sure, but the people, the smells, the visuals and the
noises of the city fascinate me further. As I walked down the corridors
of the old city and through souks and bazaars on our way to the guest
house the smell of the middle east overpowered me. I can hardly
describe it, it is not a bad smell, it is instead exotic yet familiar,
spicy and intense, with hints of jasmine, incense and city life. I love
it here!
We are
staying at the Lutheran Guest House on David Street near Jaffa Gate in
the Old City of Jerusalem. It is charming in its simplicity and the
view of the city is unmatched. The guest house, although not large by
anymeans, is quaint with lovely gardens, a roof top terrace and open
courtyards.
