Day 4 & 5

I think that we were just excited not to climb a mountain on Thursday. :) Instead we walked around Tel Aviv. The first place we went was Rabin square, obviously named after the assassinated Prime Minister. We learned a lot about his life, and his political career. Then we broke into groups and did a kind of “man on the street” thing. We were tasked with finding a local Israeli to ask questions about the day Rabin was assassinated, and where they were. We also asked them how they felt it had effected the country. I got a feeling that the Israelis felt about this day the way Americans feel about 9/11. We saw the spot where Rabin was shot and the memorial they have there for him. It was actually very moving. Then we walked around some neighborhoods in order to see what life is like for everyday citizens in the city.

We then had Free Time! The group I was with went to an open air market- it reminded me a lot of a cross between a flea market and a farmers market. I really enjoyed spending time among all the booths.

After that we went to Independence Hall, where the Israeli Declaration of Independence was written and signed. The tour guide was a little strange, but other then that the history of the place was very cool.

Yesterday (Friday) was an even more amazing day. We came to Jerusalem, and walked through some of the neighborhoods. Then we went to the old city. And the West Wall. For me, this was the best part of the trip so far. Someone called it intense, and I think that's a good way of describing it. The entire experience was just incredible. The thought of walking the same stones that King David and Solomon walked, that the ancient Jews used to go about their daily lives… there really aren’t the words.

And then there was the Wall. I can’t even begin to describe the feeling of peace and spirituality that I, and I think most of us, felt. Literally breathtaking.

Now it’s Shabbat, and we have some time to rest and relax today. The views of this ancient city from our hotel room is amazing- I’ll try and get some pictures up later.

Going to the pool now!!

-Amanda M.