am feeling right now? I am completely exhausted; not just tired, but worn out. (Left - on the van to Tel Aviv - from right to left [Hebrew style] Meghan, [in the back] Catherine, Brittany, Mike, Rich, me, [in the back] Natalie, Lauran, and Skylar). This day began with Old Testament, Ancient Near Eastern Studies, and Palestinian Modern Near Eastern Studies. After that, those of us heading to Tel Aviv had a quick lunch and then headed up to where the vans were waiting to take us to Tel Aviv. It is roughly a 1-hr drive. We arrived at the beach just south of Tel Aviv about 1:30. We played on the beach and in the water for a while. It was a lot of fun. 
The water was great in the Mediterranean Sea (this was my first time seeing the Mediterranean) but unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to go swimming. (Right - a dead jelly fish in the Mediterranean Sea). We found some dead jellyfish floating in the water near the beach. I picked up some seashells (as did other girls) and found a hermit crab. It was great. I don’t remember their eyes being so crazy before. Everyone kept picking him up and staring at him and every now and then he would poke out his claw at us. It was funny.Some people played sports on the beach, but after awhile, several of us were ready to head out. We decided to go to Jaffa. Jaffa is one of the oldest ports still in use. It is a city about 20 minutes on foot from Tel Aviv (to the south). Tel Aviv is a much newer city that began as a s
uburb of Jaffa.We walked to Jaffa and went into the Old City. (Left - on the beach at the Mediterranean Sea - this time from left to right - Elizabeth, Christine, Kristi, [in the back] Brandon and Sadie, Mandie, me, Rich, and Aimee). I really like the old part of Jaffa. It is much nicer than the newer part of town, probably for tourism. We went to St. Peter’s Monastery. It was interesting because inside was still decorated for Christmas even though Christmas for the
Russians was nearly 2 weeks ago. But it was nice. (Right - walking the streets of Old Jaffa). We walked through the artist’s quarter, too, and then went to the flea market where I found a reversible wrap around skirt that I got for 35 NIS. Another girl and I both bought skirts and we talked him down from 65 NIS, so we thought we did well. The problem with bartering is that I often feel like if they agree to the price, it probably means that it isn’t that good of a deal. But I like my new skirt, so that is what matters.A few of us then went to watch the sun set over the Mediterranean Sea. It was beautiful. We then met back up with some others and went to find a place to eat. We decided to go to Tel Aviv and headed north. We walked all around downtown Tel Aviv where we finally found a place that we were willing to stop at. I got a falafel for 15 NIS. T
hat was honestly a mistake. (Left - in front of St. Peter's Monastery). It wasn’t as good as the falafel I tried before and I still have the taste in my mouth even though I ate it hours ago AND I brushed my teeth/tongue/entire mouth. We then went to see if we could find a fountain where they have a water and light show. We found it, but the next who was scheduled for the next hour and we didn’t have time to wait. We tried to go to the top of hotel that a book told us we could go to the top of, but I guess we aren’t allowed. 
We continued on in our wanderings and found a (what I am assuming is a) gelato store and bought some ice cream. (Right - inside of the monastery. This was a nativity scene they had. They also had lit Christmas trees and other such decorations. It was pretty cool). I got banana, 8 NIS for one scoop. It was really yummy.By that time we needed to head back to our pick up spot. While we were walking, one girl tripped and a rock cut the tip of her toe off. She didn’t even notice until she felt the blood oozing on her sandals. It was pretty nasty. Luckily, the van driver had a small first aid kit; he poured water on it and she bandaged it up for the ride home. As we were leaving, we had a little scare thinking that two people had been left behind. Luckily we got it worked out and learned that everyone was there.
I feel so tired now, honestly wiped out. I think I may end up taking a nap tomorrow, though not if someone is doing something that sounds like fun. We shall see!
The Wishing Bridge in Old Jaffa - you can read the sign to learn the tradition
Wishing on the wishing bridge
A sign explaining a piece of art we found in Old Jaffa
In front of the piece of art - Back: Sadie, me, Brittany, Meghan, Brandon
Front: Jeff, Aimee, and Danny
The digs in Old Jaffa
Sunset on the Beach (Well, in Old Jaffa anyway)
While walking to Tel Aviv, we found this amazing playground with tall tube slides. We, of course, had to stop to go down. I went despite my most recent experience with tube slides . . . It was alright, though not as fast as I was expecting
My banana cone. Boy it was yummy!
Wishing on the wishing bridge
A sign explaining a piece of art we found in Old Jaffa
In front of the piece of art - Back: Sadie, me, Brittany, Meghan, BrandonFront: Jeff, Aimee, and Danny
The digs in Old Jaffa
Sunset on the Beach (Well, in Old Jaffa anyway)
While walking to Tel Aviv, we found this amazing playground with tall tube slides. We, of course, had to stop to go down. I went despite my most recent experience with tube slides . . . It was alright, though not as fast as I was expecting
My banana cone. Boy it was yummy!
2 comments:
I found your blog, and am enjoying reading your experiences. It brings back many memories. The Center was dedicated in May of 1989 only a few month before I attended. I beleive the first students occupied the building in 1987, so I was still among the first groups. Parts of the Center were still not complete yet whe I was there. They just finished the walkways along the entry road, the Multipurpose room still had rolls of carpet (and were never put down the four months I was there), and the Dome theater was not complete (was not even being worked on and was closed up. I would LOVE to have you post more pictures of the Center (the rooms mentioned above. Has anything been done with the big room - space along the wall opposite the Oasis, there is a single door on that wall, open it and see what's there. BIG and empty when I was there. I loved exploring the building). It is my DREAM to return to Jerusalem and of all the places I want to revisit, is the Center. Sometimes I am SOOOOO homesick for it, and long to return. Treasure EVERY minute you have there. It might take you years to return. After 19 years I finally have the money to take my wife sometime soon. It sounds like things are much differet now for the students than when I was there. We were pretty free to move about the city (be back my mid-night) and could go about anywhere in the city and the surronding area. No check points or walls. I am afraid that when I return, it wont be the Jerusalem and the Israel that I remember. I was there during the first Intifoda (selling?), but it was mostly closed shops because of "strike" days. We got to ride the public busses and walked and walked and walked about everywhere.
Would you mind if I asked you questions from time to time to compare my experience with what current students are having? I have followed Brother Draper on his BYU roundtable forums shown on BYUTV, he must be a great teacher. I had the legendary Brother Kelly Ogden, a pioneer at the Center (ten years living and teaching there - and Brother Aronld Green, another pioneer and former director). Anyway, enjoy your time, get out EVERY chance you can, get to know the other students (how many are there in your group? - 160 when I went), and do spend some alone time gazing are the city on the second level out on the lawn - nights are great with the city lights. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem... how beautiful upon the mountains [you are] And how beautiful are [you - Jerusalem] to the eyes of them who there came to the knowledge of their Redeemer, and how blessed are they, for they shall sing to his [your] praise[s] forever). And as Olver Cowdery said, "These are days never to be forgotton..."
Sorry this is so lone... Again, pictures of the Center would be fun to see.
Thanks for your comment, fall 1989 student. I think it would actually be very interesting to see pictures of the way the center was when you were here. The next time we cannot leave the center, I will try to remember to take pictures of the center, especially the areas you mentioned here. What is the multipurpose room, though? Or where is it. That might be what we now call the student lounge, but I want to make sure. And as for the wall opposite the Oasis, there are now several doors, so I'm not sure exactly what one you are referring to, but everything is completed, so whatever it is, something is there.
Anyway, like I said, a little more information would be useful, but I will try and take pictures this coming Friday, if not sooner.
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