After classes today, a group of us (Jeff, Shalyn, Annaleah, my sister and I) went into the old city. We didn't really have plans so we just walked around. We entered through the lions gate which is on the east side of the city. We stumbled onto this quaint little church called the church of condemnation. It has this tiny little chapel with 14 pews about three people wide. The pastor was singing and we just sat there for a few minutes. I have come to appreciate the spirit that is felt in other churches. I know that God respects all who worship him with true purpose of heart.
After that we ended up in front of the Austrian Hospice. It was there we decided that we wanted to try to go visit the Dome of the Rock. So, we took a left and headed for the Jewish Quarter. We came to the Western Wall and looked at it for a few minutes. There were a ton of soldiers there and we weren't sure what was going on. We left to head to the Temple Mount/Dome of the Rock. Well, we were denied. It was closed. So, then we thought we might visit the archaeological gardens that are right there. After trying to get in, we decided it cost too much.
Finally, we just walked around the Jewish quarter. We had some gelato, which was really good. Then we found some cool ruins. Then we started to head back. Just as we were going back, we discovered that something was happening by the western wall. There was some military procession going on. We happened to be in a higher part of the city and there was a great overlook where we watched the procession for a while. We learned that there are three of these programs that happen during training and one of them happens here. It was really cool.
Then we walked back and we decided to exit out of the Damascus gate. Good choice. Actually, BEST choice. As we exited the gate, we were surprised to see that all the shop booths were gone. Instead we found some people dressed up and setting up some circus equipment. They started performing and it was SO cool! These acrobats did all these cool tricks inside and outside the wheel while it was rolling. (Picture of the wheel not of what we saw.)
We hurried back for dinner and then we had a forum. Every Wednesday night they invite someone to come speak to us about the current political situation in Israel. Today it was Paul Hirscherson who is an Israeli. I am very easily swayed and he brought up some really good points about how The Israeli government doesn't know if they can trust the Palestinian government. He also mentioned how both states were not going to get everything they want, so they will have to learn to compromise. It was a very interesting discussion and a lot to thing about.
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