Day Four by Elyse

Today we got to sleep in a little because we got the option to go to breakfast between the hours of 7:00-9:30 which was really nice and helped with the jet lag. After a delicious Israeli breakfast we all met in the lobby at 10:00 and we got ready to go for a walk around the area. Our first stop was the YMCA. We sat in front of the beautiful building and learned a lot about it. We learned that it was created to bring all the religions together in a safe environment where everyone can have a good time. Across the street from the YMCA was the King David Hotel, a place for high ranking people to stay such as Madonna or Obama. Also, Steven Harper stayed there when he visited. We learned that the during the British rule the underground organization, Etzel bombed the right side because they didn't like that the British were ruling. Next we walked to Mishkenot SheAnanim, the first neighbourhood outside of the Old City walls. It had a lot of beautiful vegetation and it was very sunny and lovely. In the neighbourhood we learned about Moses Montefiore and the stories of him opening the neighbourhood. We got back to the hotel around lunch time and had many fresh salads and delicious meat. Next we got ready to go to the Israel Museum where we saw the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Ahava sculpture. The museum had many old artifacts and lots of beautiful art. After a great time seeing intriguing art we walked back to the hostel. On our way back we saw the Prime Minister's house and we stopped at a gas station for snacks and ice cream. Right now we are having a small break at the hostel to pack up for tomorrow since it's our last night in Jerusalem. Later tonight we are having a small lesson about the Yad Vashem museum before we go tomorrow and then after dinner on Mamilla Street we are going to a light show. Overall this trip has been the best experience of my life and I am having such a great bonding time with my whole class and the kids from Edmonton. I love being here and I feel so connected to everyone here and my Hebrew is improving greatly. Although this trip is amazing and the weather is beautiful I swear we've only eaten chicken and potatoes and I'm literally going to turn into a chicken by the time we get back to Calgary!

Today's pictures:
Modern Jerusalem - YMCA, King David Hotel, Yemin Moshe, Mishkenot SheAnanim
Walking to the Israel Museum
Israel Museum, model of the Second Temple and Shrine of the Book