In The City

Remember that tour we needed before we could go out to the city on our own? Well we finally got that tour. So we have finally been into the old city! It is more of what I imagined Jerusalem would look like and also nothing like I thought at the same time. Let me explain. The East side is represented by the Palestine’s. The roads in the old city felt more like alleyways that were crammed with shop after shop and food places.

Lots of people were calling out to us and asking if we were Mormons. I’m guessing they don’t know what that word means and to them it just means white kids who buy souvenirs. 

But what I wasn't expecting was that some parts, the Jewish west side, looked like I was in Europe, specifically Spain or Portugal. I know I have never actually been to those places buuut I am pretty sure that is what they look like. And the crazy part was we were still in the old city, just a block away from the above picture. 

It’s like two counties in one.  It was very modern and nice. Across the street from the old city we walked into a mall and they even had Gap and American Eagle.  It definitely had a very nice, clean, and developed feeling. 

(it looks more like Spain/portugal in the places with palm trees)

Dad told me a lot that it would feel European but for some reason I didn't really internalize that until I saw if for myself.

The security guards from the Center were following us during the tour walk and were all coordinating with walkie talkies. I swear one point we would pass one of them just standing on the road, and then a few blocks later we would pass the same guard again. They are super legit and probably practiced magic at the school of Hogwarts for witchcraft and wizardry. I mean, it’s the only logical 

explanation.

Fun Fact: The Jerusalem center is FREEZING. Most people try to find the warmest rooms and I typically walk around wearing my coat. It is because the walls are made of stone to intentionally keep the building cool. It is definitely working.