Day Four

Another beautiful day in the Land of Milk and Honey! Awoke for the "free" hotel breakfast, and have to say that it was so nice to NOT be around tourists for two days, that it was shock to hear all the "American" language and seeing all the old Jewish people (me in a few years)!

After breakfast we walked to the Old City, a nice 20 minute walk from the hotel to Jaffa Gate. The usual shmatas in the Arab Market, the Jewish Quarter stores are much nicer!! Of course, with that, they are so much more expensive, but I wasn't really looking for anything specifically, so I didn't do too much damage.

We walked and walked through nooks and crannies inside the walls. We saw things we would never have seen on a tour, the places the people live, schools, day cares. It is fascinating. We walked to the Wailing Wall and since Jodi was wearing teeny white shorts, she had to wear a shmata to cover her legs. I was jealous, and even though I was dressed more modestly, I asked if I could have a shmata too!

It was wonderful to actually have time to pray, to reflect, and to take in the splendor that is "our" Western Wall. We spend probably 45 minutes there, again, something you really cannot do on a tour.

And after we were religiously sated, we moved on to the falafal stand to have a Falafal Pita (amazingly delicious!)

Just reread the above, and I have to say that a log about a day in Israel is probably the only place you will find the word shmata three times.

We walked back to the hotel and had every intention to go to the pool, but alas, the pool here is closed. So a jaunt to the lobby to go online, even though for some odd reason, we are getting Lobby Wifi in our room.

Jodi went to work out, and I didn't.

We got ready for dinner, and then hopped in a cab to a restaurant that Adam's friend Rebecca recommended called Darna, dubbed an authentic Moroccon Glatt Kosher restaurant, and dispite this, it was wonderful!!

We ordered morrocon soup, salads galore, a beef couscous, glazed cornish hens, and an Israeli Pinot Noir. And the desserts, oh my g-d!!! The waitress poured us mint tea, and packed up leftovers in the biggest doggie bag in the history of doggie bags!! We took our left over wine, and since the water she brought us was bottled and 24 sheckles (that is $6.00!!!!) we even took the left over water!!

Took the long way home (not on purpose) and saw the sight of a fundraiser/thankyou for Israeli philanthropists at the YMCA (again, only in Israel).

Back at the hotel now watching tv, writing this blog, and feeling very stuffed and tired. Tomorrow we join the group at 3pm, and a little wistful that our independent journey is ending.