First official day in Jerusalem! I woke up to the sound of the prayer playing all throughout the city around 4 in the morning. Once I finally got out of bed, I walked out to the balcony to see the view. Words cant even describe! There are so many buildings, houses, & sacred monuments that are squeezed into such a tiny space. The Dome of the Rock stands out like a sore thumb compared to all the neutral colored buildings. I could see all the way from my left shoulder to my right, full of ancient history, many cultures, stories, buildings, & so much more which was all right in front of me. I had to grab my camera because it was just too amazing! We ate yummy breakfast outside on the balcony overlooking the old city. Talk about a good breakfast!! I could have sat there for hours, the air was crisp, the food was delicious, the sounds of buses & cars, it was too good to be true. After breakfast we grabbed our HUGE water bottles & headed outside to take a tour through the old city..JAW DROPPING! We walked around 4.5 miles, up and down streets, in & out of tiny markets. We were walking really fast through the city to get a brief overview but I could have stayed there for days, even weeks!! I was at the back of the group just soakin up everything (a couple times I caught my jaw hanging wide open, & I had to wipe the drool off my face! haha) There was so much to see with such little time. Walking through the city I saw little boys balancing baskets full of bread on their heads, people speaking different languages, the smell of spices, felt the stone rock walls, saw people praying, taking pictures, sacred buildings & so much more. We went inside this building where they had a piece of the rock that Jesus Christ was laid on after he was crucified. As I watched, many people would kneel down besides it, kiss the stone, put their forehead against it, prayed, rubbed it, & kissed it again. There are so many sacred places all throughout the city. We bought bread that was covered in sesame seeds & which you are suppose to dip it in this green spice. I was kinds nervous to try it but it was really good! I can't wait to learn more about everything here, the cultures, people, food, customs, & religions! Once I get to stronger wifi I will update my blog with pictures so you guys can get a better feel for what I am experiencing!
                                                the beautiful city, view from my balcony
                         

           
                                                           my first Jerusalem sunset

                                                           can't get enough of this view...

                                                     beautiful flowers around the center