Day 1.5 

Waking up in Jerusalem 

After a night of mediocre sleep and a 6 hour time difference one would expect a tricky wake up. That is…unless you’re waking up for your first day in Jerusalem. A wave of contentment swept over me when the curtains were pulled back and I looked out over the city. Eeek! After quickly getting ready, it was off to breakfast. What I expected to be a simple spread turned into a feast. (I am quickly learning that feasts are the norm around here.) This trip is doubling as training for eating competitions. When you think you’ve eaten your whole meal, you find out those were only the appetizers and there remain 4-5 main dishes and probably 3 desserts.

Since we are on the topic of food, I’ll bring up last night, one of the best dinners of my life, not only because of food but also company and mostly the absolutely amazing vibes. Last night the 50 of us ate Shabbat dinner at Zaki’s house. His whole family, some neighbors, and countless others helped prepare this meal. We were lead through wine tastings, a sing along, and enjoyed great conversation. The group truly came together in a way that excites me for the rest of the trip. If that was our first dinner I can’t wait to see how it is by day 9.