Our new guide Aton, whose name is incredibly close to the rapper Akon, took us around the Old City today. We went through New Gate, instead of Jaffa Gate to get a sense of a different area. We went to the church where the upper room is remembered to have been. It is extremely old because we know it was reconstructed after Titus burned down the second temple. We listened to a funny little nun talk about how the Holy Spirit is right there in the church. She was adorable. We also went to The Burnt House of Kathros and watched a video of the story of the priestly Kathros family. It was really interesting to learn about how a family was personally affected when the Romans invaded Jerusalem. This is the only house they have found that was from the time when the Temple was destroyed in 70 A.D.

At lunch we had two pizza places across the street from each other competing to give us a better price for pizza and drinks. It was hilarious, but we actually got a great deal. Who knew you could barter for food, too? We went to visit a quaint shop of an orthodox Jewish man who was so sincere. He enlightened us on the origin and specifics of Judaism and how it differs from Christianity. This man said something that I know is engraved in my heart forever. He said, “If you think you made the decision to come to Israel, you can just kiss that idea good bye. God chose you, and brought you here to his chosen country for a specific purpose. You will not be able to get Israel out of your mind, because you leave a piece of your heart in the Holy Land… and you will be back.”  We also went to the Temple Institute to listen to the history of the first and second temple. The lady giving the tour was absolutely crazy, so it was hard to concentrate on the material. It was really cool to hear of their plans to build a third temple.

After all the touring we took our time going back to campus and did a little more shopping. I went back to some of the same places we went last weekend, and I had two different guys tell me, “You are making me crazy!” But I almost always walk away with the best deal possible. I love bartering. I miss traveling overseas with my brother! Some of the thing these shopkeepers come up with is hilarious.  However, I think my favorite so far is, “Because of your nice eyes, I will give you good price.” What will they come up with next?