Well, we survived the long flight and are thrilled to be in the Old City!  It was great to get off the plane, settle into our hotel, and gather for our first dinner together at Olive and Fish.  Although it was cold and rainy, we warmed ourselves up with carrot and pumpkin soup, chose entrees of lamb, chicken or fish, and topped the meal off with chocolate mousse cake and hot, sweet tea!

Our day started bright and early at 5:45a (some of us got up even earlier!), with a quick coffee and cake run before heading out to our tunnels appointment at 7:15a.  This tour, led by our guide, Bruce, was simply amazing.  We learned a deep understanding of history as we walked through tunnels of stone–some built 2,000 years ago–and stopped by the closest place we could get to the Temple Mount.  This place in the tunnels is even holier than the Western Wall. 

After the tunnels, we came back to our hotel for a traditional buffet breakfast Israeli style, and set out for the Old City again, where we prayed at the Western Wall, shopped in the Jewish Quarter and an Arab shuk.

We are now ready for Shabbat!  Until we “connect” next time…

Jana

P.S. Picture descriptions: L-R: 1. Group at Western Wall; 2. Stacey, Gazelle, Michael and Leah in the tunnels; 3. Don, Jessica and Abby at the shuk