"It’s dangerous business going out your door, you step onto the road and if you don't keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

Bilbo Baggins

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

So much to explore

We had a fantastic time in the Old City today after our classes. The more time I spend in the city the
more I realize how little of it I actually know. We found this place in the Jewish quarter and I thought the painting on the wall was simply beautiful. We also spent a good bit of time with the merchants today. I like them, at least most the ones that are in Jerusalem. Almost all of them know the "mormons" when they see us, I don't know how they recognize us but no matter if we're in small groups or not, the merchants call us out and all know us really well. We know a lot of them by name and the previous students have left a very good reputation. They say all the time how much they love the Mormons, it's really neat. Shabon, one of the guys who sells products catered towards Mormons even told me today that if I didn't have enough money with me to by the leather bag I was admiring that I could take it and bring the money back later. Yes, they make a lot of profit off of the students and its certainly in their best interest to be friendly to us, but its also in our best interest as well because we are then given the opportunity to get to know people. The relationship that has been developed between the students and merchants is unique and very enjoyable. They have things we are interested in buying and they make a lively hood by selling on the streets so we're happy to help each other out. I have the best times hanging out in the shops, because that's where we have the most interaction with the locals. The people here are so much fun:)






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Location:Old City