Istanbul was once Constantinople :D

I can't believe it, I'm in ISTANBUL! This the old capital of the great Byzantine Empire! This place it not like any other we've been , its such a crazy combination of the modernized west and the ancient buildings that make this place so famous. So turns out that part of cost of coming on this trip is that while we're here we get to go eat at  fancy restaurant  that they've reserved for us. Way fun! Its something that I wouldn't have chosen to spend money on  if I'd come on my own just cause its so expensive but I'm so glad this is a part of my experience here. All the food here is quite an adventure in itself. I think I'm really going to like Turkey.

... 104

Mothers Day!

Ok I realize that this picture doesn't look at all like it has anything to do with mothers day in any way shape or form, However! This is the picture I took while calling home to wish Mom a jolly day ( even though mothers day is tomorrow for her) So this is the little system I have charge every electronic gadgets I have. Including iPods that make it possible to call loved ones:) its been so nice to be able to talk with you, it makes a world of difference to me:) thank you


...105

Location:Coveted Piano-less classroom

My home away from home

Sooooo this is where I should have been tonight; at the computer lab getting all my homework done before we leave for Turkey on Sunday. But instead I stayed up and talked with friends, watched a movie and had a really jolly time with my fellow classmates. I'm starting to really get to know the other students here and they are so wonderful! Our Friday night fun was worth every bit of glassy eyed reading I have to do now. I'm beginning to feel like I have a family here, like I have a place in our unique community. I am looking forward to an uplifting semester with these remarkable people.



...106

Location:The computer lab

A beautiful Mosque

We had the chance to visit a local mosque and I was super impressed. This wasn't a large scale place of worship, it wasn't big or elaborate and I loved it. This place wasn't a tourist site intent in impressing, it was simply a place for faithful people to come to pray. I love the honest faith and heartfelt humility of the Muslims that I have met.

Oh something kinda neat, I told you about Shabon yesterday that I met in the old city right? Well the man who showed us around the mosque got chatting with us and it turns out that they are brothers-in-law! Ok, I thought that was awesome! Of the ten or so locals I know personally, three of them are related and I met them independently:) turns out they married into a family with eight daughters and they all live here in town! So now I've just got to go find the other five:)

It's been a jolly good day.





Damascus Gate



...107

Location:East Jerusalem

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:)






...108

Location:Old City

Israel Class

Today we had a super interesting Israeli class, it's been really enjoyable to have a Jewish professor instead of just learning about Judaism through American lenses. He always has to many interesting lectures I love his class. One really awesome thing about the Jerusalem Center is that we get to interact with our professors outside of the classroom. Today my Israeli teacher came with his tray of food and sat with us at lunch and let us interrogate him with all our curiosity. What kind of school of learning has the opportunity to spend time learning from our teachers on such a personal level? This is a good place to be.


...109

Location:Jerusalem center

... Homework

Sigh... Homework homework homework, all interesting stuff It just takes me forever! I hope I can get everything out of these classes that I want, earn the grades I need and still have the time to experience this place as fully as possible. Ok, time to go back to the books.



...110 :) almost to the single digits

Location:The computer lab