today, i met up with lisa and omri in the old city. we were meeting petra for a catholic mass at 1830. it was interesting for me to go to a church service after i haven't gone in so long, especially one in jerusalem, the mecca of the three monotheistic religions of the world. it was conducted in english by father richard, who came to jerusalem four months ago, leaving florida. the service itself was nice and calming, even though i'm not by any means familiar with mass. i forgot how drowsy i can get during church. oops. afterwards, father richard came up to us and asked if we would like a tour around the rooftop of the church. what an amazing view! he was really kind and pointed out several noticeable landmarks in jerusalem. the church, pontifical institute notre dame of jerusalem, is also quite known for its replica of the shroud of turin. it is also a place where many pilgrims start out their journey in the holy city. we might go back there soon to see this shroud exhibit because we can't go to italy :P.
afterwards, we walked to המרקיה (the souperia in english). what a homey place! upholding its name, המרקיה serves several different kinds of comforting, vegetarian friendly soups as well as שקשוקה (shakshuka), which is what a lot of the israelis refer to as the omelette. however, it's more like a tomato stew with a cracked egg on top. it is delicious! i must learn how to make one so i can make it for people back in the states. המרקיה seems to be a hipster/foreigners hotspot. one of the workers is a boston native (!) who just completed his thesis in hebrew literature in israel. omri, lisa, petra, and i sipped on תה נענע (mint tea) and chit chatted. it was also cool that the cafe decided to observe earth hour, by turning off the lights completely, immersing the restaurant in total darkness with little points of candlelight illuminating the diners. i like it!
i bid goodbye to the bunch and walked toward zion square where i came across a group of asians singing praise. they were singing in korean. what?? ever since i got here, i am astounded to find a big population of koreans living in jerusalem. i made friends with one who is in my documentary photo class. she told me that most of them make a pilgrimage here. that's cool, i guess? i never knew there was such a big following though. i should find out more information on this and hopefully get a decent korean meal while in israel!
the good mood i was in was shattered when i came back to my room in the כפר. a meeting was held to discuss the nasty atmosphere that occupies apartment 771. however, i think it was just an excuse for the two flatmates who do now like me to attack me even further. they really make me feel unwelcome in a place that is rightfully my own. i hope i get to move out into the city centre so i can be closer to my friends, שוק and fun things. but i will have to haggle with the dorm office, who might not like the idea! wish me luck. tomorrow my israel culture class is meeting outside dung gate, near the jewish quarter. i think we're exploring kidron valley, the place between the old city and mount of olives. more info on it later after the lecture!
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