I landed
Mood:  lucky
Topic: First sunrise
So I made it. The plane ride over was crowded and long but I sat next to a very nice couple from Brooklyn. They were 22-year old newlyweds, both children of rabbis, and gave me their number to invite me for shabbos. On the plane, I watched Ridely Scott's 'Kingdom of Heaven' -- a war film about the battles of Jerusalem. And now I am in the modern Jerusalem. And it looks not dissimiliar.

The house I am staying in is very peaceful. My room has a gorgeous view of the Old City. We have taken a tour of Ramat HaEshkol and it is a very pretty and safe area with a park, some fruit shops, and lots of children in strollers. We met the lady that started the 'Jewel' program last night-- she reminded me a little of Aunt Elsie except for that she is originally from Boston, went to Brandeis, and has 10 children. As for the rest of the group, there is one Highland Parker (she is 6 years younger than me), 2 girls from Toronto, 2 girls from Florida, 1 from Colorado, 1 from LA, 2 from England, 2 from NY. Thankfully, we didn't do much else yesterday and I passed out by 9:30 due to jetlag.

So, today is a new day. We are touring the Old City and such, probably visiting the Kotel. I will wear my sun-screen and bring my camera. I am glad to be here.

swuz