Hospitality

This morning we arrived at the Israeli House of Parliament, the Knesset. Thank God for Mr. Hoffman and COGO for teaching me about the parliamentary system, so I'm able to understand the 14 parties and weekly vote of confidence. Sidenote, for years all I knew about the Israel-Palestinian conflict was from a simulation in 9th grade, Mr. Stanley's class.

So, we met three leaders from the three main parties in Israel currently. It was a great experience to hear their unique perspectives on achieving peace, yet seeing the overarching stance, the heartbeat of the country, that Israel will remain a Jewish nation in the Holy Lands. Then we went to the municipality of Jerusalem and met with a councilman. He described the current goals and challenges for the trade industry of the capital city. As we were visiting these official sites, the group was dressed up in business attire. We turned alot of heads, as apparently no one in Israel dresses up. Or rather, its extremely rare, even for a man to wear a tie. So we stuck out even more today on the streets.

Our guide at the Knesset invited us to her home for tea in the afternoon. This was a great privilege and a fun time. The home was a narrow yet spacious apartment considering its size and age. It looked new inside but was located in a historic area near the market. On her balcony you could see other rooftops across the neighborhood. A British Jew married to a South African Jew, she has been married six months. Her husband regaled us with his guitar, playing a traditional Hebrew song, the national anthem to a ska beat, and a Zulu song.

In other news: I slipped on the curb today and fell completely on my side on the street today. In a dress. With the camera around my neck. I think I've survived with only a few cuts and a potential bruise.