First Time in Jerusalem

Day 4: June 21, 2009

Peter and I are still suffering from jet lag. After going to bed about 10 p.m., we woke up about 2 or 3 a.m. We decided to get up about 4 and read until 6, when we decided to give sleep another try. We dozed until 7:30 showered and went to breakfast - we missed our exercising for the day. Afterwards we shopped at the Tzuba market to have some things in our room for the evneing meal (our tuition covers breakfast and lunch). We were in a bit of a rush, because Peter had arranged to meet two friends he had met 13 years ago in Jerusalem, Paul and Rhoda Carpenter.

There is a bus from Kibbutz Tzuba to Jerusalem for 8.1 shekels (about $2). The picture is of our bus. The Hebrew says "Superbus." We boarded a little after 11 a.m. to meet Paul and Rhoda about noon. We actually didn't go into the station, but waited on the street. The traffic was heavy with aggressive drivers (I was glad I wasn't driving a rental) and there were many people catching numerous buses. The 183 took us to the central bus station, where we were to catch the 60. Within a couple of minutes, the 60 stops and opens the door ... for about 5 seconds! Then it took off without us. We decide to wait for the next one because a walk to the Jaffa Gate is about 2 miles to the Old City. After waiting about half an hour, the 60 arrived and we were ready, or so we thought. The bus double parked a little past the stop, did not open the door, and in at most 5 seconds, took off, leaving us and others without a bus.

By now it was noon and we were late anyway, so we decided to walk. It was a vigorous 45 minute walk that took us to the Jaffa Gate and into the Old City, where we were to meet Paul and Rhoda. We followed street signs directing us to the Old City. Of course we read the Hebrew, not that English!

We made it to the gate (see the picture). Paul and Rhoda were not there, but we met them at their hotel nearby. Paul is a cardiologist in Sioux Falls, ND. Rhoda is an adjunct professor at Sioux Falls Seminary, formerly North American Baptist Seminary.

We looked for a restaurant, walking through the very narrow streets paved with large tones rubbed smooth with centuries of commercial foot traffic. We went into two shops run by Christians known to Paul and Rhoda. These are places to get fair deals on merchandise. One fellow used to be PLO, but became a Christian. He told us of a Muslim woman who was soon to be baptized and they needed some witnesses, preferably from far away. We may go do that, if arrangements can be made.

Paul and Rhoda bought lunch for us at a sandwich shop there in the Old City. We had a long and enjoyable conversation, and after saying our goodbyes, Paul led us to Jerusalem University Center, headed by Paul Wright. Paul Wright is a friend of mine from Hebrew Union College days, and I wanted to see him. Also, Carl Rasmussen teaches there and I hoped to get a chance to meet him there. But it was Sunday and they were not there. Here is a picture of the Tower of David. It is near the Jaffa Gate. Of course it doesn't date to the time of David; I don't know how old it is. Perhaps I'll give you an update later. We couldn't stay long, because we had to get back for our orientation to the Biblical Language Center.

We caught a bus back to the Central Bus Station and, after a half hour of walking and searching, we found the stop to wait for the 183 back to Tzuba. So, we made it. There was not a lot of exciting things seen, but this was an exploratory excursion. We'll be back.

We ate some cereal for supper with our new friend Dave, from Ireland. Then in the evening we had our orientation. There were about 15 students for the beginning and intermediate courses. I hope to introduce some to you later. About a third were from the US. Two were from Wales. One fellow was from Ireland, at least three from the UK, one a Wycliffe Bible translator from Honduras, and one from South America.

After orientation we began our first assignments: (1) complete a placement exam, and (2) 8 hours of sleep. Layla Tov!