Here I am, in Jerusalem

I’m concluding my first full day in Jerusalem. It did not contain a lot of activity. I tried to stay low-key and conserve energy/recover from jet-lag. I took a walk up the main street of my neighborhood–the German colony. I got some coffee at the famed Coffee Mill, where there are New Yorker covers on the wall. I needed the coffee! I woke up this morning at 4:30 and couldn’t get back to sleep. What else did I do? I visited Pardes with my roommate and did a little grocery shopping. Thus far I like the Jerusalem stone that the buildings in this neighborhood are constructed with and watching people walk by while sitting on the mirpeset (porch or balcony). I’m fascinated by the diversity of religious observance as it appears through dress.

I had a mostly-wonderful 24 hours before my flight: hanging out with an old Chicago friend, veggie chinese food in Lakeview, Redmoon Theater at Theater on the Lake (amazing!), and then on Saturday yard sale browing in Logan Square,  really yummy brunch in Ukranian Village, and then fun and sun at the Montrose dog beach. I went to the airport a little sandy, but it was all worth it.

Here are 2 pics to start things off:

A tiny Mizrachi synagogue that is across the street from my new apartment

what I see from the balcony

School begins tomorrow (Tuesday)!