Arabian Night

partial roommate picture

There has been talk about the epic night of Arabian food, pictures, and best of all....dancing! That night came and it was epic indeed! We had a couple of Arabs come and show us how they pray and how they do their call to prayer. It is one of my favorite things here in Jerusalem....listening to the call to prayer. There is something so enchanting about being out on the balcony at sunset with the amazing view of the old city when the call to prayer comes on.  Sometimes it doesn't even feel like real life -- but it is, and I love it!

me and some Arabian

Anyway, we got to listen to a couple of Arabs demonstrate how they recite the prayers from the Koran. It was really exciting! We had a big dinner afterward.... lots of Arabian food! Everyone looked so awesome all dressed up. We then learned how to dance, Arabian style of course. It was really different, but we got really into it and had a blast! The people teaching us were students that go to the local high school here in Jerusalem. They had a little set-up for people to take pictures with their beautiful scarves and genie pants. It was like the movie Aladdin coming to life!    

Amy, Cassie, me, and Desiree

WINK!

Turkish Delights

A turkey that I found in Turkey! 

A beautiful view from the top of Assos

Oh what wonderful things to tell about the mystical land we know as...TURKEY! The country is more beautiful with more ancient historical sites than I had anticipated. There is so much to see in Turkey. I couldn't pull my eyes away from the beautiful countryside, especially on the bus rides. It almost looks like Tuscany with beautiful vineyards and orchards all over. It's so green! The trees are beautiful and there were also a lot of cotton fields. I also became obsessed with the amazing ocean side almost everywhere we went. (technically the Aegean Sea which goes to the Mediterranean which then goes to the ocean.)

 It's history is quite interesting... It was originally a Christian based empire (Greek Orthodox) under the authority of Constantine. Istanbul used to be named Constantinople before the Turks took over. Most of  buildings in that time were greatly influenced by the Greeks, which was fascinating. What I loved most was reading in the New Testament about the ministry of the apostle, Paul and finding most places to be right there in Turkey! Places like Ephesus, Assos, Pergamon, Miletus.... where Paul visited and taught the gospel. He was an incredible missionary -- so passionate and devoted to the work. 

Hagia Sophia in all her glory

One principle Paul taught that really stuck with me is found in Acts 20:35. At this time he was in a place near Assos called Miletus. He said "...to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." This particular verse reminded me what life really is about! Continually looking for opportunities to serve people...all whom we come in contact with. Developing a Christ-like love for everyone -- putting others' needs before our own. Just sharing the love! I truly believe that when you love and serve, your life will be so much more worth while! It's like having the spirit of Christmas all year long! Ha. I love Christmas. It's such a simple principle that I want to work on every day. 

Anyway, Paul is definitely a great example to me, and I have really enjoyed reading and learning more about him.

We arrived in the Istanbul Airport late Sunday night. We had to wait there a long time because, well, getting 84 people through security takes forever. We got on our bus and met our tour guide, Fatih. He was brilliant and had a great personality. Later we met our other tour guide, Selena... I had a hard time understanding her a lot of the time, but she was really a cute lady and so nice. It took most of us most of the week to realize that when she kept saying "tom" she meant "tomb".  Driving through Istanbul was pretty exciting. It's a HUGE city with so many people. The mosques were giant and bright. I was especially thrilled to see the Hagia Sophia which was built clear back in the 6th century. We had our first experience of Turkish food.... they eat a of eggplant (at least, I think that's what it was) and a lot of fish. Oh, and bread. Always lots of bread. Their desserts are very different too. Turkish desserts are very sweet and usually glossed over with honey/syrup-like stuff. They also put pistachios in almost everything. I was glad to see how kind the Turkish people are. They are wonderful people, and always treated us so well. 

a quick shot in the palace with T!

The Blue Mosque

We visited the Topkapi Museum/Harem. All of these ancient artifacts that we saw reminded me of the movie, Aladdin. I was surprised to see how the Sultans' beds took up half the room and their chairs were really wide and long. They liked their space I guess. We went down into a place called Basilica Cistern. You know the movie, Phantom of the Opera? The part where the phantom takes Christine down on the little gondola through the water? That is what Basilica Cistern looked like. We visited the Hippodrome and the Blue Mosque as well. Oh my heart. The Blue Mosque was so big! And beautiful! I thought for sure it had to be the mother of all mosques....but I hadn't been to Hagia Sophia yet... We went through that the last day we were in Turkey. It is breath taking! So old and so beautiful. 

Another great adventure that day was the Grand Bazaar! We only had one hour to shop and look around at all the great Turkish souvenirs. Amy and I bought some cool Arabian shoes and a purse. We had such a fun time looking at all the shops that eventually we got separated from everyone else. (We are supposed to be in groups of three at all times) But we figured we were fine. Brother Huntsman had told us that the bus was leaving at 4:30 to Bosporus for the ferry ride, which meant that we needed to meet outside the entrance (Now, mind you, there are probably 30 different entrances to the bazaar) at 4:15. Amy and I started walking towards the entrance about 4:05 just to be safe. Well...we had no idea where we were, and we both thought we knew where we were going, so we just started walking towards what we thought would be the main entrance. Somehow we ended up outside a different gate. Amy said something about using the blue mosque outside as a landmark so we wouldn't get lost....well, we walked around the entire thing and still....LOST. At this point, I started laughing to myself. We were so lost. I seriously had no idea where we were or where we needed to go. We decided that our best bet would be to go back into the bazaar. As we were running alongside the road I had the impression that, well, you know....we should say a prayer. At that moment, Amy looked over at me and said, "You're praying, right?" Sometimes we think the same thing at the same time. No big deal.

Then Amy remembered that she took a picture of the front gate before we went in -- genius! We zoomed in on the picture and found that it was....gate 1! Imagine that. We started running towards that direction, (we got really good at running/maneuvering through thick crowds by then) and then ran out to the road where the buses should have been. Sadly, they were long gone. We walked back to the entrance to reevaluate and come up with a plan. Two young girls lost at the Grand Bazaar --no cell phones, no phone numbers, and no sense of direction. What can you do? While we were standing there, the guy that had sold us our purses came up behind Amy, trying to sell her more things. She looked at him and said, "We are in a crisis. Now is not a good time!" You should have seen his reaction. He just backed away with a look of complete bewilderment. She sure told him! It was so funny.

FOUND

So then I got to thinking that our professors had to know that Amy and I were the only ones lost...two girls. They surely would have sent one of the guys to find us...or a couple of them at least. We decided to wait at the road and hope that we would find someone to rescue us. Not 10 seconds after we started running towards the road, Amy ran right into Fatih....our beloved tour guide! We were so grateful to run into him. He had been running as well, looking for us. It was a miracle that we ran into him, considering how packed and big the bazaar was that day. Fatih led the way towards the ferry ride, where everyone was waiting for us. On the way we walked through the biggest spice market in the world! Well, at least that is what it seemed like. I had never seen anything quite like it. (this was my thought process more often than not while I was in Turkey) So many sweet smelling spices...it was incredible! As we were walking I mentioned how we still hadn't tried the famous turkish delight, and we had been there almost two days already. Fatih was appalled at this. He stopped right there in his tracks and led us to a little place that had a few for sampling. We each took one and took a little bite. We had a little bit of a delayed reaction....It wasn't what either of us had expected at all, but it was good none the less! It's like a gummy candy with pistachios and powdered sugar. They have all sorts of flavors. The ones we had were pomegranate flavored. They were yummy. We finally felt satisfied with our experience at the Grand Bazaar. (See! getting lost does have it's perks!)
We finally made it to the ferry where everyone had been waiting and wondering what had become of us. You could say that we went down in history as the ones who got lost in the Grand Bazaar and survived! Thanks to our rescuer, Fatih...and Amy. We made a great lost pair I think. :)

Kiss a turtle and your prince will be even more charming
than the frog kind.  

One of my other favorite places was Ephesus. Paul lived in this great city for 3 years! It was very fascinating. Everything about it was magnificent. They had a great big library and even latrines with running water. Oh, and I can't forget to mention my little friend that I found on the road in Ephesus. His name is Ted and he is a little turtle. I wanted to take him home with me, but then my friend Tyler let him go after a while. (against my will!) Not that I didn't find five more turtles throughout the trip anyway....ha. My professor, Brother Huntsman called me the beast mistress, while others called me the turtle whisperer...it's whatever. :)

la la la la....don't know the words...

The great big theatre in Ephesus was amazing as well! They had me sing a song there. Apparently the acoustics are still intense, even after all these years. I didn't really want to sing, but people love putting you on the spot. I had no idea what I wanted to sing. I mean....it's not everyday that you get to sing in the ancient theatre of Ephesus. I wanted it to be good ya know? Well, I didn't have time to think...so I just started singing the first song that came into my head, that just so happened to be....the best song in the world...it was the best song in the world. haaa just kidding. It happened to be a song that I don't even know. "O Mio Babbino". That's what I sang. Nevermind the fact that I didn't know the words and have never performed it before, but I listened to it a couple times on the bus ride before we got to Ephesus. There were a lot of other tourist there in the audience as well. I felt really good about it, or rather embarrassed when I found out that a lot of them were Italians. They must have felt sorry for me. I had no idea what the Italian words were in that song. The Italians were nice anyway, and gave me hugs and even kisses. One guy that was from Australia said, "Cool singin there!" It was a fun and made the experience even more memorable.

Amy and me at the hot springs of Hieropolis!
The calcium build-up makes it all white.

Turkey has definitely made it's way towards the top of my list of places to go. It was absolutely wonderful. I'm so excited about life right now and the sweetness that comes with it.

Inside a mosque. Gotta cover
up!

That's all...        

Tyler and me....and Ted in front of what was
the library in Ephesus....

So strong!!

Me and Michael-Sean in Ephesus

A Very Old City

This past week has gone by FAST! What is up with that?? I haven't blogged about anything this past week, so I have a lot to recap!

O Jericho

First, I'll start with Monday: JERICHO! Did you know that Jericho is said to be the oldest city in the world? I love the story of Joshua and all the Israelites running around the walls of Jericho seven times before the "walls came a tumbling down..." (Isn't that a song or something?) Then they were able to take over the city. Jericho is a beautiful, oasis-like city about a half hour away from Jerusalem. We all took a little field trip to several historical sites. The first one was Herod's winter palace! It was so intriguing to walk through the ruins....I get really excited when I realize how incredibly OLD these places are. It's like these ancient stories and events that we are reading and learning about here at the JC almost come to life in a way. I was surprised to see a lost wild billy goat running alongside the hill by Herod's Palace. A couple guys and one of my Professors dared me to run up and grab it by the horns. I can imagine how silly I looked trying to catch up to it and get close enough to grab it's horns. I did it anyway.

In ancient Jericho there are massive mounds of dirt that cover up what was there thousands of years ago. It's called a Tel! Archeologists have uncovered a great deal, but still have a lot more to discover. We got to see some ancient city walls and different structures that existed a very long time ago. It was so interesting! Right next to the Tel is Elijah Spring where the people's main source of water came from. We got to drink from it actually. I thought it was pretty tasty water, so I filled up my water bottle in the spring and continued to drink from it throughout the day!

In front of some old old old city walls

Even the camel smiled for the picture :)

After Elijah Spring, we climbed a little mountain with a breathtaking view of the valley of Jericho -- the desert hills and valleys. The Greek Orthodox St. George Monastery sits right into the mountain. It sort of reminded me of what Petra looks like -- kind of built into the mountain. There were camels and donkeys at the top of the mountain that you could ride too. Of course, you had to pay a small price- 10 Shekels to ride the camel or the donkey. One of the Arabs talked me into getting on the camel. It was crazy!! They are huge animals. You get so high in the air! I loved it... I think I have always wanted to ride a camel, and..well, I did! It's truly remarkable the things you can do when you are in the Holy Land. Opportunities galore!

Anyway, I just want you all to know that I love history and I love Jerusalem.
That's all...

2 thumbs up for the old city

Dip in Mediterranean + Sunburn = Wonderful Day

Feel that Mediterranean breeze, will you?? 

 I have never been swimming in such a blue, clear, warm...salty...perfect ocean in all my life! I could have stayed there all day long. We had a great time swimming out far to a rocky island, of course, after my friend, Tyler reassured me many times that there were NO sharks. After getting to the island the lifeguard told us not to climb on the rocks in three different languages before he finally spoke in English. I thought I would be exhausted while swimming clear out there and then having to turn around and swim back with no rest, but it's so salty that you float with ease! It was a delightful sensation. 

Beach Babes Probably

Also, I'll have you know that I spent my summer in Nauvoo with dresses that completely covered my arms, neck, and legs...which means I haven't seen a whole lot of sun this year. This was the second time being exposed to some intense UV rays. It got me goooood. I look like a lobster. Everyone who sees me gets that look of sympathy and remorse for my newly colored skin. (RED) Even the security guards here made a comment about my intensely red face and arms. But...I'm over it. It will be a great tan someday, I hope. 

a sandy note to the world

my sign, LEO

Just sunkissed! thats all....

Chillin in Joffa (Joppa) and just LOVIN it

I love my roomie, Kaitlyn! 

We heart the med

Shabbat Shalom!

Last night was yet another epic experience here in the city of Jerusalem. We all went to the Western Wall to see how the Jews commemorate the beginning of their sabbath. Everyone splits with the men on one side and the woman on the other. People write little prayers and stuff them in the cracks of the wall before they pray. We all had the chance to touch the wall and pray with them! It was SO NEAT! The wall was smooth and almost polished where people have been touching it for years and years. I told my friend Amy that I want to go back and pray there as often as I can. My brother Josh came to Jerusalem last winter semester and he told me that one of his favorite places was the Western Wall -- I didn't know why until last night! It's surely a place that you can't even understand how amazing it is until you go there and see it for yourself. My heart was beating so fast and I felt so much joy in it all! There is indubitably a spirit there despite the differences in our religions. Everyone gathers around after awhile and sing and dance all of these exciting Jewish songs. I was thrilled to have known the words to a couple songs from my Hebrew class. I met some Jewish girls that I talked to for a long time. They were happy to practice their English with me and ask me questions like, "do you know Leonardo DiCaprio? or Beyonce?" They were surprised to hear that my name was Rivkah, and assumed that I was Jewish as well.  Maybe I just get overly excited about all this, but I can't help it! It's possible that Christ could have walked by that wall and maybe even touched it? :) It's a riveting thought I think. All in all... I love my life. Everyday I think about how amazing it is to have this opportunity to be in Jerusalem. It's a blessing beyond anything I imagined for my life at this point.

Dome of the ROCK

Amy, Me, and the Dome

Okay. Let's talk about how much I love the Dome of the Rock. I love the Dome of the Rock!! I loved walking around it. I was all sorts of excited being up close and personal to the this beautiful ancient building. I soaked in as much of the history as I could! I had goosebumps all over my body when I thought about Solomon's Temple, King David, Christ....all of these people and stories that took place RIGHT THERE! There is so much history just seeping through and through the ground right there on the Temple Mount.

If you look to the East from there, you have a perfect view of the Mount of Olives, where Christ ascended into heaven....and where he will return!!....and soon I hope :) There was a special feeling there -- can't wait to go back! Sometimes I still can't believe that I am here in this old and wonderful city. It's truly a dream come true.

Just another day in Jeru...no big deal.

You could easily say that I am in LOVE with this city! I spent about 6 hours in the Old City yesterday, trying to get a feel of the place and finding my way around. We went to the Wailing Wall (or the Western Wall) for the first time. I think I want to go there as often as possible. It's one of the most sacred places for the jews, and they just pray at the wall. The men go on one side and the woman on the other. The Dome of the Rock is on the other side of the wall...which is a very sacred place for the Jews also. It's where Solomon's Temple was built and where prophets of old would go, as well as Christ! They aren't allowed to step foot on that ground anymore and can get only as close as the Western Wall...which is why they call it the Wailing Wall. I also got to walk around the Dome of the Rock- and can I just tell you??! Oh my heart. It was amazing! I had goosebumps as I walked around and thought about how much history took place on that square of land...the temple mount. That's where they found Jesus teaching in the temple when he was young, and where he must have gone numerous times after that. There was a perfect view of the Church of the Ascension (where Christ ascended into heaven after he was ressurrected) on the Mount of Olives. I thought about how that is where he will return...and how the Earth will split in half when he steps out onto the Mount of Olives. I had to keep thinking...wow, I'm actually looking and being at these places that I have only read about. It's such an incredible opportunity. I'm SO excited!
So I have a few different goals for while I'm here. One of them is to get inside the Dome of the Rock. They only let muslims go inside, but sometimes if you are really lucky and are friends with muslims, they can take you in. One of my friends here tried to go in and even started taking off his shoes, but to no avail. But it's okay! We'll figure out a way eventually.
Life is great in the Holy Land

It's a NEW BLOG!

Shalom!
Here I am, sitting in the computer lab (my laptop is being silly) on the 6th floor of the Jerusalem Center in JERUSALEM. Yes, it is rather exciting... I got here yesterday after a long long flight full of layovers, delays, cancelations, and hotel vouchers. A number of us were stranded after our flight was canceled in Phoenix, AZ. The airport paid for our dinner and hotel rooms until they figured out what other flight plan we could do. They ended up splitting us up into smaller groups. The first group left Thursday at 4 am...and we made it here Friday night around 6:30. I was beginning to wonder if we would ever make it here, but walking inside the Jerusalem Center for the first time and looking over the beautiful city of Jerusalem just made every moment of waiting SO worth it. I don't even know how to describe how wonderful this city is. Every classroom has an incredible view with a balcony, as well as every apartment. I was surprised to see a pomogranite tree on my balcony with some pretty big pomogranites almost ready and ripe to eat! It just keeps getting better. I especially loved having Sacrament Meeting overlooking the whole city. The view is just amazing. I can't get enough of it!
 I got to play the piano for the primary today, which was fantastic. The children here are so smart and very sweet. They are all children of these great scholars and professors... and it shows! They know so much! Oh, and I can't forget about the food... I have only had two meals here so far, and let me just tell you... everything is delicious! The fruit especially. I love eating outside with that great view of the Old City every time.
Today we got to walk around the city for the first time. We got to see how it is kind of split up with the Arabs in one area, the Christians in another area, and then the Jews in another. It was so interesting. I can't wait to learn more about the different cultures and religions here. There is so many cool things to see...I keep wondering how I will ever see it all! I have met some wonderful people here....(still waiting for the rest of the group to arrive!) and I'm looking forward to having one of the most exciting semesters of my life.