I was bonked by an elderly jewish woman

Independence day in Jerusalem is not quite as extravagant as Purim, but it certainly packs an amazing cultural experience with which to go home. I have been considering making a list of "first's" in this journey to show how amazing it has been. I am now able to add to that list (if I ever make it) "Being in the capital of a country on their 60th anniversary of independence." I'd say that that is an accomplishment.

Walking down the streets on the way to Ben Yuhuda Street is like the calm before the storm. The shops are closed, the people are scarce, and even the cars seem to be at an unusual low. It has been somewhat chilly lately, just enough for a hoodie and perhaps a hat, and it is completely comfortable out. The wind blows gently onto what little skin you have exposed, making it all the better. Whenever I feel a cool breeze here I remember Eden, when God dwelled with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day, such a beautiful feeling. There are sky lights shining through the dark sky even piercing the thinner clouds next to a crescent moon. Actually, the dark side of the moon is as vibrant as it can be against the blackened sky.

Anticipation builds as the lights get closer and the music gets louder and the crowds start growing. There is a gate at every entrance towards the Zion Square. Passports are being checked on everybody to ensure full security at such a momentous occasion. Approaching the Square is like entering a carnival in the city. Shouting, dancing, blowing shofars, blowing horns and noisemakers, banging on drums, all of it is in front of a giant stage where a band is setting up. People bonk one another on the heads with blow up hammers with the Jewish flag on it. Men and women, boys and girls, all different types of people are wearing the Jewish flag like a cape. There are so many young teens that it is reminiscent of a high school dance, only a little more intense (and with a whole lot more booze).

The night continues with fireworks, light shows, music, and dance as the citizens of Israel join in celebration of their independence. In fact, it probably won't end until 1 or 2 in the morning, if not later.

This may be my last post in Israel, so what better way to conclude it than with the celebration of Israel's independence, and perhaps a list of firsts...

In this journey, it was my first time:

Being in a plane

Being out of the US

Being in Israel

Drinking alcohol legally (just wine and it was gross, but a first regardless)

Living in a city

Bargaining

Seeing a Shuk

Seeing sharks hanging out for sale

Seeing lambs hanging out for sale

Seeing snow in Jerusalem

Seeing a desert

Walking 6 miles through a desert

Sleeping on the desert sand in Jordan under the stars

Breaking laws to enter an ancient tomb

Seeing a camel

Walking through a tunnel

Walking through a cave

Being within a couple of miles of a terrorist attack

Going to Stars and Bucks

Seeing the Mediterranean Sea

Going to a spa

Taking a sulfur bath (with clothes on = worst idea ever)

Seeing the Dead Sea

Swimming in the Dead Sea

Going to Sinai

Going 150 kmph in a 11 passenger van

Sleeping at a Bedouin camp

Hiking at 2 in the morning to see a sunrise

Drinking fresh hot tea with mint leaves in it and sugar

Drinking Turkish coffee

Seeing the Red Sea

Diving into water

Diving in the Red Sea

Snorkeling over a reef through jellyfish

Eating a falaffel

Eating a shwarma

Hanging out with Mormons

Sharing the Gospel with a Muslim

Going to the Sea of Galilee

Swimming in the Sea of Galilee

Wearing a Keifeyya

Seeing natural springs

Peeing off of or onto just about everything I could (ask for the list haha)

Standing on top of a mountain and seeing a full paneramic of about a 30 mile radius

Being in a large boat in a lake

Backpacking and living outside

Hitch hiking

Climbing and standing on pillars, which includes conquering a fear of heights

Sleeping outside in the rain

Sleeping outside in the dew (darnit!)

Staying in a 5 star hotel

Seeing a bede

Seeing a scorpian owning a snake

Seeing multiple displays of fireworks from my home for free

Watching a sheep get slaughtered