Everyday I wake up and have the chance to take in the views of Jerusalem. Contrary to what media outlets will have you believe, there are no bombs going off, no mass rioting in the street, and I have not felt in danger at any time I have been here.

The part of Jerusalem I am staying in is known as “The German Colony”,

about one mile from the Old City portion of Jerusalem. It’s a quiet neighborhood, but in close proximity to the First Station which is both a historical landmark and lively cultural place for food and fun.

Some Useful Information: 

CURRENCY. So here is the currency known as the Israeli New Shekel, or just “shekel”. Right now, it’s about 3.40 shekels to 1 US Dollar. So don’t freak out when you get that 50 shekel bill for the awesome four course meal! One negative concerning the currency is that they still have coins for 10, 5, 2, 1, and 1/2 shekels. You can hear me jingling from a mile away!

TRANSPORTATION. Like many other large cities in the world, there are many options for getting around town. Light rail, bus, taxi, and shared taxis. One major difference between here and most places is that there are days where they do not run due to Sabbath, plan accordingly. More info about transportation options here.

EMERGENCIES: POLICE – DIAL 100. AMBULANCE – DIAL 101. 

OLD CITY. Get a map. You will thank me later.

Now, that you have the most important part out of the way, enjoy everything that the Old City has to offer. If you have questions, be sure to stop in at the Tourist Information Centre near the Jaffa Gate. Everything is very safe, most shop owners speak english, and there are many Police/Military available. When looking for food, follow my simple rule that hasn’t let me down yet: if it doesn’t have items listed in your language, you are probably going to have issues ordering.

Also, Don’t use the post office in The Old City….As you read reviews of this post office online, phrases like: “Great for people watching”, and “don’t be in a hurry” show up. Okay. Not being in a hurry is one thing, but the udder disrespect shown to anyone that looks Western is huge. I don’t claim to be fluent in Arabic, but I certainly know threatening and derogatory words, and they were used pretty liberally towards me and a British guy in there. That’s fine, sticks and stones, and all of that. Well, the concept of a line seemed to only apply for Non-Westerners. Once the British guy got up there, everyone else rushed the window and he just gave up. Determined not to have the same outcome, I stood my ground. When I got to the front of the line, the same thing happened. Ah, but I played basketball and started boxing people out! Still when I handed my postcards through the window, the teller looked at me and refused to take my postcards. Epic fail. I ended up sending my postcards somewhere else with no problems, but man oh man.

PUBLIC TOILETS. Because crap happens, no matter who we are. The signs for public restrooms are marked with “WC” or “oo”.

Jerusalem is an amazing, important city. If you ever get the chance to come here, make sure to explore. There’s fun around every corner.

You are awesome!

-Mike

Comments? Questions? Suggestions? Please leave them down below. 

Sunrise in Jerusalem

Not too long ago, I would have been described as “just some guy”, and in fact it was someone describing me as such that prompted me to make a drastic change in my life. That change took the form of the current adventure I am on right now: traveling the world until I don’t want to anymore.

By all accounts I had lived an above average life, with some speed bumps along the way: I played sports all year round as a child, served in the US Army, graduated with honors from Arizona State University (Go Sun Devils!), owned my own home, worked in the world of politics, and worked as hard as I could at whatever I did. All things I don’t regret and am very thankful for having the opportunity to do.

Then something major in my life changed. A long term relationship I was in had suddenly ended. I shut down emotionally and immersed myself even more into my work. While this had wonderful results for me professionally, I was simply a shell of a man. When a good friend of mine pointed this out to me, I promised that I would go and experience new things every month to sort of “jump start” my zest for life again. I learned how to fly a plane, discovered scuba diving, finished a “Spartan Race“, and even went running with the bulls. I thought I was doing well, until I heard a friend of mine describe me as “just some guy”. This really caused me to reflect on what I really wanted to do in life, and what I came up with was: I wanted to travel. 

I sold my house, put in my two weeks notice, paid off all of my debt, and bought a ticket to Israel (Which is where I am writing to you from now). I have always wanted to come here, so I did. I also have a list of other countries I am going to visit soon after Israel. So my adventure begins….

How do you see your life? Is there something you have always wanted to do, but thought there’s no way I could ever do that. I don’t have the time. I don’t have the money. I can’t just pause what I am doing to do what I want to do. I’m here to tell you that YOU CAN.

Believe in yourself, you’re more awesome than you ever imagined. 

-Mike

Comments? Questions? Suggestions? Please leave them down below.