Only in Jerusalem

Last Monday a couple friends and I decided we were in need of some retail therapy and headed to every girl's haven-the mall. At first glance there is nothing particularly unique about this mall-we entered through the left side-which sits on a busy intersection and perused through the long row of chain stores including a MAC -to serve our beautification woes, a Chanel for the posh shopper and about 4 different cafes scattered throughout to provide that much needed espresso after a long day of shopping.In other words-nothing to write (or blog) home about. But when we got to the end of the corridor, our mouths dropped and our eyes struggled to take in the beauty of it all. Standing before us were the majestic walls of the Old City. The sun's rays glimmered off the thick Jerusalem stone and the city resembled a fortress-begging us to come and explore.

Within a mere two minutes we were no longer perusing through North American chain stores but moseying down the Arab quarter-eyeing their goods and contemplating whether anything was worth the haggle. I eyed two brightly hued, patterned scarves and although it took about 15 minutes and a great deal of determination, I managed to barter my way from 80 to 10 dollars for the pair.

And while I am excited to show off my new accessories, I must admit it is the experience as a whole that gives me the biggest thrill. Only in Jerusalem can one experience such incongruous cultures in the matter of minutes. It is impossible to deny that a religious, cultural and political clash exists here. But it is also that potent diversity that makes this city beautiful and gives it an indescribable air of spirituality. And yes, any tourist will inevitably notice such differences. But living here, it is impossible to escape them. Every day I ride the bus and am saturated in a melting pot of religious convictions. A gaggle of ultra-orthodox girls chatter amongst themselves, while a pair of older muslim women sit across the aisle, waiting in silence for their stop. Sights such as these might seem mundane to everyone else, but it is such a scene that causes me to sigh with awe and think "Only in Jerusalem!"