My old roommate, Rena, moved to Israel a few years ago and through the miracle of social media, we were able to arrange for a couple of drinks and time to catch up in the Holy Land. Rena pulls up in her protective leather jacket carrying an extra helmet for me. I climb onto the back of her motorcycle, and get a good grip on the side handles on the back of the bike. This is my first real time on a motorcycle, I ask her, "It's just like a Jetski right? Just stay in the middle." She says, "Sure, you on?" And off we go.
We weave through a few back streets on the way to the pub, I'm pestering her with questions and translations as we go. Luckily Rena speaks fluent Hebrew and helps me order from the waitress in rapid Hebrew. With burgers and wine at a small bar nook, we had a wonderful time catching up on old college friends and new jobs.
On the way home, we took the main drags, and I was so happy we did. We start out at a good pace, the GPS directs us past yellow license plates and street side shops. We dip into a large two way tunnel for a few moments and emerge at the old city walls. I pause, this was a moment that was made completely possible by modern technology and we are zipping past one of the most historical cities. The view of Rena's handle bars and the old stone defenses of Jerusalem was a visual juxtaposition to say the least.
I am so lucky to have a unique experience in the Holy Land. My old friend and I had a wonderful exchange of ideas and traditions in a place that is holy for both of us. It was just like old days on Atwater Street in Bloomington, Indiana. Only instead of swinging our legs off the porch of the old college house, we cling to Rena's motorcycle, half way across the world in the Holy City.
-Lizzie
We weave through a few back streets on the way to the pub, I'm pestering her with questions and translations as we go. Luckily Rena speaks fluent Hebrew and helps me order from the waitress in rapid Hebrew. With burgers and wine at a small bar nook, we had a wonderful time catching up on old college friends and new jobs.
On the way home, we took the main drags, and I was so happy we did. We start out at a good pace, the GPS directs us past yellow license plates and street side shops. We dip into a large two way tunnel for a few moments and emerge at the old city walls. I pause, this was a moment that was made completely possible by modern technology and we are zipping past one of the most historical cities. The view of Rena's handle bars and the old stone defenses of Jerusalem was a visual juxtaposition to say the least.
I am so lucky to have a unique experience in the Holy Land. My old friend and I had a wonderful exchange of ideas and traditions in a place that is holy for both of us. It was just like old days on Atwater Street in Bloomington, Indiana. Only instead of swinging our legs off the porch of the old college house, we cling to Rena's motorcycle, half way across the world in the Holy City.
-Lizzie
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