On the recommendation of Becca Pettit, we tried out a trendy coffee shop called the Cafe Hillel. It wasn't that different from a typical American shop--except for security at the door, bilingual menu, and the screaming fact that we are Americans. We sat in the open air crowded around a little table sipping our variety of orders--frozen vanilla lattes for Mary Beth and me (which we paid a ridiculous 20 shekels for...its the experience right?), iced americano for Abby, and strong cappuccinos for the boys. We swapped school and family stories, happy we came but all agreeing that we would take Brad's suggestion for 6 shekel coffee in the Old City (besides, the other place has baklava). We quickly headed back home, remembering we have to be on the bus at 7 am on the dot...or be left. But hey...hooray for friends and a little more knowledge of the area we might come back to when MB and I decide to do some serious shopping.
--Jenni
8 comments:
how long do you guys get to hang out in Israel? i'm seriously turning green with envy. :)
so I really enjoyed this logo and the fact that I get to hang out with Matt and how I'm really disapointed that I didn't get to see you. =( well keep up the photography it's looking great.
oh and I really, really would love it if you could bring back a bunch of cafe hillel's materials (napkin, brochure, and whatever else they'll give you or you can snag - maybe the awning or even a poster)
We've got a couple of days at the end to do whatever...and we try to catch as much as possible at night. The Old City closes down around 7 pm
Speaking of sites to see, I definitely recommend shopping in the area near the Via Dolorosa. We went there when I was in Israel, but we were rushed and not enough time. I love the feel of the open air market and the shops! If you go "deep" inside, it's lest touristy, but definitely still noisy! Praying for you guys!
Thank you both for sharing your experiences with me! Everything you have seen and heard is inspiring, even second-hand ;0] I'm so looking forward to watching where else your journey takes you!
You can get some great coffee and cake/pie in the cafe at the Austrian Hospice, and also at a little place JUST past the security/metal detector outside the Western Wall courtyard on el Wad street--it's on the left as if you're walking away from the courtyard...
When one understands the rent that the coffee shops have to pay and how outrageous the council rates are in Jerusalem (OUTSIDE of the old city) then comment on the prices of coffee. You would be shocked to learn that the council rates (arnona) is higher than some of the most exclusive suburbs in America with one difference - no services. Perhaps you should tackle the corruption in Israel- now that is a real issue.
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