We did it!
Our first four mile run (ok, fine, run with a splash of walking) is completed!
All told, it took about 45 minutes to run 4.2 miles, as we walked for a bit because our legs were exhausted after yesterday’s walking. But, it was still a great way to see the sun rise over Tel Aviv!
Jerusalem has, since my first visit over ten years ago, felt like a second home. While it’s old (many of the stones in the streets have been there for over two thousand years!) pushy (as in, people physically push you out of the way if you’re standing lost staring at a map) and loud (cars honk. All the time!)
After we took the hour long bus ride from Tel Aviv (Lior was kind enough to drive us to the bus – seriously, use TLVsublets if you’re visiting Tel Aviv!) we checked into our hotel, the Dan Boutique. This is our most expensive stay of our entire two month trip, but the moment we checked in, we realized how deeply worth it it is. Elegant, modern, with a view of the old city and a quick walk to central and down-town Jerusalem, staying in the Dan Boutique gives us a perfect stepping off point for our stay in the Holy City.
Dan Boutique hotel
Dan Boutique hotel room view
After relaxing for a bit and heading into the old city, we stopped at a kosher meat place in the center of it all called B.B.Q. I had a grilled chicken salad that was so unbelievably yummy that I ate every bite. Notable only because it was the size of my head.
B.B.Q Chicken Salad
After lunch, we went to the Jaffa gate to see one of my dearest friends, Rabbi Mottle Wolfe, at Jaffa Gate. Even though it was raining, he brought us on a lovely tour of the Jewish quarter.
Jaffa Gate, in Jerusalem
Jerusalem bagels (officially, the longest bagels in the world.)
Western Wall
Jewish quarter, Old City
After we parted ways, Anthony and I headed to the Burnt House Museum, a small but gorgeously designed museum that shows the destroyed foundations of a home from the time of the destruction of the second temple. While it officially shows the worst movie ever made (like an embarrassing Spanish soap opera) it’s definitely worth a visit.
Burnt House Museum
A Spear from the Burnt House Museum
When the constant rain and chilly air became too much for us, we headed over to the infamous King David hotel for a drink in the bar where presidents have sipped.
King David Hotel Bar
So fancy I could faint
Talk about classy – they made a minor mistake on Anthony’s drink, and comped our first round of drinks! Of course, that meant we absolutely had to have another…
I had vodka and soda water with a lemon. While I’m normally solely a wine drinker, it was fun to branch out.
For dinner, we went to a lovely little spot called Olives and Fish. 
We shared two appetizers and a main, which is a great way to go for a light meal.
Orange Soup (made of orange vegetables)
Mixed salads (a gift from the restaurant)
Grilled eggplant with artichoke, tahini and tomato salsa
Chicken and lamb kabab
roasted vegetables
After a long day, it feels like such a luxury to curl up in a warm bed and relax. Laila tov, mispacha.
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My name is Kat and I am a 26-year-old writer, yoga teacher, gardener, paleo eater and chef to my future husband, Anthony and our dog, Chewbacca. I currently live in Brisbane, Australia. Welcome to my blog, which covers my pursuit of finding balance and spice in everyday life.