when the sun goes down and the Religious go to bed

Some might be surprised to know that there is a nightlife in Jerusalem. I had my first night out last night, with a roommate and friend. It is true that it is a smaller scene, but it is definitely there. There were tons of young people out in the streets (my roommate said most of the kids who just sat outside were too young to go in to the clubs, which explains why I felt so old as we walked from one place to another). Inside was fine though. Because the girls I was with are arts types, I got to see the 'alternative' places, you know - the places where everyone looks artsy and underground and whatever, and they play unusual music (that's me being nice) way too loud. But it was fun to see it all, and go to places I would never go on my own. There are tons of police in the streets, which isn't too different from any city at night, but there were soldiers, also, and barricades limiting where cars could go. It brought home the reality that many suicide bombings have occurred at clubs and places like that, where young people gather at night.

This led to a long conversation with my roommate as we walked home that lasted until 4 am, about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Israeli culture, the culture of war, history, people, etc. and etc. until we were talking about the basic nature of humanity and all that. Part of what I love about living in this country is how much everyone knows about the social and political situations, the news, and what's going on in other parts of the world, as well. I tend to think of myself as fairly well-educated about current events, but I am constantly learning things here, including things about the US that Americans really ought to know. And I'm hearing a perspective that is less involved (as far as US activity is concerned), and so has some interesting points to make.

Earlier in the evening, I went to my cousin's for a nice Shabbat dinner. Me, not a cook; My cousin, amazing cook - it wasn't a hard decision. BUT, it turns out busses don't run on the Sabbath. So I had to walk to my cousin's, which is quite a ways away. And therein lies my question: how is making me walk across town a part of the whole Shabbat concept of resting? I would rest much better in a bus. So really, not having busses forces me to not be able to observe the resting rule, which I would gladly follow (no lazy jokes, please). And what about all the non-Jews? They are being limited in their activities on a day that they don't believe is special. What is that? And if the Jews thought they would just bring them along for the ride (or walk, as it may be), see my above point about having no other choice but to work. or walk. or whatever.

As my roommates said, "Welcome to Jerusalem."