Israel Update #2 + a little more

Here is the most recent news from Seth (an exerpt from an email written June 25):

Just wanted to send you a quick note to update you. I am currently between phases on my trip. The tour group left yesterday and I don't leave for the dig until Tuesday. Today I slept in and got some much needed rest. Then I met with Bill, one of IBEX profs, and headed into Jerusalem for the afternoon & evening. Bill said I hadn't changed much except for a few more grey hairs!

I had a great afternoon in Jerusalem. After grabbing a falafel for lunch, I went to a couple of book stores and kind of poked around the Old City walls. Then I went to the "Jerusalem Archaeological Park" in the area just south of the Temple Mount. I hadn't been there in a while. They've put a lot of work into that area and there was lots to see. Then I went to the City of David, just to the south of that. There I was able to see the newest excavations in the City of David, where they have found remains of a monumental building, perhaps even David's palace! Then I walked down the hill to the newly discovered Pool of Siloam. This is a pool that dates back to the time of Christ, and is probably where He healed the man who was waiting for the angel to stir the waters. It was discovered by accident this last year, and only a part of the pool has been excavated. After that, I started heading for home. On the way to the bus stop, I bought a slice of pizza and bought some groceries. All in all, it was a great afternoon.

From Benjamin and I: We returned from Northern California safely, albeit exhausted! Today was a lazy day, which is responsible for the lack of lengthy update here. I hope to catch up a little more tomorrow. But now I must sleep while Benjamin slumbers. :)