Conflict

Today was the first time I didn't feel like a tourist. We had some free time, which gave us some time to choose whatever we wanted. I spoke with some locals and some other tourists and it gave me some perspective on people. A few of us went to see a protest and saw the Palestinian/Israeli conflict in person. Even more so, we saw it first hand when our guide, who is Palestinian, was stopped before going into the old city. We were simply traveling from our bus to our hotel, but because of extra "security" he was stopped by an officer. He had all the appropriate paperwork, which he showed them, but the man would not let him through. Finally, another officer waved him through, and we all passed through peacefully. There seemed to be no real reason to have stopped our guide, other than he was Palestinian and perhaps the officer was having a bad day.
It has been nice to be a tourist and to see different places here, but it was also nice to blend in a bit and just observe everyday life. I'm learning so much. I wish there was a simple answer to the Israel/Palestine conflict.
Can't believe the trip is coming to an end so soon....
Peace,
K ><>