Jerusalem: Where Your Wallet Feels the Love (or Lack Thereof)

okay, so i'm sitting here in jerusalem, wrapped in a blanket like a burrito, staring at my phone which shows the weather as 7.33°c with a feels-like of 6.47°c. it's chilly here, like a brisk morning that makes you question your life choices. the humidity is 85%, so it's not just cold, it's damp cold. if you get bored, tel aviv is just a short drive away, but honestly, why leave this chaotic, ancient, delicious mess? someone told me that the falafel here is life-changing, but another person said it's just okay. i heard that the old city gets super crowded on weekends, like a human sardine can. i'm staying near the *old city because, well, why not? the street vendors are everywhere, selling everything from knick-knacks to questionable street food. i need to find a decent coffee shop that doesn't charge tourist prices. maybe yelp can help? i'm also trying to avoid the tourist traps near the western wall. the market is a sensory overload, but in a good way. i need to find a budget-friendly place to eat. tripadvisor says the hummus here is legendary, but i'm skeptical. local boards mention a hidden gem near damascus gate. i should check that out. the weather is definitely a factor; it's making everything feel a bit more... introspective. i'm just trying to soak it all in without spending too much. budget student mode: activated. coffee snob mode: also activated. digital nomad mode: not yet, i'm too broke. street artist mode: i'm just trying to sketch the chaos without getting my notebook stolen. coffee shop hunt continues. map says i'm near 32.2199, 35.2636, so here's a google maps link to get my bearings: map. unsplash has some great shots of this place: image 1, image 2, image 3. tourist trap alert: avoid the camel rides near the old city gate. local advice: go early to the market before the crowds hit. budget tip: the street food near damascus gate is way cheaper than the tourist restaurants. coffee shop recommendation: cafe cafe near damascus gate has decent coffee and hummus. review from yelp: 'best falafel in jerusalem, but be prepared for a line.' review from tripadvisor: 'the old city is magical, but the tourist buses are a nightmare.' review from local board: 'the street vendors near damascus gate are friendly, but watch your wallet.' weather update: it's still 7.33°c, feels like 6.47°c. neighbor alert: tel aviv is close, but i'm sticking around to explore more ancient ruins and street art. coffee is calling. budget is crying. adventure* is happening.