Day 2 in Jerusalem the Old

Being Shabbat, almost everything was closed, so a group of us visited the lively Christian Quarter through the Jaffa Gate, which was chock-a-block with visitors. Our first stop was the Tower of David. We climbed a plethora of steps and were rewarded with an outstanding view of the Old City and a picture-perfect view of the Dome of the Rock. While gazing at the Dome, Raya looked at us and joked that when Jesus and the Messiah return they will come arm in arm and ask each other “is this your first time here or your second?”

We also got a chance to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre; a site at which many Christians believe Jesus was both crucified and resurrected. Millions of pilgrims visit this holy site every year to see the rock where the cross was held in place and the stone slab that held the body of Christ after his death. The strong smells of incense filled the air and worshippers lit candles throughout the Church before falling to their knees in prayer. Fortunately, none of us were lost to conversion in the emotional display before us.

While religious sites are all well and good, not much can hold this group’s attention for long as the Church is on the boarder of the infamous Shuk. Sheltered within ancient labyrinthine archways, the Arab market is a riot of color, people, and the shouts of vendors to buy, buy. BUY!! Olive wood camels, crosses, leather sandals, spices, food, middle eastern clothes (belly dancing outfits make great gifts for those at home), and other assorted trinkets fill the narrow stalls. Bargaining here is a must, and as I have no talent for hondling, I left with only a cup of freshly squeezed pomegranate juice.

While walking back to the hotel from the Jaffa Gate, many sets of travelers (myself included) were almost run over by two children riding hell-bent down a narrow highway sidewalk on horseback. Before we left for this trip I had been warned to watch out for Israeli drivers, but I only thought I had to worry about the ones in cars.

An evening light extravaganza drew a crowd of us travelers back to the Tower of David after dinner. I’ll admit that the phrase “light show” inspired in me the expectation of Pink Floyd and lasers but sadly that wasn’t exactly what we saw. As photographs were strictly forbidden, you will have to use your imagination to envision the video display lighting the walls of the ancient citadel retelling the story of the history of Jerusalem.