Oh Jeruselem!

Jeruselem is a feast of senses and emotions.  All the things you learned about in school (and any religious study) now stand in front of you.  This city of faith and geopolitics is alive, beautiful, and if I may add, a bit filthy.

I spent the first day walking around before my tour started.  I didn’t have much time as I promised the hotel I would be back by 2pm to change rooms (complicated story here).  I found myself at the Jaffa Gate and then at the Tower of David (aka The Citadel). What an amazing introduction to Jeruselem.

The view from the top of the tower was even more stunning.  

The Dome of the Rock built upon the Temple Mount.  One of the most photographed, and beautiful buildings in the world.

Day two the tour began.  It all seems like somewhat of a blur now…all the things you see, hear and feel. Three major faiths consider this city holy and you see them all living and praying here.  Walking through the old city is a bit overwhelming…a mix of shopkeepers, religious pilgrims and secular tourists like us. 

Church of the Holy Seplecur
Inside the Church of the Holy Seplecur
Path of Sorros – the path that Chirst took on his way to the crucifixion.  Pilgrims walk this street while chanting and singing.
Dome of the Rock
Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock
Temple Mount
Western Wall or Wailing Wall. Such an incredible expression of faith.  

Entering the Holy Seplecur Church is an excercise in patience.  So many people queuing up to touch things they believe Christ touched.  Since the church was so croweded, one of the guys on my tour, Vladimir, and I got up at 3 am the next day to see the church at dawn.  We left the hotel at 3:30 am and armed with nothing but Google Maps, we somehow found the chukrch.  Actually, if it weren’t for two muslim ladies who pointed us in the right direction, we might still be wandering.  It was worth it.

Streets of Old Jeruselem before dawn.
Entrance to the Holy Seplecur Church at about 4:05am
Early morning devout
Sitting on the steps in the Church of the Holy Seplecur
Christ’s Tomb

After spending an hour or so in the Church, Vlad and I got a taxi up to the Mount of Olives to view Jeruselem illuminated at night before the sun rose.  Again, totally worth it.

After a couple of days in the Holy City, we had our introduction in to the politics.  That’s another post.  I will let you enjoy these photos first. 

Before I sign off, I would like to tell you that WordPress changed the software for blogs.  The new one is terrible, AND, they have removed the spell check.  UGH!

9 thoughts on “Oh Jeruselem!”

  1. It’s a good thing you and Vlad weren’t together your whole trip; you two would be dangerous if left together too long! It’s great to see all the different places and wonderful friends you have met along the way.

  3. Dear Lauren,
    You discovered our secret of getting up before dawn to beat the tourists. Mike and I have done this in many places and it always feels as though we have the whole place to ourselves.
    Your photos are simply gorgeous.
    Love,
    Susan

    1. I would say dont let the secret out, but I doubt most people would get up that early for anything. I got up at dawn in Yosemite and Zion too.

  5. Israel is so alive in its intensity; earthy and beautiful at the same time.

    If you can …

    A few places not to be missed:

    The Mahane Yehuda Market!
    https://www.google.com/search?q=market+in.jerusalem&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari

    An amazing restaurant right next to the Mahane Yehuda Market –
    https://www.timeout.com/israel/restaurants/machneyuda

    The Israel Museum!
    https://www.imj.org.il/en/node

    Don’t miss the James Turrell piece that is outside of the museum. It’s very special!

    Xohs from San Francisco!
    Lylia

    1. Hi Lylia,
      Thanks for the tips. Unfortunately I have already left Israel. I am a bit behind in the posts.

      Xoxo
      L

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