Well, we made it to Jerusalem! It is certainly different than what we've become familiar with, but it has been an amazing adventure so far...
We're staying at a hostel. I love it... Mom is getting used to it! :) Our hostel is actually on top of a little fruit market:
It is called the Palm Hostel, and is located right next to the Damascus Gate, one of the entrances into the Old City of Jerusalem.
We found a little restaurant (Abu Khalil Grill) where Mom ordered a whole chicken. :) Ok, not quite, but it was listed on the menu as half a chicken... :) Good luck with that one, Mama!
I ate more pitas. Pitas are the thing around here. I got bored with just eating it, so I made it talk. Its name is Steve.
Ok, with all that funny business out of the way, let me tell you a bit about Jerusalem. We've explored the city for 2.5 days so far, but this blog will make you think we've done it all in one day. Ah, the magic of TV... er... blogging....
One of our very favorite places so far has been the Garden Tomb. This is not actually located in the Old City, but is nearby, about 200 meters (1/8 mile) from Damascus Gate. This is where the Orthodox believe the crucifixion and burial of Jesus took place, instead of the traditional location inside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. There was a very different feel near this spot. It was so much more peaceful than anything inside the Old City! It was like the difference between the Cantata and a Metallica concert... if that makes any sense! It was really so beautiful. Amazing gardens, very peaceful... I loved it!
Mom and I at the entrance to the tomb...
We also visited the Wailing or Western Wall. Talk about different in comparison to the Garden Tomb! It was very interesting for us to see, however! The men and women are separated so as not to touch each other. People write requests and shove tiny papers in between the stones. Mama had to cover her head, as well, because she is married.
We discovered a beautiful view of the Dome of the Rock and surrounding sites...
Later, after exploring the city, walking the Via Dolorosa, and negotiating prices with piranha-like merchants, we took a walk up to the Mount of Olives and watched the sun set over the city. It was one of the most breathtaking views!
More to come on this Holy City...
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