April 19 - Exploring Old Jerusalem

Despite getting off to a bit of a grumpy start (me) this morning, the day progressed really well. George was at the hotel at 8:30 and we made the Garden of the Tomb our first stop. This is a place just outside the old city walls and is maintained by the British. We had a nice English gentleman explaining to us what probably happened where. Most of it is conjecture. The garden is very lush and there is a kind of skull in the cliff (place of the skull, so maybe Golgotha) plus a tomb you can enter. 

After this lovely garden visit we made our way to the Damascus Gate and plunged into the nether world of the old city. What a rush, walking through the narrow streets filled with shops and people. We stuck close to George. Diane and I had actually decided the night before to give George some slack and try to listen to his ramblings. Attitude is everything and it worked for us. We were a bit more teachable. Although, how much do we need (want) to learn about the stones in the walls!

There were lots of young soldiers about, including young girls, who were carrying machine guns. Diane actually found an unused bullet!! We gave it to a security guy.

We entered several different churches, including the church of the Sepulcher. There is even a kind of tomb in the church that people can enter. There was a lineup for that. Diane lit a candle here for our sister, Ada. I would have liked to enter the Muslim quarter and the Golden Dome mosque but it was out of bounds. 

The Western Wall is interesting, too. It is divided into two parts. For men (larger section) and for women (smaller section). Don't ask. I took a turn standing there and noticed all the bits of paper, representing prayers, in the cracks of the stones. The wall plus the stones we walk on are smooth and shiny from all those people touching and walking on them over the many years. 

We did a lot of stair climbing in the heat of the day and are now in our cosy air conditioned room. A relief. 

Altogether, it was a remarkable day. For some reason I am able to view all these so called holy sites in a detached way, like an observer. I noticed that some people are overcome with emotion. What was interesting for me is how these different cultures and religions live together under one roof. And rather a small one. I believe the old city is only about a square kilometre. 

We would go for a swim now on the roof of this hotel if they were not renovating! Another empty pool. LOL