“Guns & Moses”
(Jerusalem)
Today started with an icy cold shower & wet socks- not the best start to the day. We went downstairs in the hospice for breakfast. It was very nice & very Austrian. The bread was rock hard…you could possibly stone someone with it.
Jen heading down to the beginning of the Tunnel
After breakfast we went to the Damascus gate to inquire about getting to Galilee. We found a taxi driver who will do it for 600 shekels (about $100) for the day. So Galilee might be a go tomorrow. We then walked to the Wailing Wall and looked around. This retaining wall is the last remnant of the 2nd temple. It is a very solemn place where Jews come to pray. We then proceeded to go to the City of David, which includes Hezekiah’s tunnel. Because the water in the tunnel is upper leg depth, we took the Canaanite tunnel which is the drier option. When on the other side, we went for a walk to the pool of Shiloh. It was nothing but some ruins, plus we had to venture back up a steep hill. My knee was aching and aching pretty bad.
From the city of David we ventured up to the Mount of Olives via Absalom’s grave. Going up the mount was hard because it too was steep. As we went, we passed the ‘supposed’ garden of Gethsemane. Again another Orthodox church is built on the site. To be honest, I have no interest in going into these churches- they are creepy & full of idols.
Drenched on the top of the Mount of Olives
As we proceeded up the mount, it started raining. We got drenched! Eventually we made it- we were the only ones going up, the tour groups (either smart or whimpy) were going down. A little disappointed at the top as it is all developed- thought the view was spectacular. Coming down the hill we went past the ‘supposed’ site of Mary’s tomb. And yes, you guessed it- another church was there. We walked to the Lion’s Gate (where Stephen was martyred) and proceeded to a kebab place near the Damascus gate- so yummy- it was AWESOME! Then we came back and chilled at the hospice for a bit.
A day into our Israel trip, the highlight thus far is the “Guns ‘N Moses” shirts that the Palestinians are selling in the market nearby.
After our break we went to the Jaffa gate to get some money out of an ATM. Boy did we pick a bad time to go- we had to fight hoards of people returning from the Dome. People everywhere! Not a good thing if you are claustrophobic. We found one machine and our cards didn’t work. We found another, a little further down the way- this time it worked well and we got our money. We returned to the market area just inside the Jaffa gate to do a little shopping. Jen being ‘cheap’ had to haggle at every opportunity. I think she intimidated some of the Muslim men. Anyway, we ended up with 2 kippers, a prayer shawl & 2 necklaces- and she still thinks she got ripped off even though I think she got a good deal.
We then proceeded to go to the Garden Tomb via the “long way”. Eventually there, it didn’t disappoint. There was a provoking awe about the place. It remarkably evangelical Christian as well (the gift shop a good example). I’m hoping to go back to meditate a little more as I was distracted. We exited through the gift shop where I actually got my oil as well as some frankincense and myrrh. (Tomorrow’s post will deal more with the garden)
Freezing cold, we returned to the hospice for supper- I had an Austrian Schnitzel. It was nice. Jen had goulash. The rest of the night included reading and overpriced hot chocolate.
Some of the lighter side of things found/said in Jerusalem have been:
1) T-shirt saying “Don’t worry, be Jewish” with a happy face donned with a kippa
2) Plaque- “shalom y’all”
3) Station #3 “self-flagellation’ is, according to a member of our tour group, where Jesus’ farted…
