My apologies for not posting Monday night. I got busy on a project and did not take time for anything else. I am happy to report that all the group made it in and out...and through...the old city of Jerusalem. We spent the majority of our day there. In doing so we walked the Via Dolorosa, got to see the ancient water system and an old Roman prison. In the depths of the prison we read Psalm 88, which was very somber and moving. We entered the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, saw King David's memorial tomb, and ended the day outside the city at the Garden Tomb. I have a film of Helen coming out of the tomb. She said that no one was in there!
Today the group went to the southern region of the Dead Sea. There they visited Masada, a beautiful location that marks a powerful part of the history of the Jewish people. They also got to go in the Dead Sea and stop at the oasis of En Gedhi. Harry got in the water, though not all the way (he forgot to take his shirt off!).
Elizabeth and I took a day apart from the group to spend together in the old city. We started early this morning, entering the city through the Damascus Gate. We walked around for a while as the local merchants began to open their shops. After stopping for a cup of Arabic coffee (me, not Elizabeth), we went out through the Jaffa Gate and "walked the ramparts" of the city from there to the Dung Gate. Walking the ramparts is walking along the top of the city wall, which in early times was their major line of defense. It provided us some nice views of the surrounding city.
From there we came back into the city in the Jewish Quarter and stopped at a local shop for a late breakfast of pizza and Coke. We then went back through the city to the Armenian Quarter. Again at the Jaffa gate we encountered a young woman who appeared to be alone and looking for a place to stay. We asked if we could help her. She indicated that her arranged lodging had not come through, and that she was looking for a hostel in the Jewish Quarter. We offered to help carry her luggage and go with her to find the hostel. (The suitcase was heavy, but at least it was on wheels, which helped every places except where there are steps.) It took quite a while to actually find someone who knew where the hostel was located, but God was good and crossed our path with a women who personally knew the woman who runs the hostel. Eventually we found it and felt better that our new friend would have loding for the night.
Back on the exploration track, we went into a few shops and found some items to purchase (don't worry dear, nothing big). We then found a place that made great falafels, and got them for a very reasonable price. After lunch I just had to follow up with dessert of a cream filled pastry. With tummies full we wandered around a little more, then headed back out through the Damascus Gate. By this time everything was in full bustle, and I enjoyed seeing Elizabeth's eyes as she took in the atmosphere of the crowded streets and gates of old Jerusalem.
Wednesday is our last day. We will see the birthplace of John the Baptist and take in the Holocaust Museum. After that we will have some free time before heading to the airport around 8:00 local time. Thanks to all of you who have been reading along. I do appreciate it. Thanks also to those who have been faithfully taking care of business back home. The trip has been wonderful. I know that Elizabeth, Harry and Helen have had a good experience. We will be glad to be home and be with friends and family again.
Shalom,
Dave
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