It was a beautiful sunny morning in Jerusalem and our group of 6 (Matt, Cathy, Sarah, Joyce and I) set out to the Old City to do the Rampart Walk up on the city walls. It was interesting to see the local people starting their day and merchants opening up their shops as we made our way through the Old City of Jerusalem to start the Rampart Walk at the Jaffa Gate.
The view from the top of the walls was great and we got a birds-eye view of some of the sights we had visited over the past couple of days...the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount, and the skull of Golgotha, to name a few.
The morning exercise felt great before we made our way to the southern tip of Israel.
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Next from a small group of ours that went to Bethlehem for the free morning:
Today was our free morning in Israel. We visited Bethlehem last Saturday, but were under time constraints and unable to wait for 2 hours in the Church of the Nativity to enter the grotto beneath the church. This is the traditional location where Jesus was born, and where his mother, Mary, laid him in the manger. While I understood that we didn't have the time, my heart felt heavy to have come all this way, and not to visit this Holy place. So our tour guide, Elie, arranged for a car and driver to take us to Bethlehem today. I was joined by Monica and Arlen Simon, and Dee Larson. Our driver, Mahmoud, was prompt, and we easily traveled through the check points on our way to Bethlehem. We drove through Shepherd's Fields, and were dropped off right in Manger Square in front of the church. We went inside of the church, and were told that it was closed for 1 hour. We had prearranged our pick-up time, and only had 1 hour to accomplish our mission. The guard was emphatic--closed for 1 hour. The other guard must have sensed our dismay, because he asked us if it was just the four of us. We nodded, and he motioned us to come with him. He directed us to join a tour group who must have made prior arrangements, and we made our way into the cave. "Quickly, quickly, faster!" we heard from the Tour Guide. We started to hurry along as well, and our friendly guard stopped us at the steps and said, "No. You stay." So the four of us had at least 5 minutes alone in the cave where it is believed that Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, was born. My heart is full. I am so glad that we went, and I will never forget those moments as long as I live. (Written by Susan Degner)
(Church of the Nativity at Bethlehem)
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Finally, from our group who went shopping!! ...from Susan Zelewski
Today a small group of us returned to the Old City in Jerusalem for shopping. It was a wonderful to get to experience the Old City early in the morning prior to the arrival of all the pilgrims and tour groups.
The narrow streets were quiet and even dark in spots. Just a few local residents were out beginning their days and many times the only places open were markets selling fresh fruits, veggies and fresh baked bread and a couple of grocery stores.
It was amazing to get to clearly see areas along the Via Dolorosa. We had only glanced the day before due to the crowds.
As the souvenir shops opened, our group of 7 found a great store run by the Barakat brothers. From silver cross necklaces to olive wood figurines, music boxes and Nativity sets. These were lots of great finds.
Good thing we had Van along to serve as master negotiator. He brokered some great deals. We each had our own shopping agendas and all completed.
The next stop was a spice shop (also run by the brothers) where we found local spices to buy. On our return to the hotel, we stopped at a local candy store and then bought rings of bread covered in sesame seeds with local spices to sprinkle on top for later in the day.
Not only did we enjoy a wonderful morning of shopping, but we were also lucky enough to experience e early morning Old Jerusalem.
...the rest of everyone simply laid low at the hotel (Pastor Troy included!!). And it was tremendously enjoyable - a worthy breather during this full trip!! It was a beautiful morning!!
Finally, from our group who went shopping!! ...from Susan Zelewski
Today a small group of us returned to the Old City in Jerusalem for shopping. It was a wonderful to get to experience the Old City early in the morning prior to the arrival of all the pilgrims and tour groups.
The narrow streets were quiet and even dark in spots. Just a few local residents were out beginning their days and many times the only places open were markets selling fresh fruits, veggies and fresh baked bread and a couple of grocery stores.
It was amazing to get to clearly see areas along the Via Dolorosa. We had only glanced the day before due to the crowds.
As the souvenir shops opened, our group of 7 found a great store run by the Barakat brothers. From silver cross necklaces to olive wood figurines, music boxes and Nativity sets. These were lots of great finds.
Good thing we had Van along to serve as master negotiator. He brokered some great deals. We each had our own shopping agendas and all completed.
The next stop was a spice shop (also run by the brothers) where we found local spices to buy. On our return to the hotel, we stopped at a local candy store and then bought rings of bread covered in sesame seeds with local spices to sprinkle on top for later in the day.
Not only did we enjoy a wonderful morning of shopping, but we were also lucky enough to experience e early morning Old Jerusalem.
...the rest of everyone simply laid low at the hotel (Pastor Troy included!!). And it was tremendously enjoyable - a worthy breather during this full trip!! It was a beautiful morning!!
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