We are in Jerusalem today thru Tuesday - last night we were terrorized - so many varying nationalities, customs, languages buzzing around and such history in such a small place, but today we spent the day walking with a guide through the old city, and now feel right at home. Jerusalem is overwhelming at first, but then you start peeling the layers away, spending time at the important sites, and learning why Jesus and Mohammed came here, and walking where they walked. We spent time in the 4 Jewish, Armenian, Muslim and Christian Quarters learning, asking questions, and marvelling.
Judy and I spent the evening (Jewish Sabbath) at the Wailing Wall with Israeli soldiers back from Gaza, young people dancing and singing in circles, and thousands of other worshippers. I can't describe it. God was there!
We investigated a tiny back alley in the Muslim Quarter after dark and found an Arab restaurant in a 3000 year old alcove and had one of the best meals of the trip.
Palestinian shops are everywhere, and can be overwhelming until you learn the game, then it's fun! I found a bedouin dagger; Judy found jewels, a 2000 year old Widow's Mite, a beautiful arabic shawl to wear for Sabbath, and olive wood carvings - one Arab shop-keeper chased us, reducing his prices until we stopped walking. Very few tourists - What a hoot!
Judy's exhausted - my head is spinning and it's 10:30 at night..
Today people nodded and said "Shabbat Shalom" as they passed. Shabbat begins at sundown Friday, and is observed until sundown Saturday.
Shalom! (Peace!)
Bruce
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