Day 91–April 6–Jerusalem, Israel

 

Well here I am in the Holy City.  This port was added to our itinerary when we thought we wouldn’t be going to Egypt and since two of our Egyptian ports were cancelled we were able to hold onto this one.  I wasn’t real excited about going to Jerusalem and not because of the terrorist attacks, I had never considered it as a place that would interest me but boy was I surprised.  I remembered when my former mother-in-law went there and how much she had raved about it but she was a devout Catholic and that is no longer my “faith practice”.    Another example of how preconceived ideas my cloud your opinion.  I had an extremely good time in Jerusalem, was so intrigued by it’s diverse history and religious background.

  Jerusalem in the background.

It was chilly and windy.  As you can see I have three layers of tops on.

  Bible Study Lecture Course

We saw many classes being held in the holy areas.  This lecturer was very compelling as he discussed the old and new testaments.  I could have stayed longer.   He was also good looking…

  The Walled City of Jerusalem.

Guess I never realized that Jerusalem was a “walled city” even though I had heard of the Gate of Zion and the Wailing Wall. 

  The Garden of G

This was a monk sitting in the trunk of a stunning olive tree praying.

  Nuns praying and singing at the burial site of Jesus Christ

  Church of the Ascension

  The Wailing Wall

I at first thought that I would not approach the wall since Judaism is not my faith but then something moved me to go up to the wall and pray.  It was an extremely intense moment that I really was not prepared for.  I had an immediate thought of my deceased parents and then I asked for “God” to guide me in all my activities.   I prefer to use the word Higher Power than God but God was what came to my mind.  It was an exhilarating moment.

  Israelite Soldiers

Young and fit and they are everywhere.

  Jeff and his wife Sienna

Jeff is our Microsoft Computer Instructor aboard the ship.  I am in his debt, he has been so helpful to me and my computer struggles.

  Room of the Last Supper is in this building.

 

  A European group and their singer in the Last Supper Room.

  Jenna, my travel companion for the day.  Jenna works on the ship as a Physical Trainer.  She is a terrific woman and we had a blast together.  Yes, we are Happy By Choice.

  I loved this T-shirt.

  Muslim shop owners that we had an interesting conversation with.  Jenna is holding a David Roberts original lithograph that would have purchased but it was $450.  I was introduced to Roberts work in Petra.  He was an artist in the 1800’s.

  Greek Orthodox priests at the entrance to Jesus Christ’s tomb

  Our feisty Jewish Guide, she was a hoot.  I loved her wife/husband jokes.

  Overlook of Jerusalem

  Two Boys in front of a view of Bethlehem.  They charged me $1 to take their picture with the lamb.  They reminded me of my grandson, Sam.  Adorable teenagers making some money.