Jerusalem---the Old City,
Despite my eagerness to start exploring the city, jet lag got the best of me and I slept through most of the morning. And of course, Arjun doesnapos;t need a reason to sleep in. So, once we got out of the apartment, we set off to the Old City. I tried to dress conservatively as our first stop was the Western Wall, however it is a long walk to the Old City, in the desert heat, with long sleeves on....needless to say, I was a little dehydrated once we got there. My fatigue soon left me the minute we crossed through the Gate into the Old City. It was like I was instanaeously went back in time thousands of years ago. The Old City was made of innummerable narrow, winding streets, made of stone. It was very easy to get lost, which we did a number of times, but after a few wrong turns you find yourself back on a familiar street again. The streets were flanked on either side by small shops, with shop owners trying to entice you with all sorts of Jerusaleum souvenirs, colorful shawls, and intoxicating smells of yummy food. As we wandered through the streets trying to find the Western Wall, I realized that I didnapos;t have anything to cover my head...so I stopped for my first impulse buy of the trip....a shawl for my head, so I could approach the Western Wall. After wandering for a little bit, the street opened up into a huge area and there was the Western Wall before us. It almost seemed unbelievable all the history that had taken place in this area and to be standing in the midst of it all. Fortunately, it was not too crowded and we were able to go right up to the Wall, men separated from women on the left. At the wall, there were those standing right up against it or others sitting on the handful in chairs, everyone silently praying or chanting a prayer outloud to themselves. On the ground, there were many small pieces of paper scattered at the base of the wall...prayers that people had left. It was a very powerful place, even for the non-religious, you felt the strength of peopleapos;s faith.
We sat in the open area for awhile, watching the people from tourists to the orthodox Jewish people, easily spotted by their distinct suits hats. We then headed back into the twists and turns of the Old City to head toward the Muslim district, as above and to the left of the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock could be seen. As we followed a street toward the Dome of the Rock, there was a small barricade, with some guards sitting by it. They informed us that the Dome was only for Muslims at this time, but that we could come back in the morning when it would be open to the public. As we headed back, my brother told me that he had yet to visit the Dome of the Rock, becuase it had very limited timings that it was open to the public. Iapos;ll have to cross my fingers that Iapos;ll get a chance to visit it before I leave.
We then headed to the third major religious site, the Holy Sepulchre, the site where Christ was crucified, a church had been built over the site. With the 3 of the worldapos;s major religions, coexisting all within the same vicinity, it seemed to be the ultimate area of unity, peace spirituality, in contrast to the areaapos;s violent history.
The Holy Sepulchre, in contrast to many of the Christian churches Iapos;ve seen, was very modest to see on the outside. When you enter, immediately on your right is a steep set of stairs leading to an upper level, where Christ was said to be crucified. Along the walls are paintings, depicting the events of the via Delarosa, which is the final path Jesus walked prior to his crucifixion. There were tons of people all trying to pay their respects. We were fortunate enough to see a congregation of nuns and priests singing, voices rich with devotion, making their way around the church.
By this time, it was starting to get dark, so we headed back home.
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