Jerusalem is AMAZING! We have done so much today!
We go up early and hiked to the Mount of Olives observation point where you could see the whole city! It was a beautiful day and it felt great to walk around and not be on one of the big tourist buses.
We also went to Pater Noster Convent that had the Lords Prayer displayed in over 200 languages. We also went to Dominus Flevit (where Jesus wept), walked past the Church of Mary Magdalene (not open today), went to the Garden of Gethsemane, Church of All Nations, and the Tomb of the Virgin - which was very powerful and quite amazing.
We then walked over to the Garden Tomb, where more Protestant visitors identify as the site of Jesus' burial place. The tomb was closed because it's Good Friday, but we plan to go back.
We also walked around the exterior of the Old City's wall. We were up on Mount Zion and then went inside the Old City walls to the Western Wall (or the Wailing Wall). Men and women have different entrances and sides that they must pray on. It was pretty unbelievable. We were there at a time of prayer and there were a lot of people there!
We also walked to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, believed to be the true site where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. It was UNBELIEVABLE! There were so many people and it was beautiful. We touched the Stone of Unction - believed to be where Jesus' body was prepared for burial after he was taken off the cross. And the rotunda under the great dome that encases the tomb itself.
We then did a little shopping inside the Old City and had falafels outside our hostel for dinner. They were delicious!
We have another busy day tomorrow! Time is going so fast!
Oh, I also met a person from Faribault! Everywhere we walk people ask where we're from and we say "USA". They sometimes ask where in the US - and we say Minnesota. But then this guy said "Oh where, Faribault? I'm living there." He's Israeli, but has a shop with his family in Faribault. Small world!
This picture is from the observation point at the Mount of Olives looking out on the city. You should see the big Dome of the Rock in the background.
We go up early and hiked to the Mount of Olives observation point where you could see the whole city! It was a beautiful day and it felt great to walk around and not be on one of the big tourist buses.
We also went to Pater Noster Convent that had the Lords Prayer displayed in over 200 languages. We also went to Dominus Flevit (where Jesus wept), walked past the Church of Mary Magdalene (not open today), went to the Garden of Gethsemane, Church of All Nations, and the Tomb of the Virgin - which was very powerful and quite amazing.
We then walked over to the Garden Tomb, where more Protestant visitors identify as the site of Jesus' burial place. The tomb was closed because it's Good Friday, but we plan to go back.
We also walked around the exterior of the Old City's wall. We were up on Mount Zion and then went inside the Old City walls to the Western Wall (or the Wailing Wall). Men and women have different entrances and sides that they must pray on. It was pretty unbelievable. We were there at a time of prayer and there were a lot of people there!
We also walked to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, believed to be the true site where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected. It was UNBELIEVABLE! There were so many people and it was beautiful. We touched the Stone of Unction - believed to be where Jesus' body was prepared for burial after he was taken off the cross. And the rotunda under the great dome that encases the tomb itself.
We then did a little shopping inside the Old City and had falafels outside our hostel for dinner. They were delicious!
We have another busy day tomorrow! Time is going so fast!
Oh, I also met a person from Faribault! Everywhere we walk people ask where we're from and we say "USA". They sometimes ask where in the US - and we say Minnesota. But then this guy said "Oh where, Faribault? I'm living there." He's Israeli, but has a shop with his family in Faribault. Small world!
This picture is from the observation point at the Mount of Olives looking out on the city. You should see the big Dome of the Rock in the background.
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