I set out one morning last week for Damascus Gate, in the Old City of Jerusalem. I was eager to be reunited with my dear friend Issa, whom I had met while in Israel last year. I had actually stayed at his wonderful airbnb in Bethlehem for a couple of days, and was thoroughly spoiled by his incredible hospitality and attention to every detail for my comfort. If your destination is Bethlehem, I’ll hook you up…
These walls border the northwest side of the Old City of Jerusalem. Buses from Bethlehem arrive at Damascus Gate, where you would enter the Arab or Muslim Quarter.
Because Issa only had a few hours to spend with me, we decided to explore the nearby Garden Tomb. Unearthed in 1867, the tomb is located just outside the city walls, and is considered by some Christians to be the site of the burial and resurrection of Jesus. While there is compelling evidence, such as its proximity to Golgotha or Skull Hill, there continues to be differing opinions of its authenticity. At the end of the day, it’s a beautiful flower-laden garden with walking paths, a perfect spot to reflect on the life and death of Jesus, our precious Savior. Probably because we were busy catching up, I did not take many pictures. However, this Youtube video knocks it out of the park.
Afterward, we strolled through the Old City and out the Jaffa Gate, where Issa caught his bus back to the West Bank. I decided to poke around a little bit on my way back to my flat in central Jerusalem. It was the middle of Passover week, the weather had finally turned warmer, and people were out and about. The following is what I got up to, on that lazy walk home to my flat in Nachlaot…
RED SOX FANS FROM GERMANY!
Meeting Red Sox fans from Germany was interesting. The fact that we were both in Jerusalem, was so much fun! Like any Red Sox fan, I can spot that familiar “B” from 100 paces! The city was super crowded due to the high feast of Pesach or Passover, and I saw many Boston Red Sox caps in my travels. I spoke with these siblings, Adrian and Cecilia at length about Boston and the history of the Red Sox empire, including the Curse of the Bambino and Boston’s losing streak from 1918 to 2004. Although the Sox claimed 5 pennants prior to the curse, it would be 86 years before they would prevail once more. Since the 2004 eleventh hour defeat of their nemesis, the NY Yankees, the Sox have won three more World Series championships. The current team actually boasts two young players from my hometown of Lakeland, FL. Steve Pearce, first baseman and left fielder and Chris Sale, a pitcher, have contributed heavily to Boston’s success in recent years.
For more information on this amazing team and their loyal supporters go to: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Red_Sox https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curse_of_the_Bambino
SNOWBALL FIGHTS IN APRIL IN THE MIDDLE EAST!
I happened upon these children throwing snow at one another. It was somewhat of an anomaly, as the temperature was about 70 degrees. Granted, the weather had been raw and cold for the past week in Jerusalem, but nothing that would remotely produce and support snow. Praise God! The “snow” was coming from Ice Eat, a skating rink in Mitchell Park just down from the Jaffa Gate to the Old City. Obviously, the Zamboni was simply plowing the ice and snow debris from the rink into a “snowbank”.
More information on Ice Eat https://www.jerusalem.muni.il/en/experience/allevents/iceeat/
BAND CONCERT IN ZION SQUARE
At the end of Ben Yehuda St in Zion Square, I came upon this lively group of revelers. Because it’s Passover week in Jerusalem, it’s not unusual that people were out and about during the day, as a lot of businesses close for the entire week. It was very entertaining, and the children performing were extremely talented. Despite Israel’s status as public enemy #1 and the fact that it is a war zone, I was happy to see the Israeli people enjoying themselves.
For more information on this popular meeting place in the heart of Jerusalem, click on http://www.gojerusalem.com/items/154/Zion-Square/
IMPROMPTU SERENADE IN THE SHUK
In Israel, it’s not unusual for a crowd to gather around and form an impromptu concert. To be honest, I have heard some of the most incredible talent on these streets and in subways around the world. This man had a hauntingly beautiful voice and a fairly large crowd had gathered at the north end of Mahane Yehuda on Jaffa St. The light rail runs along the entire length of Jaffa St.-about 8.5 miles- and is very convenient for getting around central Jerusalem.
More information on light rail https://www.itraveljerusalem.com/ent/jerusalem-light-rail/
More information on the shuk- Machane Yehuda https://en.machne.co.il
Love the busker at the Shuk.