Day 2
Met the new tour leader Jacki and the new group the next day. There were only nine of us; one couple from Ireland and one from Australia, a pretty Chinese American girl (who spent all her time posing in front of the sites), two other English girls and Karen and myself. Nice bunch, but not as much fun as the group from Egypt. Our tour guide was Miko, from Israel but we soon discovered that his main interest was in taking us to expensive cafes and stores that he got freebees from. Our meals on this tour weren’t included in the tour, so it made quite a difference.
Our hotel was only a block from the “Old Jerusalem” part of the city, so it was great as that’s where we spent most of our time. It is the neatest place, like going back to ancient times. It had narrow cobbled streets and lanes with little shops and stone houses, entirely surrounded by very tall stonewall. It seemed to be populated by mostly Arabs. It was really easy to get lost but there were five main gates so we would ask the way to the Damascus gate. The people were so friendly and curious about us. Miko took us on the same path that Jesus went, such as where he had the last supper, his trial, and crucifixion, etc. very interesting!
We had swarmis in Arab café. They are made of chicken, beef or lamb that is cooked hanging from a spike over open flames and they slice pieces off it. It is then put into pita bread with tomatoes, lettuce, cheese and sauces. Delicious!
Wailing Wall
Next went to the “Wailing Wall” one side for the Jews and the other side for the Arabs. They are praying, chanting, kissing the wall, putting notes on the wall, etc. A lot of the orthodox Jews are dressed in long, black robes, with a broad brimmed hat and ringlets. The security is unbelievable! There were white police vans and hundreds of smart looking police and soldiers all over the place. We asked a soldier if this much security was normal and he said they are more careful on Arab holy days as when they congregate there is more of a chance of trouble. Especially as the Arabs are furious because the Jews are still building near Jerusalem and he expects that at Easter it will be a disaster.
Met the new tour leader Jacki and the new group the next day. There were only nine of us; one couple from Ireland and one from Australia, a pretty Chinese American girl (who spent all her time posing in front of the sites), two other English girls and Karen and myself. Nice bunch, but not as much fun as the group from Egypt. Our tour guide was Miko, from Israel but we soon discovered that his main interest was in taking us to expensive cafes and stores that he got freebees from. Our meals on this tour weren’t included in the tour, so it made quite a difference.
Our hotel was only a block from the “Old Jerusalem” part of the city, so it was great as that’s where we spent most of our time. It is the neatest place, like going back to ancient times. It had narrow cobbled streets and lanes with little shops and stone houses, entirely surrounded by very tall stonewall. It seemed to be populated by mostly Arabs. It was really easy to get lost but there were five main gates so we would ask the way to the Damascus gate. The people were so friendly and curious about us. Miko took us on the same path that Jesus went, such as where he had the last supper, his trial, and crucifixion, etc. very interesting!
We had swarmis in Arab café. They are made of chicken, beef or lamb that is cooked hanging from a spike over open flames and they slice pieces off it. It is then put into pita bread with tomatoes, lettuce, cheese and sauces. Delicious!
Wailing Wall
Next went to the “Wailing Wall” one side for the Jews and the other side for the Arabs. They are praying, chanting, kissing the wall, putting notes on the wall, etc. A lot of the orthodox Jews are dressed in long, black robes, with a broad brimmed hat and ringlets. The security is unbelievable! There were white police vans and hundreds of smart looking police and soldiers all over the place. We asked a soldier if this much security was normal and he said they are more careful on Arab holy days as when they congregate there is more of a chance of trouble. Especially as the Arabs are furious because the Jews are still building near Jerusalem and he expects that at Easter it will be a disaster.
Spent the rest of the day wandering around the old city. None of us did any shopping, as things are expensive. Had dinner at a very busy, friendly Arabian café. Had a small delicious pizza and wine and really enjoyed it. Ran into Tony again and said another good-bye.
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