It's Friday 12 November 2010 and I get to wake up in Jerusalem. Jerusalem, the city that I've read about, thought about, heard songs about, and now I get to wander about! Jerusalem, the city that is so important to Jews, Muslims and Christians. We stayed at the Olive Tree Hotel in Jerusalem. A very nice hotel. (One thing about this tour, very, very nice hotels!).
This is the view from our hotel room. Notice the big hole in the center there! There is so much archaeology and digging going on that modern day building has to go on around the old stuff!! Something us North Americans, being so young and all, don't really understand.
Look carefully at this picture. See those square stones at the edge of the sidewalk, by the street? Guess why they are there. Decoration? Nope! Speakers? Nope! Well, remember that there are alot of Muslims in Jerusalem, and that they have a call to prayer five times a day? The stones are to keep the cars off the sidewalks when there is a call to prayer and a devout Muslim is driving. Our guide said that whenever there is a call to prayer, they stop whatever they are doing, face east and pray! Driving is one of those activities that get interrupted for a call to prayer! I found that little tidbit very interesting and amusing all at the same time!
Well, there is a taste of what Jerusalem is like while getting ready to go visit the sites!! We are just about ready to enter the Garden of Gethsemane!
This is the view from our hotel room. Notice the big hole in the center there! There is so much archaeology and digging going on that modern day building has to go on around the old stuff!! Something us North Americans, being so young and all, don't really understand.
A view of the locals on the street as we sat in the bus waiting to do what tourists do! Tour!
This guy was standing in the street selling papers or something to the motorists on the morning commute.
Just a cool picture! I loved to people watch as we drove along the streets of Jerusalem!
Look carefully at this picture. See those square stones at the edge of the sidewalk, by the street? Guess why they are there. Decoration? Nope! Speakers? Nope! Well, remember that there are alot of Muslims in Jerusalem, and that they have a call to prayer five times a day? The stones are to keep the cars off the sidewalks when there is a call to prayer and a devout Muslim is driving. Our guide said that whenever there is a call to prayer, they stop whatever they are doing, face east and pray! Driving is one of those activities that get interrupted for a call to prayer! I found that little tidbit very interesting and amusing all at the same time!
Well, there is a taste of what Jerusalem is like while getting ready to go visit the sites!! We are just about ready to enter the Garden of Gethsemane!
It would be neat to just wander around by yourself and not be on a tour although it's the tours that give you all the info.
ReplyDeleteAs a Muslim it would be difficult to work your day around all the prayers wouldn't it?
It does make one wonder, about the scripture, "Pray Always". Dixie I love your writing, I am there with in Jerusalem. There is not a more spiritual physical place on all the earth. Except maybe all the temples but not like a city. It really does have a mix of fantasy and reality about it.
ReplyDeletePray always, but not so much out in the public eye for all to see, but often is a good thing at the same time. I think that was redundant. Are you confused cuz I think I am. You know what I mean.
ReplyDeleteI am a people watcher, too. I am sure there was a wide variety to see there. Can't wait to see more of this day.
ReplyDelete:)
ReplyDelete