Magic

After dinner on our last evening, Friday, we stepped into the elevator to return to our room eager to prepare our bags for a 4:00 a.m. departure. Magically, without touching any buttons the elevator began to move and the floor numbers lit up one floor to the next as we approached it.

At each floor the doors opened, no one entered, and as it was not our floor we did not exit. We were confused, but waited patiently to reach our floor. Upon exiting we discovered this sign at the elevator door.

From sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday, the Jewish people recognize Shabbat. On this day of rest, even touching the buttons of the elevator is considered work, so to save this labour, elevators are set to open at every floor.

To Market, to Market

The market in the Christian area of old Jerusalem was teeming with activity, as we took some time to explore.

Vendors were eager to entice us to purchase their wares ranging from shawls,  t-shirts, trinkets and spices.  

The sites and sounds of this vast market place were a wonder for all of the senses.

We are in Israel

Having spent the last ten days exploring the Middle East we commented about how easily we got around. We spoke too soon. Our bus was not able to get to the garden of Gethsemane because police would not let us cross through a marathon. As an alternative we walked across the marathon lines and our tour guide found another bus to take us to the site.

After our visit to the garden, the road to get to the bus was blocked by military. Having woven around them, we reached our bus and then the driver had to fight the build up of traffic to get to our next destination.

However, again our progress was slowed by the marathon when we had to wait ten minutes for the last of the runners to cross.

The Rock

Below the altar is the rock at which Christ prayed on the night that he was betrayed. The agony in the garden of that night is masked by the tranquil beauty of this area.

A Little Perspective

Standing at Gethsemane, we can see the gates through which Christ passed as He entered Jerusalem for the last time as a free man. Those gates are now sealed, but just behind them and to the right is the site of Pilate's palace, seen now as a large building with an obelisk in front.

Being here offered a new perspective on the physical layout of Christ's final journey on earth. 

Garden of Prayer

The prayer 'Our Father' was first heard on the Mount of Olives. 

Here in the garden, this prayer can be found in almost every language from around the world. In the image above you can see the 'Our Father' in Christ's language Arameic and in Hebrew.

It seemed strange to me that this beautiful garden, where Christ appealed to our divine Father, was partially enclosed in barbed wired fencing.

Sunset over an Ancient City

We arrived at the hotel just in time to see the sun settled beyond the horizon. It was a spectacular ending to a day filled with wonder.

And the Cock Crowed

On the site of the place where Ciaphas condemned Christ to die, this church offers us some interesting perspectives on Christ's last days.

From here you can see the Garden of Gethsemane and the walls of old Jerusalem.

After praying in the Garden, Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem to shouts of praise and admiration. Shortly there after He was sentenced to death. On His last night He was lowered into an old cistern as depicted in this mosaic. We were privileged to enter a cistern, using stairs, to better understand Christ's surroundings on that last night.

It was also at this site that St. Peter denied Christ three times. The image of a rooster adorns the roof of the site.

In the Arms of Her Son

Take a good look at the two central figures in this image.

The child is wearing pink. In the Basilica of the Assention or Abbey of the Dormition, this image shows Christ carrying the physical body of His mother, as a baby, and Her soul to heaven.

It is said that Christ's mother died on this spot, not far from the place of the Last Supper.

Via Doloroso

Through the narrow crowded streets of Jerusalem, we helped to prayerfully carry the cross, recalling Christ's last words and actions while on earth.

Reflecting later with others on this journey, it became clear that although we each had our individual experiences, we all found new meaning for oft told stories.

Punishment

The Church of the Flagellation recalls the torture of Christ. Decorated with Crowns of Thorns and masterful stained glass depictions of this event, this Church was first stop on our Via Doloroso.

Knock Here

Passing through a doorway this door knocker caught my eye.

Where it Started

This is what remains of the pools ar Bethesda. It is at this pool, as described in the Gospel of John, that Jesus heals the paralyzed man. It was this miracle, performed on a Jewish holiday, that was used as evidence that Christ did not keep the Sabbath. The result of this accusation led to His crucifiction.

Birthplace of our Mother

The birthplace of the Virgin Mary, within the walls of old Jerusalem, near Herod's Gate, pays homage to  St. Anne and her daughter. After joining others to praise the Virgin Mary with song, we left an intention for our mothers near the birth site.

Morning Delight

The courtyard of this hotel is home to many clementine trees dripping with fruit. A feast for the senses.

In the Morning Light

As a new day dawned, we discovered our privilege to have a hotel room with a view that includes the wall of old Jerusalem and the Dome of the Rock.

Wailing Wall

People from around the world gather within the walls of old Jerusalem at the Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall.

Devote Jews go to the wall at least once daily to pray. Men and women pray at separate sides of the wall. Men are to pray loudly, women mumble their prayers quietly, and both include a series of prescribe intricate moments as part of the prayer.

Church of the Visitation

Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth when Elizabeth was six months pregnant. The child lept in Elizabeth's womb at the site of Mary. This church, perch high on a hill pays tribute to this event. In the courtyard, the Magnificat, the Mary's song of praise, is posted in many languages.

While Shepherds Watched

The Shepherd's field and church pays homage to those who first saw the newborn Christ. Sitting in a cave with a nativity scene, star shaped lights and singing Christmas carols allowed us to reflect more fully about that night.

Church of the Nativity

To enter, most of us would have to duck. After walking through a worship area, one then descends a few more stairs to the grotto of the Nativity and then peers under the altar to see the fourteen pointed stars marking the spot above the cave Jesus was born.

The basilica was built in the fourth century and undergone many renovations since that time. This is a pilgrimage site for many. Just walking through and taking a moment to venerate the spot is an amazing experience.

Walked this Way

This road is said to be the path that Jesus and others of his time used to travel to Bethany. There Jesus would visit his friends Martha, Mary and Lazareth.

The Wall

The Palestinian National Authority is currently within the boundaries of Israel. With a long history of leadership by various countries, the politics of this area are confusing.  Following international agreements, Palestinians are no allowed to cross their border into Israel, even though it borders that country.

The Israeli West Bank barrier or 'separation wall' surrounds Palestine, limiting where it's people and where Israelites can travel.

Stretching over 700 kilometres, this barrier is a monument to man's inability to live peacefully together.

Jericho

Our hotel afforded us a great view of Jericho, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. It's recent history includes control by Jordan, Israel and Palestine. With a history of conflict including the battle that allowed Israelites to return from Eygpt, it seems conflict continues.

Tourist Police

Throughout our time in Jordan we were accompanied by the 'tourist police'. We were told that the state of Jordan values it's visitors and sends tourist police to ensure that everything goes well. This is Abdul, who was with us for two of our three days. Mohamed, who was with us on our first day is off work now as he prepares for his wedding next week.

As we said farewell at the Jordan border a different adventure began. To enter Israel one must go through five security checks. Although we were bussed to the border we needed to take our bags and proceed through security including baggage screening. We had been briefed about security procedures and how to respond. Brenda was selected for a random check. When asked 'where are you going?'she replied, 'Jericho, Bethlehem and Jerusalem,' which is in accord with our itinerary.

The guard, pointing his finger, at her said, 'No! People go to Bethlehem and Jerusalem, not Jericho. Why are you going to Jericho?' Brenda tried it explain this is where our hotel is.  Happily, the guard then asked to speak to the tour guide who explained why we were staying in Jericho for one night.

Needless to say, we are safe and sound, and happy in our hotel room tonight.

Dead Sea Alive

The Dead Sea sprung to life as most of our tour group opted to test its health and beauty claims. Floating is easy. One simply has to lay back. Getting your feet back on the ground is another story.

We were also warned to be careful not to get water in the eyes as this can sting very badly.

Of course, how can you visit the Dead Sea and not try a mud bath?

Moses Spring

God asked Moses to strike the rock and when he did water poured out.  This building in Petra houses the rock and fresh water spring referenced in this biblical story.

Taybet Zaman

Taybet Zaman, the name translates to Taybet of times passed, is an Arabian mountain side village transformed into a modern hotel. Our room is the one at the far end of this courtyard. 

Rooms are arranged all around the compound in their original array requiring guests to carry a map if they did not want to be lost.

This quaint location hung over the mountain affording us magnificent views of the valley and Petra mountains.

New Shiek

Showing of his new Bedouin headscarf.

Bedouin Hospitality

At the suggestion of our guide we drove to Wadi Rum for the afternoon. The rock and pink sand desert was the location for the movie 'Lawrence of Arabia'.

Here we were treated to a Bedouin lunch of salads, delicious stews and roasted chicken.

We then were taken on a desert safari, racing over shifting sands to see famous land marks and breath taking sites.

If you look carefully above the rock behind the camels, you will see a desert hieroglyph indicating that area is a rest spot for camel caravans.

The Bedouins are famous for their hospitality. We learned that if you visit a Bedouin tent they will serve you tea or coffee. If you return your cup they will immediately refill it. It is only when you shake your cup that the Bedouin host knows that you are finished.

The Rose City

Through a narrow path carved in the rock by wind and water, we walked.

Passing man made carvings and an aqueduct system that lined the 2 mile walkway, we wound our way until behold, through an opening we spotted...

the Treasury Building. This hallmark of the Petra ruins was once believed to hold great treasures associated with the dead king buried there.

Continuing through the rocky trail, we passed many buildings that had been carved into the stone by the Bedal people well before the birth of Christ. 

Once a premier trade centre for the Middle East, Petra was abandoned in favour of other routes about 1900 years ago. The ruins were covered by sand until the nineteenth century when a European explorer discovered them. Extensive work has been done to restore the site, but to date most of Petra has not been unearthed.

Many of the famous ruins are tombs carved into the rock to honour respected rulers. The houses of original Petra inhabitants no longer exist at this site.

Petra is called 'the Rose City' because of the unique colouring of it's rock.

The Streets of Petra Today

The streets of the town of Petra wind around sharp corners, up and down hills and between businesses. The traffic rules are either unobeyed or do not exist. Often our bus driver rode the yellow middle line, forcing smaller vehicles to the shoulders.

This meat market hung it's meat on hooks in the street with no concern for correct temperature or sanitation.