Jerusalem

We arrived in Jerusalem about 3 PM. Quite a change after the quietness of Galilee and Eilat on the Red Sea. My first impression is that Jerusalem is a small but gritty town. Narrow streets, lots of traffic including tractors that can navigate up the steps of the via Dolorosa to deliver goods and haul out garbage. Young soldiers sometimes in groups of 5-7 all armed to the hilt hang out on the streets/ There are also a fair amount of police. Dome of the Rock is guarded by another armed contingent. When you walk down the street you will pass by Hasidic Jews, veiled women, Franciscan friars, and fellow tourists, all in a rush to get somewhere.

We immediately went to the Western Wall where I left prayer requests for the health and good fortune of our family and friends. The Dome of the Rock mosque was shut off so we will go back tomorrow when they allow people to go near it. Old City Jerusalem closes up around 7 PM so we went and saw the exterior of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre which marks Calvary. The sacred sites to 3 religions are all very close together. After changing to a presentable hotel tomorrow, we will see as much as we can.