We spent a bright, blue-sky day in Old Jerusalem. Not sure how it’s possible, but everything in this incredible city is uphill.
I asked one friend back home to specifically pray no one in our group would take a tumble, knowing what a damper that would put on the trip. Her prayers were answered: we climbed up, but we never fell down!
The streets and walkways were crowded with people of many nationalities and faiths. Exotic foods awaited us on every corner. We drank boatloads of fresh pomegranate juice.
And we sampled the largest bagels in captivity. Soft, warm, delicious.
Camels appeared in unexpected places, and cats were everywhere—in the Arab Quarter, the Jewish Quarter, the Armenian Quarter, the Christian Quarter. No matter the language or culture, “Meow” sounds quite the same.
Of course, there were endless temptations to shop, with merchants constantly waving their wares in our direction, calling out invitations, offering bargains. I soon learned the key was being willing to walk away. The price went down with every step.
But what we came to Jerusalem for was a spiritual experience, and that we soon had in abundance.
I’ll never forget the sights and smells of Jerusalem!
A silly memory, but it still makes me smile to remember how excited we all were when we found a little cafe in the market that sold Magnum ice cream bars! Yum.