Israel: Exploring Jerusalem’s Old City Market

We spent a bright, blue-sky day in Old Jerusalem. Not sure how it’s possible, but everything in this incredible city is uphill.

Jerusalem

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.

Jerusalem Old City Market Pomegranate Juice

And we sampled the largest bagels in captivity. Soft, warm, delicious.

Jerusalem Old City Market Bagels

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.

Old Jerusalem Jewish Quarter Cat

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.

Jerusalem Old City Market ScarvesJerusalem Old City Market PotteryJerusalem Old City Market Sandals

But what we came to Jerusalem for was a spiritual experience, and that we soon had in abundance.

4 Responses to Israel: Exploring Jerusalem’s Old City Market

  1. Earline Miles February 10, 2012 at 10:39 pm #

    I’ll never forget the sights and smells of Jerusalem!

  2. Liz Curtis Higgs February 13, 2012 at 9:20 am #

    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.

    • Nellie Strowbridge August 23, 2012 at 10:16 am #

      Funny! I’ve been wanting to try this bar all summer. This is my cue.

  3. Lea Benoit August 29, 2012 at 4:05 pm #

    J’aimerais un jour visiter l’ancienne Jérusalem. La ville de Jésus semble n’avoir pas
    changé depuis sa venue, passer dans les traces de ce grand homme devrait être une expérience de toute une vie.