This is the original rock formation where Chiapas the High Priest had built his house. It was here Jesus was taken first after his arrest. It was here that Peter denied his Lord.
Notice this interesting sign leading to the church (inside seen above) where Peter denied his Lord. Roosters on both sides!
We did have a plan, we really did! But very quickly it went out of the window!
The first new thing we did was take a city bus from our B & Br. to the Old City. Only 7 shekels for each of us. I got the change out of my pocket, counted out the money confidently plopping it into the tray and walking down the bus isle. As Wilma come's along behind me the driver stops her motioning towards the change...there was some kind of a problem, apparently! Wilma calls me back to the front. I come back and learn that I've "read" the change completely wrongly. I learned later, that I had counted pennies as shekels!
Instead of holding up things, I give up and simply hold out my nad of change telling him to pick out the amount. Since then, I've actually stopped a clerk to explain the change for me. Such a tourist!
But we are sold on the city bus thing. Saves energy, it's cheap, you can see the city pass by through the window and most importantly, it's air conditioned!
The next new thing was the discovery of "contemporary" sculptures along the walkway in the outdoor mall leading up to the Jaffa Gate of the Old City. Up to now we had avoided that area, but this morning we went that way to see what there was to see.
Between almost every second shop there was a sculpture on display, and on both sides yet. Below are some representative photos of them. I was thrilled and have to admit slowed our progress to the Old City somewhat. There just is too much to take I and absorb in this city.
The first new thing we did was take a city bus from our B & Br. to the Old City. Only 7 shekels for each of us. I got the change out of my pocket, counted out the money confidently plopping it into the tray and walking down the bus isle. As Wilma come's along behind me the driver stops her motioning towards the change...there was some kind of a problem, apparently! Wilma calls me back to the front. I come back and learn that I've "read" the change completely wrongly. I learned later, that I had counted pennies as shekels!
Instead of holding up things, I give up and simply hold out my nad of change telling him to pick out the amount. Since then, I've actually stopped a clerk to explain the change for me. Such a tourist!
But we are sold on the city bus thing. Saves energy, it's cheap, you can see the city pass by through the window and most importantly, it's air conditioned!
The next new thing was the discovery of "contemporary" sculptures along the walkway in the outdoor mall leading up to the Jaffa Gate of the Old City. Up to now we had avoided that area, but this morning we went that way to see what there was to see.
Between almost every second shop there was a sculpture on display, and on both sides yet. Below are some representative photos of them. I was thrilled and have to admit slowed our progress to the Old City somewhat. There just is too much to take I and absorb in this city.
Then, when we came to the Jaffa Gate, for the first time we saw a list of tours advertised hanging on the wall. These were tours one could just join at the times posted. One was beginning at 11:00am and so we had 10 min. left before it began. But there was no one around, so I asked a passerby who looked like a potential tour guide (not sure I could describe what that entails but....) and he said he was not, but had a good one he'd introduce us to. In a minute a good looking, outgoing gregarious guy in a yellow shirt and cap showed up. He quickly explained how he had already arranged to guide another person and that we could join up with him, he was sure he would not mind. That it would take only 3 to 4 hours....and that he price would stay the same...that if we were not happy with the tour we did not have to pay.... on and on, you get the picture.
We have learned that there is a system...a sales method of operation and to really get the most out of your time in Israel and learn things, one must make a decision at some point to get involved. To "hire" someone or something to; learn about what it is you are seeing, and to assist these agents of information in their livelihood, to be part of the overall way of doing things.
To make a long story short, the tour was fantastic. It was a 3.5 hour whirlwind tour of many sites in the Old City. This way, if we wanted to come back we could easily find them and secondly, we got a lot of background (and local) information you would never get otherwise. With just the three of us, it became very personal. You see, this is a spiritual place, and everything is related to historical events in the Bible. The tour by it's nature brought out our spiritual lives, opinions and positions very quickly. We all bonded, as we shared our own spiritual journeys. It was very rewarding on a personal level of ministry to others, besides the sights of the tour itself.
We have learned that there is a system...a sales method of operation and to really get the most out of your time in Israel and learn things, one must make a decision at some point to get involved. To "hire" someone or something to; learn about what it is you are seeing, and to assist these agents of information in their livelihood, to be part of the overall way of doing things.
To make a long story short, the tour was fantastic. It was a 3.5 hour whirlwind tour of many sites in the Old City. This way, if we wanted to come back we could easily find them and secondly, we got a lot of background (and local) information you would never get otherwise. With just the three of us, it became very personal. You see, this is a spiritual place, and everything is related to historical events in the Bible. The tour by it's nature brought out our spiritual lives, opinions and positions very quickly. We all bonded, as we shared our own spiritual journeys. It was very rewarding on a personal level of ministry to others, besides the sights of the tour itself.
Taking a moment in the shade as our tour guide explains the background of the next site we will be seeing.
When the tour was over, we were quite exhausted. We had been walking for almost 4 hours on hilly and stepped terrain. Wilma and I needed an oasis of rest before the next amazing activity. The photo below is a restaurant we found, that had a terrace with a view.
After a meal and a rest we had a 6 pm appointment to see and tour the "Western Wall Tunnel". This is a tunnel that has been excavated going north along the wailing wall, under the present day city streets and homes. The purpose was to discover how the wall was made? Where is the base of this wall, like what period would that be? And of course any other artifacts they can find.
It was very moving to reach the northern corner of the wall and at that point be walking on a street with Roman columns exposed out of the walls of dirt. This was a street that existed during the time of Christ, 2000 years ago. They discoverd that It was a very busy street, selling wares to the many pilgrims that came to the temple. Did Christ walk this street? Maybe. Is it possible we had to go into this particular tunnel, meters under existing Jerusalem and there on an exposed underground street adjacent to the temple wall, walk where Jesus walked? I will think about that forever.
When I lay down, tired that night, I felt like I'd seen and been in the Jerusalem of Jesus's day. I was ok with our plans having gone out the window. With that, I slept soundly.
It was very moving to reach the northern corner of the wall and at that point be walking on a street with Roman columns exposed out of the walls of dirt. This was a street that existed during the time of Christ, 2000 years ago. They discoverd that It was a very busy street, selling wares to the many pilgrims that came to the temple. Did Christ walk this street? Maybe. Is it possible we had to go into this particular tunnel, meters under existing Jerusalem and there on an exposed underground street adjacent to the temple wall, walk where Jesus walked? I will think about that forever.
When I lay down, tired that night, I felt like I'd seen and been in the Jerusalem of Jesus's day. I was ok with our plans having gone out the window. With that, I slept soundly.
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