Jerusalem, Day 8

Day 8

We awoke on Day 8 (we stayed at The Olive Tree Hotel which was amazing!) and had a buffet breakfast. Most breakfasts offered foods similar to those here, but better... eggs, fresh fruits, pastries, and the list goes on. I was so happy to be sitting next to my sister!

We drove to the gate of the Old City...

Headed through security

And finally we saw the famous golden nugget as we emerged...

It's hard to explain the feeling of being there... It was like a living movie as cheesy as that may sound. Similar to looking out at the Grand Canyon, I just couldn't believe where I was standing!

 Just bein'silly

We walked around the Dome of The Rock for some time. We had a good view of the hills.

 Then we walked to the Western Wall. Dillon had to put on a Yamakuh in order to approach the mens side to pray. Katie and I walked up to the womens side and I tucked a small paper prayer into the ancient cracks.

 

As we left the Wall (headed to the Armenian Quarter) we heard music, drums and chanting. We saw crowds walking down the street in celebration. It was apparently the customary ritual for the Jewish boys turning 13.

After lunch, we went to the steps up to the Temple (see Luke 2, where Simeon and Anna worshipped)

Our day still wasnt over even though we were exhausted. We walked a bit more, over to see Warrens Shaft/Hezekiah's water tunnel (a waterway that was later used to invade Jerusalem). We saw a brief video, and then half of our group braved the freezing waters and pitch black tunnel. Me and Katie just watched, and then walked to the exit, stopping along the way to take pictures of the city.

We finally went back to hotel for a wonderful buffet meal, and met up with one of Katie's friends after dinner. We walked around looking for a place that served Kanafa (a famous cheese dessert) and finally found a place. (Ignore my dead look... we were so tired!)

Our first day in Jerusalem was packed full.