Israeli Summer: Jerusalem

   So this past weekend, the crew headed up to Jerusalem.  From the Hof Hacarmel station, we bussed to the Central Bus Station in Jerusalem.  We headed off in search of our hostel, only to find that we had gone off in the wrong direction.  Making the best of our mistake, we took a nighttime tour of the government buildings.
   Take two, we taxi to the Jaffa Gate and wander through the most magnificent mall I have seen.  Thursday nights are very busy with families and friends out to dinner.  In Old City, we encounter the festival of lights.  It was a brilliant display of lights in every which way.  There was a dome of light, and cool fixtures from above, and lights along the walkways.  The one downside was that the most direct route to the hostel was blocked off to clear Old City.  After asking several individuals for directions, we saw the glorious Citadel Hostel sign.
   We had booked the tent rooms on the hostel website as they were the cheapest option.  After we checked in, we were ushered up to the roof.  No tents were in sight, but there were pads on the floor.  It dawned on us that we were sleeping on the roof with no covering over our heads.  The night was surprisingly and uncomfortably cold.  But we were troopers, and the beautiful sunrise and view made the night worth it.  We were within sight of Dome of the Rock and had a birds eye view of all of Jerusalem.

   Starving from the previous nights adventures, we went out in search of breakfast.  We settled on pastries at Sam Booki, which is quickly becoming our favorite place to eat.  Everything there is freshly made in the back.  There is a huge selection, and everything is affordable.
   The first destination was the Western Wall (also known as the Wailing Wall).  I believe this wall is the oldest standing structure in Jerusalem, and was also given the name Wailing Wall because people come to the wall to pray (wail?).  It was a very conservative sight, so those exposing too much skin were given wraps.  The fervor with which people prayed was moving.
   But the sun beat down incessantly, so we moved into the small walkways of the Jewish Quarters.  The walkways are quiet in the morning, but as time passes, they become more and more lively as vendors open shop and people start perusing.  Different streets have distinct odors, some of spices, some of flowers, and some less wonderful.
   The Mount of Olives is our next destination.  We take the lazy way out and taxi to the top.  Here we see a magnificent view of the city.  We start walking down and encounter the Garden of Gesemene.  We reenter the Old City through the Zion Gate.
   The Jerusalem Shuk is a bit of a walk from Old City.  We walk alongside the new tram and stop frequently for froyo (deliciously tart!) and water.  We hurried along because we were informed that it closed at 2:30.  But it was still very crowed even though we arrived late.  Stand after stand sold fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, spices, and even meats.
   Things started shutting down in the afternoon for Shabbat.

Dome of Light

Hostel View

Picturesque View of Jerusalem

Random Trip Tidbits
Clubs (according to a German tourist)
"You meet a boy.  You talk real loud.  You find a corner and smoochi smoochi. It's fun!"

Lady at the Hostel
Is an archaeologist, excavating at a site in Ashkelon.  Digs up human bones and attempts to do facial reconstructions.  ==> Conclusion: She is like a real life BONES!