The theme of the day is “walk ‘til you drop”, and then walk some more! Our “dogs” have logged many miles today over hot cobblestones and bricks smoothed by the years and feet of many travelers.
After awakening to 2 prayer calls last night, we were up at dawn (hence Josh’s rooftop city photo), showered and at breakfast at 7 a.m. when the dining hall opened. We had our fill of typical European breakfast, replete with the coffee we had been missing. Even with steamed milk and sugar, it was a bit gritty, but cleared the morning cobwebs out quite nicely.
We then headed to church at St. George’s Episcopal Cathedral,about a mile north of the Austrian Hospice, through the Damascus gate. I had emailed the rector from San Diego and we were invited to the 9:30 service which was a moving blend of Arabic and English. Prayers and hymns had both languages spoken simultaneously.
Shortly after returning to the hostel, Louise arrived. After briefly catching up, we headed out to put her peerless bargaining skills to use once again. The second vendor we visited bought in to the “rent the fan” scheme for 3 days, paying full price and then selling it back at 75% value for cash return to us. The room is a lot more comfortable today-at least the air is moving!
We then headed to the souks for shopping. After Weezy entered into earring commissioning with a jeweler, we parted ways and Josh and I headed back to Jaffa gate where we exited the Old City for a view towards “New Jerusalem.”
It was blazing hot and we each swilled down 2 Gatorades in record time. Note the sign “gold drinks” Cold drinks do abound but the prices are more like gold. I think the vendors know that when you’re thirsty, you’ll pay the price that the market bears.
We then headed towards Zion’s gate,again exiting the Old City proper and visited Dormition Abbey, a really beautiful church with multiple chapels. It was cool and serene and a welcome respite from the bustling souks.
We purchased tickets for an evening sound and light show for tomorrow evening at the City of David tomorrow evening. It is supposed to be a spectacular show chronicling Israel’s history. It is shown on the brick walls of the Citadel. More tomorrow on that.
Inertia is again setting in as we contemplate dinner. Our feet don’t really wish to go further today.
We are humbled and grateful for the opportunity to experience this Holy City
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