Happy Easter, friends! I hope you’re all enjoying your church family, your immediate family and friends today.
I thought I would honor our Easter celebration by sharing photos of my trip to Old City, Jerusalem. I have to admit, this entire experience was absolutely surreal. At first I had no plans to venture into Jerusalem alone. I was working for an Israeli tech company and began in April of 2015, so I was invited to Tel Aviv (along with about 30 other people around the world) for new hire training. Tel Aviv is like the Silicon Valley for the rest of the world, but no one else from my team expressed interest to venture outside of Tel Aviv. They planned to catch up on sleep and meet at a restaurant later near the Mediterranean. Also a good choice.
After an 11 hour flight, my plane landed too late to join a guided tour. So a co-worker and I hopped on a green public transport bus to Jerusalem.
But…
After the 11 hour plane ride and some good conversation with two amazing Israeli citizens (and former soldiers) they told me I’d be crazy to miss this opportunity. We talked politics, their experiences serving in the Israeli army…but mostly about life and enjoying every moment. They gave me lots of advice about traveling to the Old City.
So, I landed at 10am on a Sunday, then hopped on the green public transport bus (and I convinced one coworker to go with me). An hour later we were off to see the holiest city in the world.
Jerusalem, Israel Without a Guide
First impressions of JerusalemGetting pizza near Central Station in Jerusalem. A photo of the young, female Israeli soldiers patrolling the streets.Getting used to the currency took no time at all. Tower of David as we walked up to Old City. Jaffa Gate, entrance to the Old City.Jaffa GateOld Jerusalem is very much a “market” atmosphere. Walking through the market in the Christian QuadrantAll of the streets are lined with vendors. Via Dolorosa: Jesus’s last walk with the cross, where he stopped is marked by Roman Numerals. Also called, The Stations of the Cross. The VI Station of the Cross, where Veronica wipes the face of Jesus. Station VIII: Jesus meets the pious women of JerusalemAfter picking up a brochure, we started to find our way around. Finally, the Church of the Holy Spulchre.Church of the Holy Secpulchre (and the Immovable Ladder in the image). Calvary, or Golgotha altar — the site where it’s believed that Jesus was crucified. Stone of the Anointing, inside of the Church of Sepulchre. “And in the meantime they carefully wrapped him, together with spices and myrrh, in a new linen cloth, that had never been used by anyone.” (Apocryphal Gospel of Gamiliel)Stone of the Anointing, inside of the Church of the Holy SepulchreNext to the tomb, a mosaic on the wallHoly Sepulchre mosaicThe Aedicula where, according to Christian religious tradition, the “body” of Jesus was buried.The AediculaLeaving the church, we started to follow other tours. We didn’t join an organized tour because many had started already once we arrived. Taking in the surroundings as we wandered. Jerusalem, and we did venture into all four quadrants.We followed a tour into the Jewish QuadrantAnd found the Western WallWestern WallThe little green paper is the prayer I left for my family. A wall divided the men and women. Having a guide would have helped, but sometimes I snapped pictures not knowing exactly where I was. Old ruins of Jerusalem are actually about 20 feet below ground.The garden where Peter denied JesusThe garden where Peter denied JesusA building in the Jewish Quadrant.More ruinsThe Room of the Last SupperThe Room of the Last SupperThe Room of the Last SupperThe Room of the Last SupperEntrance to Mary’s cryptMary’s TombAltar at Mary’s TombThis is the reference to the next image, Crusades ruinsCrusades ruinsArmenian district. And Kanye & Kim were inside of this church getting their baby baptized at this same moment. We didn’t know it, but all of the limousines were for Baby West’s baptism behind these doorsSome of the stores you’d find in the marketView from my room in Tel AvivMy work team, lots of amazing food and group outings the rest of the week. Tel Aviv is just like any coastal city, lots of activities. A very active, and metropolitan culture. This happened quite a bit. A posh restaurant in Old Jaffa, IsraelThe Mediterranean at sunsetMy husband and I were able to Facetime as I crossed the Atlantic. Iceburgs were so tiny from the skyIce forming on the windows…Hope you enjoyed the tour
What I’ve learned about the culture – very warm, welcoming, and fearless people. They possess a “west coast” mentality where they are always outside enjoying nature, including the Mediterranean waterfront, parks or the desert. Northern Israel is very green and lush. As you head to southern Israel, that’s where the terrain turns to dry.
It turns out that Tel Aviv is like the “Silicon Valley” to the rest of the world. So, my company is headquartered there. This gives me the opportunity to travel back to Israel about twice per year. Without a guide, there were times that I ended up in parts of Old City that were unwelcoming. But then I’d experience a moment like this, that brought perspective…and calm.
Video above is of the Holocaust Memorial Observence which happens every year. After watching this from our office window, I was in tears (along with several other people from work). Very moving.
Singing inside of the Last Supper Room.
The Stone of the Anoitment inside of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
I hope you enjoyed the tour, and hug your loved ones today.
Jeanette is an Ohio-based designer and DIY expert with an eye for simple projects that add value to your home. She focuses on high-impact low-cost interiors that are timeless, easy to achieve and beautiful. Furniture refinishing, millwork, paint and budget room remodels are her specialty. Jeanette has appeared on a guest on the Rachael Ray Show, WCPO Cincinnati Lifestyles and has been featured in Better Homes & Gardens , Country Living, Men's Health and a number of home and garden publications.
Such a wonderful tour. Thank you so much for taking me along. I enjoyed it so much. I wish you and your family a very Blessed and Happy Easter.
Thank you Marty! I hope you had a great Easter celebration with your family!