Since this is an organized tour, it’s packed from morning until dinner! Yesterday and today here is some of the things we’ve done: In the old city of Jerusalem it was the Western wall, the tunnels along the Western wall, the Jewish market, the Arab quarter marketplace, the Davidson Center, and the ramparts (probably more but I don’t remember!) Today we covered Ein Gedi, Masada, a bar mitzvah at the top of Masada, and lunch and a swim at a spa on the Dead Sea!
All of it has been interesting in its own way. The Western Wall is quite interesting. Here’s a picture of the women’s side. I did get closer, but did not take a picture as it felt not appropriate. One must wear modest clothing, a hat, wash hands before walking down and walk backwards when you are finished so as not to put your back to God (at least that’s what I was told.)
Our tour guide is fantastic! He is an Israeli who is incredibly knowledgeable about his country. He shows us the sights but has maps, and recordings and stories and more as we go. I’m learning quite a bit. I think it would be fascinating to have another week long tour for the Christian sites, and another for the Muslim sights.
Here’s a silly, but fun picture of us in the Dead Sea. It is cold here today – apparently it may snow tomorrow in Jerusalem! But the water was no colder than a spring dip in New England. It is really amazing to float! A very strange sensation!. I managed to get in for a few minutes laughing all the time. Hubby didn’t get in after a try – too cold. But then we both went indoors for a dip in the indoor pool that is fed with the Dead Sea water – I thought the water was even more intense indoors. It leaves you salty of course; but also leaves behind a strange oil on your skin. It actually took two showers to really feel unsalted so to speak!
Hi Megan!
Glad you’re reading my blog! it is a great time! Hopefully I’ll continue to have access to wireless! It’s not as easy here as in the US. We are traveling with about 40 other people for the trip in Israel, and most of them went in as well. We were just quick and got in before most of them! And out! Because it was pretty cold!
It did make your skin feel very soft; but just for a short while, then it was really dry. They advise you to only stay in for 20 minutes before showering.
The Western wall is very important to Judaism as it is a part of the original temple from before Christ was born era. The ultra-orthodox Jews control the access to it and the area is split into 2/3rds for the men and 1/3 for the women. And you must approach it in your own area to pray – women and men are not allowed to mix.
wow, looks like your having a great time!! So glad you made it there alright. Can’t wait to read about your journey…
Were there others in the sea as well?
oooh, neat! floating in the briny deep. did it make your skin feel soft afterwards? like a salt rub?
when you said “women’s side of the wall” does that mean that you and dad had to visit the wall separate? and what exactly is this wall for? or is that a dumb question?