From Tel Aviv, Jerusalem is about an hour's drive away. One main highway connects the cities and it is imperative that you beat traffic, as getting in and out of the cities can be pretty brutal. About half way to Jerusalem the landscape changes drastically, from flat lands near the coast to large rolling hills that seem to go on forever. If you look closely on the landscape you'll notice vineyards, lemon trees, olive orchards and countless fruits.For Jerusalem proper, you have the "Old City", walled off into different quarters and the "New City". There is an old ordinance in town that requires all buildings to be built with a local stone, which makes for a sea of beautiful white buildings no matter what part of town you see. Once 
arriving to Jerusalem, there were a few hours of daylight and a local was kind enough to give me a quick tour of the old city. The four quarters or divisions are: Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian. The whirlwind tour allowed for a quick spin through the Jewish quarter (seeing Ancient Roman ruins), an overlook of the Arabic Quarter (views of Dome of the Rock, El Aqsa Mosque and an overlook of the Mount of Olives). Due to a military exercise we did not work our way to the Western Wall, one of the other famous sights in that area. The highlight of the Christian Quarter was twofold: an endless bazaar throughout the winding streets and the Church of the Holy Sepulcre. In these areas you can see just about every walk of life either as a merchant capitalizing on the tourists or those coming to see the beginnings of their respective beliefs. You could spend a day just watching everyone else in this area. Due to time constraints we only peaked in the Armenian quarter, but through this whirlwind tour you could easily get the feel for each different quarter.
arriving to Jerusalem, there were a few hours of daylight and a local was kind enough to give me a quick tour of the old city. The four quarters or divisions are: Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian. The whirlwind tour allowed for a quick spin through the Jewish quarter (seeing Ancient Roman ruins), an overlook of the Arabic Quarter (views of Dome of the Rock, El Aqsa Mosque and an overlook of the Mount of Olives). Due to a military exercise we did not work our way to the Western Wall, one of the other famous sights in that area. The highlight of the Christian Quarter was twofold: an endless bazaar throughout the winding streets and the Church of the Holy Sepulcre. In these areas you can see just about every walk of life either as a merchant capitalizing on the tourists or those coming to see the beginnings of their respective beliefs. You could spend a day just watching everyone else in this area. Due to time constraints we only peaked in the Armenian quarter, but through this whirlwind tour you could easily get the feel for each different quarter.
The few hours spent in Jerusalem ended with a quick bite in the "New City" closer to centrum. It was later learned that this area is one of the hottest in the world for nightlife. You could definitely get the feel of a younger clientel (and much less touristy). The 4 hours or so spent in Jerusalem really doesn't give it justice, it only entices you for more. There is so much history here you could really spend a long time trying to sightsee and take in everything.For a few extra shots, please click here...
No comments:
Post a Comment