Jerusalem - the Hilly and Holy City

Cara found us an amazing upstairs apartment just a few minutes walk from the Shouk, main market.  We quickly headed out after settling in because evening was approaching quickly and it was Friday, Shabbat.  The market was especially lively because tourists and locals were buying all their groceries before the city essentially shuts down during Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening).  No public transportation and most of the restaurants and stores are closed, especially in the Jewish areas of town. 

One of Sybil's new favorite snacks is mango.  There were a several stalls selling nuts and dried fruit.

Walking through the labyrinthine Muslim quarter in the Old City. 

Western Wall

A larger shot of the Western Wall during Friday Shabbat services. It was a lively scene, with many groups gathered singing, dancing, and worshipping. The Dome of the Rock can be seen in the middle background.  

We didn't realize Jerusalem was so hilly.  It's a really pretty city.

Walking through the park on Shabbat with some Orthodox Jews.  It's probably around 95ºF.  

The Western Wall is a happening place on Shabbat.  The crowds were huge.  What you can't really tell from the photo is that they have a bunch of tables and chairs so that groups of men would meet to hold their own Shabbat services.  I'm going to do my best Cara impression and relay some info: The Western Wall is considered a holy place by the Jews because it's believed the wall was part of the second temple that was destroyed in 70 CE by the Romans.  The golden dome on top of Temple Mount is special because there is a rock that is believed to be the location that Abraham took his son Isaac to be sacrificed.  Now the Dome of the Rock is built over that rock, and is generally only open to Muslim visitors. 

More park walking in search of a swing for Sybil.

Our host was a gardener and had an amazing front patio.  It's hard to believe this is in the heart of the city.

They let us borrow a baby bath which we set up for some afternoon pool time for some Saturday Shabbat lounging. 

Sunday we visited the Temple Mount to see the mosque and the Dome of the Rock.  The Dome of the Rock is pictured above and is a monument, not a mosque, built over the above mentioned Abraham/Isaac rock which also happens to be the same spot that Mohammed started his journey to heaven, according to the Quran.  We were there pretty early and it was very calm on the Temple Mount.

Ablutions fountain outside the mosque

More Dome

More pool time on our own private deck.

Cara and Sybil enjoyed a nearby playground while I went to visit Yad Vashem the Holocaust Memorial.  Needless to say we had very different experiences this afternoon.  

After our three days in Jerusalem it was time to head to camp.  This was our traveling mode.  We both have our big bags on back and Cara wore our day bag on her front while I had the travel crib.  Sybil was in charge of her thumb and didn't leave it behind once!

It was only an hour bus ride to Kfar Silver outside Ashkolon.  Camp UP was about to begin!