Thursday - July 1, 2010

Today we said good-by to folks from the June Tantur Experience and after considering our options for our last free day before classes, we settled on the ramparts walk in Old Jerusalem. This should give us some good photo ops and great views. Attached are a few of the scenes.

Diane negotiates with Joe - poor Joe! Joe helped us find the rampart walk. This 2.5 mile walk along the top of the wall with at least 10,000 steps (a possible exageration) left us exhausted, but we promised to stop back and see Joe and thank him for helping us. Joe had some great deals. By the way, he is also a "money-changer."

Woman in Muslim Quarter of Old City. The women in traditional Muslim dress appear to be cooler than those of us dressed in "light-loose fitting clothing." The men, women and children in the Muslim Quarter were friendly and even if they did not know English, their smiles welcomed us. This woman, walking alone, paused so I could take this picture from the rampart walk.

We walked part of the Via Delorosa, stopping at the station of the scourging at the pillar, near the Church of St. Ann. This chapel offered us a rare opportunity for quiet prayer. Although it is highly unlikely that this is the actual location, we are taking great comfort to have the opportunity to reflect on these Catholic traditions as we walk these holy grounds.

These young boys were playing games they had apparently made up. They are happy and full of life. When they spotted us, they posed shortly and then began playing again. They seemed to be unaware of any limiting factors in their life. With God's grace may they grow up in a place that is welcoming and allows them the gifts of freedom.

This young man offered to share his lunch with me. Although he did not speak much English, he welcomed me with his eyes and heart.

Well we are now off to Jerusalem for a history of this complex part of God's Kingdom.

Peace and Blessings.