On my recent trip to Tel Aviv I managed to get to Jerusalem for a day. Let’s be clear about this right away, a day is definitely not enough. We went there on a Saturday which is quite okay for a walk around the city. There aren’t any huge crowds since it is the highest religious day of the week. On the other hand it is also the day on which the city is quiet. Nobody works except the “non-believers” or other infidels. Please keep that in mind when you make your travel plans for Jerusalem.
Nonetheless the couple of hours in Jerusalem were better than nothing. Although it was Sabat with no public transport there is a way to get to Jerusalem. We got a taxi (use the Gett app in Israel) to make it to the bus station in Tel Aviv and got a place on one of the many minibuses (sheruts) leaving for Jerusalem. It’s quick and convenient and the same price (35 Shekels) for everyone.
They will let you off near the Damascus Gate from where it is only a short walk to the Jaffa Gate. Here most of the tours start, including ours. We booked the Holy City Tour with Abraham Tours and I found it was well done. We got a good overview and the guide showed himself enganged. But we only stayed within the city walls, and didn’t got to the Temple Mount. Neither did we see the Dome of the Rock nor the World Holocaust Remembrance Museum. The latter two were closed due to Sabat.
Cenacle or “Upper Room” of the last supper @Jerusalem
inside “David’s Tomb” compound @Jerusalem
“The President’s Room” inside “David’s Tomb” compound @Jerusalem
the Cardo (the main thoroughfare) left by the Romans @Jerusalem
the golden Rock Dome and the Western Wall @Jerusalem
inside the Church of the holy Sepulchre @Jerusalem
Just in case you want to listen how church bells can sound when a really important person enters the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, then click here.
Pope of the Coptic Church entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre @Jerusalem
Getting back to Tel Aviv was fairly easy since all the sheruts waited outside of Jaffa Gate. In no time at all were we back in the fun part of Israel, far away from all the religious fervor. That was really the most astonishing sight for me. All these people, believing in one God or another. And so many singing in the streets and just proclaiming their faith. I alway though faith happened inside of you and doesn’t need to be shown. But whatever! Yours, Pollybert
