Day 7: Mt of Olives, Garden Tomb and Jerusalem Arab Quater

 Keren's log: April 8th

First stop: Mt of Olives

This area is actually not one specific hill, but rather a group of hills. Today, they host a great view of the modern city of Jerusalem and the Golden dome/Temple Mound. Our group gathered at a lookout area to take a group photo and read the account of Jesus traveling into Jerusalem on what is known as Palm Sunday. 

Stop #2: Church of the Holy Sepulchre

This church claims to be built on the site of Jesus' crucifixion. While I am not convinced of this, it was an interesting experience. The architecture of the church is quite beautiful, but I felt somehow out of place in an ornately decorated church. Inside the church is a flat stone perhaps a little bigger than an average dining table upon which people were placing souvenir crosses, prayer beads and other items. Their belief is that these items will absorb some "holiness" which they can transport back to their home countries to keep. This was a somewhat saddening thing to witness because according to the Bible, Christ now dwells in us and there is no need for outward religious symbols. Perhaps a blog is not the place to debate traditional religious practices and the Catholic-Protestant split though. Anyway, while I was waiting for the tour guide I spotted another cat! I decided to name him Constantine-- perhaps not Biblical, but very fitting I think. 

Stop #3: Lunch

Many of you have asked me about the food in Israel, so I figured this specific experience is probably worth mentioning. Shawarmas and Falafel are the most popular and common meal choices over here (both are delicious but personally I find falafels better). Thus: For lunch I had a falafel! Our table also shared a sweet dessert which I do not know the name of. It is very much like a flat, crisp koeksister which has been drenched in cinnamon syrup and dusted with sesame seeds and coconut flakes. It was fantastic!

Stop #4: The Garden Tomb

This was perhaps the most peaceful and meaningful part of the day I think. It was a shocking contrast to the church in every way. The tour guide who led us through the garden was extremely humble and honest about the site. She reminded us that while the tomb is old enough and in around the same location according to historical documents as Jesus' tomb may have been, it is unknown whether this is *the* tomb. She was an intern from Scotland and had plenty of amusing things to say. My personal favourite being: "You can travel the world to see the remains of important people, but you won't see anything here. The tomb is empty an He is risen, Alleluia!"

Inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Tomb

Delicious Israeli dessert

Constantine