Day 8: JERUSALEM - VIA DOLOROSA - SANTO SEPULCRO - WALL OF LAS LAMENTACIONES
Friday, December 28, 2012
Today we woke up at 6 in the morning.
Yesterday was complete enough for us to fall like logs last night and this morning we are fully recovered.
The first thing we do is go to breakfast, to the usual breakfast room of the Abraham Hostel and without taking too long, we go straight to what will be the main course of the day, La Vía Dolorosa.
Leaving our accommodation Abraham Hostel. Jerusalem
We return to make our usual tour of Jaffa Street, but today, instead of entering through the Jaffa Gate, we want to surround the Old City, until we reach the Damascus Gate, for which we intend to enter and reach the Muslim quarter.
Before arriving at the Damascus Gate, we pass through the New Gate, one of the ones we had left to see and that with it we conclude the list of doors of the Old City of Jerusalem.
New Door Jerusalem
We continue to the Damascus Gate and re-enter what has become our favorite neighborhood of Jerusalem, the Muslim neighborhood.
We return to travel the same streets as previous days, although this time they are almost empty by the time it is.
The Muslim Quarter begins to wake up ... Jerusalem
Streets of the Muslim Quarter. Jerusalem
As we go deeper into the neighborhood, we begin to notice more atmosphere and the environment becomes more festive.
Way of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
Our first stop today will be the Painful way, which is the walking circuit par excellence of Jerusalem.
The Painful way it is the journey that Jesus would have done carrying the cross to Calvary.
Painful way. Jerusalem
To start the route of the Painful way You have to get to the Puerta de los Leones.
As we get closer to where we believe the First Station of the Painful way come back to us the, already known, pinch in the stomach, that so many times we are feeling in our Travel to Israel and Palestine.
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The idea is to travel the Painful way correctly, following each of the Stations neatly, but already in the first point we get a little disoriented and not finding what is the First Station, we stop directly in the Second.
Second Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
The Second Station of the Painful way it is located in the Franciscan church of La Condena, crossing from the street of the university and it is where it is said that Jesus received the cross.
Church of the Condemnation in the Second Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
Second Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
Second Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
On the right hand side, in the Flagellation Chapel, which is where it is believed that Jesus was scourged.
Chapel of the Flagellation. Jerusalem
Chapel of the flagellation in the Second Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
It was built in 1929 and the vaulted ceiling incorporates an impressive crown of thorns.
Interior of the Flagellation Chapel in the Second Station of the Via Dolorosa
Crown of Thorn in the Chapel of the Flagellation in the Second Station of the Via Dolorosa
In the windows of the Chapel, around the altar, the crowds that witnessed the event are shown.
Details of the windows in the Second Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
After being more than 45 minutes in the Second Station of the Painful way, we already intuit that this tour will mark our Travel to Israel and Palestine.
Second Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
Not content with having skipped the First Station, we retrace our steps a couple of times, until we decide to ask a guy from a store and tells us that we are right in front of us ...
First Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
And so it is, although we had not seen it !! The First Station of the Painful way It is located inside the Islamic Al-Omariyeh College, climbing a ramp that is almost in front of the Second Station, right on the sidewalk in front of the Flagellation Chapel.
First Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
In this Station access is not always allowed and today is one of those days, so, already advised by the guide, we continue our way, through the Painful way, when we meet the Convent of the Ecce Homo of the Sisters of Zion. We pay 18 shekels to enter, although the guide says it's free.
Convent of the Ecce Homo in the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
This convent is named after the arch of the Ecce Homo, located outside, which crosses the Painful way. There was a time when it was thought that said arch was the gate of Herod's Antonia Fortress and hence it was believed to be the place where Pilate presented Jesus with the words "Ecce Homo", "Behold the Man" .
Arch of the Ecce Homo on the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
In the basement of the convent there is a cistern with a roof of arch arches, something quite typical in the times of Hadrian.
Going down to the basement ... Ecce Homo on the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
Roman ruins in Ecce Homo on the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
Here we can also observe the lithostrates, engraved with the games that Roman soldiers practiced.
Roman pavement. Ecce Homo on the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
Here we are about 30 minutes and when we leave we find the convent chapel, where at first we do not know very well how to enter, until we find the door.
Chapel of the Ecce Homo Convent on the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
Chapel of the Ecce Homo Convent on the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
After this visit, we descend a short slope until we reach Al-Wad Rd., A lively corner, which we already know for being right in front of our usual restaurant in Jerusalem, the Pizzeria Basti.
This corner is one of the busiest and we find a mixture of cultures that unify Israeli soldiers, with Palestinian children playing, merchants pulling their cars and Christian pilgrims ...
No doubt this is one of the essences of the Painful way.
Painful way. Jerusalem
Just past this corner we find the Third Station of the Painful way.
Third Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
The Third Station of the Painful way It is where it is believed that Jesus fell for the first time.
The Station is marked by a small Polish chapel right at the entrance of the hospice of the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate.
Interior of the Polish Chapel of the Third Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
After the hospice, next to the Armenian church, called Our Lady of Spasm, we find what is the Fourth Station of the Painful way.
Fourth Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
Our Lady of Spasm. Fourth Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
This church is the view we have had every day at lunchtime since we arrived at Jerusalem, from the terrace of the Pizzeria Basti.
At one of these moments, we saw a painting at the entrance that was familiar enough to identify it as something "ours."
Hope in the Fourth Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
Chance that publishing a photo, while eating, of Jerusalem on Instagram where it puts the location, we receive a comment saying that we look at a painting that is in the Fourth Station ...
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We answered that we have already noticed, surprising us by chance, when we received another comment ... telling us what is the person who took the painting from Malaga to there ...
The world is a handkerchief!!!
Interior of the Church of the Fourth Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
Before continuing our tour of the Painful way, we realize that we have skipped the visit to the Prison of Christ and we go back a few meters, until we find the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem where it is said Jesus was arrested.
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. Painful way. Jerusalem
Prison of Christ. Jerusalem
Upon entering, we notice an intense smell of incense that makes us feel a total peace.
We have to say that I am especially an incense addict, but I have never had a feeling as special as this ...
The only similar situation, which I can compare, in a way was when we landed in Bali and entered the airport.
Prison of Christ. Painful way. Jerusalem
Cell in the Prison of Christ. Painful way. Jerusalem
We have to say that on this visit, especially, we are completely alone.
In a tour like this, the truth is that it is a great luck to be able to enjoy this way.
Detail of the Prison of Christ. Painful way. Jerusalem
Other details of the Prison of Christ. Painful way. Jerusalem
When we left we left with a sense of peace that we had not felt until now in the tour of the Painful way.
We go back down the street, until we reach the Fourth Station again and follow the path of Al-Wad Rd. To the south, to the Wailing Wall, which is suddenly crossed by the Painful way in one of the ascents to the west.
Here we find the Fifth Station, which is located in a corner where it is said that the Romans ordered Simon of Cyrene to help Jesus carry the Cross.
Fifth Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
Chapel of the Fifth Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
In this part of the tour of the Painful way we are crossing with more people than in the first part of the route, but still, it is not as congested as we thought.
Without a doubt, getting up early has had its reward!
Walking the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
Black and White on the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
As we get closer to the Stations closest to the Holy sepulchre We see that there is more agglomeration. In addition, the most advanced time makes the streets have been filled with the colorful shops of the souk.
And now ... colors in the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
And so, almost without realizing it, we arrive at the Sixth Station, which is indicated on the left hand side of a brown wooden door, where it is said that Veronica wiped Jesus' face with a cloth.
Sixth Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of the Christian Quarter shows what they claim to be the cloth with the mark of the face of Jesus.
Sixth Station on the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
As in all the Stations of the Painful way we find a small chapel, in which we are alone ... Again that pinch in the stomach takes hold of us in this Travel to Israel and Palestine.
Chapel of the Sixth Station on the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
Veronica detail ... Sixth Station on the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
Wanting to enter the church where it is said that the cloth is kept, we find that it is closed, but we can glimpse something of the interior through bars and glass.
This will be one of the visits we will make when we return to Jerusalem.
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. Sixth Station on the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
Sixth Station on the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
Continuing along this street you reach the busy Souq Khan as-Zeit, one of the main restaurant areas of the Old City of Jerusalem.
Walking the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
Painful way. Jerusalem
And we arrive at the Seventh Station of the Painful way, where it is believed that Jesus fell a second time.
Seventh Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
It costs us a little to find it, although thanks to the guide and stubbornness for wanting to find it, we got it.
It is located at the point where the street ends with stairs and is located in a small chapel marked by signs on the wall of the souk.
Chapel of the Seventh Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
Interior of the Chapel of the Seventh Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
In the s.I, the city limits were here and there was a door that overlooked the countryside. This fact reinforces the theory that the Holy sepulchre It was the true place of the crucifixion, sepulcher and resurrection of Jesus.
After the Seventh Station, we cross Souq Khan as-Zeit St. from the Painful way and we climb Aqabat al-Khanqah to reach the Eighth Station.
On the left, in front of a shop, is the Latin stone and cross where it is said that Jesus asked some women to cry for them and for their children and not for him.
Eighth Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
Then, following the indications of the guide, we return on our steps, to Souq Khan as-Zeit St. and turn right, away from Damascus Gate.
You have to climb some stairs to the right and follow the path around the Coptic church.
Arriving at the Ninth Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
The remains of a column right outside the door indicate where Jesus fell for the third time, the Ninth Station of the Painful way.
Column indicating the Ninth Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
Ninth Station of the Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
From here there are two ways to get to the following Stations of the Painful way, which are located inside the Holy sepulchre.
One of them is to return to the main street and continue until the Holy sepulchre and another is to do it through the Ethiopian Monastery, entering through a gray door, which leads to the rooftops. This is the one we choose.
The Ethiopian Monastery is located in the northeast corner of the Holy sepulchre and serves as a home for a group of monks who live among the ruins of a medieval cloister built by the Crusaders.
Ethiopian monastery. Painful way. Jerusalem
Its dome, raised in the center of the roof, allows the passage of light to the crypt of Saint Helena.
Ethiopian monastery. Painful way. Jerusalem
Group of Ethiopians entering their Monastery ... Via Dolorosa. Jerusalem
On the walls of the Monastery you can see pictures of Ethiopian saints, the Sagrada Familia and the Queen of Saba during their visit to Jerusalem.
Interior of the Ethiopian Monastery. Painful way. Jerusalem
From here it is possible to access the Holy sepulchre through the Ethiopian chapel or going to the left to leave the Ethiopian monastery and enter through the door of the Copts. We have opted for this last option.
And so ... without more we are in front of one of the most sacred places in the Christian world, but the one that more, the Holy sepulchre.
Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
We have reached what is the end of the famous Painful way from Jerusalem. Although we still have the last and perhaps most important Stations, at this moment it is as if we had finished something that we had pending since the beginning of this trip to Israel and Palestine.
Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
The Holy sepulchre It has gone unnoticed over the centuries, in deep reflection about the last hours of Jesus.
The Church is huddled in the Christian Quarter, next to buildings without much interest and Christians believe it is the biblical Calvary or Golgotha, where Jesus was nailed to the cross, died and then resurrected.
Upon entering we find the anointing stone.
Stone of the Anointing. Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
This stone is not the original, since it dates from 1810, but it serves to remember the moment in which the body of Jesus was washed before being buried.
Stone of the Anointing. Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
Since we have entered the Holy sepulchre We know that we are in one of the most sacred places of Christianity and despite not being believers, we notice, as it has happened to us on several occasions that special environment that makes us, in many moments, feel that we are in “that” place…
Stone of the Anointing. Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
Detail of the Holy Sepulcher. Painful way. Jerusalem
Lights and Shadows in the Stone of the Anointing. Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
From here, we go to the area of Calvario, where you reach climbing steep stairs. There are two chapels, in the Greek is the rock that held the cross.
Chapel of the division of Dresses. Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
Calvary detail. Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
In this area of Holy sepulchre We already noticed that a more mystical environment than at the entrance and we can only get infected.
Calvary Stone Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
Here, on Calvary there are 4 of the last Stations of the Painful way.
We can find the Tenth Station, which is where Jesus was stripped of his garments, the Eleventh, also in the Chapel, where Jesus was nailed to the cross, the Twelfth, in the Orthodox-Greek Chapel that is where the death of Jesus occurs . Here you can see the crack in the rock that was the product of the earthquake that happened at the death of Jesus.
The Thirteenth Station was where the body of Jesus was lowered from the cross and placed in the arms of Mary.
Roger playing the Calvary Stone. Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
Calvary detail. Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
Without a doubt, this end of the tour of the Painful way in the Holy sepulchre It is the icing on the cake.
On Calvary ... Holy Sepulcher. Painful way. Jerusalem
Calvary. Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
Black and white Calvary. Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
The idea, since we arrived at Jerusalem, is to travel the Holy sepulchre With all the peace of mind we need and dedicate the time we need.
The Stone of the Anointing from Calvary. Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
After the visit to Calvary, we continue our tour of the Holy sepulchre until arriving at the Church of Santa Helena, where we find the Altar of San Dimas and the Chapel of the Invention of the Cross.
Going down to the Church of Santa Helena. Holy sepulchre. Painful way
The Church of Saint Helena was ordered to be erected where it is believed that Helena had excavated and later unearthed the three crosses they found.
It was determined which Vera Cruz was after a patient will touch all three and heal after coming into contact with one of them.
The cross was then exposed, but when the pilgrims leaned in to kiss her, many tore a piece of wood taking her until there was nothing left ...
Church of Saint Helena. Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
Detail on one of the walls of the Church of Santa Helena. Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
From here we go to what is called the prison of Christ, the Chapel of San Longino and the Chapel of the Division of Dresses.
In these areas of Holy sepulchre We are alone and we see that people concentrate on the most "famous" points, so we enjoy that loneliness more than ever.
From here we go straight to another of the most important points, the Holy sepulchre Properly said.
As soon as we see it, we receive that pinch in the stomach again and we look at each other, without speaking, thinking, who knows if the same ...
Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
Dome of the Holy Sepulcher. Painful way. Jerusalem
We see that the queue to enter is quite long, but without hesitation, we do it in the hope that it will not take too long. And so it is, in less than 10 minutes we reach what is the entrance of the Holy sepulchre. We are about to step on one of the most important and sacred places of Christianity. We are about to enter the last station of the Painful way, the place where Jesus was buried.
Entering the Holy Sepulcher. Painful way. Jerusalem
Detail of the Holy Sepulcher. Painful way. Jerusalem
Once inside, they mark the time we can be and it is so short that it gives us just the time to look several times around us and really realize where we are.
At the exit, we are at the back of the Holy sepulchre with the Chapel of the Copts, where pilgrims kiss the wall of the grave.
Chapel of the Copts. Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
From here we continue to the old wall, which is part of the apse and the wall, today belonging to the Chapel of the Sirians.
Chapel of the Sirians. Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
Detail of the surroundings of the Chapel of the Sirians. Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
Chapel of the Sirians. Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
From here we continue to the area of the Franciscan Convent, but we find it closed, so we can only go around the area and we want to know the Church of the Apparition ... again it will be ...
Images of the Holy Sepulcher. Painful way. Jerusalem
Now we reach the area of the Chapel of Mary Magdalene, where the Arches of the Virgin, the Byzantine Arches and the Arches of the Crusaders are located.
Chapel area of María Magdalena. Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
In this area, there are what are called damaged columns.
Unlike the rest of the columns, all restored, there are two that are in the state that were found after the fire of 1808.
If you look closely you can see that they are actually the halves of a column that held the dome ring, but it was cut in two in the 11th century to support the upper gallery that had just been built.
Zone of the Columns… Holy Sepulcher. Painful way. Jerusalem
Damaged columns Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
Dome ... Holy Sepulcher. Painful way. Jerusalem
From here we go to the Greek Choir area, where we find an open space, with a less "spiritual" environment.
Greek choir Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
From here we have beautiful views of the Holy sepulchre And we took the opportunity to take some photos.
Holy Sepulcher from the Greek Choir. Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
The Holy Sepulcher Jerusalem
After the Greek Choir, we can only visit the area of the Chapel of the 40 Martyrs, the Chapel of San Juan and the Chapel of Santiago, but all three are closed, so we light some candles and take our time to tour Holy sepulchre lonely.
Light in the Holy Sepulcher. Painful way. Jerusalem
Holy sepulchre. Painful way
Before leaving, we pass the stairs that lead to Calvary and we can do nothing but go back up and get back in front of what was one of the most historic places in the Christian world.
Roger on Calvary. Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
Fire and Light on Calvary. Holy sepulchre. Painful way. Jerusalem
We leave the Holy sepulchre knowing that we will return before the end of our trip to Israel and Palestine and maybe, why not, on another visit we make to Jerusalem…
We look at the clock and it is a little after 1 pm, today we have dedicated all morning to tour the Painful way and the Holy sepulchre.
Today we can say that at this time we have already fulfilled our goal, but with the things that we still have to see today ... we can not end this Friday ... this, almost, beginning of sabbath.
From the Holy sepulchre We walk the streets of the Christian Quarter, this time more quickly, to arrive on time at the Tower of David.
Colors in the Christian Quarter. Jerusalem
When we arrive at the door we see that today they close an hour later than we thought, so we have enough time to make the visit.
Admission costs 30 shekels, but we show our student cards and we have 20 shekels left each.
In this cross citadel, it is located part of the Tower of David, the Tower of Herod and the minaret.
Here is also the Tower of David Museum, highly recommended, but that we go through something fast for being the time it is.
Tower of David Jerusalem
Model of the Tower of David. Jerusalem
From here you can enjoy some of the best views of Jerusalem.
Tower of David Jerusalem
Views of the City from the Tower of David. Jerusalem
The Dome of the Rock from the Tower of David. Jerusalem
In the days we have been in Jerusalem, we can say that we have had several occasions of having spectacular views of the city, on the walk through the rooftops, from the Mount of Olives ... But from here, from the Tower of David, the views are especially beautiful.
Views from the Tower of David. Jerusalem
Views from the Tower of David. Jerusalem
One of the biggest attractions of the Tower of David is a large-scale model of Jerusalem, made at the end of the 19th century, discovered in a warehouse in Geneva almost 100 years later.
Model of Jerusalem in the Tower of David. Jerusalem
When we look back at the clock, it is already a little after 2 p.m. and although we would like to continue touring the city, our stomach needs us again.
And as usual since we arrived and now we are not going to change, we go straight to Pizzeria Basti, where we know they will feed us and very well ...
On the way to Basti, we pass through the Muslim Quarter, where at this time, on a Friday, the ideal is to go to the end of Aqabat at-Takiya St. to observe the way in which the masses of Muslims flood the alleys on the way to the Explain the Mosques to perform your prayers.
There is a moment in which we are dragged by the crowd and we have to get out of the tumult half-pushed ...
It is certainly something highly recommended to live if you are on a Friday in the area.
And we continue through the alleys that take us to our usual "place" ...
Again at Pizzeria Basti ... Jerusalem
Today we ordered a mixed chicken kebab, a normal kebab, 3 lemonades, a coffee and a cappuccino for 140 shekels.
Gastronomy at Pizzeria Basti… Jerusalem
View from Pizzeria Basti… Jerusalem
While resting, having coffee, we see one of the scenes we saw the first day we were in Jerusalem. We see a man, carrying a cross, on his way through the Painful way.
Images in the Holy City of Jerusalem
Today begins sabbath and when we plan this trip to Israel and Palestine We organize the days in such a way that we would like to be on a Friday, a sabbath start in Jerusalem to be able to live what happens in the Wailing Wall a day like today.
But as there are still a couple of hours to make it the peak, we decided that it is best to make a visit that we had still set for a special day, the Garden Tomb.
And with that idea, we go back to the streets of the Muslim Quarter, on the way to the Damascus Gate.
Images of the Muslim Quarter. Jerusalem
In one of the moments in which we are making a dent among the people who walk the streets, we see, in the distance, a woman who draws my attention mightily ... the most beautiful woman in the Muslim Quarter and perhaps from Jerusalem…
The most beautiful woman in the world ... Muslim Quarter. Jerusalem
And without knowing very well how or why, I follow her, at full speed, until she loses herself in the crowd and Roger looks at me with an astonished face for not understanding very well what I do running behind a woman, camera in hand.
Black and White ... Muslim Quarter. Jerusalem
I let her walk away, not wanting to stop her and just say hello ... She is one of those people who only by seeing them transmits, is one of those people who, without knowing them, I will always keep in my head ... Who knows if I knew her ... Who knows if at another time ...
Damascus Gate Muslim quarter. Jerusalem
The Garden Tomb is located a few meters from the Damascus Gate, after passing through the bus station where tomorrow we will take the one that takes us to Palestine.
Path of the Garden Tomb. Jerusalem
Garden Tomb. Jerusalem
The Garden Tomb is a unique walled green piece in the middle of the Jerusalem Oriental. He disputes with him Holy sepulchre be the place where the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus took place.
Although there are very few who give credit to this statement, it is a place highly recommended for its charm and tranquility and as we once read "if the Garden Tomb is not truly the place of death and resurrection of the Lord, It should have been ... ”
Garden Tomb. Jerusalem
Garden Tomb. Jerusalem
Here we find many organized groups, all Ethiopians and Nigerians, who offer us something that we had not felt until now ... the most absolute faith.
And this is when, for the first time in our trip to Israel and Palestine I cried…
I can not explain what I felt, but this place invaded by the song of these groups, made me feel what perhaps, and without knowing it, I was looking for in Jerusalem... feel what a believer feels, feel that faith for something that has never been seen, feel that it is true, feel that it exists ... feel that it is not necessary to see a thing to be true ...
A very special moment in the Garden Tomb. Jerusalem
After this moment, we start to make a brief queue to enter what is the Tomb and while we wait we exchange some words with that group that has managed to get me excited just a few minutes ago.
Interior of the Garden Tomb. Jerusalem
Detail of the Garden Tomb. Jerusalem
Garden Tomb. Jerusalem
Before leaving such a special place and, in a way, so little known, we go back to the gardens, which transmit that peace to us, that at certain times, the Old City of Jerusalem misses.
Gardens of the Garden Tomb. Jerusalem
Details of the Garden Tomb. Jerusalem
We leave here with a mixed feeling, of happiness and melancholy, which I, especially, do not know very well how to explain.
Today I can say that it has been the most special moment of our Travel to Israel and Palestine.
From here we return to the Muslim Quarter, that neighborhood that has fallen in love with the city of Jerusalem.
We go back slowly, without looking for anything special. We just want to walk those streets that will take us, in a little while ago Wailing Wall.
Striking outfit ... Jerusalem
Colors ... Jerusalem
We pass again near the Holy sepulchre and, why not say it, we are tempted to re-enter.
But it can't be, in a little while we have a very special appointment ... There is little left for 5 pm on the clock and that indicates that sabbath begins.
That special moment in the Wailing Wall We do not plan to get lost.
Walking the streets of Jerusalem
Color in the streets of Jerusalem
Jerusalem
As we get closer to the Jewish Quarter, we begin to meet people who share our destiny.
The tzitzit hanging from men's waists attract our attention and we watch them at the same time we try to capture some images with our cameras.
The sabbath begins ... Jerusalem
Way of the Western Wall. Jerusalem
We arrive at the security control that separates us from the Wailing Wall and when we cross it we cannot believe what we have in front of us ...
A good option to get to know the entire Jewish part of Jerusalem, including the Western Wall, is to book this tour through the city's Jewish legacy.
Western Wall in sabbath. Jerusalem
The Wailing Wall It is currently full of people. It shows an energy that starts from the songs and dances that take place in the square, before the Wailing Wall.
Sabbath at the Western Wall. Jerusalem
The Wailing Wall It is full of soldiers, Hasidic men with beards, students with white shirts ... all singing and dancing, in a kind of competition to see who does it better.
Sabbath at the Western Wall. Jerusalem
Today is a special day, today there is also a full moon and the Wailing Wall It looks especially beautiful.
Today is a day in which the photos are not allowed, but among the crowd we cannot avoid skipping this precept ... We are sorry ... but we cannot avoid taking out the camera and trying to capture everything we are seeing and feeling this sabbath in the Wailing Wall.
Sabbath at the Western Wall. Jerusalem
Sabbath en el Muro de las Lamentaciones. Jerusalem
Estamos más de una hora en la verja que separa la plaza del Muro de las Lamentaciones, sólo observando los balanceos en silencio de algunas de las mujeres, como muestra de respecto ante el Muro de las Lamentaciones.
Muro de las Lamentaciones en Sabbath. Jerusalem
De alguna manera, no sin oponer cierta resistencia, buscamos con los ojos el mirador en el que estuvimo el otro día y que ofrece unas vistas inmejorables del Muro de las Lamentaciones.
Y allí nos dirigimos, sin apartar la vista de todo lo que acontece delante de nosotros…
Sabbath en el Muro de las Lamentaciones desde uno de los miradores. Jerusalem
Sabbath en Blanco y Negro. Western Wall. Jerusalem
Aquí estamos más de 30 minutos, otra vez absortos por la energía que desprende el lugar y en ese momento pensamos que no habría mejor momento que este para volver al Santo Sepulcro.
Hoy ha sido un día muy especial, hay una energía especial en el Muro de las Lamentaciones y hay luna llena… Y es sabbath…
Parece que todo indica que nuestro próximo destino debe ser ese.
Y con esos pensamientos, sin hablar demasiado entre nosotros, volvemos a recorrer el Barrio Cristiano en busca del Santo Sepulcro.
Lo encontramos casi vacío. Entramos y nos invade otra vez esa energía que parecía que se había quedado en el Muro de las Lamentaciones.
Cosas tan diferentes pero a la vez tan parecidas.
Piedra de la Unción a la luz de la luna… Santo Sepulcro. Jerusalem
Volvemos a hacer cola para entrar en el Santo Sepulcro y esta vez nos encontramos justo detrás de un grupo de monjas, que hacen su particular peregrinación por este lugar tan sagrado…
Santo Sepulcro. Jerusalem
Volvemos a estar en el sitio donde todo acabó y donde todo empezó de nuevo para una religión…
Nos habían recomendado hacer esta visita al Santo Sepulcro también por la noche y ahora no podemos hacer otra cosa que recomendarla nosotros también.
Son más de las 9 de la noche y llevamos más de 14 horas sin parar recorriendo las calles de Jerusalem… Ha llegado el momento de volver a la Jaffa Rd. y volver al Abraham Hostel.
No hemos pensado hasta ahora que en sabbath todo se paraliza y a medida que nos alejamos del Santo Sepulcro and of Muro de las Lamentaciones vemos que todo está cerrado y Jerusalem se ha paralizado.
No nos encontramos con ningún coche ni con ningún restaurante o bar abierto.
Lo habíamos leído infinidad de veces y nos lo habían explicado, pero no hemos podido imaginarlo así hasta que no lo hemos visto,
Jerusalem está cerrada, la ciudad parece que se ha ido…
Suerte de un super que encontramos abierto y se encuentra repleto de turistas, donde nos aprovisionamos de varias cosas con las que poder cenar por 52 shekels.
Hoy cenamos en el Abraham Hostel.
Hoy es sabbath.
Hoy hemos recorrido la Vía Dolorosa de Jerusalem.
Hoy hemos estado en el Santo Sepulcro.
Hoy hemos llorado.
Hoy hemos sentido lo que es la fe…
Luz en Jerusalén
Day 9JERUSALÉN - PALESTINA: BELÉN Y HEBRÓN
