What takes an hour to get to...
Two hours to find parking...
And is impossible to navigate in an automobile?
JERUSALEM.
And here we thought Tel Aviv was bad. After spending six months in Israel and not visiting some of the holiest sites this country has to offer, MP and I finally managed to find a weekend to escape. Jerusalem is one of the most beautiful cities I've had the privilege of visiting. The breathtaking scenery and Jerusalem stone architecture had me in a state of bewilderment, trying to figure out if such an old, enticing city could actually be real.
It was truly the break I needed from the Bauhaus architecture, sunny sea side (fantastic!) madness that is Tel Aviv. I feel the need to change my surroundings more often than I like to admit.
MP and I managed to get ALMOST everything done we wanted to in just 2 days. We started by visiting the market, where I indulged in (and haven't stopped) my very first REAL passion fruit. Then we took to the streets to do a little exploring and get our bearings as we made our way to Jaffa Gate entering the Old City. We strolled through a maze of alleyway markets bursting with jewelry, brightly printed fabric, souvenirs, and you name it! Then we headed out of the old city to the windmill and sat under the stars staring down at the city for a while before getting some amazing vegan grub and downing an iced coffee.
The next day we were up and at it full force. First off we took the tram (another first!) to the holocaust museum, which had a powerful and remarkable architectural viewpoint. We then visited where Jesus was crucified and buried, as well as the room where the last supper took place. We went to the crypt where Mary spent the rest of her life after Jesus' passing, which was also close to King Davids tomb and really embraced the magic and history the old city has to offer.
After a long day of exploring and reading until my brain hurt we unwound with a Nargila and some drinks while we assessed and diagnosed our own mental illness'. It seems as though my self confidence has a split, if not multiple personalities, and MP suffered from some case of lone wolf syndrome. Together we have a harmonious case of OCD that ensures nothing will be lost or forgotten, unorganized or dirty. It's amazing what can be discovered over a beer.
Shabbat is truly something to experience in Jerusalem. While Tel Aviv gets quiet around dinner hours, Jerusalem seems to have an eery stillness the whole time. We took advantage of Saturday morning to visit Oskar Schindlers grave and finish it off at the Western Wall, the holiest spot in the world for both Christians and Jews. I'll admit I can't remember the last time I prayed. But in this moment and opportunity I had to give it a shot. Needless to say my prayer started over several times and had a brief intermission but I think I got the point across. ADD was in full force at that moment.
It was a very insightful, spiritual, Inspirational visit that should have been experienced sooner but I know will happen again.
* this post should be a little more in detail with proper names and locations but it seems MP is a little preoccupied saving lives so my proof reading has to go on hold.
