Tuesday in Jerusalem

9:37 pm local time

Even though our flight was delayed by 3 1/2 hours, the trip was uneventful. It was interesting to wake up
(after maybe 3 interrupted) to a group of Hasidic Jews in prayer shawls and phylacteries praying together at the back of the plane.
On the bus ride from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem, we began to understand the saying "Let us go up to Jerusalem," as we drove up the mountain. Though we were riding in a bus rather than walking, it was thrilling.
After a wonderful lunch of salad, hummus, chicken and watermelon, we had a quick waking tour of the neighborhood (we are in East Jerusalem, that is more Muslim). We also had an introduction to our tour guide and a Palestinian Muslim, who gave his prospective on the Holy City. I learned that while Islam only sees Jesus as a great Prophet, they do expect him to return as the Messiah on day! I didn't know that.
After dinner in the hotel, several of us (including out Bishop) decided to go for a walk rather than go to bed. We ended up getting lost in Old City Jerusalem, which is a maze of small streets. It is also Ramadan, so all of Muslims who have been fasting all day were out eating and having fun - it has crazy. Thank GOD we eventually found a gate out (there aren't that many, I am sure I will find out the exact number at a later time) and got back to to our hotel.
After a very long day, I am off to bed. Tomorrow we go to the Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock.




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