Israel - Jerusalem # 9, cont.

                                                             Israel - Jerusalem # 9

King David is symbolically buried here

 

              Lots of praying going on!

   Mosque and temple side by side. It's a shame that people (who pray next to each other)  can't live peacefully together.

                Temple is used primarily for prayer and special occasions

                                         Roman market was in this area

     It's amazing that there are so many old things still around - out in the open and in museums

     This is a mosaic map of the area found buried in sand hundreds of miles from Jerusalem

            Roman market area now occupied by Israeli, Arab and Christian merchants                               The beautifully decorated items on the wall are tambourines 

                                                               Why not!?!?!?

                                    So much food left out in the open and no flies

Most people don't visit this part of the wall. At one time there was a stone bridge crossing the area. The "rubble" below was once individual stalls. Merchants (like today) would sell food products and other necessities.

Bathroom stalls - Most public restrooms (for the men) do not have urinals. Apparently, it's an orthodox modesty thing!?!?!

                                    Police and military presence - everywhere!

                                           All sorts of interesting passageways

                                             Time to visit the Western Wall

                                      We were here in 1979 - a long time ago!

                                                      Jerry puts on Tefillin

                                                      A prayer is recited

                                           Prayers stuck into the wall's crevices.

                            Squared off blocks with design carved by Romans

Women pray separately from the men

                            To the left of the wall is a "men only" area to pray

It's possible to stand on this "window"  and look down at several stories of history. If time permitted, we would have been able to tour underground tunnels and explore different aspects of history.

             Just think - there was a thriving community living here 2000 years ago

Shabbat will arrive in a few hours. We need to buy food for Friday afternoon through Saturday night. All stores will be closed.

                                          Starting to get crowded outside market place

                 Besides food, all the necessities can be purchased such as a yarmulke

  Women are so busy making babies, men have to pitch in and help with the children

                          This is not the busy time. It really picks up in a few hours

Everyone is in a "panic buying mode" as if these stalls are going to run out of food!

                                               Huge selection of dried fruit and nuts

                         Thirsty? How about buying a shot or two at the market

                            Inside market is packed. It's a fun, chaotic phenomenon

                                        Getting ready to select the pastries we want

                                        Very hot - just out of the oven - all delicious

                                                           All types of desserts

                            Finished the afternoon with a cold bottle of local beer