The Garden

Our day began with the beautiful garden tomb where people think Jesus was laid after he was crucified. It was the most peaceful, quiet and calm place of the day. They do not know whether the site was the actual place of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus. The garden certainly fits the details described in the Gospel accounts and it helps many to imagine the wonderful events of the first Easter morning. For us it was a bit emotional and the garden sounds and smells were sweet.

We walked through the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The art inside the church was beautiful, a bit dusty and mostly in Greek. Good thing Steve studied hard and there was a brief celebration when he was able to point out the four gospel writers names in Greek on the ceiling of the main dome.

The ancient walls around the city have a pathway around the top (Ramparts Walk). It was interesting to take in the Old City from above. Many more satellite dishes than you would think. Daisy thought it would have been cool to be a soldier, looking through the small slits in the block, firing arrows out of them. First a firefighter, now soldier???? Who DID I marry?

Tired Feet

We got up early this morning after a late night at Matt Peterson's place. We were able to get into our original hotel. From there we headed toward the Old City to go to the Temple Mount (Dome of the Rock & Wailing Wall). Our plans changed and we decided not to make the trek over to the Dead Sea today. At the end of our travels, we will get there.

While walking through the old city, we found ourselves along the Via de La Rosa (The path that Jesus carried his cross). We were surprised by how many street vendors there were.

In the afternoon, we walked through a park on our way to the monestary of the cross, a place where people think the tree was cut in order to make Jesus' Cross. Being it was Sunday, we found out that the monestary was closed. After the long walk back we went to the shrine of the book, a museum that holds many artifacts of the Dead Sea Scrolls. This was amazing to see partial pieces of manuscript that were 2000 yearsl old.

We ventured into the open air market to see what the Food Festival was about. It was a special night where restaraunts tried to showcase their food. Consiquently, everyone in the surrounding area wanted to go there too. It was packed like the Macy's Day Parade.

Tonight we said good bye to Keven Matt and Brent who are headed back to Minnesota early tomorrow morning. We continue to love the food here and put many miles of walking in each day.

We've arrived in Jerusalem.  It's been a long day and our first hotel did not have us arriving until tomorrow (sun.).  St. George's Cathedral Guest House is full of character.  Sunday we will go to Temple of the Mount and then "Go for a float" as Matt Peterson says, in the Dead Sea.   We had a great meal with Matt and 3 guys from Minnesota.  Tomorrow begins our foot adventure around the city.

Welcome

Daisy and I want to share with you the discoveries, both big and small, as we travel together. Check back as we journal our experience and share pictures with you. Grace and Peace, Steve & Daisy