JERUSALEM
Per Pete:
"Jerusalem is considered Holy Land to three major religions - Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Thus, there is usually something tense going on in the area with all of the conflicting interests. It's a shame as it is one of the most historic places in the world and cannot be enjoyed for what it is... a great place in world history.
I only did a day tour through the city, and it was nice to see. Jerusalem was safe when I was there and I would go back to stay a night or two to take in some of the sights a little longer. The Old City is very cool to walk through and see the different quarters - Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Armenian."
It's important to check the days of the week you will be in Jerusalem. Things start to shutdown on Friday and on a Saturday the city is in complete "lockdown" mode. I was incorrectly told that a few buses run between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on Saturdays but that was not the case. I needed to hail a taxi ride and to leave Jerusalem the driver needed to make a couple of u-turns and use side streets because a few groups of people like to barricade the roads to enforce the no work on a Sabbath. On occasion taxi cabs are attacked for violating the Sabbath. Some of the sites also limit access during the Sabbath as well. Only Muslims may enter the Dome of the Rock area.
Fortunately I made it to Tel Aviv without any incidents and the cab driver was pretty cool about explaining all the nuances to life in Jerusalem - rent is sky high, more than what I was paying at the time to live in Los Angeles. When you are in Jerusalem you can get so caught up in the history and religious sites that you forget that the people who live here go through the same daily routines as anywhere else. One afternoon I took a break and explored the Jaffa Road area which gives a slight glimpse into daily life and wish I had spent more time in this area and beyond.
Jerusalem is a fairly walkable city but if you are trying to determine where to stay I think there is more action on the Western / Christian Quarter side outside of the old city area. I stayed in the Mount of Olives area and always had a steep climb back up the Mount to return to the hotel at the end of the day. Accommodation was expensive for what it was but as a huge pilgrimage site the hotels don't suffer from a lack of visitors. Dining can also be an issue on the Sabbath so if you've ever wanted to try Chinese food in Israel best to wait for a Friday night in Jerusalem to get your fix.
"Jerusalem is considered Holy Land to three major religions - Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Thus, there is usually something tense going on in the area with all of the conflicting interests. It's a shame as it is one of the most historic places in the world and cannot be enjoyed for what it is... a great place in world history.
I only did a day tour through the city, and it was nice to see. Jerusalem was safe when I was there and I would go back to stay a night or two to take in some of the sights a little longer. The Old City is very cool to walk through and see the different quarters - Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Armenian."
It's important to check the days of the week you will be in Jerusalem. Things start to shutdown on Friday and on a Saturday the city is in complete "lockdown" mode. I was incorrectly told that a few buses run between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv on Saturdays but that was not the case. I needed to hail a taxi ride and to leave Jerusalem the driver needed to make a couple of u-turns and use side streets because a few groups of people like to barricade the roads to enforce the no work on a Sabbath. On occasion taxi cabs are attacked for violating the Sabbath. Some of the sites also limit access during the Sabbath as well. Only Muslims may enter the Dome of the Rock area.
Fortunately I made it to Tel Aviv without any incidents and the cab driver was pretty cool about explaining all the nuances to life in Jerusalem - rent is sky high, more than what I was paying at the time to live in Los Angeles. When you are in Jerusalem you can get so caught up in the history and religious sites that you forget that the people who live here go through the same daily routines as anywhere else. One afternoon I took a break and explored the Jaffa Road area which gives a slight glimpse into daily life and wish I had spent more time in this area and beyond.
Jerusalem is a fairly walkable city but if you are trying to determine where to stay I think there is more action on the Western / Christian Quarter side outside of the old city area. I stayed in the Mount of Olives area and always had a steep climb back up the Mount to return to the hotel at the end of the day. Accommodation was expensive for what it was but as a huge pilgrimage site the hotels don't suffer from a lack of visitors. Dining can also be an issue on the Sabbath so if you've ever wanted to try Chinese food in Israel best to wait for a Friday night in Jerusalem to get your fix.
PHOTOS
For additional Jerusalem photos see FLIKR ALBUM.
