Inside the Gates

Our last day in Israel.... I can't believe how quickly the week has gone! What more appropriate place to spend our last day than in Jerusalem. Entering through the Jaffa gate we walked the Via Dolorossa (backwards) Walking quickly to the church of the Holy Sepulcher we started our day there. Being the former Catholic girl that I am, the smell of candles and incense brought me back to my childhood. Many believe that it's here are the site of the church of the Holy Sepulcher that Jesus was buried.

Walking through the old city Marion, our fabulous guide, took us to an unassuming, gate/door within the heart of Jerusalem. Who knew that after being buzzed in, we would enter a beautiful garden leading to one of the coolest places to stay in the Old City. The best part was standing on the roof and looking out at the Old City. Unbelievable! It was so peaceful standing and looking over the city.

From here we walked to the Western Wall. The Western Wall is such a moving place for me. People come from everywhere, Jews, Christians, Catholics.... all to bring their prayers before God. We were greeted by an archeologist friend of one of our press trip members, Russ. The archeologist is currently part of the dig that is happening in the tunnels. He showed us pieces from a clay pot from during the time of Jesus that they had just found. It was facinating.