WE CAME
by Cy Manzano

JERUSALEM, YISRA’EL TRIP 2018: Laden With History, A Joy To Wander Through!

Given how controversial the country is, many people were asking if traveling to Israel is safe, well we can say, it can be considered relatively safe. Bad things can happen everywhere. Though there is still a remote threat of danger, we all know that it is just as there as throughout the whole world. Just bear in mind that Israel has one of the most sophisticated military intelligence services in the world. Let’s just say there is a prominent military and police present almost everywhere you go. And of course! security at the Ben Gurion airport and many major tourist destinations were some of the most stringent we’ve ever encountered. In fact, I was interrogated twice! Scary and sound intimidating as it was but it was actually very comforting, that you will feel safer traveling around the city than almost anywhere else in the world πŸ˜‚

Let’s get to the good stuff! My husband, Edward and I have always had an insatiable desire to see the world and one of those is the Holy Land- Jerusalem which is one of the holiest and historical place on earth – where Jesus were crucified and buried (Holy Sepulchre), Jews built their sacred Temple (Wailing Wall), and where Mohammed rose to heaven (Dome of the Rock). A unique city where three of the world’s major faith groups can share the same space in peace. But for us, the best part about the Old City was just allowing ourselves to wander aimlessly through the tangle of gorgeous ancient architecture, incredible history, fascinating narrow alleyways and colorful markets and merchants.

  • Walled Old City Jerusalem
  • Jaffa Gate
  • View of Dome of the Rock

We started off at the Jewish quarters at theWestern Wall (Wailing Wall) – structurally speaking, it is a piece retained from the wall of temple mount they’ve said that you should write down a prayer/wish or something you’re grateful for and put it into the cracks of the wall. (which I did πŸ˜‚) imagine? with thousands of people visiting per day, you have to squeeze that paper into tiny little pieces to even attempt to fit it in. And when you’re done with putting your prayer in the wall, it is respectful to walk backwards. Just simply don’t turn your back against the wall. And those prayers are never thrown away but buried at the Mount of Olives several times a year.

Next we headed over to the Muslim quarter which is more bustling, you will find yourself amidst markets and restaurants selling everything from spices to textiles.

Finally, Via Dolorosa- the way of suffering. And so off we went exploring each station, stopping off to check out the different parts of the old city (and there, my heart flutters- I’ve got to see where my name came from πŸ₯°) before carrying on ultimately toward to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre- the site where Jesus was crucified and buried.

There were still lot of destinations that we didn’t get the chance to visit, and lot of things we missed to do that we really wish we had. But next time for sure! From beaches, to deserts, and everything in between, Israel is a destination that should not be overlooked. So, we hope life takes us back to that part of the world someday. Here’s to hoping! ☘️