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Al-Aska Mosque on the Temple Mount |
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Old City
We learned about the Via Dolorosa ("the mournful way") and stopped at a few of the stations which were mainly traditional, not biblical. We also visited the Temple Institute, a place that is working to recreate many of the elements found in the original temple according to the Bible and historical documents. Although they mainly educate, they do hope to someday fill the third temple with these items.
Before the Temple Institute, however, we had to cross through the Muslim Quarter. What a fascinating place! We rushed through very quickly without stopping. There was every kind of shop on the streets, and most of the streets were actually covered (like being underground). The air was filled with the scents of hashish, among other foul things. Most uninviting, yet I'm glad we got that quick snapshot.
I finally tried a felafel for lunch. It consists of fried chick peas prepared almost like meat, with salad products on top, all served in pita bread. I have to admit it was quite good. The street merchants were really getting on everyone's nerves, though. Everywhere you go, it's always, "one dolla, one dolla." And they're relentless!
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