Old Jerusalem

2/28/13  After four days of meetings, three co-workers and I were able to take a guided tour of Old Jerusalem, home of the holiest sites on earth for three different religions.
DSC01041 On the way into Jerusalem, we stopped first at the Mount of Olives for a view across the valley at the Old City. Here you get a good view of Temple Mount and...
On the way into Jerusalem, we stopped first at the Mount of Olives for a view across the valley at the Old City. Here you get a good view of Temple Mount and…
DSC01045 A look across the Kidron Valley at the Mount of Olives (Mt. Olivet) Cemetary. Jews have been buried here for over 3,000 years, and there are currently over...
A look across the Kidron Valley at the Mount of Olives (Mt. Olivet) Cemetary. Jews have been buried here for over 3,000 years, and there are currently over…
DSC01046 A zoomed in view of Temple Mount, the Dome of the Rock, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (double gray domes).
A zoomed in view of Temple Mount, the Dome of the Rock, and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (double gray domes).
DSC01049 After driving down the Mount of Olives into the Kidron Valley, we head up the other side into Old Jerusalem. Here's a look back at the cemetary and tombs...
After driving down the Mount of Olives into the Kidron Valley, we head up the other side into Old Jerusalem. Here's a look back at the cemetary and tombs…
DSC01063 Another look back at the Mount of Olives. This area has heavy religious significance for both Christians and Jews.
Another look back at the Mount of Olives. This area has heavy religious significance for both Christians and Jews.
DSC01057 The Southern wall of the Old City.
The Southern wall of the Old City.
DSC01058 Another look at the Southern wall. The three arched entry ways (now sealed) are believed to be where Jesus first entered the city.
Another look at the Southern wall. The three arched entry ways (now sealed) are believed to be where Jesus first entered the city.
DSC01061 We enter the Old City via Zion gate in the Southwest corner. It's very surreal to see a car driving out of this gate that dates back thousands of years. But...
We enter the Old City via Zion gate in the Southwest corner. It's very surreal to see a car driving out of this gate that dates back thousands of years. But…
DSC01062 Hand painted pottery in the Armenian Quarter.
Hand painted pottery in the Armenian Quarter.
DSC01064 Entering the Jewish quarter. Most of the old city is a maze of narrow corridors like this with doorways to residences on either side.
Entering the Jewish quarter. Most of the old city is a maze of narrow corridors like this with doorways to residences on either side.
DSC01065 A look down at an escavated avenue dating back to the days of Roman occupation in the city. This was one of the main avenues during that time.
A look down at an escavated avenue dating back to the days of Roman occupation in the city. This was one of the main avenues during that time.
DSC01068 Remains of a Roman storefront.
Remains of a Roman storefront.
DSC01070 The Hurva Synagogue, recently rebuilt after laying in ruin following destruction by Muslims in the 1700s.
The Hurva Synagogue, recently rebuilt after laying in ruin following destruction by Muslims in the 1700s.
DSC01073 An escavated portion of a previous generation of the Old Wall. The wall around the city has been destroyed and rebuilt several times as just about every major...
An escavated portion of a previous generation of the Old Wall. The wall around the city has been destroyed and rebuilt several times as just about every major…
DSC01081 Looking down onto the Western Wall plaza with a view of the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, and the Mughrabi bridge.
Looking down onto the Western Wall plaza with a view of the Western Wall, Dome of the Rock, and the Mughrabi bridge.
DSC01082 Western Wall plaza.
Western Wall plaza.
DSC01085 The Mughrabi bridge which gives vistor access to Temple Mount during select times of the day. It's controlled by the Jewish quarter but gives access to the...
The Mughrabi bridge which gives vistor access to Temple Mount during select times of the day. It's controlled by the Jewish quarter but gives access to the…
DSC01086 The Western Wall (or Kotel). Though most commonly known as the
The Western Wall (or Kotel). Though most commonly known as the "Wailing Wall", that term seems to be somewhat deragotory among Jews, and it is only referred to…
DSC01089 The ultimate version of throwing pennies in a fountain. Jews write their wishes on pieces of paper and embed them in cracks in the wall. The theory being that...
The ultimate version of throwing pennies in a fountain. Jews write their wishes on pieces of paper and embed them in cracks in the wall. The theory being that…
DSC01093 The Western Wall continues in tunnels along the wall. There are several alcoves with religious texts used by those praying here. Jews will place their foreheads...
The Western Wall continues in tunnels along the wall. There are several alcoves with religious texts used by those praying here. Jews will place their foreheads…