The family went to the Armenian quarter the day I was home sick. Yesterday we went to the Jewish quarter. Only two more to go, The Christian Quarter and the Muslim quarter. Today was the Christian Quarter. We headed out the same way - towards the metro and to old town Jerusalem. The most important thing to see is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Pictures don't really do it justice as they keep it very dark inside. It was very hot and humid and crowded inside. Posted signs made it easy to find the way. Apparently everything having to do with Christ's death and burial is within the confines of this church.
And here we are at the entrance. There was no entrance fee - just massive crowds of people inside.
Views inside.
Golgotha. Behind the glass there is an outcrop of rock that is venerated as the site of the Crucifixion.
This is supposed to be where Jesus as buried. You can see the line! Not exactly kid friendly to wait that long. I did not get a picture - but there is also a spot that is the anointing stone or replica in the exact spot whee the anointing and wrapping of Christ's body after death took place.
The Chapel of Helena contains this kneeling pad. Many people knelt down and kissed it - not sure why.
Not much is left of the paintings on the wall in St. Helena Chapel.
Outside the church and just about everywhere in the old town is a souk - a shopping market.
Now for some family shots.
Lia reading the guide book. She enjoyed seeing pictures of the things we had already scene in the city.
And a final street scene.
I think the Christian quarter was the hardest one for us because it was so busy! Much fuller with tourists than the Jewish section to my recollection but also perhaps that's the impression because the only way to get there is by very busy souk alleys
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