And so to Jerusalem
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| Gilo 300 checkpoint between Bethlehem and Jerusalem |
for a little sightseeing
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| Jerusalem from Jabel ez-Zeitoun (Mount of Olives) |
a little religion
 |
| The Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Alexander Nevsky |
a little shopping
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| Al-Wad street in the Muslim Quarter |
a little entertainment
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| Mahane Yehuda Market |
a visit to Mea Shearim*
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| Mae Shearim (internet image) |
and to celebrate Eid al Adha**
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| Shopping for sweets near Damascus gate on the eve of Eid al Adha |
*Mea Shearim is an ultra Orthodox neighbourhood of Jerusalem populated mainly by Haredi Jews. It has been described as like walking into a 19th century Eastern European 'shtetl'. I have long been interested and intrigued. However it is NOT a tourist site or a place for 'gwarking' and I sought some good advice on dress and behaviour before my visit.
**Eid Al Adha is a major Muslim festival of sacrifice which commemorates the prophet Ibrahim's sacrifice of his son, Ishmael, to Allah as an act obedience. "Eid Mubarak" - have a blessed Eid.
My journey was organised by the Siraj Centre
through the Alternative Tourism Group, Palestine
through the Alternative Tourism Group, Palestine
I am most grateful to Jawad who answered all my questions
and put up with my impatient, nagging e-mails!
