Visit the Old City of Jerusalem

“I couldn’t stop my senses from drifting to space as I was listening to the Arabs, to the Adan, to the people yelling out what they are selling in their tiny shops, looking at the Ka’ek, colorful garments and sweets, smelling the fresh falafel being fried, the hummus on the tables, the men in red tarboush, the turkish coffee as you walk by, walking the old rustic streets and arched doors, and then your eyes are hit by a very ironic view of armed Israeli young soldiers walk in between what all looked like a very old Arabian film, and some Israeli flags on top of an old Palestinian man who is chanting in Arabic his love for Palestine, and then you wake up from your zen and remember that freedom has been taken away from you.”

“First thing that struck me up there was how huge it is and also how peaceful it is up there compared to the hustle and bustle of the Old City. [...] There were lots of Pilgrim Groups along this walk ( as expected), with one group carrying a cross. This is all fine, and good to see lots of people exercising their faith. However the crowds, the heat, the narrow streets etc, it can be a bit of a pain if you get caught up in one of these groups when you are just taking your time taking in the whole atmosphere (of which the tour groups are also part of). [...] The Old City is mad crazy, but so good. The maze of streets allowing you to find little gems of places.”

“For me, visiting the Old City of Jerusalem is first and foremost about the atmosphere. The sounds, the sights, and even the smells – it’s all so inherently different. And I say that as an Israeli. The Old City is nothing like the rest of the country. [...] Walking through these alleys with all the merchants reminds me of Terry Pratchett’s Ankh-Morpork. Not smelly or dangerous but definitely crowded and exotic. Myrrh or frankincense, anyone?”