JERUSALEM, ISRAEL

Christer and I wanted to make the most of our 'one-day' visit to Jerusalem, hiring a private tour guide to show us around. So glad we did. We hired Mike Turkenich, a licensed tour guide in Israel (www.miketour.co.il) and he was phenomenally fantastic! We recommend him, hands down and hope to have him again on our next visit. He showed us everything and more, teaching us so much along the way and providing a great sense of humor! He even took us to the most dreamy hummus restaurant nicknamed the "The Hummus Shrine". In all actuality, the restaurant is 'Abu-Shukri Restaurant' and is located at the base of Via Dolorosa and Al Wad Road (http://www.frommers.com/destinations/jerusalem/D38598.html). It doesn't look like much from the outside, but man...they serve up some great food!

Another great score that Mike led us to is 'Khader M. Baidun & Sons' Fine Ancient Art and Jewelry store (www.baidun.com). The Baidun family owns several stores throughout the area, selling products ranging from $100 ancient coins to $50,000 Roman helmets. Walking into their shop is like walking into an archaelogical museum. Antiquities are everywhere, each equal in their appeal and awe-ability and...all for sale. I've provided more detail on our experience at the Baidun shop in a few of the photos below. I hope you enjoy our brief synopsis of Jerusalem. Pictures don't quite do this miraculous city justice. One must simply go and experience.

Jerusalem is the capital of Israel with over 740,000 residents. It is considered holy to Judaism, Islam and Christianity and hosts over 1,200 synagogues, 160 churches and 73 mosques. In my opinion, it is the compilation of religions that makes this city so amazing. You see Hasidic Jews walking to prayer, monks dressed in traditional brown robes, groups making pilgrimages in Jesus' footsteps, Muslims dressed in beautifully ornate kaftans. Add to this the sounds of muezzin's call to prayer, church bells ringing and on Sabbath, and live bands playing traditional Jewish music.....it is intoxicating to the senses. The sights, smells and sounds are incredible.

The importance of Jerusalem to the three relgions (albeit, a brief description):

JEWISH: Jerusalem has been sacred to the Jews since the 10th century BC, as the site of Solomon's Temple and the Second Temple. It is mentioned in the Bible 632 times. Today, the Western Wall, a remnant of the Second Temple, is a holy site for Jews, second only to the Temple Mount itself.
ISLAM: Jerusalem is considered the 3rd holiest city in Islam. Muslims believe Muhammad was miraculously transported one night from Mecca to the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, whereupon he ascended to Heaven to meet previous prophets of Islam.
CHRISTIAN: For Christians, Jerusalem known for its references in the Old Testament and its significance in the life of Jesus. The site of Jesus' Last Supper is located on Mount Zion. The 14 Stations of the Cross along Via Dolorosa plot out Jesus' route from his trial to crucifixion to burial and has been a Christian pilgrimage site for the past two thousand years.

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