Today we began with a wake up call at 6 am and a start at 8 am to the Kotel Tunnel Tour near the Western Wall. The underground tunnel was amazing with people praying along the way and the construction of the tunnel explained. After that we brought our prayers to the Western wall; men to the left; women to the right. It was very emotional to place your prayers in the cracks in the wall and witness the furtive prayers and weeping.
Then we went off to Bethlehem and while waiting to see the site of Jesus' birth we witnessed the baptism of a baby - how appropriate! We hummed some Christmas carols as we waited until we were shushed!
Then we went to the Israel Museum and saw the outdoor model of the city of Jerusalem and the Dead Sea Scrolls inside.
Then we spent time in the Holocaust Museum; no words to describe the emotions here; the Chidren's Museum showed pictures of children killed and an ongoing audio of their names, birth places and ages. It was very moving.
Along the way we have seen Carob Trees and Olive Trees; it is believed that if someone is desiring to become pregnant they should swallow an olive from the tree for a miracle of new life.
The food has been wonderful - lots of vegetarian dishes; hummous; eggplant and fish.
Our hotel has a rooftop area by the city wall where we gather for conversation and some good wine each day. We can also hear the Muslim call to prayer which is spiritually meaningful.
Lots of sight seeing packed into our days - many sore feet, backs and hips by the end of the day - it is truly an amazing experience. Packed - and wonderful!
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