Western Wall
The Western Wall, known to the West as the “Wailing Wall” and Islam as the Buraq Wall, is an ancient limestone wall in the Old City of Jerusalem. The Jews are permitted to pray at this site. However, the site of the Holy of Holies, the most sacred site in the Jewish faith, lies behind this area.
Tourists have to line up in long queues and pass through cumbersome security checks in order to enter to the grounds of the Western Walls.
Note: Western Walls is a holy site. Please ensure that you are appropriately and modestly dressed. Refrain from unnecessary conversations during prayers and near worshippers. Avoid smoking or lighting candles. If it is not possible to turn off cell phones, best to silence them and follow instructions of ushers.
Walking the Path of Jesus: Via Dolorosa and Holy Sites in Jerusalem
Via Dolorosa
Via Dolorsa is a processional route in the Old City of Jerusalem which represented the path that Jesus would have been forced by the Roman soldiers on the way to his crucifixion.
This is one of the few parts of the tour I found it difficult to describe my feelings and thoughts. As a Christian, a sense of anguish as I strolled through Via Dolorosa acknowledging that Jesus struggled through here carrying his cross, yet acknowledging that the prophesy needed to be fulfilled.
Stations along Via Dolorosa
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre contains the two most holy sites in Christianity – the site where Jesus was crucified, Calvary or Golgotha, and the Jesus’ empty tomb – to Christians, Jesus conquered death through resurrection.
Warning
Take extra care when entering or exiting from the church. The stone ceiling at the entrance/exit of the church is sharp and can easily cause a gash in the forehead.
An elderly gentleman in our tour group hit his head into the entrance of the church when leaving the building. It resulted in him having a gash on his forehead and needed First Aid.
Old City Bazaar
The Old City Bazaar is situated next to the Church of Holy Sepulchre. Here, you can find all sorts of spices and produce.
I do not recall buying much of anything as we were traveling on from Jersualem to Jordan. Less to carry is good news.
Traveler’s Tale: King Hussein Border Crossing Experience from Israel to Jordan
This is one experience I doubt I would ever forget.
It took approximately 2hrs by taxi from Jerusalem to King Hussein Border crossing. There was a security stop before our taxi was permitted to proceed to the King Hussein Border Bridge crossing at Israel territory.
We were required to disembark from the taxi with our luggage for a luggage scan. While our taxi driver was waiting in the courtyard, the border officers inspected his taxi by placing metal detectors under the vehicle to check for prohibited items. The taxi driver almost went ballistic when the security officers started removing the seats in his taxi for further inspection.
Once arrived at the King Hussein Border Crossing Bridge in Israel, a departure tax was chargeable – USD30 per traveler. From the passport control, travelers have to lug the luggage to the bus stop for the shuttle bus. The shuttle bus from Israeli side to Jordan costs 5 shiekels per person (paid 20 shiekels for 2 persons and got back USD2 change). Distance of the journey – the bus navigated 5 metres then turned right where there are 2 signs – one pointing to the right to Israel and the other pointing left to Jordan. The ride was left than 1km and we arrived in Jordan.