June 14, 2013 Friday
As we headed east along the northern wall of the Old City, we could see Mt. Scopus.
BYU Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies:
Upon entering the Moslem part of Jerusalem, we could see that possibly Laban was an unpopular guy.
We found the Garden Tomb and decided to take a look. We were here in 2003, but it's so near our hotel that would be a shame to skip it. Besides, we might run into Issa again!
The ceiling inside the tomb is really low. But I think the average person's height 2000+ years ago was less than it is today. Pete and I would be giants.
Bodies would be placed in the niches beyond this (modern) fence. A skylight has been cut to provide illumination for tourists.
Archaeologists are of the general opinion that this tomb dates from the Iron Age (800-600 BC) and does not meet the New Testament description of the freshly-cut tomb that held Jesus' body.
Now Pete is inside the tomb, and is looking out from the inside.
The "garden" part -- a nice place to sit alone or with a group.
We didn't get a photo of Gordon's Golgotha -- a nearby rocky hill that the 19th-century discoverer Charles Gordon thought looked like a skull. We'll get that photo later.
Our hotel is right behind the Albright Institute. The Institute is a great reference point for us on these winding streets.
Wonder if this is the same Omar from whom we bought souvenirs in 2003? This is a half-block from our hotel, and it really looks familiar! (Closed today, Friday.)
Here's our hotel! Our room is on the first story, right above the word "Hotel". The left-most balcony is ours. 
Daytime version from the 4th-floor terrace of the view from last night.
Dome of the Rock from the hotel terrace.
Daytime version of parking lot full of UN vehicles. We don't know why they are parking here! There must be a UN installation nearby.
Mt. Scopus and the BYU Center from the hotel terrace. We'll hike up here tomorrow to attend Sabbath services. Google maps says it's a 30-minute walk or less. We'll allow at least an hour. I'm moving really slowly, and besides, our pocket map doesn't include every little alley and side street.
Wow, it looks like your hotel has a fabulous location. Great views from your window!
ReplyDeleteOur window view is pretty much blocked by the trees across the street. The photos from the hotel were taken from a terrace on the fourth floor. We do have a great location.
ReplyDeleteAmazing! What a place to park. Looks like a wonderful setup.
ReplyDeleteWe had the privilege to actually stay IN the Jerusalem Center on one of our visits... your hotel is the next-best thing.
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