The Center of the World

I loved the three days in Jerusalem. We were actually staying in a hotel in the Palestinian controlled area of Bethlehem, but I spent every chance I could get, day and night, in the old city of Jerusalem. It is an amazing place as it blends a new modern city outside the famous walls with the old city within the walls that has thousands of years of history and many religions that claim it as sacred to them. Israel is really situated in the center of the world; in the middle of Europe, Asia and Africa; a pathway from Egypt to ancient Mesopotamia. It is a land flowing with milk and honey that is coveted by many. Within that prime real estate, Jerusalem is undoubtably the center of Israel.

The walls around the old city speak volumes of the many times the city changed hands through conquerors of different empires and faiths. Walking through the narrow and crowded streets is a pleasure all its own as you go into the Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian quarters. I have never been in a place that has such a diverse mixture of cultures and is so full of history.