Back to J'lem with Melissa

                  Our last day together was spent in or near the Old City.

Temple Tunnel ("Kotel" means "wall.").  [See also our Nov. '10 post].  The day began walking along the entire 1/4-mile length of the Western ("wailing") Wall -- underground -- to its northwest corner.  We started at the Kotel plaza. 

Many devoted Jews were praying or reading morning scriptures at the wall.

Inside the tunnel were layers of more than 2,000 years of history.  Herodian stones behind our guide rested upon older Hasmonean walls (200 BCE).

Note the finely beveled edges on these large Herodian stones.

At the end of the tunnel is a huge cistern, originally a Roman pool.   We exited at the Muslim Quarter, then walked back toward the Jewish Quarters.

We passed the reputed "Ecce Homo" arch and other interesting arches. 

Jewish Quarters (Including the "Cardo" and Hurva Synagogue). 

         [See also Dec. '10 posts,  "Cardo & Hurva"]

Another ancient but improved tunnel brought us back inside Jewish Quarters.

We ascended from the 5-acre Kotel Plaza to revisit elegant Jewish shops.

The Cardo.  We also found remnants of the famed Roman boulevard -- wide enough for two chariots to race alongside many covered shops & stores.  It was Jerusalem's first "freeway & shopping mall."

 Later in the day, Melissa & Dan saw more freestanding Roman columns.

The Hurva (Jewish for "ruin").  Only completed in 2010, this synagogue replaced similar predecessors destroyed in each of the last three centuries.

The interior decor is as modern as the domed exterior design is ancient.

Artwork & windows were also beautiful.                           

Walking again on the outside dome, we marveled at the panoramic views. 

Note our JC below in the upper left corner

They saw other sites near the Old City while we did humanitarian work.  The sights & sounds inside Damascus Gate are always varied & interesting.

Garden Tomb.  They also saw the Protestant site of Jesus' death & burial, west of the Old City.  In contrast to the busy street & bus station beside Golgatha was this serene garden setting for Jesus' greatest miracle: the resurrection.

"Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and ... a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid" (John 19:41).  The angel said:  "He is risen; he is not here" (Mark 16:6).   The tomb was empty!

Jesus and David were both from the "root of Jesse."  He was the branch, but became the vine (John 15:1).  We must be attached to Him, to be where He is.

Kidron Valley Tombs.  East of the Old City is a complex group of stone monuments carved into the Mt. of Olives. Likely from the late 2nd Temple period (1st century AD), they honor persons buried in the Jewish cemetery above.   No one is sure of those persons' exact identity.

Arab Cave Restaurant.  Our last meal together was a delicious dinner at the Salah al-Din ("Saladin's") in A Tur on the Mt. of Olives, close to our JC.

Like old times, Melissa and I played a game of backgammon -- not decided until the very last roll.  Then they retired before catching an early flight back to D.C.  These were days always to be remembered!