Today, the relatively relaxed atmosphere in Jerusalem has been replaced by many armed militia and police (Quite like our very own War Measures Act). This is probably a reaction to the Nakba protests of yesterday and the demonstrations against the Women of the Wall. The guy at our hotel desk shrugs the whole thing off. All in a day, I guess.
We made a stab at visiting the Dome of the Rock, but it was arbitrarily closed (typical), possibly due to all the tensions of Wednesday. The Israeli security suggested we try again in the early afternoon, but we decided to give it a miss.
We walked the ramparts, found Oskar Schindler's grave, rode the tram to NE Jerusalem for a look-see, had a drink on the Terrace at the King David Hotel and finally walked through a Crusader neighbourhood.
During the day, we heard a loud crowd, drums, singing, and horns and thought "uh-oh", another protest. But, no it was a bar mitzvah party, walking to the Wall. Their celebratory spirit was contagious. L' Chaim!
Tomorrow: express bus to Haifa
Travels with Mo and Doug
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