9 Mt of Olives and Jerusalem

Day Four was about Jerusalem - first a visit to the Mount of Olives - including the site of nearly 150,000 Jewish graves that overlook the Old City of Jerusalem and the Tomb of Absalom (the rebellious son of King David). Also nearby, Gethsemane and Church of Mary Magdalene. Near the Tomb, we also had a chance to meet a camel and all his many smiles. Following that, we drove to and walked through Mishkenot Sha’ananim, the first Jewish neighborhood built outside the walls of the Old City. This is beautiful community, and also the site of the Montefiore Windmill. Nearby, we had lunch a an outstanding Italian restaurant called P2 (P-Squared) - everything is homemade, on the spot. Afterwards, we entered the Old City through the Dung Gate (there are 7 gates to enter the Old City), and proceeded to the Western Wall remains of the 2nd Temple and the holiest site of the Jews. Prayer and access is conducted in separate locations for men and women. Afterwards, we wandered through parts of the Jewish Quarter (the Old City is divided into 4 quarters - Jewish, Christian, Arab and Armenian) and arrived at the Beit Yaakov Synagogue, which has its own interesting history. We climbed it for some outstanding views of the City. Next more wandering through the Old City - narrow walkways, old shops and beautiful new shops - and a walk down the remains of the Cardo - the main street in any ancient Roman city. We returned to site of the Western Wall and had a view of the Al-Aksa Mosque, one of the holiest sites of the Muslim world, which is just above the Western Wall. Finally, the day was capped of with an absolutely amazing sound and light show on the walls within the Tower of David - not to be missed.