Touring Jerusalem, Israel

Although Norm thought shopping the old city when all the shops were closed made for a perfect day, we did agree it would be more interesting to go back and tour the streets with people around.

It was definitely a more interesting visit the streets were bustling with people, shops had their wares displayed and restaurants had their tables out.

Norm and I stopped and had pea soup for lunch, and later we sat and watched people go by while drinking sahlab an amazing middle eastern hot beverage that's like a milk pudding with cinnamon coconut and nuts.

During our time people watching we noticed a never ending police presence that was not here when the shops were closed and very few people. Police were walking, in cars and on motorbikes. Some with guns and some with riffles. This appears to be the norm, as locals did not pay attention and although it may sound intimidating it was not. We did find out later there was an increase in presence during the high holiday which recently ended.

We also went back to the Arabic market, walked around, and satisfied our sweet cravings. I also made sure to wear the pair of shoes that had the sole separate from the shoe and stopped at a shoe repair shop to have it glued back.

We had a 6 pm gathering to meet our fellow tour group, and then we went out for supper together. We will be traveling with people from Canada, USA, Australia, and Ireland. It looks like it will be fun group!

Maybe some who wander are lost.

This fellow passed us more than once while pulling his bright red travel suitcase.