Day Twenty-Two: Jerusalem
Europe (west), Africa (south), Asia (east), and Jerusalem (center)
On some medieval world maps, you’ll find Jerusalem at the very center. Maps today are a tad more geodetically accurate, but in the hearts and minds of many, this ancient city remains the center of the world.
Jerusalem’s Old City sits on a little over 200 acres, and its four neighborhoods, or quarters — Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and Armenian — are enclosed by 500-year-old walls. Its winding, narrow streets are crowded and confusing but filled with fascinating sights. (“And smells,” adds Orange Bear.) Mr. Crumpet insisted he knew where he was the whole time. (“He didn’t.”)
Mr. Crumpet received a few quizzical stares as he approached the Western Wall, the conspicuous remnant of a wall that once surrounded the Temple Mount. (Pictured R.: An Orthodox worshipper at the Wall.)
“Maybe you should lose the hat,” suggested Orange Bear.
“Perish the thought,” he replied.
The City of David, located south of the Temple Mount and the Old City, is the Jerusalem of the Bible (going back 3,000 years). This area today continues to yield archaeological discoveries, including the reputed remains of King David’s palace.
Jerusalem, or Yerushalaim in Hebrew, means “City (Foundation) of Peace,” a name freighted with meaning more for its future than for its long, strife-filled past.
Russia has the largest population of bears in the world.
A must-visit, surely–world’s epicenter in the hearts and minds of many indeed. I was wondering if Jerusalem would make it on the list, especially as it doesn’t seem to bear the tell-tale cooler climates seemingly favored by Mr. Crumpet and Orange Bear!
p.s. Note the way cartographers of yore pictured Europe, Asia, and Africa as petals with Jerusalem at the center of the flower!
Well, it does snow occasionally in Jerusalem…
As it does in Los Angeles, yet somehow I’m not picturing it in the 30-day escapade!
But the snow sticks on the ground in Jerusalem! Check out some of these winter shots here.
According to Phil the Owl’s research, the last time it snowed in Los Angeles, California was 1949!!