One day I manage to hit the limited times when the area around the Al Axa Mosque iss open to non-muslims. This is the mosque that is called the Dome of the Rock, a site held sacred by three religions. Jews are religiously restrictd fom the area, until the Temple of Soloman is rebuilt. That didn't stop an Israeli gunman from attacking the mosque a few years ago.
The area of the mosque is mmediately next to the Wailing Wall, but on a higher elevaton. As a tourist I must access the mosque area via a walkway that goes over the women's side of the Wailing Wall. One could easily throw a rock from one to the other.
The area around the mosque is quite open and airy compared to the rest of the Old City. There are several groups of religios study groups around the gardens. Only muslims are allowed inside the mosque, so of course I have to try. I am about 30% successful, which is to say I am turned away at the door without violence. My successs at the Allenby Bridge has made me a bit too sure of myself. If I had done some studying before I tried I might have made it.
This photo shows how Jerusalem is a city of hills, hills and more hills. Look closely and you'll see the national bird of Israel: the construction crane. They are active and can be found almost any where. In my travels I saw very few single family homes, as most people live in apartments.
Two photos of the Dome of the Rock, said to be the place where Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his son, and where Mohamad rose to heaven after he died.
