These guys are pretty heavy. Some of the guys who carry the M16's are under regulations to never remove their finger from the trigger. They hold their guns in creative ways, but they always have their hand on the handle somehow. 
Here's two army guys patrolling through the Arab marketplace.
I took a walk up to the top of the Mount of Olives, and there was a great view of the city. You can see the golden Dome of the Rock in the background.
This was at a church on the Mt. of Olives, built in the approximate spot where Christ would have wept over the city in Luke 19. Again, a great view.
This is the view from the City of David archaeological preserve. The valley below (i think) is the valley of Jehosephat. Lots of cool old looking buildings.
This is the western wall of the old city. I like the green grass against the medieval walls. Very pretty.
This is the golden menorah that will be placed in the third temple. Artistically cool and eschatologically creepy.
This is a camel. Artistically ugly.All is well here. I met some palestinian guys who were cool enough to show us around the old city and take us back to their apartment for a drink. Me and my travel companions were wary, as one always hears travel horror stories that begin this way, but our fears were pointless. Their hospitality was out of a diplomatic and friendly spirit. We sat around and B.S.'d about Palestinian and American culture. Very fun. The only obligation they had for their hospitality was that if they came to the States, we'd show them around. I'd be more than happy to oblige.
Peace out.
13 comments:
Cool pics brospeh. I am jealous you're there, seems cool. You look like an Arab anyways so you must fit in great. Stay away from anything that goes "tic, tic, tic"
"This is the golden menorah that will be placed in the third temple. Artistically cool and eschatologically creepy."
Show that to all those Theonomists and those who say that there won't be a 3rd temple...
Guess it's a little too late to say "be Careful"!!! It's great that you are making the most of the trip- praying for your safe return. BE WISE!!!
Love and prayers- us
I love and miss you sooo much. Please be careful. I am praying for absolute discernment for you. Follow the spirit's leading in all you do there. Can't wait to see you!
brian-- actually, people over here have been saying I look Jewish. Must be the beard. Go figure.
Also, the Arabs around here have been the nicest people I've come across traveling in a long time. They've been really helpful an hospitable. I have been given no reason to feel reservation in revealing that I am an American. They're just like us--I mean, most of us wouldn't start trouble with a person simply because of their national identity. All of the Palestinians I have talked to don't really care half as much as Hamas or Fatah as much as they just want to live their lives.
There is tension in the city, but everyone generally keeps to themselves. They all realize (well, at least the Arabs and the Christians do) that all these religions rever the city, so they generally let everyone go on their way. I've seen orthodox Jews, Greek ORthodox priests, Latin monks, all walking through the Arab market and vise versa, and they hardly draw strange glances from the Muslims.
The Israelis in general have kind of worn on me with their latent xenophobia. Several of my christian companions have had Jews ask them "Why on earth would a christian come to Jerusalem?" as if we're nothing but a bother for them. The police are constantly hassling people (I mean, non-jews). For as much as America has made it possible for Israel to exist, you'd think they'd be extra nice to American tourists. Nope.
Either way, I really love it here and I plan on coming back.
I'm picking you up from the airport sucka...
David, I don't know if you will read this now because I think you may be on your way home, but if you do... reading all this has made me so proud of you. You cannot imagine what it does to a mothers heart to hear her son having all these incredible experiences and responding in such a mature and "grown up" fashion. I can only say that God has so blessed our family and especially me to have such a mature and God-fearing son as you! Thank you David... I love you! Mom
Oh, and by the way... welcome home, can't wait to see you in July! Mom
Hi David- You really have had an experience of a lifetime!! I'm praying that this next week goes by quickly for you and Cristina and that before you know it- you'll be back "home" with her- making your 1,000 kisses per day quota!! (and how happy I'll be NOT to be a witness to it!!!!) You know we love you.... la familia
id just like to say that id be more afraid of the israel occupation forces than the palestinians.
oh btw david, you look really chubby in picture number 3, but then you scroll down where youre in the red shirt and youre skinny. what gives?
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