Jerusalem City Tour

WOW! Another incredible day! We began today early in the morning when our tour guide Sam came and picked us up at our hotel. We traveled first to the Dome of the Rock, a sacred Muslim, and Christian, and Jewish site. The Muslims occupy the Temple Mount now which the rock is on. They believe it is where Muhammad had his night dream and ascended to heaven. It is also believed to be where Abraham was to sacrifice Isaac, the first rock on Earth, and where the holy of holies was kept in the Temple of Solomon. Needless to say it is a point of interest, and very few people get to go in who are not Muslim. Luckily our guide, Sam who works for the UN, was able to get us special permissions to go in. Our guide on the Temple Mount had me get into a long skirt and cover my hair. I looked ridiculous, and the layers of clothing caused severe overheating, but it was worth it! The inside of the Dome of the Rock is elaborately decorated with mosaics and symbols of calendar dates and times. We got to touch the rock and go beneath it into what is called the Well of Souls. This is where Muslims believe they must pass before ascending to heaven. We then walked over to the El-Aqsa Mosque. It is the third holiest site for Muslims (first being Mecca and then the Dome of the Rock). It is here that we got to see out the window and view the remains of the Temple that used to stand on the Mount. We also both stepped in Pigeon poop at the same time and got in trouble for touching when Kris put his arm around me for a pic. Touching a woman is not allowed-even if she is your wife! This was by far the highlight of the day. The view from the Temple Mount is pretty amazing and their is an interesting peace there, much like you would feel on our Temple grounds. I think for the most part, Muslims are good people.