A Giro in Jerusalem (Palestine vol. 2)

So as promised, a Jerusalem Giro entry is here. Well a close to one at least, because for my most recent outing in the old city, it wasn’t as lively as it’s supposed to be for the reason of the current situation. But Jerusalem is Jerusalem and it’s always beautiful, so I felt that it’s never a bad time to talk about it.

This entry is specifically for the old city. One post will never be enough so for sure this is a first of many. I wish I could capture all the magic that this city gives out, but I will try to give you a glimpse of it.

Me and Sam decided to go on a stroll through the old city a few days back, realising that it’s a much-needed trip. We got there early in the morning around 9 and spent maybe around five hours there just walking through its streets and quarters.

You know the feeling when you’re under water for so long and then you just come up for the breath of air that fills up your lungs? That’s exactly the feeling I get when I go there. It just gives me the sense of peace and calmness I never get elsewhere.

If you think about it, it’s hard to imagine getting a quite calm feeling when you’re in the old city, because it’s always buzzing with people, merchants, shops, and tourists. You can always hear people talking, calling for each other, selling their vegetables or herbs ((اخ على النعنع و الزعتر. It’s just a loud centre that can’t help but fill you with life and a sense of calmness at the same time when you’re taking in all the scenes around you, all the beautiful buildings, the walls that speak stories. So yes, you will get both feelings at once.

We started from Damascus gate, into the Muslim quarter then passed by the Holy Sepulchre, into the Christian quarter. Later we continued a bit in the Jewish quarter and ended up in Armenian one for the finale. We finished our trip by the New Gate where we met old school teachers on the way.

     

But imagine this… these whole five hours were spent only in a small piece of old city. it’s an unending exploration of a talking (storytelling) city.

You know what made our day unique? When we were walking, we explored places we’ve never been to before and met an old merchant who we shared a 15-minute conversation about the history of the city. Then later met up with old teachers that brought back memories.

You will never get over those random friendly conversations you get when talking to old Palestinian people about a city you love.

  

It wasn’t the liveliest giro in Jerusalem because the usual buzz of the shops and people was missing (it doesn’t suite our Jerusalem), but we got the doze of magic nonetheless in those few hours (A random person says: “How are five hours few??!!”. Well, you have to meet Jerusalem then 😊)

Keep your eyes open for a continuation of multiple Giro-s of Jerusalem!

Salam