Dressing Up and Dressing Down…

In some ways we couldn’t have had more contrast experiences today…

First thing, covered from ankle to wrist, the women’s heads swathed in scarves, we had the most incredible privilege ~ courtesy of the respect and relationship with St George’s College ~ not only we’re we able to enter the Haram-al-Sharif (the former Temple Mount), we were able to enter inside the two main buildings. 

Comparatively few visitors come up to the site, as access for tourists is through one gate, and they’re often queues. But we were met by a guide, taken through one of the Muslim gates, and around the site. 

Area covers, 36 acres, and for Muslims, the entire place is the Al Aqsa mosque - so they can pray anyway, as it’s all holy ground ~ the buildings, the plazas, the olive groves. Our guide spoke very passionately, taking us around the Plaza, and into the Dome of the Rock ~ which is truly remarkable, every surface is covered in music and art, geometric designs, images from nature and Arabic script. We were free to walk around., take photos, and go down into the cave, prayer space underneath the rock. He then also took us to the other significant building ~ a large mosque and space for prayer, with beautiful ceiling. 

After leaving the Haram-al-Sharif, we paid a visit to Sr Anne’s church, delighting in the fantastic acoustics, as we sing together, and as we listened to other groups sing. It brought back memories of previous visits and different group singing there. There was also time to look at the archaeological remains of the pool of Bethesda.

Then, it was a quick turnaround back at the college, before heading out for the rest of the day. Our first stop was lunch in Jericho, with views of the Mount of Temptation. Then, on to the river Jordan, to the site associated with the baptism of Jesus. 

We held an act of worship, reaffirming our baptism vows, and there was the opportunity to go into the river, as far as wanted, to pray. Someone fully immersed, others of us waded. I went in with Sarah, and we took time to pray for each other, which was very special. 

There were other Pilgrims around us, and other pilgrims just a few feet away, entering the river from the other bank, from Jordan. It was wonderful - and hot, but not quite the 41° of our next stop.

Then for the fully dressing down, to a beach resort on the dead Sea, where most of us went for a float in the warm, muddy water, before showering and enjoying the cool refreshment of the outdoor pool and bar! Somewhat of a contrast to the morning, but all part of Israel/Palestine today.

We returned to college to shower and change, and then head out for dinner. We ate out at the Jerusalem hotel, and as it happens to be the 40th birthday of one of our group, we celebrated! Another full,  thought-provoking and fun day.