May 25 Ashdod (Jerusalem)
We arrived at Ashdod the second largest port in Israel, after Haifa.
We passed grape vines on our way to
Jerusalem, a 45 minute ride.
Jerusalem is in the hills and the bus climbed and went through tunnels, chiseled through the mountains.
I'd been in Israel in 1967, just before the war when Israel was attacked on all sides by its neighbors. At that time, we were unable to visit old Jerusalem because access was barred by Jordan.
After the war, Israel finally had access to the old city and Jews were finally able to access the Wailing Wall or Western Wall part of the Temple Mount, an area of supreme significance to practicing Jews.
Men and women pray at at different sections of the wall which surrounded the Second Temple, built over 2000 years ago.
There is also a small section of wall, that can be accessed through narrow walkways. The soldiers guard an exit where only Muslims are permitted to enter the Temple Mount.
Our tour followed the Stations of the Cross., a mini pilgrimage commemorating the events of the last day of Jesus' life.
The paving stones found at the entrance to the chapel next to the Armenian Catholic Patriarchate Hospice, mark the spot where Jesus is said to have faced his mother in the crowd of onlookers.
Since the 5th century, the holder of the cast iron key to the Church of the Holy Selpulchre has been two Muslim families (gentleman above right is current holder). This maintains a neutral guardianship for the multi- denominational Christian church. 
According to traditions dating back to the 4th century, the church contains two sites considered holy in Christianity: the site where Jesus was crucified,at a place known as Calvary or Golgotha, and Jesus's empty tomb, which is where he was buried and resurrected.
The Rock encased, in the pic, is said to have the blood of Jesus on it.
We spent a little time meandering the narrow streets. There wasn't too much activity because it was still early in the day. There were signs to point out the divisions between Jewish, Muslim and Christian sectors but at far as I could see, everyone went everywhere without restrictions (except to holy places).
The building top right, (and bottom left)is the Waldorf Astoria Jerusalem Hotel, one of the, if not, the most expensive hotels in Jerusalem, a km from the Jaffe Gate.
On the way back to the ship, the guide had the bus make a brief pit stop at a restaurant, that was a hommage to Elvis. It was different and weird. But can anyone spell 'kickback'?
Once back at the port, I took the shuttle bus to Ashdod, but because it was the eve of a religious holiday, everything was closing down, including stores and museums. So just had a quick peak from the bus and never even got off the bus. My drive through left me with a Miami Beach vibe , but without the clubs.
