A Day in Jerusalem: From Ancient History to Fresh Crepes
Our first full day in Jerusalem was packed with everything from ancient history to modern street art, with a dash of delicious food thrown in for good measure. We started with some serious biblical sites—think Garden of Gethsemane and Caiaphas's house—before hopping over to Bethlehem for a visit to the Church of the Nativity. But don’t worry, we didn’t spend the whole day lost in the past; we made time for Banksy’s art and some mouthwatering fresh crepes that totally hit the spot.
Morning Calm at the Garden of Gethsemane
We kicked off the day in the Garden of Gethsemane, which was a bit surreal to be honest. Here we were, standing among trees that could very well be 2,000 years old, thinking about the fact that Jesus Himself prayed in this very spot before He was betrayed by Judas. I mean, this is where some of the most intense moments of the New Testament went down!
The garden, located at the base of the Mount of Olives, was incredibly peaceful. Despite its heavy history, it’s beautiful—full of olive trees that look like they’ve seen some things. You could almost picture Jesus here, in the quiet of the early morning, knowing what was coming but still choosing to pray and prepare. Whether you're deeply religious or not, the weight of the history kind of seeps into your bones.
Caiaphas’s House: Where Things Get Serious
From the serenity of the garden, we moved on to Caiaphas’s house. If you’re wondering, “Who’s this Caiaphas guy?”—he was the high priest back in Jesus’ time. His house is where Jesus was taken after His arrest, and it’s where He stood trial before the Sanhedrin (basically a council of Jewish elders). Things were not looking good for Him after that.
Walking through the site, you get a sense of how important this place was. It’s more than just old stones and ruins—it’s a key location in the story of Jesus’ path to crucifixion. There’s even a pit where He might have been held overnight. Imagine being in that dark, cold place, knowing what’s coming next. Gives you chills, right?
Bethlehem Bound: The Church of the Nativity
Now, this is where things got interesting—and a little tense. After leaving Caiaphas’s house, we crossed into Bethlehem, which is under Palestinian control. And crossing into Bethlehem isn’t just a casual drive. Israeli citizens aren’t allowed in, and Palestinian citizens aren’t allowed out. It’s a stark reminder of the political situation in this region.
Our Jewish tour guide, who had been with us for the entire trip up to this point, had to stay behind. In Bethlehem (which, fun fact, is only about a 20-minute drive from Jerusalem), we switched to a Palestinian guide who led us through this section of the tour. Things are tense here, no doubt about it. You can feel it in the air—there’s an unspoken heaviness that hangs over the place, a reminder that even though we were just a few miles away from Jerusalem, we were now in a very different world.
Now, is it actually the exact spot where Jesus was born? Who knows? But whether or not it’s the precise location, the church is pretty incredible. It’s ancient—like, dating back to the 4th century—and it’s filled with mosaics, carvings, and that beautiful old-world church vibe.
The highlight, though, is the grotto beneath the church. You have to duck through a low doorway to get there, and once inside, you’ll find a silver star marking the spot where Jesus is said to have been born. Pilgrims were lined up to touch the star and offer prayers, which was a moving sight, even if you aren’t religious. There’s something powerful about being in a place that means so much to so many people.
Banksy Meets Bethlehem: The Walled Off Hotel
After getting our fill of history and holy sites, we made a little detour to the Walled Off Hotel. If you’ve never heard of it, this place is part hotel, part art installation, all thanks to the mysterious street artist Banksy. It's claims to be the hotel with "The worst view in the world" - and honestly I think they're right!
The hotel sits right up against the West Bank barrier wall—hence the name “Walled Off”—and is filled with Banksy’s signature art. Now, Banksy isn’t your typical artist. He’s anonymous, and his work often makes sharp political and social commentary. At the Walled Off, his pieces reflect on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and they really make you think. One second you’re laughing at the absurdity of some of his images, and the next you’re hit with the harsh reality of life in this region.
The hotel itself is quirky and cool, but it’s also a reminder of the tension and conflict that exists here. It’s definitely not your average hotel stop, but it’s one that sticks with you long after you’ve left.
Finishing the Day with Fresh Crepes
After a day of walking through history and contemplating modern-day art and politics, we were ready for something a little lighter—and that’s when we stumbled upon an outdoor shopping district back in Jerusalem. The place was buzzing with life: vendors selling everything from handmade jewelry to spices, street performers showing off their talents, and the smell of fresh food wafting through the air.
That’s when we found them: crepes. Fresh-made, delicious crepes, and let me tell you, they were the perfect ending to a day packed with heavy stuff. I went for the classic Nutella and strawberry (because why mess with perfection?), while others in our group opted for savory options. Whether sweet or savory, they were the kind of melt-in-your-mouth good that made me question why we don’t eat crepes more often.
As we stood there, crepes in hand, watching the hustle and bustle of the market, I couldn’t help but feel like Jerusalem had given us a little bit of everything that day. Ancient history, complex modern realities, and simple, sweet moments that remind you to enjoy the present.
Wrapping It Up: What a Day!
So that was our first full day in Jerusalem—packed with unforgettable moments, from the peaceful olive trees of Gethsemane to the gritty street art of Banksy’s Walled Off Hotel, and capped off with some seriously good crepes. There’s something about this city that keeps you on your toes. One minute, you’re walking in the footsteps of Jesus, and the next, you’re standing in front of a politically charged mural, pondering the state of the world today.
And honestly, that’s part of what makes Jerusalem so special. It’s a city where the ancient and modern collide in the most unexpected ways, and every corner you turn has a new story to tell. I can’t wait to see what the rest of this adventure brings!
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