Jerusalem Adventures: Tunnel Treks, Ancient Pools, and Strudel Bliss
Today was one of those days in Jerusalem where the history was as rich as the coffee, the sights were as epic as the stories, and the adventures were just quirky enough to keep us all on our toes. We kicked things off at the Pool of Bethesda—a place so steeped in biblical significance that you could practically feel the ancient vibes swirling around.
Pool of Bethesda: Where Miracles and Marvels Meet
We began our morning at the Pool of Bethesda, a spot mentioned in the Gospel of John where Jesus healed a paralyzed man. It’s the kind of place that makes you stop and think about all the miracles that have taken place here. The ruins of the pool, with its ancient stone walls and overgrown vegetation, felt like a time machine to the past.
Our group huddled together for a quick devotional, which was a nice way to start the day. Reflecting on the healing that took place here was both humbling and inspiring—definitely a moment to pause and soak in the significance of where we were standing.
A Surprise Serenade at the Church of St. Anne
After our time at the pool, we made our way to the Church of St. Anne, a place known not only for its history but also for its mind-blowing acoustics. This church is like the holy grail for singers (pun intended). It’s the kind of place where you can sing a note, and it’ll hang in the air long enough to make you sound like a professional—no auto-tune needed.
My friend Chris couldn’t resist testing out those acoustics. He broke into a hymn, and let me tell you, it was one of those goosebump-inducing moments. His voice filled every corner of the church, and it was so beautiful that even other travel groups stopped in their tracks to listen. For a few minutes, the hustle and bustle of sightseeing paused, and we were all content to sit and worship together.
City of David: Walking Through Time
Leaving the melodic echoes of the church behind, we headed to the City of David. If Jerusalem is a cake, the City of David is the rich, ancient filling. It’s where the story of this city began, and walking through it is like flipping through the pages of a history book—only with way better views.
The City of David is perched on a hill that offers some pretty sweet panoramic views of Old Town Jerusalem. It’s the kind of place where you can almost hear the whispers of ancient kings and prophets in the wind. We strolled through narrow streets, taking in the ruins of King David’s palace, and learned about the ancient water systems that kept this city alive during sieges.
Beautiful flowers in the City of David
Hezekiah's Tunnel: My Archeological Debut
Now, let’s talk about Hezekiah’s Tunnel—a tunnel that’s as mysterious as it is wet. This underground passage was carved out of solid rock during the reign of King Hezekiah (we’re talking 8th century BCE) to protect the city’s water supply. Basically, it’s an ancient engineering marvel that also doubles as an impromptu river trek.
I’m not usually one for tight spaces or sloshing through water in the dark, but when the chance to trek through Hezekiah’s Tunnel came up, I knew I couldn’t pass it up. So, with my pants rolled up to avoid the knee-deep water, I plunged in. What could go wrong, right?
We started off in a group, but it didn’t take long before we naturally split up into three categories: the speed demons, the slow-and-steady gang, and then there was Jen and me—happily plodding along in the middle. The tunnel is narrow, dark, and winding, with water flowing underfoot, and only one way out. The idea of getting lost didn’t even cross my mind—there was literally nowhere else to go.
The Not-So-Ancient Discovery
As we made our way through the tunnel, Jen and I started to slow down, mesmerized by the carvings and markings on the walls. Our guide had mentioned that some of these markings were from the original tunnel builders or Crusaders, and we were on a mission to find one. Imagine our excitement when we spotted what we thought was an ancient marking! We were over the moon and snapped a picture, eager to show off our archaeological “find.”
Fast forward to the end of the tunnel (thank you, daylight!), and we couldn’t wait to share our discovery. But when we took a closer look at the photo, we realized that our “ancient marking” was actually the name “Amy,” scratched into the wall by some modern-day tourist. Amy, wherever you are, thanks for the laughs!
Archaeological Digging and Modern-Day Discoveries
After our tunnel escapade, we rejoined the rest of our group, who had wisely stayed above ground. We got to check out some of the ongoing archaeological digs around the City of David. Seeing archaeologists meticulously brushing away dirt to reveal hidden treasures was like watching an episode of a real-life Indiana Jones. Every day in Jerusalem, new pieces of history are being uncovered—who knows what they’ll find next?
Church of the Holy Sepulchre: History in Every Stone
Next up on our Jerusalem journey was the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the holiest sites in Christianity. Some believe this is the exact spot where Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose again. Whether you believe it’s the true location or not, there’s no denying the sense of awe that hits you the moment you step inside.
This church is like a Russian nesting doll of holy sites—inside its outer walls, you’ll find smaller chapels and shrines marking key events in Jesus’ life. It’s a church within a church, with each corner telling its own part of the story.
Our group was split on whether this was the exact spot or if it was the Garden Tomb just outside the city walls. But regardless of where you stand on the debate, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is an experience in itself. The architecture, the relics, the centuries-old artwork—it all comes together to create a place that’s as beautiful as it is sacred.
The Heart of the Church
The church is built over what is believed to be Golgotha, the place where Jesus was crucified. You can actually see the rock of Golgotha through a glass panel under an altar. It’s a powerful reminder of the events that took place here, and it’s a spot that draws pilgrims from all over the world.
Then there’s the Aedicule, a small chapel within the church that’s believed to be the site of Jesus’ tomb. Pilgrims were lined up to pay their respects, and the air was thick with reverence. Even if this was not the original site of these events in the life of Jesus, it’s hard not to feel moved by the history and the faith that fills this place.
Inside the church of the Holy Sepulchre
Austrian Hospice: Strudel, Melange, and Good Vibes
With our official touring done for the day, we made our way back through Old Town to one of our favorite spots: the Austrian Hospice. This place has become our go-to hangout in Jerusalem, and for good reason. Between the rooftop views, the strudel that’s basically heaven on a plate, and the melange (a cappuccino-like beverage that is my go-to drink when I visit Austria), it’s the perfect spot to unwind.
We grabbed a corner table and settled in with our treats. Over strudel and coffee, we swapped stories about our day and shared a few laughs about our “ancient” discovery in Hezekiah’s Tunnel. It was one of those perfect moments where everything just felt right—the company, the conversation, and the comfort of this little slice of Europe in the heart of Jerusalem.
Wrapping Up a Day of Fun and History
Looking back on the day, I can’t help but smile at all the adventures we packed in. From the awe-inspiring history of the Pool of Bethesda to the unexpected hilarity of our tunnel trek, it was a day full of moments that I’ll remember long after we’ve left Jerusalem.
This city has a way of surprising you at every turn. Whether it’s through the echoes of a hymn in an ancient church, the thrill of an underground adventure, or simply sharing a slice of strudel with friends, Jerusalem leaves a mark on your heart.
As the moon rose over the Old City, we made our way back to the hotel, ready for another night of delicious food and more stories to share. And who knows what tomorrow will bring? With Jerusalem, you just have to be ready for anything—and that’s exactly what makes it so amazing
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