Jerusalem

What I did:
Sandemans free walking tour-
Walking tour are a great way to see a city, learn some history, and get a bit of comedy. Sandemans offers a free walking tour through the old city, as well as various other paid tours.

Explored the Old City Markets-
Old City Jerusalem is divided into four "quarters"- the Christian quarter, the Muslim quarter, the Jewish quarter, and the Armenian quarter. The majority of the Old City is a large marketplace selling things like food, clothing, and souvenirs.

Western Wall-
The Western Wall is a significant religious site. It was built over two thousand years ago. For Jews it is the holiest place where they are permitted to pray. Behind the Western Wall lies the Temple Mount.

The Temple Mount-
The Temple Mount is one of the most famous religious sites in the world. It is significant to the three Abrahamic religions (Islam, Christianity, and Judaism). The Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount is one of the holiest sites in the Muslim religion. The site is also significant to Christians because, at thousands of years old, the area was built before the time of Jesus. It is also the site of the Jewish "Holy of Holies."

Walked the Old City walls-
For 16 shekels (about $4) I was able to walk on the Old City walls. It offers unique views of the Old City.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre-
The sites of both the crucifiction of Jesus and the tomb where Jesus was buried and resurrected are believed to be located inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Garden Tomb-
The Garden Tomb is another location where the empty tomb of Jesus is believed to have been. While historical records seem to point the site of the empty tomb being inside the current Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Garden Tomb has been preserved very well. The Garden Tomb has been preserved to look much more like the area would have looked in the first century. Because of how it is preserved, the Garden Tomb is one of my favorite historical sites.

Mount of Olives-
The Mount of Olives offers a great view of the Old City of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. It is also the area where many significant events in the life of Jesus took place.

Razzouk Ink-
The Razzouk family has been doing tattoos since the year 1300 years. Razzouk Ink, located in the Old City of Jerusalem, is believed to be the oldest tattoo shop in the world at over 700 years old. While they currently have modern equipment, they can even still use some of the old blocks stencils they have used for hundreds of years. I took advantage of the opportunity to get a tattoo while I was in the Old City.

The Shuk-
Mahane Yehuda Market, or "The Shuk," is a modern day marketplace in Jerusalem. It offers a variety of things for sale, including some amazing food and drink.

Where I ate:
Beer Bazaar-
Located in the Shuk, Beer Bazaar was a great place to eat and drink. The food and drink were great and the people were very friendly.

Jachnun Bar-
Shakshuka is a tomato and egg middle eastern dish that is served in the pan it is cooked in. I had a great Shakshuka at Jachnun Bar, located in the Shuk.

Soramelo Waffles-
Normally when I visit I new restaurant, I go there because it has been recommended or rated highly. However, it was just my nose that led me to the amazing flavor at Soramelo Waffles. As I was walking around the Shuk, I could smell something amazing coming from their place. You can choose a variety of toppings or just let them pick for you.

Michmoret-
Located in the Shuk, Michmoret offers some great seafood. However, it can be a little pricey.

Marzipan Bakery-
Marzipan is a great, famous place for anyone interested in baked goods.

Tala Hummus and Falafel-
Located inside the Old City, Tala is a great place to have the middle eastern specialties hummus and falafel.

Abu Shukri-
Located in the Muslim Quarter, Abu Shukri is another great place to get hummus in Jerusalem.

Where I stayed:
Abraham Hostel Jerusalem-
Abraham Hostel Jerusalem was one of the better hostels I have stayed in. It was very clean and the hostel breakfast was very good. It is also very conveniently located. They also hosted an open mic night that I wasn't expecting much of, but the musicians were amazing.

How I got around:
After taking a shuttle van to Jerusalem, I walked throughout the city. When inside the city walking seems to be the best form of transportation, but there is public transportation available for those going outside the city.

My Favorite Thing:
There is an immense amount of history in Jerusalem. Also, there is a unique cultural mix in Jerusalem. It was very interesting to walk around the different quarters of the Old City, and it was very interesting to walk around Jerusalem on a Friday night or Saturday morning when the city is virtually shut down from sundown Friday to sundown on Saturday.

My Least Favorite Thing:
There was not much I disliked about Jerusalem. However, it would be nice (if wishful thinking) to see the political situation resolved.

For Next Time:
There is a restaurant called The Eucalyptus that I have heard good things about and would like to try. Also, I want to use one of the old block stencils for the next tattoo I get at Razzouk.