After spending the first two days of my trip in Tel Aviv, I had a tour pick me up and take me to Jerusalem. The drive was quick and ended at the King David Hotel in Jerusalem. From there I went on a half-day tour of Bethlehem. More on that here.
After leaving Palestine, I switched buses and took a nearly two-hour ride to the Dead Sea. We hopped out for pictures at sea level before heading to the Dead Sea. Once there, I switched out into my bathing suit and went to the water. It was so incredible floating on the water and taking in the environment. There is a bar there too for refreshments. After a few hours, I made my way back to Jerusalem.
I stayed at the Jerusalem Tower Hotel. The hotel is quaint with few amenities. After freshening up I walked a few blocks for dinner at Mona. I liked the open kitchen concept of seeing the food leave the kitchen and I had a birdseye view from the bar. I didn't even know what Bresaola was until that night. I ordered it and hoped for the best and it exceeded my expectations. I also had some fresh bread and butter and a few drinks.
The next day I woke up early and went to the old City of Jerusalem. Entering from the Jaffa gate, I made my way through the mazes of streets to find places of interest one by one. I started with the Western Wall. It was incredible finally seeing it in person. Afterward, I went to visit the Dome of the Rock. This has a separate entrance and is worth the visit. It is said to be the third holiest place in Islam and the center of many issues within the city. After leaving and spilling back into the streets of the Muslim quarter, I made my way over to the Holy Sepulchre. Worlds can't describe the morning I had and the things I saw, it gave me an aura of gratefulness and made me thankful I took the pilgrimage. Via Dolorosa Street is also a must-visit in Jerusalem.
After leaving the city center, I ventured north to have lunch at Machneyuda. I ordered brisket and fries. It came on a bone with bone marrow. Typically, I would pass but I figured why not. It was soft, almost like butter, and complemented the meal well. A few blocks away there is a local market that I stopped at and tried watermelon tea. Tel Aviv is a food city, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I boarded the train back to Tel Aviv and said goodbye to Jerusalem but I have a feeling I will be back.
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