Day 9. Ramparts Walk. Shopping at the Damascus Gate. Walking. Falafel.

A view from the Rampart's walk, looking into the City from the Jaffa Gate. We aren't sure why Sam is holding up 3 fingers. Ben is holding his wallet. The one without any money in it. He's also carrying a camera without any batteries. And yes, the white hat on Ben and Sunglasses on Ana are recent purchases. Sam is holding a stick. He liberated the stick from Tel Dan National park. It's a combo walking stick/bow and arrow/golf club/wizard's wand. You can't get those just anywhere. 

We made it to the Old City yesterday. It’s unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been. We stopped yesterday at the Western Wall before checking in to our hotel.

At our hotel, we had a big Shabbat dinner. It’s loud during Shabbat. Lots of singing.

This morning we started our day in the Old City at the Jaffa Gate and then made our way to the Damascus Gate via the Ramparts Walk. What’s the ramparts? That’s the top of the wall. You can walk around the city on top of the ancient walls. It’s a great way to get some great views of the city.

Once we arrived at the Damascus Gate, we bought necessities at the shuk.  Elaine bought 2 kilos of grape leaves. As I write this, she’s sitting on the hotel bed and vacuum sealing the grape leaves. Don’t tell customs. We also stopped and saw our favorite bread guy. 

We then made our way to Abu Shukri for hummus and falafel. I felt bad cheating on my favorite falafel guy, but I’ve read great things about Abu Shukri. And I still have time to visit my favorite guy. 

Elaine can't believe I managed to get her to sit down in a restaurant in the Old City. I didn't actually, her father did. :) And Ana wasn’t impressed with the décor or the food in Abu Shukri. She says she like living in America. 

This door made me laugh. Look closely and see if you can figure out why.