"The Best of Both Worlds" a Jerusalem Travel Page by wilocrek

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." the words of Charles Dickens best sums up my feelings of visiting the remarkable and volatile city of Jerusalem. During the five days I wandered around this ancient city I was overwhelmed with an array of different emotions. I felt wonder at its ancient walls and historical relevance, I felt puzzled over the division of the quarters and religious preferences. I felt peace as I gazed over the Mt. of Olives and sadness at the Garden of Gethsemane. I felt admiration for the devote worshipers at the Western Wall and was humbled to have been able to walk around the Temple Mount. To have been able to stroll the cobblestone corridors of the old city with the exotic aroma of spices tingling my nose represented the best of times during my visit. But to have also witnessed the division and tension between the two different cultural worlds represented the worst of times. Jerusalem is a perfect mix of history and religion with a strong dose of humanity thrown in for good measure.