One final visit to the Wall

Not quite such an early morning – but a really interesting one which started even before I had really left the hotel.

The Sephardic House is extremely well situated for a quick stroll down to the Wall. Strange how, biblically, all the Psalms talk of going UP to Jerusalem! I certainly felt the need to climb back to the hotel. The hillside is actually pretty steep.

As I walked across the lane to my room from the courtyard where breakfast was served I felt there was something going on- a photographer, assistant holding a flash umbrella and a family group. They were taking commemorative photographs on the way to one of the boys’ Bar Mitzvah at the Wall. A fun start to the day! This was a special celebration: they had come from the United States.

 

Another good thing about The Sephardic House is that they not only made a room available hours early on my arrival, they also offered a late check out without my asking for one! Much appreciated as it allowed me to have an unpressured morning. Taxi was booked for noon so I could afford to be back by 11 and still be ready. So I was able to take the opportunity for a few final photos, some ‘down time’ and still have time to pack before I had to vacate the room. Perfect!

As I had been told, Monday is a busy day for Bar Mitzvah – and so for teams of photographers! they were everywhere, making it difficult sometime to remember just how special this place is for Jews. Most groups had both a stills and movie photographer!

 

All too soon, it was time to make my way back but I had enjoyed that last bit of interaction – especially as ladies peered over the dividing fence to see what was going on and one young man lost his child so peeked through to call his wife and make sure she was on the look out!

I doubt if I’ll be back again so quickly!

The taxi ride to the airport was interesting. We went a way I had never been before – between the fence in Zone C. Past Ramallah.

It  really saddened me to see how the country is divided and how difficult it can be for those who live the wrong side of the barrier to get from one side to the other whether for work or to visit.

 

Arriving at the airport was easy and flying El Al I was able to check in and through immediately whereas when I flew BA I had to wait until the stated time. Much easier than El Al at Heathrow where I had clearly been singled out for special checks: each time there I was security point I was called over. Nothing in Tel Aviv fortunately. I would not have wanted that a second time!!

Home to sort photos now!!