I Hear Jerusalem Bells Ringing

I was never more grateful for my running program than when I went to Jerusalem.  To run through the streets of the city in the early morning hours was transcendent.

Left the King Solomon Hotel west of the Old City about 5:30 am and ran through the park across the street.  Past something that looked like Jesus' tomb, but there are lots of things that look like Jesus' tomb here.

Up to the walls of the Old City - much like the medieval walls I got to know in York, only with white stone.  Down the southern walls past workers lining up for buses.  Bells were ringing in the Christian Quarter.  The call to prayer from the minarets.

Around to the eastern side where I ran through an Arab graveyard right against the walls - above which was the Temple Mount.  I wondered if it might be disrespectful to run there so I walked a ways.

Went into the Old City through the Lion's Gate.  Coming out were people in Arab dress - men and women headed to prayers or work.  I felt very self-conscious in my Northampton Co. Parks & Rec T-shirt, my gray shorts, and blue headband.  But I kept running.

I was on the Via Dolorosa (above).  Shopkeepers were opening doors for the day.  A baker with the kitchen open to the street making sesame bread.  Narrow passageways everywhere.  Stones smoothed to fine polish by pilgrim feet.  And I mostly had the place to myself.

Up the steps on an uphill stretch I prayed the breath prayer: Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

Out the Jaffa Gate.  Back to the hotel  2,000 years and more in less than an hour's run.

about 4 miles
50:36
easy run