It was one of those serendipitous days that sometimes happen while traveling. One of those days where you just wander, going with the flow, going wherever a local may suggest and happening upon some of the most incredibly visceral things you've ever experienced.
Starting out in the Muslim quarter, another wander around the Pool of Bethesda complex and some introspective time. Next, the hunt for the stations of the cross we'd missed actually seeing for the entire two-weeks we'd been passing them (they're surprisingly difficult to find!) and then the search for the entirely passed-over Armenian quarter led us to the shop of one particularly lovely jewelry shop owner who invited us up to the rooftop of his shop and then gave us a tour and a history lesson of Jerusalem from that roof.
Afterward, he sent us on a quest to find the Armenian Upper Room. "You must look for the cleaning woman. If you are very lucky, she will share with you her story. She is..." he waves his hand next to his head, "...special, but it is very good."
Right on. Challenge accepted!
The Cleaning Woman in the Armenian Church was one of the most interesting people I have ever, ever met. As a schoolteacher she visited Israel many years ago. When she came to this church she felt the calling to leave her job and serve the church. So she did. She cleans and cares for the place and will gladly share her story, the stories of the miracles she has witnessed there and many other interesting facts with you, if you but give her your time. The locals think she might be a bit crazy and eccentric. I can't tell you if her stories are legitimate, but I can tell you that she is certainly convinced of their truthfulness. That, and the time I spent with her was wonderful.
So sit back, relax, and if you're a woman, don't cross your legs while sitting on the church pews, just your ankles. I'm still not sure why, but she will tell you "we must give praise to God."
She honored us by singing to us in Aramaic, to share the ancient language with us. It was quite beautiful. Enjoy:
Starting out in the Muslim quarter, another wander around the Pool of Bethesda complex and some introspective time. Next, the hunt for the stations of the cross we'd missed actually seeing for the entire two-weeks we'd been passing them (they're surprisingly difficult to find!) and then the search for the entirely passed-over Armenian quarter led us to the shop of one particularly lovely jewelry shop owner who invited us up to the rooftop of his shop and then gave us a tour and a history lesson of Jerusalem from that roof.
Afterward, he sent us on a quest to find the Armenian Upper Room. "You must look for the cleaning woman. If you are very lucky, she will share with you her story. She is..." he waves his hand next to his head, "...special, but it is very good."
Right on. Challenge accepted!
A Jewish man enters a Torah school on the fringes of the Jewish/Armenian quarters.
The Armenian quarter, though very small, is lovely, cheerful and immaculately clean.
Winner! We found the Armenian "Upper Room," which also boasts a few other historic things...
The woman on the left is the church's caretaker.
The Cleaning Woman in the Armenian Church was one of the most interesting people I have ever, ever met. As a schoolteacher she visited Israel many years ago. When she came to this church she felt the calling to leave her job and serve the church. So she did. She cleans and cares for the place and will gladly share her story, the stories of the miracles she has witnessed there and many other interesting facts with you, if you but give her your time. The locals think she might be a bit crazy and eccentric. I can't tell you if her stories are legitimate, but I can tell you that she is certainly convinced of their truthfulness. That, and the time I spent with her was wonderful.
So sit back, relax, and if you're a woman, don't cross your legs while sitting on the church pews, just your ankles. I'm still not sure why, but she will tell you "we must give praise to God."
She honored us by singing to us in Aramaic, to share the ancient language with us. It was quite beautiful. Enjoy:
