NEW VIEWS OF THE OLD CITY
On Shabbat, 1 May, I went for a walk through a newly opened parking lot next to the Old City walls. This parking lot is a new extension of the private Armenian parking lot. I was fascinated and excited to see this section of the Old City walls for the first time. Their view had previously been blocked by a wall at the side of the narrow Armenian Patriarchate Road. I felt that I had discovered a portion of Eden - tranquil, serene and somehow magical and returned the following morning, Sunday, to photograph.
The Old City walls as seen from the recently opened extension of the Armenian parking lot
Looking westwards through the narrow window towards the King David Hotel
I could imagine the Jordanian Legion aiming their rifles through such a window in the war of 1947 - 1948.
I could imagine the Jordanian Legion aiming their rifles through such a window in the war of 1947 - 1948.
Here we see windows on three sides, to the left and right of the three windows facing west.
I was happy to see that trees have also been planted here.
I was happy to see that trees have also been planted here.
Path leading from the far side of the parking lot behind the buildings of the Armenian Seminary.
It was very peaceful and serene, with many wide-trunked trees as well as young ones and newly planted saplings.
I was totally surprised that such a beautiful area exists in the Old City, just a few minutes from my home.
I felt as if I was in a portion of Eden. I didn't see a soul as I walked to the end of the path.
The whole area is clean and well looked after.
It was very peaceful and serene, with many wide-trunked trees as well as young ones and newly planted saplings.
I was totally surprised that such a beautiful area exists in the Old City, just a few minutes from my home.
I felt as if I was in a portion of Eden. I didn't see a soul as I walked to the end of the path.
The whole area is clean and well looked after.
I was surprised to see this tall, flowering fig tree along the path.
In the summer, its fragrance with fill the air.
In the summer, its fragrance with fill the air.
Seeing these pale purple roses at the side of this path filled me with delight.
Grapevines on an overhead trellis. Behind them, a window overlooking the Yemin Moshe neighborhood.
This reminds me of the verse in the book of Micha Ch. 4:4: "And people will sit beneath their grapevine and fig tree and none will be afraid..."
The prophet, Micha, is speaking about messianic times and seeing this lovely overhead grapevine and fig tree made me realize that the full Geula is so very close.
This reminds me of the verse in the book of Micha Ch. 4:4: "And people will sit beneath their grapevine and fig tree and none will be afraid..."
The prophet, Micha, is speaking about messianic times and seeing this lovely overhead grapevine and fig tree made me realize that the full Geula is so very close.
I love this flowering tree on the edge of a garden, apparently owned by the Armenian Seminary.
I never knew there was so much beauty so close to home!
I never knew there was so much beauty so close to home!
Next to the tree in flower stands this orange tree.
On my way home, this beautiful rose, at the southern end of Habad Street,
above the Jewish Quarter parking lot, caught my attention.
Several rose bushes have recently been planted in this area.
above the Jewish Quarter parking lot, caught my attention.
Several rose bushes have recently been planted in this area.
White and red roses. They look to me as if they are growing on the same bush.
To the right are the Armenian homes at the southern end of Habad Street.
To the right are the Armenian homes at the southern end of Habad Street.
In my courtyard, my good neighbors planted this comquat tree outside their front door.
The comquats and flowers add so much joyous color to our courtyard.
Thank you, Miriam!!
The comquats and flowers add so much joyous color to our courtyard.
Thank you, Miriam!!