Foto Friday-Bethesda, Shepherd's Field, Church of the Holy Sepulcher

First in this series is a group of shots from a modern and ancient shepherd's field. Reading the psalms which talk about the peaceful streams contrast with the reality of most of the area. A green pasture would be a nice change from this rocky terrain.












The pool of Bethesda, with its porticos. Sorry about the bad shadows, the sun didn't cooperate.




A cathedral at the pool of Bethesda. It has amazing accoustics. We tried to sing a couple songs inside, and thought it sounded decent. Till this little nun who had been there the whole time stood up and sang "Ave Maria", dominating us.




A cistern under the old city. You can see holes where water wouod drain into the cistern. You can only see half of it at a time because of a wall built in the middle. It was sweet to go under the old city.




These paving stones would have been there at the time of Jesus. You can't see it in this picture, but there are old carvings of children's games.

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Traditionally (and likely) the place upon which the cross was set. There is an open spot somewhere inside where one can kiss the ground of calvary. The church is run by feuding Franciscan, Armenian and Orthodox monks, who brawl in the courtyard every so often.

We went in through the Orthodox side.


A tribute to the conflict to this day, this ladder has been there for 150 years for the sake of spite. Wikipedia the story.


A nearby mosque