attractive tourist destination – Page 10 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Jerusalem Under the Sturgeon Moon

August 14, 2022August 14, 2022Sharon A

Did you know the last supermoon of 2022 was named for a fish? Kosher or not kosher, the sturgeon is the largest fish found in the US.

The full moon over Yemin Moshe is always photo-worthy. However, this week I wished I had a better camera with me when I saw it rise in the sky.

President Herzog received new Ambassadors to Israel, the first of the day was from Viet Nam with his wife in traditional colorful outfits.

Then the new Ambassador from Germany presented his credentials.

In spite of recent controversies, German government officials receive a welcome in Israel second only to those of the US. The dinner for Andrea Merkel is one example, the ceremony celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations, was another.

https://youtube.com/shorts/MFq3BE6WGks?

But seeing a German military official saluting along with IDF at the red carpet reception for the playing of Hatikvah was a stop and video moment.

Another one of those green bike path lanes runs outside of Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s residence. Only they start and stop and go nowhere.

Oh well, there were plenty of places to go now that Tisha B’Av is over.

The Takhana Rishona, First Station hosts musical entertainment.

One night advertised as Klezmer free concerts, young people were featured.

At the Jerusalem Theater, not only inside, but on the plaza out front music could be heard on Jerusalem streets.

Monday night Israeli dancing attracted a large enthusiastic group of participants, men, and women of various ages and styles.

Another August favorite is the Theater in the Rough Shakespeare productions. This year the Merchant of Venice has another seven performances in Bloomfield Park behind the King David Hotel.

The popular Jerusalem public space was shared by a loud party

and multiple family photoshoots on the night I attended.

As the audience moved along with the thespians,

dozens of families strolled on summer outings.

The Train Theater is ready for the week with a big opening tonight.

Gan Sacher, Sacher Park is back as a popular night spot for families.

I went by on my way to check out the Likud Primary voting situation at the Jerusalem Convention Center.

At 9:00 pm, the stated closing time, people were still arriving.

Campaigning was going strong outside in the crowded plaza.

And heading home, in Sacher Park people were still arriving to party.

There was much to celebrate, with or without sturgeon this past week in Jerusalem.

Come see The Real Jerusalem Streets for yourself.

18 Colors and Sounds: Summer in Jerusalem

August 7, 2022August 7, 2022Sharon A

Not the usual week on the Jerusalem, Israel, streets.

The period before Tisha B’Av is known as the Nine Days.

Each year RJS is here to share something new along with the old.

In Jerusalem, it is a time for a colorful sky in the evening as the sun sets.

Building construction is often halted during the Nine Days.

Street construction continued, and Ramban Street was closed for repaving.

Finally, the long-delayed Knesset Museum is showing some progress.

If taking out windows and putting up new signs are signs of progress.

President Isaac Herzog held a diplomatic work meeting with President Ratu Wiliame M. Katonivere of the Republic of Fiji this week.

Wonder if the official motorcade noticed the colors of the Jerusalem streets?

The brilliant reds in the hot midday sun,

or the bright whites in the evening hours.

The flowers were blooming off of Ben Yehudah Street.

But I went out from my airconditioned space to see the new street installations off Ben Yehudah in town.

There were birds,

balloons,

and colorful clothing over the streets.

Some refrain from shopping for clothing during the Nine Days,

but tourists are here and the shops had signs to welcome the teen tourists.

The water was off from this installation but it has been painted in new pastel colors.

And then there were these big balloons over the street to entice youngsters.

The colorful lion at Kikar Safra stands across from the I Love JLM display.

Not all is as it appears at Safra Square, these colorful pillows are cement.

A reminder that not all coloring is considered a good idea.

The colorful crowds were back at Jaffa Gate of the Old City.

With a large family outing, matching colored tee shirts are a good idea.

And ice cream is a good idea any time in Jerusalem in the summer.

As Tisha B’Av ends, the end of summer festivals begin,

International Klezemer is 8-14, and Jerusalem Puppets at Train Theater,

the long-running Arts Festival with musical performances each night,

and the Dinosaurs at the Botanical Gardens.

The ads are up again for a variety of events,

including a Festival with books and music, and food in the neighborhoods.

The Summer marathon in Jerusalem is splashed at a Jerusalem bus stop.

The pomegranates are reminding us of summer’s end approaching.

But it is still hot enough during the day for Jerusalem cats to do nothing.

In Jerusalem, as the Nine Days and Tisha B’Av come to an end the crowds assemble at the Kotel, Western Wall. At night the scene can be a surprise. Thousands of people sing slow sad songs, while others appear to be at a massive party.

All prayers conclude with the blessing of peace in Jerusalem.

Tips for Touring in Jerusalem

April 3, 2022April 9, 2022Sharon A

Once again in Jerusalem, the weather has turned overnight, from freezing cold and cloudy to a full-blown sunshine heatwave.

Well, except when the next sand storm blows in to block the rays.

We asked for warmer and it’s here this week.

Lucky are all those thousands of returning tourists! People who have wanted to come but because of corona and closings were not able to get to Jerusalem sooner, they are arriving daily.

The Old City should be buzzing this year with Passover, Ramadan, Easter Sunday, and Orthodox Palm Sunday coinciding.

But there is much more to do in Jerusalem!

The Jerusalem Biblical Zoo is a short drive, with the Aquarium nearby,

and it’s fun to check out the new butterfly house when the sun is shining.

Even at the Knesset, where you can book and join a free tour, there’s a large crane rising above the Knesset. Building construction is everywhere. Traffic is back and filling the Jerusalem Streets.

The Rose Garden and Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, are close to the Knesset.

Now that the 11th Jerusalem Marathon is over the park is much quieter than last week with tens of thousands of runners trying to stay dry.

Jerusalem Sacher Park Lion in new play area

The new playground is large with something for almost everyone. I am fond of that special Jerusalem lion.

However, I want to share some of the lesser-known spots for those who want some quiet time.

For the past 6 years, the Gazelle (Deer) Park, near Malha Mall, has gotten more crowded with visitors during the Passover holiday.

Hansen House Gardens are open to the public, plus the annual Design Week is happening soon.

How about a quiet nature spot to eat a picnic lunch off of Emek Refaim?

The Jerusalem Nature Museum is a local secret hideaway, saved from developers, slowly being renovated, and used for varied big events before Covid and starting up again taking advantage of outside spaces.

I love how this time of year flowers pop thru the old stones.

At Beit Hanasi, the Israeli President’s Residence, I saw this week that signs have been posted to explain the old stones displayed in the gardens on the new audio tour. Tour groups are back at Beit Hanasi!