Firstly...
Before I kick off this juicy blog.
I hope you're having a wonderful week wherever you are and I hope you're making the most of those cosy winter evenings by the fire or those warm spring evenings (if you're of the antipodean persuasion)
Jerusalem - not just a good song to sing at rugby matches
Last week my journeys took me to the Holy and Historic city of Jerusalem. And if you haven't been. It's a must. It's incredible. The place is obviously steeped with history and religious significance.
And it's a fascinating mix of the old and the new.
Weather report I can confirm I was able to get the tiny calves out in beautiful 23 degree weather in the first week of November and as you can see from the below photo if filtered just right I look like I have a lovely golden tan
The Hollywood sign Jerusalem style
The most beautiful people in the world
Now, a word of warning, if you're low on self esteem DO NOT go to Israel. I've never seen so many astoundingly attractive people in all my life. All tanned skin and beautiful features and piercing eyes. Just don't do it. I've never walked around such a place. Luckily, because of the good weather, I was able to showcase my one redeeming feature (my left thigh)
But in general the people there would make ya sick with their model looks.
They packing heat too
BUT
And it's a big but...
Everyone is casually strolling around carrying assault rifles! So its something of a mind fudge! We got on the bus from Ashdod to Jerusalem and the guy got on behind us and casually laid his assault rifle and pistols on the seat beside him. Which is one way of making sure no-one sits beside you on the bus I suppose
Bunch of young fellas in old town Jerusalem
Cat Watch
Obviously I know what you're here for - the illicit cat photos of the Middle East. And Jerusalem did not disappoint. There were sleepy religious bois left right and centre basking in the sun and finding comfort in the shade. This little fella was in old town Jerusalem living his best life amongst the peace and serenity of the holy sights.
A sleepy boi finding some shade
A stroll around in the winter sun
Aside from the obviously incredible religious history Jerusalem was a feast for the senses and everywhere you turned there is a fabulous mixture of old culture and new art and a thriving city. I cannot wait to go back because one day there was nowhere near enough time!! It gave me a taste but I definitely want to explore more. We purposely didn't take too many photos in the main areas of worship as it felt somewhat it would cheapen the sanctity of the place to have a few click happy tourists knocking around the place. So out of respect for those practicing their religion we kept it to some of the more general city areas :)
Sensational hat and beard combo nicely framed
View from the rooftops of Jerusalem
Inside the Temple Mount area
Me doing my best influencer pose with cool art things
Prayers in the wailing wall
Getting there from the ship - the boring important bits that I'll try make entertaining to read
So the main port for Jerusalem is Ashdod
Or as we hilariously called it - Ashdud - because it was pretty rubbish. It was shite.
Apologies to all ashdodians/ashdodiates but there's not a whole lot going on there from what we could see. It was very much industrial functioning port and the gateway to better places. There was a semi decent looking mall but you can see why everybody wants to go to Jerusalem and not chill in Ashdod.
The shuttle from the ship dropped us into the mall and from there we walked five minutes to the main Ashdod bus station. For 38 shekels (approximately 10 dollars) you could buy a bus pass that got you the following... are you ready.. brace yourself
Travel to Jerusalem on the bus
Unlimited travel on public transport in Jerusalem
Unlimited trams in Jerusalem
Travel back to Ashdod
AND IS VALID FOR 8 YEARS!!!!!!
Like 8 years. Madness - so that was kinda cool and definitely if you're on a budget it was so easy to do. Buses were every 20 minutes or so and took anywhere from 80-100 minutes. So defo allow loads of time for your return journey to make it back to the ship safe and sound.
But ya a pretty easy journey (if a little time consuming) and for the cost of like 10 dollars its pretty cost effective too. Next time I want to venture further a field and jump in the Dead Sea and cover myself with the black sand to get all youthful and such.
Double parked with the coffees
Summary
Words and a blog don't do justice to Jerusalem - you have to go and visit for yourself. There is something there for everyone. As I said - the city is a sensational mix of culture, history and the modern. I would say it, as they pay my bills, but the cruise was a great way to get a taste of the place and it's definitely somewhere I'd love to come back to and visit again
If you have been yourself I'd love to hear what you thought of it and what the must sees are for the next time I visit!
Keep her lit
Stephen
*The beautiful photos you see are taken by the very talented @mattjamesmedia (on the various social media platforms!). He's a talented boy and a top travel companion!! Can't wait to do more work with him*