Choosing Sides in Jerusalem

Beautiful pictures for a rather depressing blog
But you picked the right side, that of life! I do believe that there is much more good in this world than bad, at least that is what travelling has taught me. It is just that the bad always is so much more destructive and publicity hungry, so it gets all the attention, always. The vast majority who don't stab, shoot or bomb each other is never highlighted in the news...

Observational -v- Detached
It is hard not to read this blog without a furrow to my brow. Yet what you describe sounds chilling, scary maybe, definitely terribly sad. But are you so protective of your senses as you are living with these as daily events that your observational determination means you become detached? That is what struck me when reading...not being critical at all Nanci...just observational. I think you probably have to be detached to survive in what to many people is not just the holy city...but a war zone. I look forward to your further observations.

Thanks for writing this..
This was a difficult blog to read, so I can't even start to imagine how difficult it must be be there, not only as a tourist, but as a citizen and seeing no end to this horrible situation, hearing sirens every single day and night and wondering if this time, it may be someone you know. I agree with you that many problems of today's world originate in the conflict being lived in Israel and Palestine and I also can't see an end to it. I believe there is good in people and most persons have a good heart but sometimes I also feel really guilty for having brought a child into this world... I wonder how anyone wants to have children while living in constant conflict, but I can only hope that we can teach the new generations to be more understanding and open minded that we are... as usual, great photos.

People views and emotions
This may be one of your more powerful blogs describing day to day life and angst in this world. Challenges come in understanding. Your thoughtful approach to travel especially in this part of the world is to be commended. We are eager to see for ourselves and yet the violence is worrisome. We do not live in fear so we must travel and hopefully travel smart. Thanks again for sharing your impressions.

Generations of hate mongering...
As difficult as it was to read this post due to the subject matter and your near encounters, I really appreciate your approach to it and your considered writing. My dad and his friends were very interested in the politics of the region and so I was surrounded by arguments/observations/analysis of the area all my life - and it's very sad to think that something that was boring adult talk to me, was a living war zone for so many people. I'm glad to hear that you felt safe and could enjoy the city despite the shadow of inhumanity around you. Safe onwards travels.

Bullet holes in the art colony!
You've so well portrayed the beauty and the beast of Jerusalem. I so appreciate your dedication to being observant and open and to visiting places where you have an opportunity to gain a personal sense and better understanding of the difficulties that others live with. Must admit I got rather teary reading your accounts of the endless police sirens, the ill treatment of the Palestinians, and the death of youth on both sides. And for all of that, there was so much beauty in the sacred places. There was a time in Jerusalem with an enlightened mayor when there was peace. May peace return!

War zone
Thanks for your thoughtful well written blog Nanci....and beautiful photos. It's incredible to think really that tourism and travel is still going on in places in the Middle East where it really is a war zone. The horror of every day for people living there is unimaginable and I am move managed to hang on to your observational stance and see some beauty there as well as the tragedy.