We quickly learnt that Jerusalem doesn't hold much patience for tired tourists. There's no time for rest. If you want to befriend Jerusalem you have to be willing to go go go. We literally arrived, showered, and headed straight for the famous food market. This was not a planned outing on the itinerary, in fact we had never heard of the market until we arrived at our hotel. Our very informed and opinionated hotel receptionist diplomatically commanded us to go to the local outdoor food market a few blocks away - no questions asked. Apparently this specific market is at it's busy best on on a Friday afternoon between 1pm and 4pm. This due to the fact that their the last 2-3 hours before the traditional Friday Sabbath dinner starts. In Hebrew custom the new day begins in the evening (I love this and want to start doing the same - it makes such a difference in preparing oneself for the new day the eve before!) So the Sabbath (rest day) starts on Friday night. The meals are usually a large family gathering (extended family too) and they need to cook for the next day as well, as they can't cook/work on the Sabbath. All this really means is that Friday evenings is BIG meal, family and fellowship night, which is why Friday afternoon is prime time for market action!
So of course travel tiredness was kicked out the window and exploration mode kicked in! Papa and I hit the streets - camera, shekels, slip slops, hats, sun tan lotion and all - like proper first time travellers (I smirk at the thought now - 4 days in Jerusalem makes one a calmer and cooler tourist quickly;) Thank goodness).
So of course travel tiredness was kicked out the window and exploration mode kicked in! Papa and I hit the streets - camera, shekels, slip slops, hats, sun tan lotion and all - like proper first time travellers (I smirk at the thought now - 4 days in Jerusalem makes one a calmer and cooler tourist quickly;) Thank goodness).
Little did I know that my idea of food market was to be ruined for life...
No food market has ever come close, and if there's one that does I'm looking forward to meeting it!
The Yehuda Market is proof that the Bible is accurate. (so easy, I've solved all apologetics with a market visit!) When Joshua and the spies spoke of a 'land of milk and honey' they knew what they were talking about - this promised land really does have grapes the size of your hands, streams of milk cuppacinos and honey sweet halva! You can find every fresh produce one can think of: from fresh fish, to lamb, to pomegranites, to aubergines, to the sweetest dates, falafels, goats cheese... you name it - it's there, in huge sizes, intense colour and mesmerising aroma's. Not only is the the food an experience, but the people are just as intriguing. Orthadox Jews in the smart attire, frantic mothers elbowing their way, food samplers imposing their produce well into your personal space, young tourists and old know hows... a colourful and tastey mix!
Market Feast... to say the least!
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