Ramallah was never meant to be on our itinerary. Nor was Ashkelon, down on the Mediterranean coast. Due to a hideous mix-up over bookings, we find ourselves staying a second night away from Jerusalem. Truly, no room at the inn.The pilgrims are remarkably resilient: the hotel in Ramallah is not up to the standard we have come to enjoy to date, but an excellent dinner out in the best restaurant in town soon restores our spirits. We all agree that we have enjoyed a unique insight well off the pilgrim trail.
Ashkelon, on the other hand, offers a western style hotel (Holiday Inn, no less) with sea views. It's startling - like a giant golf ball or a scoop of ice cream. But what it certainly is, is clean, comfortable, spacious and an attractive environment in which to relax after a somewhat demanding 24 hours.
Once again our lovely group has come up trumps and everyone seems determined to enjoy the adventure. Tomorrow we will (DV) finally make it to the Knights' Palace, but meanwhile we are all enjoying an unexpected stay in a seaside resort popular with Israeli holidaymakers.
Prayers of peace to all Pilgrims in search of peace- whatever your Abrahimic faith.
ReplyDeleteIt is such irony that such a sacred place,the hub of religious worship,is also the tinder-box of,intolerance anger and hatred.
Doubtless God can wait for man to grow up,but what will man do to himself meantime?
Peace to Gill and Derek Lester,
Pilgrin R