The Holy City of Jerusalem: It is only normal to want to explore as much as possible while staying in the West Bank. The area is one rich with history and the sites are densely around us. Many of us have grown up hearing about this Holy Land and being able to walk the ways of saints and prophets can be an experience beyond description. Even for those of us that are not religious, learning about the long history and events of the area is imperative to understanding the current circumstances of not only the region, but the world.  Every excursion in the West Bank, from a visit to legendary Jerusalem to the small villages around Hebron can be enlightening, so, remember to explore, it is there you will experience everything the region has to offer.

Travelling around the West Bank can be a quite simple endeavor if one has a car, but a bit more complicated if we are to rely on public transportation. One of the first valuable lessons becomes an appreciation for the freedom of movement we internationals can usually enjoy. Once we lose the privilege of driving where ever we want, we become dependent on others, something of a nice experience if you can allow yourself to enjoy it. While at the Excellence Center they organize visits to some big attractions, and sometimes you will meet locals who will gladly drive you around to some historical sites (those that they are allowed to visit), but often you will have to use the public transportation to get to places on the other side of checkpoints.

Jerusalem is a city many inhabitants of the West Bank are not able to visit. Restrictions apply and people require a specific visa which is complicated to get. For internationals it is not a problem, your passport and tourist visa will suffice while crossing the checkpoint outside of Bethlehem. From Hebron there are services or shared taxis which go all the way into the Arab Bus Station in Jerusalem, they are of course driven by Palestinians who hold permits to enter the Holy City and drive cars with the same privileges. These cars usually leave from the center of Hebron once they are filled and take about 1 hour depending on the traffic.

The Arab Bus Station is conveniently located right next to The Damascus Gate, one of the entrances into Jerusalem’s main attraction; the ancient walled city.  The city is thought to be as old as history itself, as it was here the common counting of time as BC and AC was started. It is here the world’s three monotheistic religions had their origins, and it is here they once (and to a certain extent still) all lived together. It is beautiful to walk around and visit the different neighborhood within the city walls; the Christian Quarters, the Muslim Quarters, and of course the Jewish quarters, all of them with their churches, mosques and synagogues, its shops and characteristic pieces of history. Be aware it is a very touristy place, and usually packed with people.  

All comes together on the Temple Mount. To enter, non Muslims need to head to the official entrance next to The Western Wall, which is a sight on its own. Upon entering the thick stoned wall, some of the slabs of stone are over a meter thick! You will find yourself in a beautiful open space, quite the contrast after walking the small, tightly wound and often covered cobbled streets of the old city. The open space is a breath of fresh air, allowing one to truly feel the grandeur and its imminent significance along the centuries. One can spend hours exploring and admiring the beauty of all built on this mount, but be aware that it is only open (for non Muslims)  for some hours in the morning and some hours in the afternoon.

There is a lot to see in Jerusalem, pilgrimage sites, historical sites, museums, cultural centers, art and music. Souvenir shopping and exquisite eating are a must in the city as well, but keep in mind that the prices can be a bit higher here than in Hebron. Also be aware of the divisions and allow yourself some time to explore outside the old city, visit the east and west areas. It is here the two main groups, Arabs and Jews meet and perhaps where there is most tension at the moment, but it is nonetheless an interesting place to do some people watching. Always remember the privilege afforded by your passport in enjoying this Holy City.