I’m here! Checked-in to the King David Hotel in Jerusalem. Just before dawn! Allowed into Israel without even filling out an Entry Card, let alone having a visa.
Don’t know what to do first. So exciting looking from my room as the sun rises over the Western Wall outside my window.
Breakfast at the King David is so Jewish: loud, big fawning older waiters always hovering; almost doing the lifting of my fork to my mouth; taking one cup of half-drunk coffee away and replacing it with another new piping hot cup; all the time with huge, fake smiles, like TWA stewardesses of old.
Burying my head in the International Tribune so as not to be asked what else I may like, the din of loud voices, uncontrolled children, makes me want to be like Jesus, up-ending tables and going berserk clearing the money changers and sellers from the Temple.
Gives me indigestion! And is going to cost me a packet. I should have known I was ‘marked’ when the maitre d’ ushered me to the centre table by the window with a nod to his greying mate in white jacket. (The cost of this Grand Buffet Breakfast is included in Cher’s Virtuoso room rate, but alas, the expected tips at the highest end of any accepted scale are not).
Eddy, so many of the guests remind me of our DSM friend and his sometimes feigned friendliness, but oft’ with a veiled agenda. There’s also tons of money, and real jewels. And here am I, just a boy from the bush. Edmundo is right. I’d be better in a convent!
Father Steve also suggested that the Sisters of Sidon would give me a peaceful clean room in their Convent, but I opted for the more ‘worldly’ route, and will now pay.
Poor Cuz!!
Straight from your ‘Boys’ own tour’ to your ‘Boy’s alone tour’! What a very snappy looking bunch of boys they were too!
I have really enjoyed all your photos and stories from places around Madrid. Most of them are on our list to visit in a few weeks. We will have an apartment in the centre of the city and will return our car when we arrive so that we can travel by train in a more relaxed way. I hope the rain in Spain stays away!
You didn’t mention whether you were able to contact Pablo. Friends of ours have just been to Madrid and they said they had the most gorgeous male guide at the Prado -I wonder if it was our Pablo?
I must apologise for not sending photos of our adventures. Most of our time in Paris has been spent revisiting favourite old haunts so we really haven’t used our cameras much and I am still trying to master the not so finer points of ‘blogging’. As well, we have been pounding the pavements so much that we usually flop into bed exhausted at the end of each day – no ‘Nanna naps’ yet though.
Sounds like you are receiving the royal treatment in Jerusalem but I hope there’s not too much wailing going on – maybe only when the boy for the bush has to do that ‘high end’ tipping!
Mick,
That hotel makes beautiful BLT sandwiches for you to munch while you walk around the wall.
Vic
Wait for Friday night darlink – they won ‘t want to know you!!
Shalom is right. If you wanted that uncontrolled type of atmosphere with children and pushy people you can get it for a lot less money on the lower eastside of Manahattan…..
However, while you are there you might want to pickup some “tchotchkes” for the Sydney apartment.
Good luck with the sightseeing and don’t forget to stuff a note into the Wailing Wall…..cheers Jim
my dear michael, so funny ! i cant stop laughing..
keep me updated,
Rai
Hello Michael,
Yes, I would very much like to be there with you.
I have had a totally exhausting time with the wrap-up and pack-up out west, then the move etc.
I will give you a full report on your return.
Catch soon,
Paul
This is what Rai described in the car on our way to Madrid. Rai said that his friend, Sebastian, had spent two weeks in the Holy Land and did not feel he had been treated well. He felt he was at the Epicure Market in Miami Beach.
Well, you still have time to ask for lodging at the Convent of the Sisters of the Perpetual Adoration of the Pierced Heart of the Resurrected Jesus. If you think I am making up this cloistered order of nuns you can come to Madrid and find them in the corner of the Carrera de San Bernardo and Calle de la Uva. I went into their very tiny chapel and read that their Mother House is in Jerusalem in order to be close to the place of death and resurrection of The Lord. They are taking pilgrims in their Jerusalem convents for whatever money you want to contribute.
Ed
Shalom Mick
We’re here in Nobby Beach, and having something for dinner that you can’t possibly order at the moment, even at the King David Hotel.
Baked pork fillet in cream & mustard sauce!!
Won’t send you a pic.
It might get you evicted!
Take care.
T&A
As I depart my Travel Agency at 6.26 I have a smile on my face. Many friends refer to the breakfasts at King David as pure heaven!!!!
Thank you for cheering up my day with laughter xx
Cher