Pilgrimage 2.0-5 : Jumping Jerusalem!
The Orient Palace is decorated to be a predominantly Christian pilgrimage hotel. The check-in counter was flanked by statues of the Virgin Mary, and there was a large bas relief of Madonna and Child. But like many establishments catering to Christian pilgrims in the Holy Land, it is owned by Muslims. Other examples include shops selling religious paraphernalia. They probably know more about the merchandise part Christianity than actual Christians. To make a buck, it does not matter. No conflict of interest. The first place we visited in Jerusalem was the Chapel of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives . Before getting off the bus, Sherry warned us not to buy souvenirs from the Arab street vendors and children. Right outside the chapel was a mosque, a feature at many of the holy sites that we were going to visit. Islam and Christianity has a tangled history in the Holy Land. The chapel is really austere, with little decoration. On the floor is a small framed stone with an imprint