After the obligatory thank yous and speeches began the Dalai Lama soon with his lecture on compassion and ethics in a secular world

Yesterday it was finally so far: I was going to meet the Dalai Lama :-). Last year we ran him just miss during a visit to Dharamsala, but that would now not happen to me! Ok, I had been one of the more than 10,000 people so of course real "meeting" had not been yet. It was in one word FAN-TAS-TIC !! I'm still smiling now :-).

How it started.

We were only at midday reading of the present Dalai Lama. That started at half past two, but of course we were there way too early. I do not come in too late ;-). Eventually we also need time. Try 10,000 excited people get on time at their place! We were not super close as you'll see in the picture, but still we could see everything just fine. Around a quarter to two the Dalai Lama came on stage. Accompanied by his own people and New BFF Erica Terpstra ;-). Very crazy, but so I immediately noticed that I was a kind of emotional. I'm not a crybaby, but it hit me anyway. This particular wise man who symbolizes the struggle of the Tibetan people and himself has made such a special way. I do not know, it just did something really me.

 Dalai Lama 3

The lecture.

After the obligatory thank yous and speeches began the Dalai Lama soon with his lecture on compassion and ethics in a secular world. Yes Yes. Not an easy cost I can tell, but fortunately his lecture was interspersed with questions from fans and questions from the audience. That was actually the most fun; who is the man behind the Dalai Lama and what he really likes the conflict with China? Of course, you get no real answer to this in an afternoon, but it was very nice to see the Dalai Lama playing impromptu questions. I really enjoyed!

And then.

Well. Then it was a quarter past four and was the Dalai Lama there done with it ;-). He wiggled something with his feet, began his belongings to pack all together and gestured angrily "Next question, please quicker. May sound little Buddhist, but hey, the man is 79 years, talks about an intense subject, in a language that is not his. I find it quite a bit. After a final conversation, we were met with a full head of Ahoy. We also caught a glimpse of the Dalai Lama was bonjoured in a car through the rear entrance. My mother and I were like a bunch of groupies to swing at the gate 8-). Grab your still beautiful moment with! All in all it was a really special afternoon. I'm really glad we went and have to process a lot of impressions ;-).

I'm not a city person. I'll have a nice, small and authentic village surrounded by nature ;-). Jerusalem, however, I like to make an exception! What I think say a cool city. During our trip through Israel and the Palestinian territories, we stayed four full days in Jerusalem. There's just so much to see and do! And I'd still like another week to go. The only disadvantage is that Jerusalem is not exactly cheap. They are not really Western prices, but still a long way around. I put five free trips in Jerusalem for you at a glance.


 Jerusalem free getaway 2

1.The old city on foot.

Jerusalem is big. Really big. But the old town is by far the most rewarding and also very good walkable. As long as the course is drawing not, it is ideal for exploring on foot the old town. And it costs you nothing :-). I found it already lovely to just wander through the old streets and alleys, with no specific purpose. But there are many buildings and places that you can visit, also mostly free. Think of the Wailing Wall, the Dome of the Rock, the church where Jesus was crucified according to tradition and the various ethnic neighborhoods. Tip of the Dome of the Rock and El Aqsa Mosque: try's to stand in the morning before 6am in line. Then you have a chance that you can at around 9pm ... Seriously!

2. Visit the Holocaust Museum.

Very worthwhile. And what I'm concerned anyway a must see if you are traveling through Israel. I'm not a museum type, but what I found it impressive! Yad Vashem, as the museum is called in Hebrew, you'll find absolutely everything about Jewish life, World War II and beyond. It is done in a 'nice', respectful manner in a particular building. Admission is free.

3. Strolling about Mahane Yehuda.

I love local markets in other countries. All those indigenous herbs, dishes and crazy-looking fruit; delicious! Right in the newer center of Jerusalem you will find Mahane Yehuda; a huge indoor market with truly the most colorful products. Herbal teas and hundreds of small eateries serving super tasty fresh fish. You can calm an hour or so walking around. you can cost anything :-). But yes, the chances that you are going to spend money is of course again pretty big ...


 Jerusalem free getaway 3

4. Look in the Orthodox world.

While you see it everywhere Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem run, the inhabitants of Jerusalem are a colorful mix of different people and beliefs. How different is the situation in the neighborhood of Mea Shearim ! This very orthodox Jewish district is within walking distance of downtown and you are seriously feeling of having landed in a living museum. Women are completely dressed in black cloth including their hair and walk with their 10 children obediently behind their husbands. In some parts of Mea Shearim, it is not even allowed as husband and wife walking on the same side! I would really an afternoon to pull out anyway. There's another, somewhat bizarre atmosphere and gives you a glimpse into the real Jewish Orthodox world. Tip: do not take pictures or at least not too conspicuous and run like bunch not go hand in hand. They are not happy with it ;-).

5. Follow the Bible on the Mount of Olives.

Whether you are religious or not, a visit to the Mount of Olives really belongs. There are a number of impressive churches, you have a beautiful view of Jerusalem and you can see the gardens of Gethsemane; you know, to find the place where Jesus and his disciples were regularly. Here are even olive trees older than 2,000 years. Surely a crazy idea, do not you think? Even if you do not have a lot further along, it's still worth a visit. And again, for free.