Jerusalem: Part 6

The Arabic Quarter
By the time we exited the Christian churches we were all hungry and a little lightheaded. So, Yanek took us to Abu Shukri - the best and most authentic restaurant in Jerusalem. The place is located in a cavernous building, where the halls seem carved out of rock...and it feels like it has remained unchanged in spirit for centuries. The place was packed with what seemed like visiting Arabs and locals, as well as people of many nationalities. And the food was as good as they come. We had a double order of felafels...and we sampled three varieties of hummus...which were also accompanied with several plates of fresh vegetables. We sat there for a while, feasting on the food and the atmosphere..and enjoying the cool respite from the hot sun. Jake was in his element...and thoroughly enjoyed several helpings of each item...comparing and contrasting taste and textures with the expertise of a young food critic. Afterwards, our stomachs full, we wandered through the bazaar that extends through much of the Arabic section...were vendors sell all sorts of souvenirs as well as fabrics, spices, toys, jewelry, etc. At some point, the Mosque's megaphones summoned people to prayer and we witnessed a stream of men walking in a very determined fashion towards the mosque with serious expressions in their faces, they seemed to be responding to a call to arms...and Yanek felt somewhat uncomfortable (he told us later). So, because it was time for us to move on, we wandered towards the Armenian section.