Day 6: Shellie's Last Full Day

Well, we knew that time was running out, so today was the last chance to get souvenirs.  We did a bit of sightseeing along the way, like my kids' school, the Anglican International School of Jerusalem, whose buildings have an interesting history you can read about here.  

We parked across from the Anglican school then walked to the Mahane Yehuda Shuk.  This pedestrian market lines several streets, and has lots of booths.  We were looking for a particular style of tablecloth for Shellie to use when she puts on passover seder events for her family and friends.  I was really glad when we were able to find one in a housewares shop.  

Here is the Shuk's answer to Claire's Boutique...

...and Party Land

...and Joann Fabric...

...and Nutty Guys.

This is the Halva Kingdom.  I can't think of anything close in the states.

We ran into my artist friend named Miri Berman, who invited a group of students to her home and studio in Ein Kerem two years ago.   I was glad to see her serendipitously after losing touch.

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Miri is an amazing artist and sculptor who is also a cancer survivor.  During treatment she felt so frail and thin that she started making sculptures with large hips and legs as her signature style.  

  

I love this sculpture of the couple because there is teamwork and also tension in the way the solid stone heart shaped pair balances almost precariously on the tips of two elbows.

We left the Shuk in West Jerusalem, parked under the Mamilla Mall, and walked into the Old City through Jaffa Gate.  

We walked along Christian Quarter Road looking for bargains/treasures.  Here is the doorway to the Church of St. John the Baptist.  The church itself is beautifully painted, but it was closed that day.  Still, the doorway itself has a lot of character.  You really have to watch your feet and your head at the same time.  

Who can resist a charming olivewood nativity set?  This one has a music box behind the star.  

Shellie got several plates to arrange on her wall.

This was the last sunset over Jerusalem, and I drove Shellie to the airport at 4 am for her return flight.  She had come to us with lots of gifts and supplies, and more importantly, she brought smiles, games, and enthusiasm, and a new way of looking at a now-familiar place.  She returned home with a suitcase full of presents and mementos, a thumb drive full of photos, and hopefully lots of wonderful memories.  While she was here she felt Heavenly Father's love for the people of this land, and expressed how she wished people in this land could hope for heaven together.