On 23 December we walked into the old city of Jerusalem, the goal of our Walking East pilgrimage. Though we will surely walk more in the future, this stage is done.
In the days since we arrived we have visited several pilgrimage sites here in Jerusalem. We spent a few hours on Christmas day in Bethlehem including a visit to the nativity sight.
The 12-day guided tour was tiring and not always what we were looking for. It was a first for both of us and it will be the last. It is not our thing. It was neither our pace nor our style. But it was necessary this time and it did give us an overview of many of the major sights. And it was a slower entry into Jerusalem than an airplane would have been.
We never thought we would walk into Jerusalem with a tourist bus. But that’s the way we came, staying for a few days in 5-star hotels and now back to pilgrim hostel standards.
As we started, one of our goals was to see how we would change after such a long walk. Tired this morning, I quipped that the answer seemed to be: I can feel that I am two years older with sore feet. But I know there are other more positive things that will float up in the coming days.
We will stay in Jerusalem a few more days reviewing the past 700 days and deciding what to do next.
Thanks to all of you who have stayed with us and supported us through these almost two years.
Congratulation on your arrival.
Comment by Marty — December 28, 2010 @ 12:57 am
Congratulation upon completion of your journey. The ending may not have been as originally planned. However journeys always require flexibilities and adjustment for sucess. Both of you have proven that you were up to the task of surmounting all obsticles presented to you. Hope to see you in our area in the furture and hear some of your stories first hand.
Comment by Bill Sheckherd — December 28, 2010 @ 8:16 pm
Hi Mike and Petra,
Congratulation, we knew you would make it. We are so proud of you both. Petra we hope your leg is healing well. Now we wish you the very best for 2011. We have a feeling more of you dreams will come true. Hugs Helga and Alex from wet Atascadero, CA.
Comment by Helga & Alex Zanini — December 30, 2010 @ 6:25 am
Hello! We have been wondering what happened to you when it occurred to me that I could the update from your Walking East site. Congratulations!! You did it!! What now?
love and best wishes
Babette and Paul
Comment by Babette — January 6, 2011 @ 11:37 am
Congratulations to the two of you on your arrival to Jerusalem.
We hope the new year brings peace and happiness to you both.
After all that travel you must be experts on focusing on today and not so much worried about tomorrow.
Not many of us here are comfortable unless we know where we are going to eat/sleep ahead of time,I give you credit and admire your adventurism.
We are both well and happy.
Bill and Jeanette.
Comment by Bill/Jeanette Williams — January 10, 2011 @ 4:07 pm