China - The Forbidden City in Beijing
Foto: De iconostase in de Geboortekerk in Bethlehem (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Israel - When I enter the Church of the Nativity, a procession is taking place. Everyone is asked to be silent, and I have to wait before I can visit the church. The church consists of an upper and a lower church. The lower church is built around the birthplace of Jesus, a small space in a cave that was later expanded into a small church. Above it, a beautifully decorated Orthodox church was constructed. After the procession ends, I descend the stairs to the lower church. On my right I see a star marking the traditional site of Jesus’ birth. On the other side, I see the place where Jesus is said to have been wrapped in cloths. It is impressive to stand at this location. I place my hand on the birthstone, which feels worn by countless pilgrims before me. In the upper church I admire the magnificent gilded iconostasis behind the altar. The chanting of the ongoing procession fills the space and completes the atmosphere.
Disputed Jerusalem
Israel - Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Israel. Jerusalem has a mixed Jewish and Arab population and is a highly sensitive issue in international politics and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. East Jerusalem was captured by Israeli forces in 1967 and ...
Herods fortress of Masada
Israel - On the southern side of the Dead Sea lies Masada. Masada is an ancient fortress from the time of Herod, around the beginning of the Common Era. During the Roman siege of the fortress, the defenders held out for three years. When the Romans finally broke ...
Roman city of Beit Shean
Israel - I continue by bus toward the Dead Sea. It is clearly noticeable that I am descending again to 400 meters below sea level. Just before reaching the Dead Sea, I arrive at Beit She'an. Beit She'an is an ancient city dating back to the Early Bronze Age. ...
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem
Israel - After lunch, I continue my journey through Jerusalem and walk to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This impressive church is built on the site where Jesus was nailed to the cross on the hill of Golgotha. The nearby tomb is also part of this church today. ...
The Negev Desert
Israel - Viraz, the bus driver, drives the bus from the airport into the desert. I see a barren, hilly landscape. Along the roadside, several tanks with soldiers are stationed. I am likely travelling very close to the border with Jordan. As we continue through ...
The Western Wall
Israel - At the end of the Via Dolorosa, I arrive at the Western Wall. The Western Wall lies against the western side of the Temple Mount. Here, the Jews lament the destruction of their temple on the mount. It is the only visible remaining wall after the destruction ...