Trip to Jerusalem (Part 3): Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The site of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem is identified as the place both of the crucifixion and the tomb of Jesus of Nazareth. The church has long been a major pilgrimage center for Christians all around the world. Walking in this Holy site is beyond compare.

No amount of expletives would ever get close to how great it felt being in the very place where Jesus was said to have been crucified. And there's no question people are always lined up to be part of this blessed opportunity. Coming from different corners of the world, tourists have continuously shown interest to marvel on this great site.

Truly a remarkable experience.

All eyes were set on our tour guide and the stairs, of course. Hehe

A collective wow was given at the sight of this great architectural masterpiece.

There's something mystifying about seeing the very site where Christ was crucified.

No amount of The Passion of the Christ DVD viewing can equal to the feeling of reverence you get from  seeing this.

And that's where you can touch the stones where Christ's cross was erected ages ago.

Tourists, with eyes wowed by the architecture and the historical view,  gather to take photos of the Church.

Forward, shutterbugs!

Sight-seers all. All of us travelers join tourists from different countries in seeing the artworks on the walls and ceilings.

History Channel, live!

Artwork on Jesus after the crucifixion

A moment of praise for Joseph.

Just like a Roman coliseum inside the church.

The old and the new. Time differences coalesce one step inside the church.

Nothing holier than this.

Depiction of Christ inside the cathedral.

Just like in the movies.

Angelette, Mrs. Lim and Fel.

The art of preservation.

Off we go! More sights, more fun.

METEOR Philippines, Inc. is a land operator that has thrived on the mission of providing a one stop shop for Mediterranean and European tour rates and programs to its breadth of clients. Since 1997, it has offered competent programs and services to Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, UAE and Europe.

For more information, contact METEOR Philippines, Inc. at (+632) 9865137 ,6871743,6874596, 3401840, 3403856, 966 0643 or via e-mail at meteorphils@gmail.com. You can also find them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Meteor-Philippines-Inc/154593867932386

Trip to Jerusalem (Part 2): Church of Nativity

The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is a major Christian holy site, as it harks back to the very site of Christ's birth. It is also one of the oldest Christians known to man. It felt surreal stepping into one of the most iconic places that holds seat to the Christian religion. Even for a quick visit, we breathed in what to many is still an unexplored venue of faith.

Keen observer. Oh wait, he's the vendor!

Depiction of Mary and Jesus inside the Church of the Nativity.

Entrance to the Grotto of the Nativity. 

Entrance to Holiness.

One at a time. The tourists taking turns to experience the sacred Grotto.

The Grotto, the birthplace of Jesus Christ. 

Yes, that's me stretching! Hehehe

Convening right before we make the transfer.

That's Miguel, the history buff.

Side aisle of the ancient basilica.

The splendid Constantinian mosaic floor, revealed beneath the wooden  floorboards of the nave.

All ears. It's the trivia and interesting moments in Christ's history that made this an even more fascinating trip.

Bumped into some friends from Manila: Junski, Janet, Jennifer, Noynoy Campos

Still regret not taking home one of these low-rising chandeliers.

The structure that withstood the test of time.

Love the ceiling!

METEOR Philippines, Inc. is a land operator that has thrived on the mission of providing a one stop shop for Mediterranean and European tour rates and programs to its breadth of clients. Since 1997, it has offered competent programs and services to Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, UAE and Europe.

For more information, contact METEOR Philippines, Inc. at (+632) 9865137 ,6871743,6874596, 3401840, 3403856, 966 0643 or via e-mail at meteorphils@gmail.com. You can also find them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Meteor-Philippines-Inc/154593867932386