To learn the history of Jerusalem, the Tower of David Museum is a must-see attraction. The medieval fortress bears testimony to 4,000 years of the city’s history with archeological remains. It’s our first stop to visit when we arrived in Jerusalem – one of the oldest cities in the world that has been destroyed twice, captured and recaptured 44 times.

The Night Spectacular

Catch the nighttime show at the Tower of David. Choreographed with sound, light and ginormous images flashing across the ancient walls of the Citadel to relate the past and present of Jerusalem, the Night Spectacular is first of its kind in the world. The 45-min open-air show offers a multi sensory experience which I truly enjoyed.

Before the show started, we walked through the courtyard and had the privilege to take some shots within the Tower of David. I was overwhelmed by the fact that I was walking into a very significant historical site that has witnessed ancient Jerusalem since thousands of years ago.

Walking around the courtyard at the Citadel.

Remains of a bygone era.

The open air seating for the Night Spectacular show.

The surroundings within the walls of the Tower of David.

The imposing walls of the fortress.

Another archaeological asset in the museum.

Right: A huge ancient door.

For visitor Information of  The Tower of David., check out http://www.towerofdavid.org.il/English/The_Museum/Visitor_Info

Outside the Citadel, near the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem.

The Lion’s Den Hagov Bar & Grill

After the Night Spectacular, we chilled out at the lion’s Den Hagov Bar & Grill that’s located at 5 Yoel Solomon Street. This hangout place seems to be very popular among the locals as it’s also a sports bar and airs NFL (National Football League). You can order comfort food for supper as well. Website: http://hagovsportsbar.blogspot.com/

The Old City of Jerusalem

The following morning, we toured the Old City of Jerusalem again. Here you see a wall full of pockmarks left by bullets and weapon fires. We were entering through the Zion Gate, aka David’s Gate to the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

Vendors selling bread in the Old City.

Our guide recommended us to try the kosher bakery. We all had breakfast before the tour but once we started eating the fresh sesame bread, it was surprisingly good and the guide had to try catching our attention to listen to his commentary.

The “kacang putih” seller.

It’s interesting to spend sometime browsing through the rows of souvenir shops at the Old City. Joyce bought some fridge magnets as gifts from Jerusalem to bring back home.

Here I was standing at the Muristan shopping streets selling textile, souvenirs and food at the Christian Quarter. The Old City of Jerusalem is zoned into the Christian Quarter, Jewish Quarter, the Muslim Quarter and the Armenian Quarter.

Accessories for ladies.

Textile shops that reminded me of Arab Street in Singapore.

I wonder if I would get lost in the Old City without a guide.

Young Jewish boys wearing kippah, a sign of respect for the religion.

It’s hard not to notice the restaurant signboard that reads “walk in please walk out pleased“.

Waiting for the rest who were busy shopping around. Seems like the guys enjoyed shopping more than us.

Does anyone know what building it is?

Random shot of two kids playing around the corner.

A man covering himself with a blanket, resting at the Jewish Quarter.

At the Jewish Quarter to the Western Walls. Check out my next post on the Western Walls and Church of the Holy Sepulchre where it’s believed that Jesus was buried.

Dan Hotels Israel

In Jerusalem, we stayed at Dan Jerusalem Hotel. A group photo with Once in a Lifetime 2.0 international bloggers and the management of Dan Hotels Israel, a leading hotel chain in the country.

Dan Jerusalem Hotel

Nestled in an idyllic surrounding on the historic slopes of Mount Scopus, Dan Jerusalem Hotel overlooks the mesmerizing city of Jerusalem. To enhance the hospitality experience, complimentary shuttle service connects the hotel guests to the main attractions in Jerusalem. It serves as a good take-off point for a drive to the dessert, the Dead Sea and Masada.

Though we didn’t spend much time at the Dan Jerusalem Hotel due to tight schedule, I had a pleasant stay at one of the well-appointed guest rooms. The buffet breakfast offers a good spread of Mediterranean delectable delights.

A view of the city of Jerusalem from the Dan Jerusalem Hotel. This photo can’t do justice to the mesmerizing skyline of the ancient city. You can see a glimpse of the Dome of the Rock.

A group photo with the StandWithUs Israel Fellowship and the management of Dan Hotels Israel.

Find out the special promotional rates on Dan Hotels Israel if you are planning a visit to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Eilat, Haifa, and other parts of Israel >> http://www.danhotels.com/

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Happy New Year 2012!