Although the men's section of the Western Wall is larger (it is traditionally the man's job to study the Torah,) each time I went to the wall, the women's section was always more crowded.

It is tradition to write prayers on small notes of paper, fold them, and leave them in the cracks of the wall.

In the Muslim Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, Islamic architecture is reminiscent of the "stalactite" molding I saw throughout Iran.

The quiet Armenian Quarter is less commercial than the other three quarters, consisting mostly of residences, school, and a seminary behind high walls.

Back street leading to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The round brass wall mounting showing the "IX" indicates the Ninth Station of the Cross. Note wooden crosses in the corner for pilgrims to carry to the church.

Residing in the unlikely place of the rooftop of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a tiny Ethiopian monastery and Orthodox church -- Like "squatters," really.

This is the dome of the Church of St Helena below, from inside the Ethiopian monastery located on the Church of Holy Sepulchre rooftop. (One man's ceiling is another man's floor!)

One of the Ethiopian priests walks from the well of the monastery -- gotta love the Crocs!

Doorway of one of the Ethiopian Monastery residences on Holy Sepulchre rooftop.

This medieval cloister was built by the Crusaders. It is believed that Ethiopian Queen of Sheba came to Jerusalem and bore two heirs with King Solomon, one who brought the Arc of the Covenant to Ethiopia, according to Ethiopian legend (LP)

Rear view of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, constructed around AD 326. It is reported that Helena, mother of Constantine, discovered three crosses buried here, so it was believed to be the sight of the biblical Calvary.

The rear of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Note wooden crosses there at the pilgrim's disposal should one desire to take up the cross.