Monday, May 25, 2009

Old City of Jerusalem - Arab Market

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Click to enlarge
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Or at least the red bits of it. I rarely shop in the market, it's a bit of a tourist trap and the quality isn't high, but I do love photographing this wonderfully vibrant, colorful place. It's definitely aimed at the tourists though - you can see shop names in Arabic, Hebrew, English, French, Greek and even Russian.
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Pictures of the Jewish and Christian quarters will follow later in the week. Each equally photogenic but completely different in character, both from the Muslim Quarter shown in this and the previous two posts and from each other.
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Remember, Summer Stock Sundays starts THIS Sunday, 31st May, right here at Around the Island!
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33 comments:

RivkA with a capital A said...

I can't believe you were in Jerusalem and didn't pop over to visit!!!

RivkA with a capital A said...

oh yeah, and i LOVE these shots!!

(and the earlier ones too)

Robin said...

Sorry RivkA, we had a houseguest and were pretty much following her pace and agenda. Next time for sure though :-).

Patti said...

Vibrant is the word that came to mind, then I saw you had already used it.
What a colorful market! It does look like it's set up for tourists.

Happy Ruby Tuesday!

Anonymous said...

You're making me want to visit. Great shots!

Ralph said...

I love the colors here - as you describe, it must have quite a Babel of voices. The value isn't in the goods...but for tourists think how much fun they had haggling with the natives! It looks like the place to purchase New Orleans Mardi Gras beads...

KitchenMaus said...

Beads! how much each? This is a perfect place to shop for vibrant beads and bags!

Mojo said...

Oh I really really love the angle in that first shot! Very cloak-and-daggery!

Leora said...

I like the beaded necklaces. I would probably wear one of those once, then it would sit in a box with all the other necklaces I own. The sandals make me want to pull a couple off the wall; I could never own too many sandals.

Looking forward to more Jerusalem pics.

Dianne said...

I'm with Mojo, the perspective of the first shot did make me think of a good action movie

love all the color

Felisol said...

I fall in all tourist traps possible, especially when traveling with my daughter.
I definitely would have bought the red silk bag.
Probably some jewelery as well.
I hope to visit Jerusalem before I get too old.
Two of my uncles went there with two cousins of mine. They were full of enthusiasm and exciting stories over the City of David.
From Felisol

Dora said...

So many interesting red items.

Libby's Library said...

I cannot wait to see more! The colors are so fantastic.

Phyllis Sommer said...

great shots. i love it there. i know it's a tourist trap but i love the old city...

Flea said...

Oh my but it's beautiful!

bichonpawz said...

The colors are just fabulous!!! And I think I could use a couple of those beads...and maybe some sandals!! Reminds me very much of the Market in the Bahamas....colors and all!!

MaR said...

I love those markets! not to shop but to look around (and to take pics!)
Happy RT, mine is posted.

Marie Reed said...

I especialy like your first photo! What a nice birds eye view!

Auntie E said...

I so want to go there. tried to go this October, will not be able to. Now planning for next year. Nice to see some photos. Hope you post more:-)

Cheryl Pitt said...

Gorgeous and fascinating! If I ever make it to Israel one day (fingers crossed) I'm SO making you and RivkA take me shopping :)

Jientje said...

What a colourful post Robin, makes me want to visit!!! I've been so busy, I now have a lot of catching up to do, and I see I completely forgot about your Summer Stock Sunday meme too, eww!! Sorry, it's been a little hectic here lately, I hope things settle down a bit real soon!

Kate Coveny Hood said...

I wonder what tourist purchased that trashy little number hanging over the shoes...

But seriously I think it's true that tourists love experience more than the actual goods. The colors, the sounds (probably not the smells though), the haggling, the cheap souveniers to bring back. And your pictures capturevthis perfectly. Are you working on a book?!?

SouthLakesMom said...

So nice to have 'normal' photos from Jerusalem! As in...life going on! Beautiful juxtaposition of cultures and colors.

I really look forward to your postings!

maryt/theteach said...

It would be right up my alley, Robin, to stroll through this market! Thanks for participating in Ruby Tuesday all these months! :)

EG CameraGirl said...

Very bright and colourful indeed! I think it's fun to stroll through such markets although I rarely purchase anything. ;-)

Daryl said...

So its like a NYC street fair w/o the counterfit perfume raids!


I am now wanting some of that bling!

kayerj said...

great pictures, and so interesting. I love following your blog because you show these interesting aspects of life in Israel.

moosh said...

I want that red bag and several of the necklaces. What a great place to shop even if tourist trap. HRT

Runny Babbit said...

such beautiful colors! i love those bags!

Regina said...

Great post. I love shopping.

RivkA with a capital A said...

Hey Robin, I figured that out from your posts... I was just razzing you!! ;-) (though you know my door is always open to you!!)

Hey Cheryl, any time!!

Janet said...

I love that second picture, so colorful AND sparkly!

Shannon said...

So colorful and beautiful. I feel like I am getting a personal tour. Thank you!