So, we had high hopes today to tour the walk under the Kotel, the Western Wall.

And, now I should explain (once again) about the term “balagan”.  The true definition is complex, but the best analogy is either “Fubar” or “Snafu”.  (Those are two words I learned from the New York Post more than 60 years ago- when they were used as the  the 6 inch headlines.  My parents were most reluctant to explain the terms- which could not be found in dictionaries back then.)

We paid for our tour.  And, then when directed how to proceed.  Except…

The instructions as to where to proceed were wrong.  We were sent to the large storage rooms under the Temple Mount.  And, the site manager realized we were in the wrong place and told us to wait for a while (turns out that meant an hour) until he could arranged for us to get on the proper tour.

Maybe I should also explain that me doing nothing for an hour or so is torture.  I am programmed to always be busy- not to twiddle my thumbs waiting for something to happen.  But, we waited.  And, thankfully, one of the tour guides (the “madrich”) came by and gave us background on these rooms where we were waiting and what we were going to see shortly.

But, then, as the tour began, we were barred from proceeding with the rest of the folks since we didn’t have some sort of bracelet.  (No, they never provided us one.)

That’s when I lost it and made sure anyone attempting to register for the next tour was just as likely to have similar problems, since it was obvious that the crew of the day lacked competency.  And, I demanded an immediate refund of our fees. So much for an edifying tour.

And, then, we were off.  We visited the Suq and then the Cardo.   Of course, I would have to visit my good friend, Udi, the artist/proprietor of the Blue and White Gallery.  Udi had just finished a water color of Jerusalem (including the Christian Quarter) that excited my friend, who bought his very first piece of original art work.

And, then, for dinner, we traveled to one of my favorite restaurants- Lechem Basar (Bread and Meat).  This superb steak place is found in what was the first train station (now chock full of eateries, shops, and kids rides) in Jerusalem.  We didn’t eat in the restaurant per se, but in the veranda out front, distanced from the other guests.  (I still have not felt comfortable eating in any restaurant where I have not personally been involved in designing the upgraded air ventilation systems to ensure safety.)  Not only was the food fantastic, but the wine list was superb.  (We consumed both a red blend and a Syrah.)

A great end to a day in Jerusalem.