So this is it?  I can't believe I am out of the custom already!  The process is so easy, in fact, it is the most stress-free border crossing I have ever experienced!  I expected a lot of questioning, package checking, body searching, etc., but none of those.  Instead, they just asked me where will I be going in Israel, do I want my passport to be stamped, and that is!

One interesting thing, all the staffs who work here are girls in their late teens and early twenties.  It is very unusual for me to see girls carrying machine guns walking around.  And I have to admit one more thing, these girls are very pretty, and speak fluent English. 

Due to the current conflict, it is recommanded to take a taxi driven by Palestinian directly to Jerusalem instead of taking the bus.  Reason: they won't bomb a Palestinian taxi!

50 minutes later, the taxi drop us off in front of the busy Damascus Gate, the largest and most ornate of the Old City Gates.  Once step out of the taxi, I found myself stepped back into history.  The aged stone city wall, the traditional black rope and veil wear by women, the busy market, the gigantic wooden gate... these are all described in the bible.  Now, I set foot on it! 

The cloud starts to cover up the sky, and bring along cold wind and shower.  This adds a layer of mystery to this holy land.  I try to squeeze myself into the old city through the massive crowded Damascus gate, but I could't move an inch!  Totally soaked, I decided to check into the Palm Hotel right outside of the Damascus Gate.