On a bus ride to Jerusalem's Israel Museum from the Damascus Gate, my bus passed through a thriving neighborhood marketplace that took place on both sides of the street. It was Friday and people were out in force gathering supplies for Shabbat. But, where exactly was I? This was not a location on my "must visit" radar. Once again, my first travel with a smart phone convinced me that I can never travel without one again. My phone showed me that I was driving through the Machane Yehuda Market. The open-aired section is Machane Yehuda Street while the covered market is on Eitz Chaim Street. Additionally, there were numerous side streets filled with dates, walnuts, fabric, souvenirs, and other goodies.
The market is busiest on Thursdays and Fridays as shoppers prepare for Shabbat. But on most days, the hungry can find their fill of shawarma, falafel, kibbeh, kebab, kanafeh, baklava, with assorted grilled meats, unique juice drinks, and fresh veggies.
I returned to stroll through on a less packed day. I am convinced that any visit on any day would be well worth it -- and delicious. And, I must say that I was very happy to discover such a treasure outside the walls of the Old City.
Of course, when I had some unexpected free time on a Friday, I had to return and experience the market in full swing. It was wall-to-wall, shoulder-to-shoulder, people. Way more than I expected! It was great for people-watching, which I love to do. However, if you want to come to the market to actually shop (or take photos of goods for sale like me), I recommend an off day. Better yet, go twice and experience both days.
As for gathering this photo, I hoped that I might find a portrait for my collection on market day. I sat across the street from the main intersection at a bus stop. As the crowds passed by, nobody noticed the guy seated across the street at the bus stop. I merrily snapped away with my zoom lens until I got the portrait I wanted. I left the market with no food that day, but I collected the portrait souvenir that I'd waited weeks to gather.