Day 4: Bethlehem

You can't take a trip to Israel without visiting the birthplace of Jesus... despite the red sign below.  Bethlehem is in the West Bank and is not actually a part of Israel.   It is controlled by the Palestinians and is not policed by any Israeli troops.  Although the sign is ominous, the town of Bethlehem is filled with some very nice people and the Church of the Nativity was without a doubt one of the highlights of our trip.  However, the feel of the city is much more "Middle Eastern" than the modern Jerusalem and the angst with Israel is definitely more palpable.   C.J. arranged for us to have a police escorted tour of the church which not only made us feel very safe, but we were able to go right to the front of the crowds and see some places that were not available to the public.  After the tour we went to a local shop to get some ornaments from an Olive Wood carver that had an amazing rooftop view, hit up the local Stars and Bucks for a coffee, and stopped at an fantastic local cuisine restaurant before heading back to Jerusalem.  Definitely a great day!

During the morning hours before we left, the girls had to put on a show for us.  A cover of "Let it Go," Starring: Brooklyn as Anna, Haydin as Elsa, Hannah as Olaf and Stella as Sven. It was pretty great.

This sign was placed outside the city of Bethlehem. Israeli's not welcome.

More anti-Israel propoganda.

The Church of the Nativity.

Here is exact place that is believed to be where Jesus was born.

As mentioned, we had a police escort through the church. We entered this area through the back entrance and the police held back the line of tourists awaiting their turn while we got to cut in front , take a moment and get pictures.

The Manager - the right side is where Jesus was placed after birth.

The line we were able to cut in front of!

The Catholic side of the Church

In the courtyard

C.J. and the kids... rocking it!

Sebs taking in the sights with one of our guards.

Tombs of the children slaughtered by King Herod.

Bones of the slaughtered children.

Inside the wood carver's shop.

The wood carver's roof.   Amazing view and the kids loved the uneven ground.

Sebs with his olive wood top, a gift from the carver.

Strolling back to the car.

On our way to restaurant.  This wall separates the Palestinian side from the Israeli side.

Graffiti on the wall.

The restaurant, nicely situated by a guard tower.

The biggest and best lunch ever!

Lunch at Kari's favorite Kabob place. They served mint lemonade, hummus, pita, grilled lamb, chicken, beef, and all of the sauces you could possibly want. We finished it up with a picture of the kitchen and a overstuffed belly!

Always need to finish with a coffee from Stars & Bucks!

Perfect!