Author: Kathleen

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Bethlehem

Bethlehem was an hour and a half drive from Tel Aviv, about 75.8 kilometers or [48 or 50 miles]. A Palestinian town south of Jerusalem in the West Bank and considered the biblical birthplace of Jesus. It’s a key Christian pilgrimage destination, and astounding to see so many people from all walks of life participating in a holy expedition of just being here.

There are caves everywhere in this area, which were used to house animals, store food and hide if needed.  One of these caves [grotto] is marked by an inlaid silver star to show where Jesus was born, and the Church of the Nativity is built over this cave. 

Bethlehem is not very a big area to maneuver and walkable. Listed are a few sites to see if you have the opportunity to visit. .

  • The Chapel of the Shepherd’s Field- commemorates the annunciation of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds, which is said to have taken place in Beit Sahour.
  • The Chapel of the Milk Grotto of Our Lady- a Catholic chapel since Byzantine times, this place has been a center of Christian pilgrimages. 
  • Chapel of Saint Catherine- a Catholic church adjacent to the northern part of the Church of the Nativity. It’s a parish church and Franciscan monastery with a complex inner-working of caves underneath the church. 

Kathleen

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Destination: Tel-Aviv

We just arrived in Tel Aviv and my mind is racing as to what to accomplish first. After a 10 hour flight it is very important to walk. It’s the perfect way to get out and about while experiencing the cultures and history.. We cleared customs by 5:00 pm and still had to get to the hotel. The sun sets here at 7:30 pm so, had to step it up a bit in order to take in a few sites. 

Jaffa Port located on the eastern Mediterranean is an ancient port, and a short walk from our hotel. Old Jaffa is mentioned in various ancient works and has been in active use for centuries, since the Canaanite period. It functions today as a small fishing village and is still being excavated revealing a lengthy history. A lighthouse is above the port and can be seen from our hotel. 

After a long day of traveling and sightseeing it’s time for dinner. Each of us read great reviews on the Old Man and the Sea in Jaffa and decided on a seafood meal. The spacious restaurant overlooks the Mediterranean and as you begin to relax the waiter brought a pitcher of tangy lemonade that was so refreshing. Next he set down about 20 small bowls of varying salads, such as; tomato salsa, corn relish, falafel and cauliflower, and hummus. There was a carrot and cranberry slaw that I can’t wait to make, along with two types of beets. One pickled and the other roasted to release it’s sweet flavor. 

The seafood platter was fresh and delicious. Old Man an the Sea is the perfect place to enjoy an appetizing meal while watching the sunset. 

Travel safely,
Kathleen