We spent the day in Bethlehem. Many hours waiting on line in the Church of the Nativity. An amazing 6th century church shared by three Christian sects. Greek orthodox, Catholic and Armenian churches.
Inside the church. A picture towards the main alter. To the right is a stairway that leads to the cave where tradition says Jesus was born, The original church was built by Constantine and repaired by Justinian. There are some amazing frescoes and architectural details in the church.A section of mosaic found under the floor dating from
the 4th century AD built by Constantine.
A picture from down inside the cave where tradition says Jesus was born. There is a silver star on the floor to mark the spot where he was actually born.
The star can just be seen to the left of the lady in the striped shirt. Taking pictures was very difficult. I hope Dolly got it on video. The wait was 2 1/2 hours in a very hot line filled with pushy, stinky, Russian pilgrims.
Apparently there are lots and lots of half-feral cats here. We have learned that this is quite a problem here. We have seen dozens of them everywhere. A sad situation. Did you really think we wouldn't find animals where ever we go?
After returning from Bethlehem we took a loooong trek around the walls of the old city to the eastern wall to the side of the Temple Mount where the Dome of the Rock is. There we found the Golden Gate which has been bricked up for many many years through which it is said that Jesus will come through when he returns,. A nost fascinating walk and experience. Sore feet and a ligh supper and tomorrow we say goodbye to Jerusalem and we are off to Tiberas.
Nice pics, sounds like you're having a great time, well aside from the aromatic Russians.
ReplyDeleteYou are really getting to see so much. That was a looong wait but the pics make it look the wait was worth it. Bet Dolly wanted to take some kitties back home with her. Hoping the tourist feed them--poor kitties. Want me long and there will be a few more tourist joining you that can't wait I am sure. Thanks for the journal. Luv Gloria
ReplyDeleteStinky, Russian pilgrams....Ha!...In bklyn, we call them neighbors!
ReplyDeletePhil & Dolly, Rosemary told me they were meeting you in Barcelona. I had no idea you were where you are. I have longed to go to walk where Christ walk and where so much history was made. To see where Christ was born, all the churches, it must all be so very breathtaking. Phil, like Dolly, would have been in that water as well, it must have been so spiritual for both o you. Thanks for the updates, this journal is a wonderful idea. Enjoy the rest of your trip and tell Roe & Ernie the same, love to all. Flo
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