Bethlehem Sunday

Iconic Bethlehem BBQ chicken

Today was a little different from other Sundays ... I had to accompany a friend to Bethlehem and show him around. But first it was Sunday Mass at the Armenian Cathedral. Then it was settling up work in the library before going to Bethlehem at 12pm. The weather was rather cool ... 32 degrees with a breeze compared to yesterday's 38 degrees in Galilee. The bus ride was nice and there were few commuters at that hour. Once in Beit Jalah terminal, it was a 1km walk into the Basilica.

Tea seller

Th Basilica is still under conservation but areas of ancient mosaic can be glimpsed and they look awesome. After a visit there, we went to visit the Milk Grotto. Went to say a prayer for a friend. It was quite quiet there today so it was nice. On the way home I couldn't resist buying the iconic boneless barbecued chicken of Bethlehem. They use to sell this everywhere but now there's only one stall selling it. I expected prices to rise but it still cost 35 shekels. A full chicken de-boned and flat-roasted. Very tasty ... and risky because no food is allowed to be brought into Israel ... but luckily at the checkpoint, the police did not check our bags.

And there are so many tea-sellers in Bethlehem ... all dressed in traditional Ottoman costumes. There were at least 4 along the road to the Basilica. In Jerusalem we only have one at Damascus Gate.

There were clashes yesterday between ultra-orthodox jews and police again. This time the haredim as they are called ... even attacked journalists and secular jews who took videos and photos of them. Not a good sign  http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Police-haredim-clash-at-religious-coercion-protest-503479

The untold tragedy in Yemen of cholera killing thousands and the govt air raid that killed just as many has shocked us all .... and worse, no mainstream media is carrying this news.  http://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/1.809096