Bethlehem, Jericho and Dead Sea

On Wednesday, we took a day tour to the Palestinian side to see Bethlehem, 

Jericho and the Dead Sea.

Church built on traditional location of Angel appearing to shepherds

Far far away on Judea plain. 2k years after the fact so lots of
buildings, developments, etc since.

This picture was outside an olive wood shop.

This was inside a shepherds' cave in Bethlehem.  They informed us that this is what typically housed animals and likely what Jesus was born in, the real manger was probably in a cave. 





We then went to where they have transported the "supposed manger" where Jesus was born and built a church around it.  The line to go inside the manger was 2 hours.  We went inside the church but not the manger. 

Entry to the Church of the Nativity, a Byzantine site.

Mosaic on the floor

Israeli West Bank barrier with Banksy grafftti art.

On the road to Jericho

Jericho

Remains of ancient cities. 

23 civilizations going back over 9k years.

 

Mt Nebo is supposed to be on the other side in the distance (Jordan).
Where Moses was burried.

Traditional site of where Christ was tempted 
by Satan up in the mountains.

                                                        Archeological dig

Elijah Well  

Based on biblical account of waters bring cleansed.

Dead Sea

It absolutely did not disappoint.  The salt stung any cuts and and lifted us up as if we were on a raft.

Salt in the mud

Ryan saw me eyeing the camel like a little kid.  

He said, "You want a ride don't you." What could be cooler?