Some pictures from Bethlehem

Today, Maria* and I took the day off and went to Bethlehem. It is a very famous city, since it is where Jesus was born- I would say one of the most if not the most important event in human history, so it's worth checking out. There are lots of beautiful churches, and a nice hotel we are staying at, the Manger Square Hotel. Enjoy the pictures!


The Manger Square Hotel. It is one of the fanciest places we have stayed in thus far in the Middle East.

 The cross on the right is from St. Mary's Church, a Coptic Orthodox church. The cross on the left is from Bethlehem Christmas Church, a Lutheran church. We went there for a service today

 Market in Bethlehem.

 A side street close to our hotel. Notice the beautiful architecture,

The Nativity Church, believed to have been built on top of the place where Jesus Christ was born.

 Inside the Nativity Church (1). Helping people in need is an important part of the Christian faith. According to Jesus, those who turn their backs on the poor turn their backs on him, and hellfire awaits them.

 Inside the Nativity Church (2)

  Inside the Nativity Church (3)

  Inside the Nativity Church (4)

  Inside the Nativity Church (4)

  Inside the Nativity Church (5)

  In the courtyard of the Nativity Church,

 St. George slaying the dragon. This story can be found in the Gospel of George, chapter 18 verses 1-45. Open your Bible and look for it. OK, you won't find such a Gospel because it doesn't exist and the story is based on a medieval myth. However, you will find other interesting stuff in the Bible, so check it out.

 Maria* and I in a restaurant.

 Mosque of Omar, which is located beside the Church of the Nativity.

 A view of Bethlehem from our hotel. The bunch of little homes on the hilltop which are converged in a round fashion is an Israeli settlement. They unfortunately exist everywhere in the West Bank, and are part of life for many Palestinians.

 Kentucky Fried Chicken. The connection between restaurants serving such food and health problems is completely coincidental.

* Most ISM volunteers use pseudonyms, this is the name my wife chose.