A Day Trip

Since we've been in Israel, we really haven't gotten to see too many notable historical/religious sites as our time has been primarily spent adjusting to school and setting up our new home.  Today, though, we met up with Zach's former roommate/groomsman/friend Brian (who is temporarily in Israel leading a study abroad program) and went into the West Bank for the first time.  Brian speaks near-fluent Arabic, and that was a huge benefit for us in getting around efficiently and getting to know the local people more personally.

We first went to the Herodian, which is King Herod's ancient fortified palace that rises prominently over the surrounding valleys and has some pretty breathtaking views.

Our view from near the top

And my, was it windy! Charis did not know what to think (and therefore would not turn around for this picture :)

Some of the well-preserved ruins inside

The entrance to the underground cisterns

All 4 of us (with Charis still in hiding)

Inside one of the intricate cistern tunnels (and there she is!)

We next went to the Shepherd's Field in Bethlehem, which is historically identified as the place where the angels came to herald the birth of Christ (think Luke 2). There is also a spot in one of the churches there that claims to be the actual birthplace of Christ, and it is marked by a nice "manger scene" area as seen in the photo below.  A nice Italian tour group happened to be walking by and several of them looked at Charis with huge smiles and said, "Jesu Bambino!" So we took this photo as if we were just pulling her out of the manger. :)

Our little "Jesu Bambino"

Our final stop was the Church of the Nativity, which is more historically credited with being the actual site of Christ's birth.  It's a fascinating place with ancient mosaics, beautiful architecture, and a labyrinth of underground tombs and excavations. Thanks to our cute baby and Brian's Arabic bargaining, we were able to surpass the long line to get to the "official" birth site below.

Kissing the historically identified spot where Jesus was born

All in all, it was a wonderful way to spend our Saturday. Shabbat Shalom!