We set out for another full day today. Bethlehem and a Glimpse of Jerusalem was our excursion. It started with a return visit to Gethsemane and the garden of olives. It was very interesting to experience the different emphasis the various guides gave at the same sites. They complemented each other very well without communicating with each other. How human nature ranks the importance of things can be so varied and contribute to an impactful learning experience is marvelous. We came away this second day with a fuller appreciation for Gethsemane.
We then drove past the Old City with a further explanation of the sights we had seen on Tuesday. This made the drive to Bethlehem all the more interesting. We stopped for lunch and continued on to Bethlehem. The Church of the Nativity is situated in Palestinian Bethlehem.
When we arrived at the parking garage our guide introduced us to the Palestinian guide who would take us to the church. He led us uphill through the streets.
When we arrived we seemed to be ahead of the crowds. The line to go down to the manger, the place of Christ's birth, was rather short. The wait time would be about 40 minutes. We were given the opportunity to decide if we wanted to join the line or leave and spend more time touring the church and the neighborhood. We all decided to stay in line.
This was a good choice. It did take 45 minutes to get to the star in the small cave that marked the birthplace. it was a moving experience even though our knees did not permit us to kneel and kiss the star. We were able to walk around this small space and see the rock stalls where the animals were kept. Upon returning to ground level we were able to spend some time in the church. Then we walked downhill to the bus garage. it had been a very nice visit and our Palestinian guide had helped make it so.
We started the drive back to Journey and stopped on the way at a religious goods store. We were told that part of the profits of this business was given to support Christian activities and sites. The store was beautiful. Our group was met at a display counter by the manager. He explained that in addition to the many items carved from olive wood they also had malachite jewelry and Jerusalem crosses. He showed us a beautiful malachite necklace. Then he demonstrated a Jerusalem cross in white gold and yellow gold that could be opened from the shape of the cross to represent the Jerusalem Wall.
The necklace stones each had excellent grain lines. They were beautifully matched. The length was exactly Alice’s preferred length. I have been a fan of malachite for most of my adult life. This piece was super to any that I have bought for Alice in the past. I could not resist it. Alice was quite taken by it also. So, we took it.
Of course, now the manager took us to the case of crosses. The Jerusalem Cross features four small crosses, one located in each of the four segments created by the cross members of the main cross. These smaller crosses represent the four gospels or when combined with the main cross, the five wounds of Christ. The combination of white and yellow gold accented the cross. The chain it was on sparkled in the light. The chain was also the perfect length. Whenever we buy necklaces the chain length becomes problematic and requires swapping. Not this time. Alice and I both loved the cross on her. After some negotiating we agreed on a price for both pieces that was fair for all of us. We passed on the olive wood carvings and made our way to the coach.
The return to Journey was quick and uneventful. We were back in time for dinner and entertainment. We put our treasures in the safe and retired.
This was a very good day. We experienced the religious sites that were meaningful to us and we acquired some treasures that will remind us of this lovely experience.
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