There's No Room in the Inn

By Ed B. -
We woke this morning in Jerusalem and realized our hostel's front door is just 10 feet away from the West Bank Chain Gate check point. Which means there are men with semi Automatic weapons right outside our door. I sat and watched them this morning as I drank a cup of coffee.
We didn't have a set plan except to get to Bethleham via public transportation. We started out and came to the Western Wall and so we stopped for a bit to take it in. Then it was off to the bus and our timing was perfect for both legs of the trip. The ride was pleasant and we arrived just 1km from Manger square and many taxi drivers were waiting like vultures to drive us the distance. But of course we walked. We made it to the Church of the Nativity, but we felt quite unwelcome as we were constantly being told we couldn't go into places where others were and we were even told we couldn't stay for Mass. No room for us at the Inn. After lunch we were finally able to make it down to the Grotto, thanks to a local shop keeper's tip. We did a little shopping and met a couple of friendly Sisters and had a nice lunch, another good tip from the shop keeper. Soon we were back in Jerusalem and took a short rest before exploring more. 
We walked the Via Dolorosa, a path that follows Jesus' final hours. The final station is the Church of the Holy sepulcher, a very confusing location with many churches connected together. We had dinner in the Jewish quarter and then returned to make our plans for tomorrow. Not many days left here but we have much still to do. 

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