All Entries Tagged With: "bethlehem"

Picture of the Week XXX

This week’s picture is seasonally inspired, as throughout December we’ll be celebrating Christmas in Israel here on igoogledisrael. It’s a great shot of the Basilica of the Nativity, part of the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. There’s nothing like walking through this great big Basilica and then walking down to the Grotto to the exact location Jesus was born…very moving, even for non-believers like me.

The picture was taken by Christopher Chan, an amazing photographer from Kuala Lumpur, currently living in Australia. It appears he was here on holiday a couple of years ago and took some great shots of the area. Check his stream on Flickr out, you won’t be disappointed.

Christmas Day in Tel Aviv

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Happy Christmas from the Holy Land! OK, so we’re in the not so holy Tel Aviv, but still…wherever you are, have a great day!

Yesterday I took a drive over to the slightly more holy Old City in Jerusalem. It’s been awhile since I was last there but it is inspiring. The sheer power of the Western Wall is amazing, while the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, especially the interior, was stunning. Even the wife was impressed. We were tourists for the day and enjoyed every minute.

Especially nice to see the flood of tourists - tourism in Israel in the Old City was flourishing yesterday and I’m sure it has been for a few days. Apparently in Bethlehem, tourists have also been flocking amid the relatively safe atmosphere, and as Bethlehem is just down the road from Jerusalem, the capital seems to be the one to benefit most. Enjoyed this quote from a romantic sounding Italian:

“Bethlehem is like the soul of the universe, and it’s like an explosion of love here,” said Stefano Croce, 46, a fashion photographer from Rome, Italy.

Anyway, I’m off to tuck in to some imported mince pies, have a few beers, and have a long-distance call to Blighty with the folks back home. Maybe even have myself an explosion of love.

Happy Christmas to you and yours!