Israel Trip - Bethlehem

Bethlehem was under the Palestinian Authority. We crossed the "border" and changed bus and tour guide since our Israeli driver and tour guide were not allowed to go to Palestine. The Church of the Nativity itself, where Jesus was born, was divided into the Greek Orthodox side and the Catholic side. We entered this small door called the Door of Humility cause we all have to bow down to enter, unless you are a child or really really short. Then we all form this long group queue to descend a crypt where the altar of the nativity is located. There was a silver star believed to be the very spot where Jesus was born. Most everybody bent over to touch or kiss the star but me. I just took pictures. I do not buy it that Jesus was really born in that very spot. And beside, just think of all the germs you get from the star with all the people touching and kissing it? This whole process of queuing and waiting was very crowded. People pushing and shoving just to get a chance to touch and kiss that star. And the church main hall itself was very old and ill maintained. It looked like the walls were covered with soot and you can see some painted murals uncovered. I was thinking perhaps they should start charging a cover to enter so they will have funds to maintain and restore the church. Or perhaps they did charge our tour organizers cause I only seem to see tour groups going in there with their respective tour guides. The voyage back to Israel itself was somewhat very third world like. The line was very long and the local Palestinians were trying to cut in line. One of the American in our group even almost had a fist fight with those cutting in line. I must say, knowing what I know now, I probably would not return to that place again.