Today was an interesting day of mixed borders. First, we went past the Western Wall (we will return tomorrow or Saturday) and entered the Rabbinical Tunnel that goes along the length of the Western Wall to the Antonio Fortress. We viewed the arches that supported the bridges that crossed into the Temple mount. We entered the Old City in the Muslim Quarter and saw the Pool of Bethesda where Jesus healed the crippled man sitting by the pool. We listened to singing in church of St. Anne, Mary's mother. We then walked the Via Dolorosa and exited the Old City through the Jaffa Gate.
We then traveled through the border into Bethlehem. Our Jewish Guide Reuven could not join us for this. An Arab guide took us for lunch in a restaurant that mimics a bedouin tent in the Shepherd's field. We then visited the church built over the area traditionally held to be the cave where they were staying when the angel appeared to them. We then visited the Church of the Nativity, held to be built over the stable where Jesus was born. We had to "humble" ourselves to enter through the very low door.
It was a long but good day. Tomorrow we see more modern Jerusalem.
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