Chapter 94 Christmas Eve in Bethehem

A journey in pictures of our Christmas Eve in Bethlehem. We started off with lunch at a famous restaurant in Beit Jala (a suburb of Bethlehem) then walked down to Manger Square and on to Shepherd's Field in Beit Sahour (another suburb).

Outside at Beit Jala - suburb of Bethlehem

Famous bbqed  chicken at Qaabar Restaurant in Beit Jala

Bbqing outside

We saw this on the walk from Beit Jala, through Bethlehem down to Beit Sahour

Where do you want to go?

Walking down to Manger Square through the Old City towards the Church of the Nativity

At the old city shops

Christmas lingerie

The square was full. Up ahead is the Church of the Nativity

Having a sheesha on the job - waiting for the ceremonies to start

At Manger Square

Around the square

Santa fever

Nativity at the wall at souvenir shop (all items priced in dollars)

At the square - Bethlehem Peace Centre

Christmas Bells - self service restaurant

Leaving the square and heading to Shepherd's Field

Just a fantastic name

Mini Santa fever

Walking down to Shepherd's Field in Beit Sahour, a suburb of Bethlehem

A Nativity scene at a church on the way

A church on the way

Orient Restaurant - an old sign

The centre of Shepherd's Field

A small church in Shepherd's Field where we attended a mass later on

Inside a small chapel built into a cave in Shepherd's Field

Inside the cave

Looking out from the central square in Shepherd's Field. Little seating areas for the sermons among stunning views

Old caves where the shepherd's used to live

Stairs leading down to a cave

Walking around Shepherd's Field

Next to the fountain

Views from Shepherd's Field

Beautiful outside area

Before the sermon

More views

The priest giving his sermon inside a little church

Entrance to Shepherd's Field

An illustration of the story  of the 3 shepherds in Shepherd's Field

Walking back to Manger Square late on Christmas Eve in the rain

The centre of Manger Square at night, mostly emptied out