Jericho Photo Diary – The Oldest City In The World

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Jericho is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. It’s located near the Jordan River in the West Bank in the Palestinian Territories.

The day I went to Jericho, it was 43 degrees but I deal heat way better than cold. So I didn’t feel suffering as much as some fellow travellers did.

Still, it wasn’t pleasant to stay in the little shopping complex for nearly 2 hours lunch break without air conditioning.

We saw mount Temptation, where Jesus fasted for forty days and nights above Jericho and walked among many ruins from Bronze age.

Once again, I wouldn’t dare to walk on the streets of Jericho alone without joining a tour. This is a snap shot of the streets from my tour bus:

The Russian Museum in Jericho on the other hand, looks stunning and much civilised. Looking by photos, I can’t even believe those places belong to the same city.

 

Bethlehem Photo Diary – Church of Nativity

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I travelled with a tour to the Church of the Nativity, also Basilica of the Nativity  located in Bethlehem (Palestine) in the West Bank. It is richly decorated inside nowadays and welcomes thousands of visitors a day.

Inside the Basilica, it contains the original mosaic floor from the 4th century.

The holy site known as the Nativity Grotto underneath the Basilica is thought to be the cave in which Jesus of Nazareth was born. The grotto is the oldest site continuously worshipped in Christianity. And the basilica is the oldest major church in the Holy Land.

The birth place of Jesus.

More photos of my middle East trip will be posted gradually.

Photos of Chapel of the Shepherd’s Field – Bethlehem

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I’ve been to so many churches and chapels during my Middle East trip and it’s easy to forget which is which, especially for  non religious person like me.

I remember the significance of this Chapel in Bethlehem, Palestine because it’s where the angles first announced the birth of Christ according to Catholic tradition. I just couldn’t remember it’s name.

After checking my note, it’s all coming back. The name is Chapel of the Shepherd’s Field, located southeast of Bethlehem in the West Bank in Palestine.

Without a tour, I’d never dare to go to Palestine by myself. I’m glad finally made it to Middle East and learned so many historical stories and culture background in this region.

Here are some photos of this beautiful chapel and its surroundings:

This is the cave under the church. An image depicting the birth of Jesus can be seen in the place.