My fourth day in Israel began with a delectable apple crumble for breakfast. I had purchased it the prior evening at Cafe Louise (Cafe Louise) in Tel Aviv. The restaurant offers a few vegan food items on its menu at a reasonable price. They offer healthy cuisine.
As always, my tour guide from Ben Harim Tours arrived promptly at 7am for a group tour of Bethlehem and Jericho. Our first stop of the day was at the Judaean Desert “sea level” point, along the highway from Tel Aviv to Jericho.
We passed by the Inn of the Good Samaritan by the highway. It is located near the site of the inn described in the New Testament bible parable. Built in the 19th century by Christians, the site was created for Christian pilgrims to experience the bible story visually. The Good Samaritan, according to the bible, was someone who passed by a wounded man that was robbed on the road to Jericho. The Samaritan bandaged his wounds and brought him to an inn to take care of him.
After our jaunt through the desert, we arrived in the town of Jericho. We continued to drive until we reached “Tell es-Sultan”. This is where the ancient city of Jericho lies. The ancient town can also claim to be the oldest city in the world and the lowest point on earth. A beautiful fountain and its tiled pavement states likewise.
A couple of peacocks strutted by us, one spreading his gorgeous green-blue plume before our eyes.
We marched up the dirt steps to the top of the tel(“hill”). From this vantage point, we caught a splendid glimpse of the city below us, while palm trees stand tall in every direction.
Glancing to our left, we see Mount Temptation, where Christ was tempted by the devil during his 40 days fast.
A Greek Orthodox monastery clings to the side of the hill. To its right, lies the fortress of King Herod.
The frame and foundation of ancient Jericho houses are found on the excavated hilltop.
The ancient city walls have been uncovered as well.
Heading down the hill, additional Bronze age structures are exhibited.
We exited the tel excavation site and proceeded to Zacchaeus tree in modern Jericho. According to Scripture, the tax collector Zacchaeus climbed this sycamore tree to see Jesus when he arrived in town. Jesus noticed him in the tree and called him by name and told him that he will visit his home. This visit from Jesus had such an impact on Zacchaeus, that he decided to give half of his wealth to the poor.
Beside the tree, a vendor sells local nuts. What a nice surprise to find a vegan snack to alleviate my mid-morning hunger pangs!
We hopped on the tour bus and continued our journey towards Bethlehem. During our drive, we noticed many nomadic Bedouin tribes had erected tents and aluminum frame temporary homes scattered along the main highway in the desert.
Upon our arrival in Bethlehem, we walked through the arched entrance to our first stop.
The Church of the Shepherds contains a lustrous grotto representing the angel that appeared to the shepherds to announce the birth of Christ. A 7th century bishop visiting there, had noted the burial places of the three shepherds in the church.
The fields outside of the church are believed to be where the shepherds stood when the angel visited them.
The lower level church is where the shepherds heard the angel proclaim “Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth and good will to men” (Luke 2-14). This cave was also the shepherds’ tombs.
Our group then headed over to the Milk Grotto.
An Orthodox priest guards the chapel.
We see the corner section of the lower level where Virgin Mary is said to have nursed baby Jesus. Her milk is said to have flowed onto the cave rocks. Faithful believers take some of the rock powder and place it in their mouths, as it is thought to produce miracles.
Lunchtime had arrived for us. Our guide had arranged for us to dine at “Christmas Bells Restaurant”(Christmas Bells Restaurant) in Bethlehem. The restaurant offers a huge selection of items with their buffet. Many of the entree and side dishes were indeed vegan. The vegan-savvy waitstaff told me which items were vegan. I feasted on a delicious plate of rice, baked potatoes, carrots, string beans, eggplant salad, cabbage salad, carrot salad, and cauliflower.
After our tasty and hearty lunch, we passed by Manager Square on the way to the Church of the Nativity. Many Christian pilgrims of the Greek Orthodox, Armenian, and Roman Catholic faiths travel to the famous Manger Square for Christmas Eve celebrations and caroling.
Constantine and his mother Helena commissioned the Church of the Nativity basilica in 325AD over the site located over the cave where Jesus was born. Byzantine Emperor Justinian built a new basilica in 565AD, after Samaritan revolts had destroyed the original church by fires.The church is currently administered by the Greek Orthodox, Armenian Apostolic, and Roman Catholic churches.
The entrance leads to a huge hallway where we walk through an Orthodox chapel. We then enter the Chapel of the Manger. This is the place where it is thought that Jesus lay in the manager as an infant.
Following the Manger visit, I proceed to the Grotto of the Nativity. This underground cave beneath the basilica consecrates the site where Jesus was thought to be born. A 14-pointed silver star surrounded by silver lamps, commemorates and reveres the exact spot of his birth. The 14 points represent the 14 generations from Abraham to David, from David to Babylonian captivity, and from captivity to Jesus. As a devout Christian, I especially felt emotional and in awe at this poignant site.
Our group spent some time at a local gift shops to make some purchases and our day tour of Bethlehem had soon after concluded. During our visit to Bethlehem in Palestine, I felt really safe. Nothing I encountered or saw made me feel unsafe or that danger was “in the air”. It was a calm and happy visit. The region seemed quiet and peaceful and everyone was going about their daily business, as usual. We arrived back in Tel Aviv to go our separate ways. I was ready for something to eat, as evening had arrived. My first stop on my vegan food journey was an ice cream shop Capitolina (Jaffa Flea Market, 9 Olei Tzion) in Old Jaffa’s bustling flea market area, near my hostel. I purchased a really superb chocolate and berry ice cream in a sugar cone. The artisan shop uses fresh ingredients from nearby markets.
A safe and convenient bus ride away, I arrived at the all-vegan Anastasia Restaurant (Anastasia Restaurant) for dinner. The restaurant serves up eclectic and creative dishes in a great atmosphere. Diners may choose to eat outside on their patio, while enjoying the healthy food that the restaurant offers. My entree was a flavorful and delectable Macadamia Crepe with stir-fried vegetables and tofu.that consisted of roasted veggies and tofu in in palm and rice vinegar.
For my dessert, I selected the vegan tiramasu. This vanilla raw cake with chocolate mousse coconut cream, topped with cashews was absolutely superb!
There was just one additional vegan food item that I had to purchase at Anastasia Restaurant. I ordered a vegan chocolate croissant pastry as a take-away for my next day’s breakfast.
Upon arriving back at my hostel, I reminisced about my wonderful day of sightseeing at the incredible biblical sites in Bethlehem and Jericho. I looked forward with anticipation to the following day’s tour of Masada and the Dead Sea.