Set foot on the Palestinians' West Bank

What would one do with a half a day to spare? And I told myself this trip in Israel wouldn't be complete without visiting the Palestinians' West Bank. Yep, Palestine. With the daily news on the internet, there were stories about this ongoing conflict between the Palestine and Israel, and some bombings in the Gaza strip, I knew there could be threat crossing to this area but on the other head I have also heard stories from the locals confirming that Bethlehem was perfectly safe for visitors. So I took chances once again, and made my way to Damascus Gate to catch the Arab Bus number 21 which will take me to Bethlehem in the Palestinian territory of the West Bank. 

Damascus Gate

woohooo - I got my bus ticket for Arab bus no. 21

I had to say the Arab bus had surprised me, it was cleaner than expected and with vacant seats. There were only couple of us waiting at the bus station next to Damascus Gate. In fact, I recognised a few familiar faces which I met before. It was the same Japanese group I saw at the Jordanian border crossing before, what a small world. So we nodded to each other and made our own way into the bus. I sat myself next to the window and a few stops later, a local young lady sat next to me. I could tell she was quite curious about me, as she sat down she smiled and said hello. It was when the bus came to a sudden haul due to some crazy pedestrian crossing and everyone was forces to hold onto the handrail to avoid bumping their heads into the headrest in front, the curious lady utilised the chance and started a conversion with me. And from the ride, I found out she was a university student, good English because she got that from school, family still resides in West Bank etc. But I couldn't remember her name and she told me I can just walk from Bethlehem bus stop to Church of Nativity. She also gave me some useful advice, " don't take the taxi, just walk", "walk through the souq, everyone knows where the church is". "remember don't take the taxi". So after a 20 minute ride, I said farewell to this brief acquaintance, and tried to remember her bits and pieces of advices.

As I hopped off, there were cars beeping, the street traffic was going crazy, and there's no sign of the Nativity Church. The West bank or the Palestine was alot more chaotic than Israel. Just before I got into a panic mode, a Japanese girl approached me and said " do you remember us? I think we met before...". So yep, they were definitely the same group I saw at the Jordan Israel border crossing. They had kindly offer me to join them since they planned a similar itinerary as me.

Palestinian Taxi

After you get off the Arab 21 bus, you will see this bank of Palestine atm machine in front of you

So why not, it's always nice to have accompany for a little advantage, as our little asian group walked past every street and alley way, we really made an entrance. Everyone were starring at us as if we were aliens from outer planet. Either they haven't seen alot of Asian tourists or they felt we have intrude their area. Unlike Israel, where occasionally I could spot one or two Asians, here we were the only ones and this could also be because it was an off peak season for traveling into Palestine.

navigating our way through the narrow alleyway to find the church of nativity

 

lots of shops selling all sorts of things, scarfs, pillows, 80s toys

weird looking cabbage, they were flat and oval in shape and big too

some very pink looking cake slices for sale

walking under "BLANKETS"

Arabic Tea Man

I had to say walking through the local area was an experience, you  get to see so much more then your usual souvenir stores. Before we knew it, we finally arrived at Bethlehem Peace Centre.

The Peace Centre wasn't at all peaceful as it sounds, there were protesting going on, we talked to one of the man on the loudspeaker and he told us they were trying to get one of the prisoner to be free or something. Anyway, it was very noisy in this main square, they were playing some songs, shouting out something in Arabic. And the man on the loudspeaker invited us to take more photos because they want the world to know what's going on in Palestine. 

But hey, say cheeseeeee, we have finally made it to Manger square of Bethlehem!!!

Protesting going on at Bethlehem Peace Centre