Good Morning, Bethlehem

I woke up this morning to a beautiful day. 

Breakfast was cereal with Patty, a brilliant and very kind professor from Palo Alto College. 

Most signs and other things in Israel proper are in Hebrew, Arabic and English. More things in Palestinian Territory are just in Arabic. Check out the milk bottle in Arabic:

Just like home.

PS> I can legitimately hear a rooster crowing right now. 11:33 a.m. here, but okay.

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Well, I arrived and settled in here at the HCEF guesthouse in Bethlehem last night. 

Here's the view from my window:

You can see the Shepherd's Fields and the Herodian from my room.

Check out the Herodian, a palace of King Herod. It's the tall, flat-topped hill-looking thing in the back:

You can also see the top of Nativity Church from the sitting room of the center:

You can hear lots of kids playing outside, some dogs barking, the call to prayer five times a day, and church bells. 

What to say? I'm pretty excited. I don't know much of what to expect yet. I have the song in my head today.

O little town of Bethlehem
How still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight