From Palestine soil we went back to Jerusalem, stayed the night in The Stay Inn, a nice hostel in the Jaffa area. The hostels are quite expensive, the life too. 28-30 euro for a bed in a dorm is normal and imagine this is the low season.. The food and drinks are highly priced, compared to those in Western Europe.
Leaving Bethlehem was easy, there is a straight bus going to Jerusalem, avoiding questioning at checkpoint 330. The checkpoint at the border by bus was easy for us, for we only had to show our passports. For the Palestinians it was something else. They all went out of the bus out of a sudden and were queing up. They looked like beaten dogs. After the bus was checked, a 17/18 year old soldier (female) checked their Id (calling them one by one to come forward) and decided If they were allowed to get back in the bus by a knod, a friendly or nasty one. It was one of the most humiliating things I experienced. I had to cry some minutes in silence. There are those moments when you are happy to carry your sunglases. This was one of them..
Yad Vashem
In Jerusalem we went to see the yad vashem, the holocaust museum/ centre. It’s a big complex, very sober from the outside but with a great view, and full with films and photos, attributes concerning the history of the Jews through the centuries and from the second world war until now. Admission is free. Some parts of the building were sponsord by US (Jewish) families, there were signs everywhere. It was very crowded with groups and youngsters/ classes. This center touches me also. So much suffering. The concentration camp clothing, used, it was heartbreaking. I also saw the ghettos during WWII and they reminded me somehow of the Palestine area. Why do the same to another people what was done to you throughout all history? That’s a big questionmark.. Not many people seem moved, maybe they grief in silence.
After this we went by tram back to the center and walked in the Jehuda Market, with lots of local products, shops with food, small restaurants. A lively street/neighbourhood.
Anyway, it was a day filled with contrasts. Up to the desert!
Twicedoubleyou Travels 