Bethlehem

After 8.5 hour flight to Istanbul, we had about 2 hours to explore the Istanbul airport, sample Turkish cookies, and get a 2 hour flight to Tel Aviv where we met up with those who flew direct. Modern airport with lots of security. Unprepared for the random pull outs for questioning and about 5 in our group of 35 were questioned for 3 to 30 minutes about their purpose and travel plans. Coach bus took us about 90 minutes to our hotel in Bethlehem. Hilly, rocky landscape with lots of sand colored buildings. Entered Bethlehem through the entry point in the separation wall.. Old city, crowded streets and heavy rain greeted us. The Palestinians have been very welcoming.