I went to the Church of the Nativity in November, 2000. It has been a tough time since then, but it sounds like the area around the church has returned to a semblance of normalcy.

The "little town of Bethlehem" is now a bustling part of the Jerusalem Metropolitan area, well within Palestinian territory - the church is about five miles from the checkpoint. To the east, there is a wonderful view of the barren hills of Judea. You can't quite see the Dead Sea, which is maybe 20 miles to the east, amybe a bit more. Bethlehem is not a particularly prosperous area, but it's not horribly impoverished. The people were friendly, and fun to talk with.
Averybody speaks English.

I'm glad to see that things have settled down in Bethlehem, at least a bit. I guess I don't know who's in charge there just now, but it sure sounds like it's more peaceful there than it has been.

-Joe Offer-