The video is of a donkey that was insisting on running the road right in front of our bus. At the very end of the clip you can see two boys - about 12 years old - that were riding bareback on an older, white donkey. We were leaving the ruins at Mt Garazim and driving through the city to the highway. It is in the West Bank, and I have to say it looked like hell. Everything is trashy and dirty. Buildings are left half completed. Road conditions are terrible within the West Bank towns. Trash, cars debri is everywhere. Tourists in this area are now rare and the children were all watching and waving.
We were squeezing this huge bus through narrow streets and I looked to my left and saw a small, rugged window in a concrete wall. I saw the smudged face of a girl who was watching, and when our eyes met she covered her face with a tattered piece of cardboard. I didn't catch her on my camera, but I am sure that moment is in my memory forever.
Tensions remain to be sure. At an Israeli check point the guards wanted to know why we weren't traveling with a guard. And again, the checkpoints with AK47-wearing guards boarding our bus and checking passports. Our busdriver is very experienced and he is Palestinian. We have had many discussions about Israeli occupied territories and Palestinian frustrations and how each side gets away with atrocities.
This morning we heard the passionate request of the priest at Taybeh - he asked people of all faiths to pray for peace. Father Raed won our hearts.
Why am I not surprised you have the seat at the very front of the bus. :-) Always a leader! I am delighted to follow your journey and enjoy your commentary on the places, people and events. Enjoy the remaining days.
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