Salt and Mud to Come!

Last post from the Middle East most likely! :)

Bethlehem has been great, but we are all rather travel worn. We have been enjoying delicious shawarmas and falafel for only 5 to 10 shekels!! So cheap! :) Had to savor my last bites...don't know when I will taste that again.
 We have been eating meals at a Lutheran International Center. In the evenings they have been having a series of concerts with Palestinian and Swedish bands. We went last night and it was quite the experience! :) A break dancing group also performed which was pretty awesome to watch live. :)
Today we visited the supposed Shepherds' Field (apparently there are 4 in Bethlehem) and then we went to Hebron. Visited the mosque and saw what is supposed to be Abraham's tomb. Walked through the streets of Hebron, vendors, donkeys pulling carts of potatoes, the most adorable children wandering along or riding their bikes.
Tomorrow we leave at 5 am to start the trek back to Cairo. The journey home will begin bright and early. We will stop along the way to swim in the Dead Sea and plaster ourselves in its mud. :) That will be fun!! :D I think it is an 8 hr bus ride excluding the swimming. I am charging my ipod in preparation.

I feel very ready to be home in some ways, and not so ready in others. I am SO ready to see all of you that I miss so much. Ready to give Mom and Dad the biggest hugs I can give with my new sifting muscles. Ready to sleep for more than 6 or 7 hours. Ready to eat the most amazing cook in the world's food. Ready to not be moving from one place to another.
But.
I will miss the close-knit group we have formed on this trip.  I will miss the mountain tops. The falafel and shawarmas. Lemon Drank!! Real hummus! I will miss seeing the beautiful Arabic script and the Hebrew plastered all over everything. The Shekels!!! :) Taking way too many camel photos. Hearing the call to prayer at 4 am.  Ambling through the streets of Old Jerusalem.
I already miss the Sea of Galilee. :) I will miss seeing the hustle and bustle of another way of life.

I want to come back here again some day.
Some day after I have caught up on all my sleep :) :)