We've arrived!

All the party were up at the crack of dawn and the Castelways coach left the Royal Well at exactly 3-45.

Fog resulted in an hour's delay at Heathrow. But by 10-00 we were in the air and on our way to the Holy Land.

We arrived at Tel Aviv an hour late and Joanne and our bus were waiting for us. Within an hour and a half we were through the checkpoint and into Bethlehem. The Star hotel is in a stunning location. It seems to be on one of the highest points in the city of Bethlehem. After unpacking we were introduced to the restaurant and a delicious meal of tasy salad. But most impressive of all was the stunning view from the restaurant over Bethlehem and the surrounding mountains.

The panoramic windows make it feel as if you are on top of the world. We look across at the church of the nativity.

And in the morning we shall be visiting the church and getting our pilgrimage under way.

But at the end of a long day it is time to close.