Hit the road Luke

So I'm gone....

Flew into London yesterday. It's so cold here!




I had my final class on thursday last,
was alot of fun, they brought a cake and lots of sweets and stuff.
A really cool bunch of guys.








It was sad to leave I guess,
I hope to return sooner rather than later.
It really has been an amazing time in my life,
I'm now more aware than ever, how big the world is and how little I know!

I have come to love Palestine and the people there,
the situation here is so unique, same time beautiful and tragic.
There are injustices that the world really should care about more than it does,
but, the occupation and humanitarian crises aside, Palestine is a beautiful and intriguing place.

So I guess the travel blog is at an end,
maybe I'll put up a bunch of pictures in the next week or so,
thanks for all y'alls prayers and comments.
They meant alot. Keep in touch.

Peace, Luke.

Khalil's Cafe

Khalil owns a cafe a 3 minute walk form where I'm living in Bethlehem.
His business has been suffering lately as the new extension of the Israeli "security fence" will literally encirle his cafe.
The wall cuts into the town of Bethlehem, cutting the town off from Jerusalem and making traveling, and consequently working, very difficult for the people there.

A particularly sinister aspect of the "security fence" is that it is built on Palestinian land in the West Bank. This land is "confiscated" from the owners.

In addition to the wall which already exists in Bethlehem, Israel has created a new extension which goes further into Bethlehem, including the historic site of Rachel's tomb.

Khalil's cafe is in this new zone.

There is a small gap by which he can gain access to his cafe. He is allowed access to it between 9 and 5, 6 days a week, for the time being. His primary customers are now Israeli solders, who have recently raised their flag on his roof.

Me and some friends have made a point of visiting Khalil alot these past few weeks. He is a desperate man these days, constantly awaiting the day when he is ejected from his land for the last time, and his Cafe is hidden behind the wall forever.