great mate ! dreaming that I could make the trip with you , but my dreams never got a passport too .. planes are so high !

Hey Lroy, you'd be more than welcome. I just have to hope my new passport arrives in time! Ordered it today. 

Nice New Box set
ahbaar@yahoo.com
Whatapp +972599216161
edited - dappy

Happy to say they have given me a full refund, im now looking to book again in the new year sometime.

Thats really good news, so pleased for you. I must say I'm very impressed with the service I've so far had from them. They're extremely responsive to email queries. I've stayed in some top 5 star hotels and I would say Walled Off are just as good.

I have just came back and what an experience. We had 2 nights in Tel Aviv and only one in Bethlehem (wish we done it the other way around).

I definitely would recommend the Taxi transfers as pretty hassle free.

We had the tour with Marwan booked through the hotel and it was amazing and a real eye opener. We were around by the entrance in the wall when some trouble started and in all honesty I never felt so safe (all the trouble seemed to be in one street only)! The trouble was mainly kids throwing stones and marbles and setting some tyres on fire but had absolutely no interest with us at all. The security came out in their vehicles with guns etc and arrested a boy who must have been about 12. We walked down the street where our guide was chatting to some of the protesters and people who were there who were all friendly as could be towards us. From that moment we felt great and never once thought we would be in any trouble at all.

He took us through one of the refugee communities and that was really good and we learned so much it was quite crazy. He told us so much about the history and it really was quite touching and thought provoking.

The tour finished and we then got chatting to one of the local taxi drivers who basically works from outside the hotel from 7am until 10pm 7 days per week. He took us to see the Banksy pieces and a bit of a tour and stopped wherever we wanted to for photos, and took us to see some great views. It was for about 90mins and cost was 150 shekels (about £30-35).

He picked us up on the evening and took us to a bar in Bethlehem and picked us back up after at the arranged time - didn't even want paying until our return journey!

The hotel itself was great and the museum was superb and definitely worth a look as it has so much information - and a lot of it is in a twisted Banksy way with plenty of humour thrown in. Rooms decent, staff great, food and local drinks excellent etc etc.

The Palestinian people were great and probably the friendliest people I have ever came across and couldn't do enough for you and they all seem to help eachother out as best they can with the hand they have been dealt.

There really isn't a way to get everything into words and we were only there about 28 hours, and all I can say is you HAVE to visit the place to really understand what it is all about, and don't believe everything you hear in the press!

PS - security in the airport on the back is very strict. You are not allowed to have a lock on your case, and any hand luggage will be gone through with a fine tooth comb. Everything gets taken out of your bag and swabbed. I had my Walled off postcards with boxset and got grilled. I had the head of security asking every question under the sun, and the boxset was in the paper bag that had a bit of tape on it. Asking me if it was electrical or explosives and I told them it was a print/photo and to open to look and they wouldn't. What my job was, where I stayed in Tel Aviv, Bethlehem, why I was even there, why did I go to Tel Aviv etc etc. About half an hour to get through and I am certain it was only because I said I went to Bethlehem. But ultimately I had nothing to hide and got let through with all my belongings.

Anyway - if you can get the time to go over there it is a must, you will definitely not regret it at all.

Great post, thanks for sharing. This here is exactly what I was alluding to in my post about the boxsets. You can experience all this AND get your own boxset.

I'm going in January and the airport is the only real worry I have. I'm no good at lying and making things up, so I'm hoping to have a hassle free passage. Thanks for the tip on hand luggage, I'll make sure everything open and easily inspected.

Lroy, I'm sure you'll be please to know I received the following text from the passport office 😅

'You should receive your new passport within a few working days. We'll send your supporting documents separately.'

Phew!

Hi

Is anyone from London going to the walled off hotel in the next couple of weeks ?
I have left a hat there , if some one could pick it up and I could collect on return or pay uk postage on return ?greatly appreciated and would gift some form of art for your troubles.
Thanks

I am pleased to inform you that reservations are now available until the end of November 2018.

For reservations and availability please visit our website.


Bound to be a fair few surprises over then next year.....My guess will be a new print will be out soon to get a new lease of life into the Hotel??

Apologies if this has been asked, but I will be in Bethlehem in February. Do I need to book a room at the hotel in order to make a print or sculpture purchase in the gift shop? Or, are all welcome to make purchases?

Thanks in advance for any clarity!

Pretty sure you need to book still though have read of some exceptions

A fluffy bear child’s hat 🙄
Baby’s first winter hat , sentimental value

Wish I'd known, I came back yesterday