A Spanish Bethlehem - Xativa, Spain

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Always something unexpected

We visited this small town that the hotel desk clerk had recommended. We did not know what to expect, only that he said it was a nice village with a long history. When we arrived it was time for lunch, maybe past time, and we were ready to eat. As we walked along we saw ahead of us a small city park. As we drew near we realized that the park had been turned into a nativity scene, not just of the manger, but of all of Bethlehem. The buildings and the figures were all full size. The plants, vegetables and animals were alive. Most of the plants were growing in the dirt of the park. Some of the fruits, etc. on the 'vendor's' stalls were artificial. Can you imagine the hours and weeks of work to prepare for this? Growing a garden of mature vegetables and flowers and then building all the structures? What a work of love.

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