Traveling Commentary

So 6+ is at it again. We are giving a tour of Bethlehem at the Bronx Art Museum. Rather virtual in nature. Though part of the joy of it is digging through all of the photographs, video, audio, stories, and memories of my past 2 trips. I’ve also been researching the touristy things to make a quick guide as a handout. In my memories, and in my research, I stumble across Cosmos again, the night club in th West Bank. Sweet memories of Sama, Fadi, and I with ridiculous fruity drinks dancing till the wee hours of the morning. Forgetting about the fighting between Fateh and Hamas. Now I feel kind of guilty about letting myself feel displaced from the violence of that place and time. But perhaps that is the witchy magic that Cosmos has. If you go to Bethlehem, you must go there. It is actually in Beit Jala. I don’t think its the ONLY disco in the West Bank, but its the only one I’ve been to.

Here’s an article from Haaretz newspaper:

Last update – 14:54 06/11/2006

The only disco in the West Bank: The place to be in Bethlehem

By Avi Issacharoff

BETHLEHEM – It is almost 3 A.M., and Peter, the owner of Cosmos, finally can crack a smile. The dance floor is packed and the alcohol is flowing. George, a real clubber, is celebrating his birthday, and cannot seem to stop clapping his hands and whistling. Sirakis, meanwhile, shows off his dance moves. Peter pours himself a shot and to the sounds of a song by Nancy Ajram says: “Write it down, there’s no other place in the world like Cosmos, none.” A few hours earlier, things looked rather different. [Read more…] about to the Cosmos and back