If you recall, on the page “The Adoration of the shepherds”, Giorgione places the scene at the entrance of a cave. Just 4 people adoring the baby, greater intimacy and meditation.
I have read that Palestine had lots of caves, shelter for animals, for people, storage, burials etc. so it makes sense they sought refuge in one. I have also read that Joseph had relatives in his ancestral village and, by the law of the time, he would have stayed with them. If they had no room for the visitors, they would have stayed downstairs with the animals.
What a beautifully moving experience you had, Mary-Lou!
Lots and lots of caves.
They are still finding new caves with dead Sea Scrolls in them. The search is not over.
And ROCKS. Lots and lots of rocks. I remember my late husband gazing out on the Land of his Ancestors and saying:
“You want ROCKS?
ROCKS, we got.
Lots and lots of ROCKS!”