Mini TR:
I missed the 383 by a few minutes, so I ended up taking the 381. 381 makes more stops and it is a longer ride. It went all around Kiryat Arba before making its way to the Machpela. It was my first time in Kiryat Arba and until now I never realized that it is such a large, beautiful and modern place.
They ask for the Tav Yarok to get into the Machpela. I gave them my NYS Excelsior Pass and they accepted it. There were very few people - maybe 6-7 - inside the entire Machpela. There was no minyan for mincha.
I walked towards the cemetery. All stores, buildings were closed. Most of the time I was the only one there. Then a few Jewish kids showed up riding two donkeys. Kipa, tzitzis, payos, and two donkeys, it looked hilarious. Other kids who had no donkeys had to suffice riding bicycles.
I waited in vain for bus 381 at the bus stop next to the cemetery, it never showed up. I walked back to the Gutnick Center, had some pizza and ended up catching 381 an hour later from the Machpela.
I only saw a few Arabs, few visitors and mostly soldiers.
It was a great day trip, although I am sure I would have seen more with a guide.
expenses: 32 Shekels for the bus
30 shekels for pizza + drink
15 shekels for a Chevron key chain
