Dark skies

A HK group of tourists arrived with John, the sales manager of El Al (I promised to mention him in my blog - so this is it, John! He says he reads it everyday ..... hhhmmm so how come sales managers have so much free time to read blogs?!). They're all tour agents from HK and the trip was organised by Jet-tours, escorted by Andy. It was a familiarisation tour. And of course on my part it was nice to meet with Honkies again (never dreamt I'd say that!!! bite my tongue!). Well John was very very nice because he brought a bag of my stuff over for me. Really appreciate that especially when he was busy with the group and all. (Pat on the back!) The group is leaving for HK tonight; so buon viaggio!

The sky is threateningly black and everything just looks so dull and listless - the muezzins are singing from every mosque in Jerusalem now (2.19pm) and the loudest and closest to us is always the best. He can hold his note for over a minute! And he sings so smoothly. Takes away the horrid itch and pain from my body. Oh from the bag that John brought, there was an ankle guard - thanks to whoever sent it to me! need it real bad as my ankle is hurting.

Anyway Eduardo who helps in the kitchen tells me that the weather report is warning of a severe storm on Wednesday - thunder, hail and floods (all in biblical proportions - it's the only way here in the Holyland!) The Lowlands like the Dead Sea and Jericho will be in big trouble as all the water will be rushing down to them, bringing along boulders and entire mountains. It is really frightening and many people have died being caught up in a flood in the desert. Keep this in mind because later in the Advent readings you'll hear about God changing the weather, the desert will have water flowing over it etc... man this is really biblical background! Wish you were here to see it!

OK must eat my lunch now. I'm late because I went off to Mt. Zion to get the bag from John. Strange isn't it? Mt. Zion for you is like from the psalms, singing of its beauty, reminders of David and Solomon's palaces there...... for us, it's one giant carpark where tourist buses park. Anti-climax! Sr. Pieta is in the kitchen cleaning up and she says there's gulash (chunks of boiled beef in simply language) - I've got another name for it but let's leave it for now ......

And as you have guessed from the photos, Regis will be leaving soon. Poor boy, a victim of human whims. He's so obedient and playful. You guys better say goodbye to him for me, and take lots of photos. Even the sky in Jerusalem is crying for you, Regis. Be a good boy in your new home.