Yesterday was 36 degrees and very humid. You could hardly breathe as the air was heavy and the heat oppressive. Needless to say it did me no good. I stayed indoors most of the time.
Today is a little cooler - 30 degrees. Primary school exam results are out and students with their parents are crowding around their schools. Colleges and Uni. are still having their exams though.
Fr Vincenzo came over to see me and he updated me with the sponsorship programme. The children are well taken care off. Now in summer, Fr Vincenzo buys bread spread with some butter and give the children to eat at tea time. And he hopes to buy a television as well so they can spend the afternoons watching Sat7 Kids - the christian channel for children showing bible stories and catechism; there are also educational programmes teaching simple maths and science. This will keep the children entertained and educated since some have no means of going to school.
Mother Theresa's sisters also received your donations and they're very thankful. They would like me to buy medicines for the sick people whom they care for.
This week's 1st readings come from the prophet Amos. I was wondering this morning where his tomb is. In Iraq, terrorists bombed the tomb of the prophet Jonah. Aweful.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Change of weather
There's a lovely full moon shining through my window the last 2 nights. It floats through the Jerusalem sky, it's light bouncing off the buildings on the Mt. of Olives.
And the weather has changed - alot cooler in fact and windy. This afternoon I was invited to lunch by the John the Baptist community. They were very kind and cooked a simple meal that I could eat. We chatted. Then on my way home, I decided to take the alleys of the Old City to avoid the crowds. It was nice and quiet. A lovely breeze was blowing. And round a corner there was the smell of barbeque - so very summer and arabic here in the Holyland. Passed the Spanish sisters convent. Clean quiet alley going downhill with lots of steps. Round another corner passing the Missionaries of Charity convent (no guesses, the alley is named "churches street"). reached the busy Suq (market) of Damascus Gate - passing by the tailor's shop where I stopped to say "hi" to the old haj. Haven't seen him for over 6 months (haven't been walking that alley for a long time). The old haj was very happy (he's muslim - haj is what we call old muslim men who made a pilgrimage to Mecca - but he has no problems with christians) and greeted me with typical arabic warmth and joy. It was good to see the old man again, still cutting cloth and sewing on his ancient Singer machine. Passed by the Shwarma store and the owner waved to me - haven't chatted with him for a long time too. Haven't bought a shwarma to eat for a very long time too. Passed by the souvenir store and the muslim owner whom I knew since 18 yrs back called me in to chat - he wanted to know if I was taking any herbal medicine as he was worried about my weight loss. Passed by another souvenir store and the muslim owner said he had been to Mecca and prayed for me and brought back Zam Zam water (muslim equivalent to holy water) to cure me.
My friend Habeeb is getting married right now in Haifa. He insisted on me coming for the wedding - but the thought of a 3 hr car ride while I'm still coughing tons of phlegm, a slight fever of 37 degrees and aching bones is not encouraging. About to rest when - as usual this entire week - the phone had to ring and wake me. It was Zaki, Habeeb's best friend, calling from the wedding. And Boaz, Habeeb's and our electrician, is also there. Hope they have a great time. I understand the dinner is going to be a big thing.
And Fr Vincenzo has arrived from Musky (Cairo). gave him all your donations to sponsor the children there. He's very grateful and will send some photos and reports on the situation.
And the weather has changed - alot cooler in fact and windy. This afternoon I was invited to lunch by the John the Baptist community. They were very kind and cooked a simple meal that I could eat. We chatted. Then on my way home, I decided to take the alleys of the Old City to avoid the crowds. It was nice and quiet. A lovely breeze was blowing. And round a corner there was the smell of barbeque - so very summer and arabic here in the Holyland. Passed the Spanish sisters convent. Clean quiet alley going downhill with lots of steps. Round another corner passing the Missionaries of Charity convent (no guesses, the alley is named "churches street"). reached the busy Suq (market) of Damascus Gate - passing by the tailor's shop where I stopped to say "hi" to the old haj. Haven't seen him for over 6 months (haven't been walking that alley for a long time). The old haj was very happy (he's muslim - haj is what we call old muslim men who made a pilgrimage to Mecca - but he has no problems with christians) and greeted me with typical arabic warmth and joy. It was good to see the old man again, still cutting cloth and sewing on his ancient Singer machine. Passed by the Shwarma store and the owner waved to me - haven't chatted with him for a long time too. Haven't bought a shwarma to eat for a very long time too. Passed by the souvenir store and the muslim owner whom I knew since 18 yrs back called me in to chat - he wanted to know if I was taking any herbal medicine as he was worried about my weight loss. Passed by another souvenir store and the muslim owner said he had been to Mecca and prayed for me and brought back Zam Zam water (muslim equivalent to holy water) to cure me.
My friend Habeeb is getting married right now in Haifa. He insisted on me coming for the wedding - but the thought of a 3 hr car ride while I'm still coughing tons of phlegm, a slight fever of 37 degrees and aching bones is not encouraging. About to rest when - as usual this entire week - the phone had to ring and wake me. It was Zaki, Habeeb's best friend, calling from the wedding. And Boaz, Habeeb's and our electrician, is also there. Hope they have a great time. I understand the dinner is going to be a big thing.
And Fr Vincenzo has arrived from Musky (Cairo). gave him all your donations to sponsor the children there. He's very grateful and will send some photos and reports on the situation.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Inspiration time
Here's one for inspiration and motivation: Connor has suffered from epilepsy since age 4 and his life has been very difficult since. But see the magic he does with kites - it's his spirit flying outside his broken body.
What about you? Looked beyond your limitations and found your gift?
What about you? Looked beyond your limitations and found your gift?
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Feast of John the Baptist
Today in Ein Kerem there was a solemn Mass - that's the place where John the Baptist was born. Lots of people went. Not me. I'm still sick - 38 degree fever and dreadful headache. Still had to go back to work as some Italian guests wanted to use our place. Had to be doorman.
Oh it's also Fr Giovanni Loche's birthday and feastday. Forgot. But he's ok with it. We chatted after dinner.
Managed to crawl home in the heat by noon. There's a lovely series of photos in the Haaretz website - animals in the zoo cooling off in the heatwave (40 degrees). I was terribly drowsy with the medicine but as things would have it, phone calls one after another. A minimum of 14 in all. Why doesn't anyone call me when I'm well? One wants the key to the car. Another wants a lists of hotels in Rome. Another wants a video cassette. It's a conspiracy, I tell you.
Just as well there was an earthquake in Canada today. I could have started one here. Then again I could follow John the Baptist's example and have my head chopped off - it'll solve the headache and fever.
Oh it's also Fr Giovanni Loche's birthday and feastday. Forgot. But he's ok with it. We chatted after dinner.
Managed to crawl home in the heat by noon. There's a lovely series of photos in the Haaretz website - animals in the zoo cooling off in the heatwave (40 degrees). I was terribly drowsy with the medicine but as things would have it, phone calls one after another. A minimum of 14 in all. Why doesn't anyone call me when I'm well? One wants the key to the car. Another wants a lists of hotels in Rome. Another wants a video cassette. It's a conspiracy, I tell you.
Just as well there was an earthquake in Canada today. I could have started one here. Then again I could follow John the Baptist's example and have my head chopped off - it'll solve the headache and fever.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Worse
My fever has gone up to 38 degrees. The heat from the lungs and throat are almost unbearable. Just longing to swallow some cold yoghurt to reduce the pain and heat. Was at Dr John's this morning - blood pressure is ok, blood sugar acceptable, heart rate ok. But the viral infection of my lungs and bronchus is bad. The doc told me to take augmentin and lots of liquid and rest. The last one sounds like mission impossible. Trying to rest - between two lessons, 20 telephone calls and one emergency visit to the office because one arab employee won't do what he was supposed to do. Endless hell.
Tonight we're having the end of year barbeque. It's becoming a tradition. Tried to sleep though. Got a call from the dean to come down and show my face. Clomp clomp clomp. With a 38 degree fever. Most students and professors were present. Must say the lamb ribs were fantastic. Khalil the cook came over to do overtime. Notably missing was Praveen. He called me several times today but I missed his calls, and I called him back but he missed all my calls. And then the other indian students began asking where he was and everyone began calling him ... and they got him ... except me. Praveen was texting me instead. So finally I made one last try and got through to him. He's off to Tel Aviv ... the nerve! On end of school year barbeque!! And come to think of it, another 1st year was missing - Eric from Peru.
OK the sisters in the kitchen have unlocked the fridge so I can take several plums to cool down my temp. And also some yoghurt. It's going to be a long night of coughing, fever and pain. Hope to get it over with.
Tonight we're having the end of year barbeque. It's becoming a tradition. Tried to sleep though. Got a call from the dean to come down and show my face. Clomp clomp clomp. With a 38 degree fever. Most students and professors were present. Must say the lamb ribs were fantastic. Khalil the cook came over to do overtime. Notably missing was Praveen. He called me several times today but I missed his calls, and I called him back but he missed all my calls. And then the other indian students began asking where he was and everyone began calling him ... and they got him ... except me. Praveen was texting me instead. So finally I made one last try and got through to him. He's off to Tel Aviv ... the nerve! On end of school year barbeque!! And come to think of it, another 1st year was missing - Eric from Peru.
OK the sisters in the kitchen have unlocked the fridge so I can take several plums to cool down my temp. And also some yoghurt. It's going to be a long night of coughing, fever and pain. Hope to get it over with.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Real sick
Wow ... now this is a damning report - http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/the-silent-expulsion-1.297577
Anyway I'm terribly ill today. Very bad cough and chest pains - excruciating to be exact. it burns the lungs and throat. Felt nauseous the whole day. Temp. was 37 degrees so not a fever. But it might be something viral. Dr. John (I called him on the phone as I couldn't bear the pain anymore) told me to take some paracetomol, or augmentin if there were any in the house. And drink lots of water, and a toddy - which the sisters in the kitchen made for me : hot milk with some honey and brandy. Hope I'll get better tomorrow otherwise I'll have to go to the clinic.
Anyway I'm terribly ill today. Very bad cough and chest pains - excruciating to be exact. it burns the lungs and throat. Felt nauseous the whole day. Temp. was 37 degrees so not a fever. But it might be something viral. Dr. John (I called him on the phone as I couldn't bear the pain anymore) told me to take some paracetomol, or augmentin if there were any in the house. And drink lots of water, and a toddy - which the sisters in the kitchen made for me : hot milk with some honey and brandy. Hope I'll get better tomorrow otherwise I'll have to go to the clinic.
Even hotter
The heatwave has started bushfires around the country. http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=179165 And to add to that, there's a hamsiin blowing as well. It's so stifling hot and dusty I've been coughing the whole day, even inside the house.
Yesterday Eilat was 46 degrees! In Jerusalem it was 38 degrees. The proverbial egg would have fried anywhere yesterday. I'm feeling terribly sick not just because of the heat but this mysterious diarrhea that has been laying me wasted for the past weeks. And the nausea as well. Not even coke seems to work - and it's zero coke with minimal suger. Nothing works anymore.
News is coming in that in Rome, archaeologists may have found the earliest paintings of Ss. Peter and Paul. Let's see how this developments in the next few weeks.
Yesterday Eilat was 46 degrees! In Jerusalem it was 38 degrees. The proverbial egg would have fried anywhere yesterday. I'm feeling terribly sick not just because of the heat but this mysterious diarrhea that has been laying me wasted for the past weeks. And the nausea as well. Not even coke seems to work - and it's zero coke with minimal suger. Nothing works anymore.
News is coming in that in Rome, archaeologists may have found the earliest paintings of Ss. Peter and Paul. Let's see how this developments in the next few weeks.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Father's Day
Yesterday began with a dreadful morning. Fr Niccacci fainted during the doxology of Mass. Luckily he didn't hurt his head on the edge of the seat. He's been sick recently but no one expected him to faint in so dramatic a fashion. Flat on his back with arms outstretched like on a cross. Cyriac, Rosario and I carried him to the sacristy while a visiting franciscan nun - a nurse luckily - came to revive him.
Then as we finished Mass and breakfast, I went out to do my chores - cleaning the courtyard and birdcages. Saw the neighbour's cat had eaten one of the nesting canaries, destroyed all the eggs, smashed the cage to bits. A baby canary in the next cage died of a heart-attack because of the fright.
Everyone was upset the whole day. It was a dreadful morning.
And for those of you who think crucifixion is a thing of the past, read this: http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_543723.html
and Jerusalem's mayor wants to raze 22 Palestinian homes to build a shopping mall. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/22-palestinian-homes-to-be-razed-in-east-jerusalem-1.297471
But later in the afternoon Jenny, Tat Ming and Ting came to visit me with a huge bunch of flowers. Apparently it's Father's Day and they came to fete. I've not the slightest idea it was Father's Day. Anyway the flowers were a gift on behalf of the "Rise" group - there was a group photo attached. Scared me to bits those faces. I should put it in the courtyard to scare away the cats. Anyway it was a nice thought. But a bunch of durians (lau leen) would have been better. So who's been dreaming of me eating durians? Fulfill that dream!
The Mass readings from the Books of Kings is very interesting. Have you been following it? We're into the Elijah/Elisha stories now.
Then as we finished Mass and breakfast, I went out to do my chores - cleaning the courtyard and birdcages. Saw the neighbour's cat had eaten one of the nesting canaries, destroyed all the eggs, smashed the cage to bits. A baby canary in the next cage died of a heart-attack because of the fright.
Everyone was upset the whole day. It was a dreadful morning.
And for those of you who think crucifixion is a thing of the past, read this: http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_543723.html
and Jerusalem's mayor wants to raze 22 Palestinian homes to build a shopping mall. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/22-palestinian-homes-to-be-razed-in-east-jerusalem-1.297471
But later in the afternoon Jenny, Tat Ming and Ting came to visit me with a huge bunch of flowers. Apparently it's Father's Day and they came to fete. I've not the slightest idea it was Father's Day. Anyway the flowers were a gift on behalf of the "Rise" group - there was a group photo attached. Scared me to bits those faces. I should put it in the courtyard to scare away the cats. Anyway it was a nice thought. But a bunch of durians (lau leen) would have been better. So who's been dreaming of me eating durians? Fulfill that dream!
The Mass readings from the Books of Kings is very interesting. Have you been following it? We're into the Elijah/Elisha stories now.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Heatwave
The heat is overwhelmingly unbearable. Last night it was so hot I couldn't sleep. Had the windows opened, but it was still too hot. Today the sun just beat down and burnt everyone to a crisp. There's a health warning that elderly and children should stay indoors for the next few days. It's a heatwave.
Darko has returned to stay for 2 weeks. He finished his doctorate 2 years ago. Jobi defended his thesis yesterday and earned his Licentiate. Was very happy for him. He is a quiet guy who works hard and remains always in the background. Tonight he offered a barbeque dinner for our community. We had a lovely refreshing Greek salad, then vegetable soup and barbequed meat followed by ice cream. No ... I didn't take the ice cream. Don't feel well taking these things nowadays ... including Coke (stop grinning, you "Rise" people!!!). I get diarrhea after eating/drinking those stuff. But in this heat, an ice cream or Coke is really helpful. As a substitute, I found out about ice yoghurt with fruit. Real great stuff. Anyway Jobi (he's Indian, remember?) will probably go home to his mission to teach.
The Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa's sisters) cooked me dinner tonight - after 3 months that I haven't seen them. They were worried that I've lost too much weight and am not eating. So they cooked bee hoon and curry veggies. Real nice! But the ride home from Bethlehem (where they live) to Jerusalem was a nightmare - one full hour instead of just 20 minutes. Security at the checkpoint was horrendous!
Darko has returned to stay for 2 weeks. He finished his doctorate 2 years ago. Jobi defended his thesis yesterday and earned his Licentiate. Was very happy for him. He is a quiet guy who works hard and remains always in the background. Tonight he offered a barbeque dinner for our community. We had a lovely refreshing Greek salad, then vegetable soup and barbequed meat followed by ice cream. No ... I didn't take the ice cream. Don't feel well taking these things nowadays ... including Coke (stop grinning, you "Rise" people!!!). I get diarrhea after eating/drinking those stuff. But in this heat, an ice cream or Coke is really helpful. As a substitute, I found out about ice yoghurt with fruit. Real great stuff. Anyway Jobi (he's Indian, remember?) will probably go home to his mission to teach.
The Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa's sisters) cooked me dinner tonight - after 3 months that I haven't seen them. They were worried that I've lost too much weight and am not eating. So they cooked bee hoon and curry veggies. Real nice! But the ride home from Bethlehem (where they live) to Jerusalem was a nightmare - one full hour instead of just 20 minutes. Security at the checkpoint was horrendous!
Friday, June 18, 2010
Andromeda in Jaffa
More news on the ultra-orthodox demonstration. 100,000 showed up! http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/middle_east/10338900.stm
http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=178759
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/100-000-protesters-accompany-parents-on-way-to-jail-over-segregated-school-1.296746
The light show has ended. I saw the huge search lights and other projectors being packed away. It must have cost millions to put up a one week show like that.
Was just reminded that the greek mythology of Andromeda took place in Jaffa (near Tel Aviv). Know that story? Check it up!
http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=178759
http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/100-000-protesters-accompany-parents-on-way-to-jail-over-segregated-school-1.296746
The light show has ended. I saw the huge search lights and other projectors being packed away. It must have cost millions to put up a one week show like that.
Was just reminded that the greek mythology of Andromeda took place in Jaffa (near Tel Aviv). Know that story? Check it up!
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Demonstrations
No riotings, thank goodness. But thousands of ultra-orthodox Jews demonstrating throughout the country, including Jerusalem. The whole issue is racism and discrimination (according to the State) and right to educate children within a religious environment (according to the ultra-orthodox Ashkenazi). The latter do not want their children to go to the same school with other religious children. They want segregation in schools between ultra-orthodox Ashkenazi and Shephardi students. http://www.jpost.com/Israel/Article.aspx?id=178726 and http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/tens-of-thousands-of-ultra-orthodox-rally-in-israel-over-segregated-education-ruling-1.296746
Another summer day
We're getting news that ultra-orthodox Jews have been rioting in Jaffa (Tel Aviv). And the country is expecting nationwide riots tomorrow or the next days. The High Court has ordered the police to be prepared.
The weather is unbearably hot - the sun actually. It burns you right through. But once you're in the shade it's perfectly nice. Plants in the garden are dying off. But the agapanthus are flowering everywhere. Lovely white and lavender plumes of flowers - reminds me of summer in Sydney. Love it. Miss it.
Anyone saw the Yip Man movies? I hear it's very good. I hope to be able to grab some quite time this summer to watch some DVDs. And rest.
Football fever everywhere - everyone is talking about the last match. Good to see people talking about fun instead of wars and fights. Spain lost to Switzerland. Lots of laughs at the dinner table.
By the way, the online course on Matthew's Gospel has started. Write to dsbiblecentre@gmail.com to register.
The weather is unbearably hot - the sun actually. It burns you right through. But once you're in the shade it's perfectly nice. Plants in the garden are dying off. But the agapanthus are flowering everywhere. Lovely white and lavender plumes of flowers - reminds me of summer in Sydney. Love it. Miss it.
Anyone saw the Yip Man movies? I hear it's very good. I hope to be able to grab some quite time this summer to watch some DVDs. And rest.
Football fever everywhere - everyone is talking about the last match. Good to see people talking about fun instead of wars and fights. Spain lost to Switzerland. Lots of laughs at the dinner table.
By the way, the online course on Matthew's Gospel has started. Write to dsbiblecentre@gmail.com to register.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Update
More earthquakes today - first Papua New Guinea, then 3 large ones in Indonesia. When will it stop?
Jerusalem is celebrating it's usual light show this summer. The city walls are lighted up by psychedelic lights and as mesmerised crowds gather around to watch, pickpockets are having a heavenly time. I stay way out of these places.
To the "Rise" group - thanks for the fun. I still think you're all crazy. But it was fun. Now you must keep your promise and start dedicating yourselves to Bible work. Elvis Presley cafe .... frozen yoghurt .... that's all history. Now your pilgrimage begins.
Jerusalem is celebrating it's usual light show this summer. The city walls are lighted up by psychedelic lights and as mesmerised crowds gather around to watch, pickpockets are having a heavenly time. I stay way out of these places.
To the "Rise" group - thanks for the fun. I still think you're all crazy. But it was fun. Now you must keep your promise and start dedicating yourselves to Bible work. Elvis Presley cafe .... frozen yoghurt .... that's all history. Now your pilgrimage begins.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Feast of St Anthony
So the week begins with a massive earthquake in the Nicobar Islands - 7.5 to be exact. Every week one earthquake large enough to be over 6.5. Scary.
Last night there were 5 immense searchlights beaming into the Old City from the Kidron Valley. But I don't think it's military strategy ... rather I think it's part of the light and sound show around the City walls. But it shone right into my window - kept me awake till midnight. And yesterday we saw a warning on the flashboard across the highway saying the Old City will be closed off from 9am to 6pm tomorrow. Don't know what is up. But it's worrisome.
Today is the feast of St Anthony of Lisbon (Padua) and patron of the Holyland custody. There was a solemn Mass celebrated at St. Saviour's parish. Very crowded. Prayed for you, Antonio. Better come visit soon and pay homage to St Anthony in Jerusalem.
And talking about St Anthony (patron of lost things) - I'm beginning to lose my memory. Don't know if St Anthony helps recover memories. I have only vague memories of my college days, no names, no faces. Visited the HJC reunion page and saw photos of classmates whom I cannot remember at all. Total blank. It's like the aftermath of a mental earthquake. I have no memories. St Anthony ..... haloo?
Last night there were 5 immense searchlights beaming into the Old City from the Kidron Valley. But I don't think it's military strategy ... rather I think it's part of the light and sound show around the City walls. But it shone right into my window - kept me awake till midnight. And yesterday we saw a warning on the flashboard across the highway saying the Old City will be closed off from 9am to 6pm tomorrow. Don't know what is up. But it's worrisome.
Today is the feast of St Anthony of Lisbon (Padua) and patron of the Holyland custody. There was a solemn Mass celebrated at St. Saviour's parish. Very crowded. Prayed for you, Antonio. Better come visit soon and pay homage to St Anthony in Jerusalem.
And talking about St Anthony (patron of lost things) - I'm beginning to lose my memory. Don't know if St Anthony helps recover memories. I have only vague memories of my college days, no names, no faces. Visited the HJC reunion page and saw photos of classmates whom I cannot remember at all. Total blank. It's like the aftermath of a mental earthquake. I have no memories. St Anthony ..... haloo?
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Question
The Old City is open again today but the guys here tell me of riot police in full gear rushing down the street during the Way of Cross, frightening people - "the lights of which we never saw since the 2nd Intifada". There certainly is tension.
Summer time is certainly hitting us hard - soaring temperatures of 37 degrees. Our superior has raised the tent to cover the courtyard to cut the glare and heat.
Yesterday I saw a lovely doberman playing in the park, with its puppy. Wish we could keep one. But we don't have a garden large enough.
The recent natural disasters have been the topic of discussion around our place - the floods in America and Europe, weekly earthquakes ... and the inevitable question: What is God trying to tell us?
Summer time is certainly hitting us hard - soaring temperatures of 37 degrees. Our superior has raised the tent to cover the courtyard to cut the glare and heat.
Yesterday I saw a lovely doberman playing in the park, with its puppy. Wish we could keep one. But we don't have a garden large enough.
The recent natural disasters have been the topic of discussion around our place - the floods in America and Europe, weekly earthquakes ... and the inevitable question: What is God trying to tell us?
World Cup
World Cup fever has fired up. Almost every house in the neighbourhood (actually the entire country) has a flag whose country they support. By far the most, I can see it's Brazil. Then comes Germany. Kids are kicking footballs everywhere in the alleys to parks to shopping malls. The Holyland has stopped ... due to football. Last night's 1st match (SA vs Mex) - pilgrims and tourists packed hotel lobbies to watch and refused to eat dinners! Ah well ... as long as football stops violence and hatred ... I guess it's a good thing.
Talking about violence, yesterday the soldiers closed off the Old City again. Rioting had broken around the E. Jerusalem side and an arab driver was shot dead after he ran over 2 Israeli police. Don't know how things will be today. Must be careful.
Talking about violence, yesterday the soldiers closed off the Old City again. Rioting had broken around the E. Jerusalem side and an arab driver was shot dead after he ran over 2 Israeli police. Don't know how things will be today. Must be careful.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
short update
Have been extremely busy the last few days. And unwell.
Yesterday saw lots of military planes flying overhead. Don't know why, but it sure caused consternation among the people here below.
Thanks for all the stuff passed on to me - including the chiffon cake.
Yesterday saw lots of military planes flying overhead. Don't know why, but it sure caused consternation among the people here below.
Thanks for all the stuff passed on to me - including the chiffon cake.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
June 4th
Yesterday the Pope arrived in Cyprus. Hot and humid. The tiny Catholic community must be thrilled.
While we read that strong and widespread reactions took place around the world against the Gaza event, here in Jerusalem at least, nothing has happened. People here are tired - tired of fighting, shooting, killing. They just want to go on with life - to eat a meal, walk in the streets safely, go to school, exercise a trade. We just want a normal life. There was no reinforced military presence here except yesterday during Friday Muslim prayers. But things continued as usual.
A couple of days ago Israelis here celebrated the centenary of the agricultural Kibbutz movement. Roads were closed in the New City from Mamilah Park - school children and farmers in ancient tractors paraded down the major thoroughfare - King George Street. Pretty festive but for the traffic, it was a nightmare.
While we read that strong and widespread reactions took place around the world against the Gaza event, here in Jerusalem at least, nothing has happened. People here are tired - tired of fighting, shooting, killing. They just want to go on with life - to eat a meal, walk in the streets safely, go to school, exercise a trade. We just want a normal life. There was no reinforced military presence here except yesterday during Friday Muslim prayers. But things continued as usual.
A couple of days ago Israelis here celebrated the centenary of the agricultural Kibbutz movement. Roads were closed in the New City from Mamilah Park - school children and farmers in ancient tractors paraded down the major thoroughfare - King George Street. Pretty festive but for the traffic, it was a nightmare.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Bishop Padovese R.I.P.
Came home late tonight totally exhausted and hungry (haven't eaten for 24 hours), when one father told me Bishop Padovese was murdered. I was so shocked I almost fainted. It's absolutely terrible. Bishop Padovese was a franciscan capuchin whom I knew - young, only 63 yrs old. He was the Pope's rep. in Turkey and he was killed by a turk. No country in the Mid-East except for Iraq has a record of killing christians like Turkey. I can't believe BBC actually announced that Istanbul is a European Capital of Culture ... culture of what? murdering christians??? The Turkish police claim the murderer was psychologically ill (the driver of Bishop Padovese) - I know the bishop would have been too prudent a man to hire a sick person. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/europe/10228730.stm
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Heatwave
Coming home from work yesterday I had a terrible sense of deja-vu .... it all seemed like the 1st and 2nd Intifada again. I was warned about the volatile situation in the Old City and I had better go home early because walking in the dark might be dangerous. Yusuf insisted on driving me back for safety, at least to Damascus Gate as his car probably won't be able to enter St Stephan's Gate. But Damascus Gate - the market place of the arabs - was deadly quiet. A couple of old men selling fruit and bread ... no one was around to buy their stuff. Inside the Gate, shops were closed, a dozen Bedouin women sat by the steps selling their vegetables. All along the street from Damascus Gate down to my house, and up the Way of the Cross - all the shops were closed due to the strike to protest against the attack in Gaza. It looked and felt so much like the 1st and 2nd Intifada ... strikes, curfews, empty streets.
Yesterday afternoon a friend Habeeb came to see me and announced his wedding on the 27th. He came all the way from Haifa ... like 3 hours drive away from the northern end of Israel! I told him a telephone all was enough but he insisted on coming. Zaki, our common friend (Habeeb's best friend) also came along. I brought them to lunch at the chinese restaurant, and had the terrible temptation to eat fried rice. Tasted real good. Have stayed off carbos for the past 4 weeks. Suffered the consequence later in the evening. Nausea, dry throat, thirst, dizziness, ended up with diarrhea.
The heat is just overwhelming. Not just during the day which was like 32 degrees. In the night it was so hot I couldn't sleep. Had to turn on the fan, which didn't help. Went out on the terrace to grab some fresh air and noticed several other guys were also awake (3am) with their lights on. The heat must have got them too. Either that or the muezzin had waken them up ... the first call to prayer (muslim) begins at 3am ... real loud.
Yesterday afternoon a friend Habeeb came to see me and announced his wedding on the 27th. He came all the way from Haifa ... like 3 hours drive away from the northern end of Israel! I told him a telephone all was enough but he insisted on coming. Zaki, our common friend (Habeeb's best friend) also came along. I brought them to lunch at the chinese restaurant, and had the terrible temptation to eat fried rice. Tasted real good. Have stayed off carbos for the past 4 weeks. Suffered the consequence later in the evening. Nausea, dry throat, thirst, dizziness, ended up with diarrhea.
The heat is just overwhelming. Not just during the day which was like 32 degrees. In the night it was so hot I couldn't sleep. Had to turn on the fan, which didn't help. Went out on the terrace to grab some fresh air and noticed several other guys were also awake (3am) with their lights on. The heat must have got them too. Either that or the muezzin had waken them up ... the first call to prayer (muslim) begins at 3am ... real loud.
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