Thanks to Janet Yeung, David Lin, the Cavero family, Rose Chiu, Katherine Wong, Lai ? Si, Daniel/Helen and Family, the graduate students, the Monday Class for donation to the Silent Workers (handicap religious), Vicky Lee for the donation to Musky's children, the HS College group for the donation to Missionaries of Charity in Gaza.
Also found lots of other things - sandals, candle holder, medicines, biscuits, chocs.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
A night at the opera
What utter extremes! Have you seen the photos in the news - severe rain and floods in one part of the world, and heatwaves in another. Nature is turning wild. Try reading that in the backdrop of the eschatological discourse in the gospels!
Over here the heat is cooling off and the night breeze is amazingly refreshing. That means more people are coming out into the streets ... and therefore more demonstrations, parades and such. Well at least it's alittle more eventful since tourism has practically died off - the streets are empty and many vendors are taking a holiday. Most muslims are going to make the Haj pilgrimage to Mecca anyway this week.
Was talking at dinner with Fr Marcello that I haven't heard the opera Turandot for a year now .. I was humming "Non piangere Liu" and he heard it - so after dinner I went up Youtube to hear it. Nice. That's what I need for a hot summer's night when I can't afford to go to the opera. Well, "Non piangere Liu" led to "O sole, vita, eternita" finale of Turandot which of course led to "Inneggiamo" and "Regina Coeli" of Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana and inevitably leading into it's imcomparable, celestial, the ultimate of ultimate intermezzos - the Intermezzo of Cav. Rust. (don't forget you're supposed to play this piece at my funeral). What a night at the opera ... in Youtube!!!
Thanks for the chinese tea, computer battery, shrimp noodles, goodies, chocs, shower curtain, documents etc... they arrived safely and tax free.
This morning Khalil our cook saw me for the first time in t-shirt and bermudas and he was shocked to see how thin I was. He grabbed me and said he's going to feed me up for the next few weeks. Well with my diet I doubt there's much to eat. The sisters at TS College have been trying to fatten me up as well for the past few months but no success ... I've been giving the food to the other workers in the office!! Well it's not that I'm not eating ... it's too much food and my appetite has been down to minimum so rather than let it waste, I share it with other people. That's what I did today for lunch as well at the Convent of the St Vincent sisters. They cooked rice and chicken specially for me but I passed it on to someone else and when the cook came out and saw it, she was screaming her head off that the food was meant for me and I should be eating it and getting fatter. It' going to be a long summer .... with this conspiracy to fatten me up. sounds like I'm being fatten for the slaughter.
Over here the heat is cooling off and the night breeze is amazingly refreshing. That means more people are coming out into the streets ... and therefore more demonstrations, parades and such. Well at least it's alittle more eventful since tourism has practically died off - the streets are empty and many vendors are taking a holiday. Most muslims are going to make the Haj pilgrimage to Mecca anyway this week.
Was talking at dinner with Fr Marcello that I haven't heard the opera Turandot for a year now .. I was humming "Non piangere Liu" and he heard it - so after dinner I went up Youtube to hear it. Nice. That's what I need for a hot summer's night when I can't afford to go to the opera. Well, "Non piangere Liu" led to "O sole, vita, eternita" finale of Turandot which of course led to "Inneggiamo" and "Regina Coeli" of Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana and inevitably leading into it's imcomparable, celestial, the ultimate of ultimate intermezzos - the Intermezzo of Cav. Rust. (don't forget you're supposed to play this piece at my funeral). What a night at the opera ... in Youtube!!!
Thanks for the chinese tea, computer battery, shrimp noodles, goodies, chocs, shower curtain, documents etc... they arrived safely and tax free.
This morning Khalil our cook saw me for the first time in t-shirt and bermudas and he was shocked to see how thin I was. He grabbed me and said he's going to feed me up for the next few weeks. Well with my diet I doubt there's much to eat. The sisters at TS College have been trying to fatten me up as well for the past few months but no success ... I've been giving the food to the other workers in the office!! Well it's not that I'm not eating ... it's too much food and my appetite has been down to minimum so rather than let it waste, I share it with other people. That's what I did today for lunch as well at the Convent of the St Vincent sisters. They cooked rice and chicken specially for me but I passed it on to someone else and when the cook came out and saw it, she was screaming her head off that the food was meant for me and I should be eating it and getting fatter. It' going to be a long summer .... with this conspiracy to fatten me up. sounds like I'm being fatten for the slaughter.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Back online
Have been offline for some time now. Extremely busy. The weather has been extreme, to say the least. Yesterday was 41 degrees! Seething hot!
The heat has been so intense there's a huge slow down in tourist groups. The streets are alot more empty and the churches are quieter. In a way it's nice. Less chaos.
Received tonnes of good stuff from you guys - from durians and durian cakes and chiffon cakes to medicine and donations to the kids whom you're sponsoring. Thanks for everything.
Right now my toilet is leaking from the roof and floor is all wet. Have to get it fixed immediately. Will get back online again ..... soon.
The heat has been so intense there's a huge slow down in tourist groups. The streets are alot more empty and the churches are quieter. In a way it's nice. Less chaos.
Received tonnes of good stuff from you guys - from durians and durian cakes and chiffon cakes to medicine and donations to the kids whom you're sponsoring. Thanks for everything.
Right now my toilet is leaking from the roof and floor is all wet. Have to get it fixed immediately. Will get back online again ..... soon.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
After Tisha B'Av
So Tisha B'Av is over and the rest of Israel is passing 9 days of consolation - that is, after the day of penitence, they now read passages from the Bible that consoles Israel. I think it consists mainly of passages from Isaiah.
Ramadan, the muslim season of penitence will start in 2 weeks time. Now weddings are taking place almost every night so that it may not clash with Ramadan which is 40 days of fasting.
Although its summer holidays here, I'm trying to catch up with my studies. I only have free time in the nights so I try to do some reading. The mind gets awefully tired after a day's work, so sometimes I don't know what I'm reading.... or perhaps it's a sign of old age.
The heat these few days is quite bearable because a lovely cool breeze blows constantly.
Lots of arabs are going to Ramallah to enjoy the cool evenings. Ramallah is coming back to live again - from a refugee camp to an urban "event" place... at least for the arabs. I haven't been to Ramallah for almost 7 years now since the 2nd Intifada. perhaps I'll make a trip there one day .... when I have free time. Sigh!
Ramadan, the muslim season of penitence will start in 2 weeks time. Now weddings are taking place almost every night so that it may not clash with Ramadan which is 40 days of fasting.
Although its summer holidays here, I'm trying to catch up with my studies. I only have free time in the nights so I try to do some reading. The mind gets awefully tired after a day's work, so sometimes I don't know what I'm reading.... or perhaps it's a sign of old age.
The heat these few days is quite bearable because a lovely cool breeze blows constantly.
Lots of arabs are going to Ramallah to enjoy the cool evenings. Ramallah is coming back to live again - from a refugee camp to an urban "event" place... at least for the arabs. I haven't been to Ramallah for almost 7 years now since the 2nd Intifada. perhaps I'll make a trip there one day .... when I have free time. Sigh!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Tisha B'Av
The sun has set. Shops and businesses throughout the New City have closed. The streets are quiet. No more public transport. It's Tisha B'Av ... the 9th Day of the month Av in the Jewish calendar. Tonight and until sunset tomorrow, all observant Jews will fast, sit on the floor, go unwashed, will not greet anyone, and mourn. It's the day when both Temples (built by Solomon in the 9th century BC and Herod's built in the 3rd century BC) were both destroyed on the same day 656 years apart. It also commemorates the 12 spies sent by Moses who discouraged the Jewish people from entering the Promised Land, the destruction of Jerusalem in the 1st Jewish Revolt (70 AD) and the failure of the Bar Kochba revolt against the Romans (c.135 AD). It is the saddest day in Judaism.
But some restaurants are opened - like the chinese restaurant. The manager told me that non-observant Jews will come to eat. In fact she called me up yesterday to come for dinner because they made a whole bunch of dumplings (kautzee as they call it here). So I went over for kautzee, and spicy/sour soup and some fried noodles. Real bad for my sugar level. This afternoon she called again to say the old Por-por who works in the kitchen had boiled chicken porridge and asked me over for dinner again. It was really nice "chicken chok" and she also gave me two tumblers to bring home. And she refused to take any money for the two dinners. It's a quiet season for tourism and she said she has more time to cook for the religious people. She's a protestant and she also sends food to some chinese pastors and their families living in Jerusalem. That's very nice. And the Por-por remembers me when she cooks cantonese food (not in the menu). But wow .. it's bad for my sugar level.
Now it's late at night and helicopters are flying overhead. Soldiers and police have flooded the Old City, even the mounted police are here with their magnificent horses. It's said that they're in the Old City not so much to prevent arab protests but rather to stop fervent Jews from entering the Mosque to tear it down and rebuild the Temple. Whatever the reasons, the tension can be felt throughout.
As a christian, it's easy to overlook Tisha B'Av because Christ taught of a new temple, the body which is the abode of the Holy Spirit. But one can not deny the historical reality that once the Shekina - the glorious presence of God once resided in this most Holy of places, just 500 meters from my room; a presence that was withdrawn because of senseless hatred for each other.
Tonight the Jews will read the Book of Lamentations and Job. I think I'll read abit of it before I sleep.
But some restaurants are opened - like the chinese restaurant. The manager told me that non-observant Jews will come to eat. In fact she called me up yesterday to come for dinner because they made a whole bunch of dumplings (kautzee as they call it here). So I went over for kautzee, and spicy/sour soup and some fried noodles. Real bad for my sugar level. This afternoon she called again to say the old Por-por who works in the kitchen had boiled chicken porridge and asked me over for dinner again. It was really nice "chicken chok" and she also gave me two tumblers to bring home. And she refused to take any money for the two dinners. It's a quiet season for tourism and she said she has more time to cook for the religious people. She's a protestant and she also sends food to some chinese pastors and their families living in Jerusalem. That's very nice. And the Por-por remembers me when she cooks cantonese food (not in the menu). But wow .. it's bad for my sugar level.
Now it's late at night and helicopters are flying overhead. Soldiers and police have flooded the Old City, even the mounted police are here with their magnificent horses. It's said that they're in the Old City not so much to prevent arab protests but rather to stop fervent Jews from entering the Mosque to tear it down and rebuild the Temple. Whatever the reasons, the tension can be felt throughout.
As a christian, it's easy to overlook Tisha B'Av because Christ taught of a new temple, the body which is the abode of the Holy Spirit. But one can not deny the historical reality that once the Shekina - the glorious presence of God once resided in this most Holy of places, just 500 meters from my room; a presence that was withdrawn because of senseless hatred for each other.
Tonight the Jews will read the Book of Lamentations and Job. I think I'll read abit of it before I sleep.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
catching up
On the 15th we celebrated the dedication of the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. it's a feast that's celebrated only here in the Holyland ... unfortunately. It's the center of the Christ event - the death, bural and resurrection .. but it's remembered only here in the Holyland. On the otherhand, the dedication of St Peter's Basilica in Rome is a universal feastday. I wonder why? Is the resurrection less important than St Peter?
The feast of St Bonaventure, which falls also on the 15th, is transferred to the 17th, here in the Holyland. This is because the 16th is the feast of Our Lady of Mt Carmel - an optional memorial for you all but a feastday here in the Holyland because Mt. Carmel is here 200 kms away from Jerusalem, and the feast is celebrated on the site itself.
As usual I've been working overtime ... this Friday it was up to 1am. Walked home 2km and had dinner and slept at 2am or so. It's exhausting. Tried to rest on Saturday but the ubiquitous phone call kept ringing. Didn't fare better in the afternoon. I think the best solution is for me to move into the Judean desert and live as a hermit in the caves. There're still hermits out there, you know?
The usual events in Jerusalem - demonstrations, demolitions of arab houses, military presence heightened in the Old City, summer camps for kids throughout the country. It's been 37 degrees for the past few days so usually these events take place during the cooler part of the day.
Fr Vincenzo will return to Musky tomorrow. He thanks you all for your donations to sponsor the children in his area of Cairo.
It's interesting to see the Gaza story in the Straits Times. That's what's life is like in the Strip .... no hope, poverty. http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_554994.html
The feast of St Bonaventure, which falls also on the 15th, is transferred to the 17th, here in the Holyland. This is because the 16th is the feast of Our Lady of Mt Carmel - an optional memorial for you all but a feastday here in the Holyland because Mt. Carmel is here 200 kms away from Jerusalem, and the feast is celebrated on the site itself.
As usual I've been working overtime ... this Friday it was up to 1am. Walked home 2km and had dinner and slept at 2am or so. It's exhausting. Tried to rest on Saturday but the ubiquitous phone call kept ringing. Didn't fare better in the afternoon. I think the best solution is for me to move into the Judean desert and live as a hermit in the caves. There're still hermits out there, you know?
The usual events in Jerusalem - demonstrations, demolitions of arab houses, military presence heightened in the Old City, summer camps for kids throughout the country. It's been 37 degrees for the past few days so usually these events take place during the cooler part of the day.
Fr Vincenzo will return to Musky tomorrow. He thanks you all for your donations to sponsor the children in his area of Cairo.
It's interesting to see the Gaza story in the Straits Times. That's what's life is like in the Strip .... no hope, poverty. http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_554994.html
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Temperature's rising
More events in Jerusalem. The head of the "Women of the Wall" was arrested at the Wailing Wall for carrying a Torah Scroll. Apparently women are not allowed to read from a Torah scroll at the Wailing Wall, but she was only carrying it, not reading it. Tensions at the Wailing Wall.
A Libyan flotilla is trying to enter Gaza. Israeli navy is going to block it. Deja vu. Rising tensions along the coast.
Anti-Israel demonstrators delay 5 El Al flights from Athens. Tension at the airports.
Several Palestinian houses were demolished by Israeli authorities. Palestinians are furious. Tension in East Jerusalem.
When the temperatures are rising here, it's not just the thermometer. Politics and religion are boiling over this summer.
Across the world, I'm sure all of you read of the drunken Aussie who rode on a 5 meter saltwater crocodile and had his leg ripped by the reptile's teeth. Whatever next?
And in China, the mystery deaths in Yunnan have been solved ... people have been eating poison mushrooms.
With all these news, no wonder no one is getting a good night's sleep.
A Libyan flotilla is trying to enter Gaza. Israeli navy is going to block it. Deja vu. Rising tensions along the coast.
Anti-Israel demonstrators delay 5 El Al flights from Athens. Tension at the airports.
Several Palestinian houses were demolished by Israeli authorities. Palestinians are furious. Tension in East Jerusalem.
When the temperatures are rising here, it's not just the thermometer. Politics and religion are boiling over this summer.
Across the world, I'm sure all of you read of the drunken Aussie who rode on a 5 meter saltwater crocodile and had his leg ripped by the reptile's teeth. Whatever next?
And in China, the mystery deaths in Yunnan have been solved ... people have been eating poison mushrooms.
With all these news, no wonder no one is getting a good night's sleep.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Kung Fu Jong
De Jong's kung fu kick has been the buzz around town this morning. So Spain won, and most people are happy (not the crowd in orange T-shirts I met last night near Damascus Gate). Last night I was out for dinner with an old classmate. He had a major operation - had his spine fixed with metal rods. Poor chap was in bed for 4 months, unable to walk. So it was good to see him again - walking slowly. We chatted alot over dinner.
Jerusalem is still full of events; demonstrations in several places, including our street this evening when Jewish students marched and sang and shouted slogans. I was warned in the street to stay indoors otherwise I'll be spat at. Muslim shopkeepers closed their stores earlier to avoid trouble too.
Anyway I'm easily exhausted and need rest. The sisters at the office are very nice and cook something for me everyday for lunch (was living on diabetic biscuits for the past month). It's usually fish and veg, and they do it very well. It gives me the energy to work through the rest of the afternoon.
And the "Rise" people, thx for the air purifier. it's coming in handy these few nights.
Jerusalem is still full of events; demonstrations in several places, including our street this evening when Jewish students marched and sang and shouted slogans. I was warned in the street to stay indoors otherwise I'll be spat at. Muslim shopkeepers closed their stores earlier to avoid trouble too.
Anyway I'm easily exhausted and need rest. The sisters at the office are very nice and cook something for me everyday for lunch (was living on diabetic biscuits for the past month). It's usually fish and veg, and they do it very well. It gives me the energy to work through the rest of the afternoon.
And the "Rise" people, thx for the air purifier. it's coming in handy these few nights.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Another Sunday
More action in Jerusalem - demonstrations in Sheikh Jarrah, and probably demonstrations in Silwan (Siloam) area as well. I can hear helicopters down in that quarter right now.
We had to work overtime yesterday. Didn't quite like it as I had to travel down to En Kerem (birthplace of John the Baptist). But the friars there are very kind and hospitable so it made work more pleasant. The weather has been diabolically hot.
This morning's readings on the commandment was great reflection. The Parable of the Good Samaritan was triggered by the lawyer's question about the great commandment - love God and neighbour; a commandment that is deep in our hearts (cf 1st reading) and which Jesus gave the supreme example by dying for his neighbour (2nd reading). As the parable suggests - it's not looking for our neighbour that should occupy us but whether we are being a neighbour to others. It takes two to be a neighbour, so dn't wait for the other side to make the first move ... it may be an eternal wait. Start being a neighbour today... after all, it's written deep in your heart.
We had to work overtime yesterday. Didn't quite like it as I had to travel down to En Kerem (birthplace of John the Baptist). But the friars there are very kind and hospitable so it made work more pleasant. The weather has been diabolically hot.
This morning's readings on the commandment was great reflection. The Parable of the Good Samaritan was triggered by the lawyer's question about the great commandment - love God and neighbour; a commandment that is deep in our hearts (cf 1st reading) and which Jesus gave the supreme example by dying for his neighbour (2nd reading). As the parable suggests - it's not looking for our neighbour that should occupy us but whether we are being a neighbour to others. It takes two to be a neighbour, so dn't wait for the other side to make the first move ... it may be an eternal wait. Start being a neighbour today... after all, it's written deep in your heart.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Summer time
There is never a dull moment in summer here in the Holyland. Yesterday the 12 day march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem ended at our doorsteps. It's a solidarity march in support of the release of captured soldier Gilad Schalit. Over 2000 supporters crowded Independence Park. But they were antagonised by ultra orthodox Jews who had opposing ideas; they held a demonstration across the street. Police and soldiers were everywhere to separate the two opposing camps.
And did you see the Israeli soldiers on patrol in the West Bank dancing? All in good fun of course ... no one will be prosecuted as security was not compromised. It was all over BBC (and CNN too).
I think the ice cream sellers are making it big this week. It's so hot everyone on the streets are eating ice cream or frozen yoghurt. And any shop with an air-con will always have people crowding inside.
The promise to rejuvenate Israel in today's reading (Hosea) is very comforting. The images of dew and flowers and verdant meadows is what we all desire in this hot, dry summer thata's turning the area into a desert.
And did you see the Israeli soldiers on patrol in the West Bank dancing? All in good fun of course ... no one will be prosecuted as security was not compromised. It was all over BBC (and CNN too).
I think the ice cream sellers are making it big this week. It's so hot everyone on the streets are eating ice cream or frozen yoghurt. And any shop with an air-con will always have people crowding inside.
The promise to rejuvenate Israel in today's reading (Hosea) is very comforting. The images of dew and flowers and verdant meadows is what we all desire in this hot, dry summer thata's turning the area into a desert.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Football fizzle
After years of rancorous accusations that Pope Pius XII did not do enough to save Jews during the Nazi persecution, now Haaretz publishes a report saying independent researchers in the Vatican secret archives have proof that the Pope has done more than is known to us today. http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/pope-pius-xii-saved-thousands-of-jews-1.300589
The Old City has been tense for a couple of days now. Soldiers are stationed everywhere from Damascus Gate down to the 3rd Station. The security camera blimp has been floating above the Wailing Wall/Silwan area as well.
Meantime I'm sure the pain in my foot is due to the fall 4 years back. Even when I'm lying down the pain can be excruciating. I'll have to wear my ankle guard again.
Football fever is dying out now that Brazil was sent packing home. Flags are taken down and interest in the World Cup has fizzled out even before the finals are fought out. Disappointing.
This week our readings come from Hosea. Very interesting stuff. Hope you're following it!
The Old City has been tense for a couple of days now. Soldiers are stationed everywhere from Damascus Gate down to the 3rd Station. The security camera blimp has been floating above the Wailing Wall/Silwan area as well.
Meantime I'm sure the pain in my foot is due to the fall 4 years back. Even when I'm lying down the pain can be excruciating. I'll have to wear my ankle guard again.
Football fever is dying out now that Brazil was sent packing home. Flags are taken down and interest in the World Cup has fizzled out even before the finals are fought out. Disappointing.
This week our readings come from Hosea. Very interesting stuff. Hope you're following it!
Monday, July 5, 2010
Bunion trouble
Yesterday - Sunday was a hot but breezy day. I didn't feel like going anywhere as the sun just hits down on you. But I had to go to Dominus Flevit - the church halfway up the Mt. of Olives that commemorates Jesus weeping over Jerusalem - there was the gathering for prayer of the beginning of the Custody Chapter. It was a nice gathering. People whom I haven't seen for a long time came back for this meeting... Syrians, Lebanese and Egyptians.
So as a matter of fact, I didn't rest during the weekend, much as I wanted. Worked and worked. My cough is much better now but I've got a longtime problem that's really crippling me. It's bunions! Actually only one. On my right foot - it's moderate, not bulgy or unsightly. But it's making my walking very painful. It's not the bunion rubbing the shoe but the bones that are moving inside the foot. The loose bones I think are due to the fall I had 4 years back in Bethlehem. But what a bother.
All the students have left for their summer vacation. The canaries are all brooding. The 3 surviving babies I have put into the large cage. I get some photos for you to see. And the petshop owner explained why all the baby canaries in Israel (not just ours) are dying this year - it's the lettuce! Too much insecticide and the baby birds eat it and die. Aweful.
I'm still looking for the tomb of the prophet Amos. Big mystery.
So as a matter of fact, I didn't rest during the weekend, much as I wanted. Worked and worked. My cough is much better now but I've got a longtime problem that's really crippling me. It's bunions! Actually only one. On my right foot - it's moderate, not bulgy or unsightly. But it's making my walking very painful. It's not the bunion rubbing the shoe but the bones that are moving inside the foot. The loose bones I think are due to the fall I had 4 years back in Bethlehem. But what a bother.
All the students have left for their summer vacation. The canaries are all brooding. The 3 surviving babies I have put into the large cage. I get some photos for you to see. And the petshop owner explained why all the baby canaries in Israel (not just ours) are dying this year - it's the lettuce! Too much insecticide and the baby birds eat it and die. Aweful.
I'm still looking for the tomb of the prophet Amos. Big mystery.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
No rest day
This week's readings on the prophet Amos is really exciting. Yesterday we saw the climax of God's punishment - hunger. Not hunger for food or water but hunger from God's Word. He would no longer speak and humans would no longer hear his voice ... and they will languish. What a terrifying threat!
I've been working overtime ... and feeling so tired. Yesterday I just trudged home at 11pm and fell straight to sleep. I don't know how long I can continue with this. It's totally exhausting. But next week we have the Custodial Chapter and I'l have to work overtime again. it'll be fun though because all the delegates from Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Cyprus, Argentina, USA will be back for a week's fraternal sharing.
Today ought to have been my off day and I was really ready for a rest. Got up late ... 6am. But was called up for a meeting at 8am. Had to rush off after cleaning the courtyard and birdcages. There was also a funeral from Bro. Joshua who died in Haifa yesterday. Got home for lunch and tried to rest in the afternoon but ... phone calls, visits etc... I gave up. Decided to clean my room instead. And Fr Vincenzo came visiting.
Healthwise my infection is clearing up. Not totally cured yet but hope it does soon. The weather is cooling off and it helps.
I've been working overtime ... and feeling so tired. Yesterday I just trudged home at 11pm and fell straight to sleep. I don't know how long I can continue with this. It's totally exhausting. But next week we have the Custodial Chapter and I'l have to work overtime again. it'll be fun though because all the delegates from Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Cyprus, Argentina, USA will be back for a week's fraternal sharing.
Today ought to have been my off day and I was really ready for a rest. Got up late ... 6am. But was called up for a meeting at 8am. Had to rush off after cleaning the courtyard and birdcages. There was also a funeral from Bro. Joshua who died in Haifa yesterday. Got home for lunch and tried to rest in the afternoon but ... phone calls, visits etc... I gave up. Decided to clean my room instead. And Fr Vincenzo came visiting.
Healthwise my infection is clearing up. Not totally cured yet but hope it does soon. The weather is cooling off and it helps.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Pharmacy day
Last Sunday I was at the SuperPharm to buy medicine (what else?) and the pharmacist Signora Clara, an argentinian jewess who's known us for like umpteen years, mentioned that the World Cup is good. It takes violence off the streets, she said emphatically - "everybody stay at home, watch football. nobody fighting, nobody stealing." You know what? She's right .... the protests in Silwan and Sheikh Jarrah have all died out because "everybody at home, watch football". But what a World Cup this has been ... England, Italy, Cameroon all gone ... France .... duuuuuuhhhh no one is even mentioning France over here.
Yesterday I walked one and a half kms to the phamarcy ... not SuperPharm but Jaffa Gate Pharmacy where I get loads of medicine for Mother Theresa's sisters. This time I got lots again because the sisters sent a message for me to buy more stuff like eye-pads, antiseptic liquid etc. It's terrible under the heat to walk all that distance. I chose to walk back through the alleys again. I like it ... it's quiet. And it passes by the sisters' convent so I dropped off the medicine to them. They were adoring the Blessed Sacrament when I came by ... oops.
And in the night there were lots of fireworks from the muslim quarter.... weddings. It's popular this time of the year. One thing about summer is the muezzin from the mosques sing early in the morning ... 2.30am then 4am. Bound to wake you up. It's so loud the double glass windows shake. Can't wait for winter to come back.
Yesterday I walked one and a half kms to the phamarcy ... not SuperPharm but Jaffa Gate Pharmacy where I get loads of medicine for Mother Theresa's sisters. This time I got lots again because the sisters sent a message for me to buy more stuff like eye-pads, antiseptic liquid etc. It's terrible under the heat to walk all that distance. I chose to walk back through the alleys again. I like it ... it's quiet. And it passes by the sisters' convent so I dropped off the medicine to them. They were adoring the Blessed Sacrament when I came by ... oops.
And in the night there were lots of fireworks from the muslim quarter.... weddings. It's popular this time of the year. One thing about summer is the muezzin from the mosques sing early in the morning ... 2.30am then 4am. Bound to wake you up. It's so loud the double glass windows shake. Can't wait for winter to come back.
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