Protests today

Today the medics take their turn at protests. Thousands marched to the Knesset this morning. Union of nurses join in.  http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/thousands-of-israeli-doctors-residents-protest-in-jerusalem-1.376192

First political casualty - Finance Ministry's head resigns. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israel-s-finance-ministry-chief-resigns-amid-growing-civil-unrest-1.376183

Latest count - 150,000 protesters out in the streets against rising cost of living. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/more-than-150-000-take-to-streets-across-israel-in-largest-housing-protest-yet-1.376102

Already journalists are reckoning this all-out demonstration of popular discontent to the Tahir Square rebellion in Cairo.  http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/from-cairo-to-jerusalem-a-call-for-direct-democracy-1.376136

It's all bad news ... and if the muslims decide to cause trouble tomorrow at the start of Ramadan ... well, it's nothing more than total collapse of the state. So let's pray and hope it doesn't happen.

Just thinking back,  the discontent began with the boycott of cottage cheese and yoghurt when prices were raised exorbitantly. Within weeks the medics called for a protest against financial cuts. Then the students then built tents at Rothschild Boulevard to protest rising housing costs. By the way, I was there that night when they first put up their tents ... at the Boulevard. Historic moment.

10,000

It's official - some 10,000 people marched last night in Jerusalem. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/more-than-100-000-take-to-streets-across-israel-in-largest-housing-protest-yet-1.376102  and  http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=231688

Now Israel is hit with the rebellion like the "Arab Spring" that's hitting all the other arab countries in the Middle East. No country is spared. It's going to be a rough ride these next few days. A general strike has also been called.

Nationwide protest

Last night saw the largest nationwide protest by Israelis demanding affordable housing. Over 10 cities were involved.  http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=231645 And most had a festive air as musicians and singers performed in most of these venues. But the protest has been joined by the medics protest and the parents protest that their children's schooling is unaffordable.

I was at the Jerusalem march - it was massive! Thousands of Israelis - young and old, took part in it. Some banging drums, tin cans and shouting slogans. Nothing violent, but the crush was frightening. It started from Mamilla Park (Independence Park) up through King George Road (Great Synagogue ... but protesters made sure it was after the end of the Sabbath in order to start the march!!), turned at Mashbir (Talitha Kumi) down Ben Yehuda Mall, rounded at Zion Square back to Mamilla Park through the tiny alley (where Zuni, Tmol Shilshom, Sakura etc are situated.. ). It was massive!

Before the march, I went to visit an acquaintance Arik who ran a mini-mart next to the Great Synagogue. He looked good. Haven't seen him for over a month or more - I go there to update my phone credit. Lots of marchers were popping in to buy drinks and Arik was busy doing a brisk trade. he was big time happy - grinning from ear to ear! In fact he was so happy he came round the counter and hugged me and said "Haven't seen you for a long long time, man!" .. when his usual was just s handshake. Well he was so busy with clients I left him alone. But before leaving the shop, he made me promise to come over tomorrow morning when it's alot quieter. Said he had a present for me. Well ...... that's a good enough excuse to go back tomorrow ...

More protests

The tent protest is growing by the day. Now women's groups are joining in.   http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/women-s-groups-join-popular-protests-in-israel-1.376013  And that's adding to the medical protest which is merging with the tent protest. Bad news for the govt. And Monday is Ramadan as well - the heat and hunger from fasting will drive the muslims very aggressive. Yemen, Egypt and Syria boiled over yesterday - such regional instability does little to help our local problems.

Jericho the city of the moon

Day out in Jericho was good. Didn't have an asthma attack. But it was a stifling 47 degrees. Motasem and Alaa were great. Brought me to visit the city centre and Ispanizu Amusement park as well.

The Shrak man making shrak

And I had shrak - the light unleaven bread - for breakfast. I can eat that because it has no oil and very little flour. But when I tried a normal meal - cramps and diarrhea immediately. Am slowly getting to know what I can eat and not. It is so tiresome sometimes.

The murder of Rabbi Abuchatzeira by a Jew has shocked the country. He was a gentle kind rabbi who did alot of charity. And he was grandson of the miracle worker rabbi Baba Sali. Thousands attended his funeral. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/thousands-attend-funeral-of-slain-kabbalah-rabbi-1.375954

Desert escape

Spending the day in the desert to help my asthma. It has been getting worse by the day. The hot dry weather should help stabilize it. Also it's to get away from the tension gripping the city - last Friday before Ramadan.

Last Thursday before Ramadan

A lovely bowl of fresh, sweet, juicy peaches from the Golan Heights. That's my dinner. Given to me by a Druze family who owned the orchard. It's the perfect summer dinner ... served on a lovely ceramic bowl with hand-painted olives ( a gift from Greece from Joyce & hubby)

Re: the protest against housing - apparently the sudden sharp rise of rent and housing is due to the ultra-orthodox Jews buying up neighbourhoods at whatever price to de-secularize the area; and that jacks up the prices of housing. No orthodox has yet to take part in the protest. http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/why-have-most-religious-israelis-stayed-away-from-housing-protests-1.375448

And what is so typical in Israel - a romance between a Jewish cashier and a Palestinian checkout counter bagger has led to boycotts of a popular supermarket and a call for a segregation of races. http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israeli-grocery-store-keeps-arab-baggers-and-jewish-cashiers-apart-1.375301 It's an absolute no-no and the ultimate price to pay is your life. This time luckily it ended in segregation of race and religion.

Bro. Agripino died yesterday and an english monk has been elected the new abbot of Dormition Abbey.

I'm trying to rest these 2 days. It's not easy as I still have work to do, and the heat is oppressive. Even the cacti are dying. And the nights are filled with fireworks exploding because it is the last week before Ramadan. Frankly I don't want to be around for Ramadan ... wish I could move out. Well maybe I can! I'll go for my operation and stay in a hospital far far away.

Heat ahead

The protests and Tent-city in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa have stopped traffic along major highways, disrupting a lot of things. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/thousands-of-housing-activists-march-in-haifa-protests-held-in-cities-across-israel-1.375424  Now Union of Local Authorities are joining in the protest and a calling for a general strike on August 1. That's the first day of Ramadan as well. NOT a good sign. PM must avoid this at all cost or the security risk will be too high on that day. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/local-authorities-join-israel-housing-protest-call-general-strike-on-august-1-1.375551

The weather is getting hotter by the day. Everyone expects a dreadful summer - too hot, no tourists, fear of war. Actually the local wisdom is that if it gets really hot, there'll be no war as no one wants to be fighting out in this heat. Very true. Wars usually take place in the cooler months of autumn.

Those who pride themselves with iPads should prepare to dump it soon because Goodle's Android tablets will soon be out in a couple of years and is the rave about town. Everyone is talking about it.

Doctoral students continue their research in the library while everyone else is on holiday. The library is not air-conditioned so it's pretty stuffy. And the workers are still installing the elevator on the 2nd floor, so dust and noise is the order of the day. Definitely nothing like a library should be. And Israel is riding high as Gal Nevo becomes the 2nd swimmer to qualify for the Olympics. http://www.haaretz.com/news/sports/israel-swimmer-gal-nevo-qualifies-for-2012-london-summer-olympics-1.375538

Hot

The housing crisis has deepened and the PM is worried. More protests in the streets. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/netanyahu-scolds-likud-ministers-give-me-ideas-to-solve-housing-crisis-in-israel-1.374999

The weather is abominably hot. Plants are dying. And the drought is not helping much. Hope the canaries will survive.

My diarhea stopped for the past few days but just now had a bad attack. Had eaten a piece of chicken roasted with oil. Oil is bad.

The Oslo massacre has struck everyone here with memories of the violence we suffered 10 years ago. It is horrific.

Asthma

Today we celebrated the vigil of St Mary Magdalene. Solemn Vespers with no one in attendance. A skeleton crew of 6 friars doing everything.

Good to see that the Palestinian archaeologists are finally doing something about the poorly kept site of Shechem. Let's hope that by maintaining the site, more tourists and students will get to see the Canaanite city once again. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/in-west-bank-city-of-nablus-archaeologists-uncover-biblical-ruin-1.374728

Friday muslim prayers saw more violence in Syria and lots of tension in our area. The Tent protests by students and young people are spreading in Jerusalem - I saw tents in Independence Park this morning. Here's a scathing evaluation of the situation by Haaretz http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/opinion/protesting-on-rothschild-cheering-in-shas-1.374604  And medical students now join doctors and medical staff in their strike. Don't fall sick this week! Tell that to myself - my asthma has been horrific this week ... I mean really bad. I'll consider going back to Prednesone if in these 2 days it doesn't stop. I hate the side-effects but looks like there's no other choice.

More protests

The Tent protest that began in Tel Aviv by young people against rising rent and housing costs has now reached Jerusalem. A dozen students have set up camp at the park outside New Gate. It's pretty festive but being Jerusalem, everything gets politicised and religion's hand must always creep in.

Meantime doctors, nurses and medical workers have gone on hunger strike in Tel Aviv. Let's hope it won't spread to other cities as well.  http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israeli-doctors-strike-escalates-as-residents-begin-hunger-strike-1.374447  Israeli society seems to falling apart at the seams.

A lady died from nut allergy after eating Nutella served in a restaurant despite telling them not to. This unfortunately is all too common here ... people just couldn't care less what you ask, all they want is to make a quick buck. Money is everything. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israeli-woman-dies-of-allergic-reaction-after-eating-nutella-at-tel-aviv-restaurant-1.374529

Ramadan will begin soon next week. The streets in the muslim quarter are all decked up with lights ... and the muslims are getting more boisterous and aggressive in a pathetic attempt to show their strength against Judaism and Christianity. That simply means spitting at Jews and beating up christians. Fortunately I have some muslim friends who are not part of this pathetic show of force and unity. They feel secure enough of their own identity and mission in life; and do not want to be part of this herd mentality that drive people aimlessly into violence by means of emotionalism, sensationalism and fear.

On a bit of good news ... to lighten up the heavy hot summer weather: we have Paul Simon coming to perform a concert at Ramat Gan Stadium. And a surprise birth of a tapir at the Ramat Gan Safari Park. Well, it seems only good things happen in Ramat Gan ... maybe that's where I should go. Actually I will have to .... for my next operation.

Thanks

Thanks to Vicky Lee for her help to Musky, Mrs Fok, Priscilla & Felix Lee, Grace Lo and the Cavero family for their generosity.

Christian attacked in Old CIty

Benoit, our friend who is only 21, was attacked by 50 muslims at the 6th Station of the Cross 2 days ago. It started when his younger brother Ramzi was playing with some muslim boys in the street. The muslim boys began to curse the Cross and Jesus. Benoit came out to tell the boys to stop. The muslim boys escalated their blasphemy so Benoit said "What if I said the same thing about religion?" and gave an example. Immediately 50 muslim men appeared from nowhere with knives, chains, sticks and beat up Benoit. He suffered cuts in his chest and arms, a broken nose, black eyes, bruises all over his body. Was in hospital for 2 days. Apparently the entire affair was a set up - the boys were told to instigate a fight while the men were laying in wait by the alleys - all to attack a christian. It makes them feel good bashing christians because Ramadan is next week and they need to feel important and justified to be muslims. This is what we are suffering here everyday in the Holyland. Muslims continue to attack us daily other forms and means. The Christian church is dying. But what are you doing to help us?

At the Boulevard

Saturday saw a huge "tent-in" at Rothschild Boulevard to protest against rising rent and housing. http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/spririt-of-revolution-starts-in-tel-aviv-sweeps-across-israel-1.373613   It was a fun atmosphere despite the severity of the issue. Crowds were gathering between the tents for a spontaneous cook-out with people bringing food to share, or to cook in portable stoves. That was one demonstration I wasn't worried getting caught up in. Actually it was quite fun. Today the govt. reacted quickly to the protest because this "tent-in" is spreading nationwide.  http://www.jpost.com/DiplomacyAndPolitics/Article.aspx?id=229726

A huge forest fire has broken out today in Ein Kerem. Our monastery there has its electricty cut ... but hopefully the road is still open. http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=229745

The canaries did well this year. We have 7 new babies flying around now. And one bald-headed canary from somewhere flew into our school; possibly mauled by a cat or something. She's recovering well and is now with the rest of the babies inside the bird cage.

Last night I dreamt of Dimitri - someone I heard of but never met. Today at 3pm, without any previous arrangement, our paths crossed. Weird.

Shabbat violence

Hundreds of ultra-orthodox Jews have demonstrated violently during the Sabbath. They want to close off roads to stop cars being driven. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/800-ultra-orthodox-protesters-attempt-to-block-jerusalem-road-1.373579  Trash dumps burnt in the streets, stones thrown ... slowly they will take over Jerusalem and turn it into an ultra-conservative city. More and more young people are leaving Jerusalem because they cannot accept the growing radicalisation of the city.

And talking about burning trash, arabs are complaining that trash burning is causing too much pollution. Well that's what happens when Israeli hygiene service is not employed in arab villages. With tonnes of trash collecting in empty fields and roadsides, they start burning it to get rid of the flies and rats and stink. We can smell the burning garbage even from inside the City.

Weatherwise it is so hot and the sun scorching. In Tel Aviv, the Sabbath was spent enjoying the surf and turf with lots of families barbecuing by the beach. Just the opposite of the riots in Jerusalem on the very same day. The extreme ends of a pendulum between two cities 90 kms apart.

Feast of O.L. of Mt. Carmel

An ancient ruin was discovered 30 kms out of Jerusalem and its archaeologist is touting it as the biblical City of David. http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/07/14/israel.cityofdavid.archeology/  Well, it's like 30 kms out of Jerusalem ... and Jerusalem is always known as the City of David (and Bethlehem). Big geographical difference. If Prof. Garfinkel is right ... then Israelis should be moving out of Jerusalem and building houses in the Elah Valley where their prestigious ancestor built this newly excavated city. And Jerusalem should no longer be the eternal and undivided capital of Israel but Khirbet Qeiyafa instead. The political consequence is heavy. I wonder if Prof. Garfinkel ever thought of that before claiming his discovery to be the biblical "City of David".

A couple of the pro-Palestinian activists who staged a massive "fly-in" but got blocked, managed to remain in Israel. They're Aussies and nicknamed the "Grannies for Gaza". http://www.jpost.com/Features/InThespotlight/Article.aspx?id=229569  Meanwhile a night attack by Israel into Gaza has wounded one Gazan extremist. And all talk is now on Syria - why the West is not doing to Syria what it's doing in Libya. Well for one, the christians there are terrified that under a new regime, which will definitely be extremist muslim, the churches will suffer unthinkable persecution. Same goes for Jordan. Under the present regime, the churches are protected, just as they were in Iraq under Saddam.

By the way, the websites of these regional upheavel news are blocked ... I can't enter them from here.

Today is the big feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel. The carmelites have it all together. And Mt. Carmel is as usual magnificent up on the promontory overlooking the Mediterranean sea. The image of beauty, power and protection cannot be missed. Let's pray that O.L. of Mt. Carmel will protect us all from violence and degenerating law and order in our region.

More tensions

A huge crowd demonstrated today at Jaffa Gate all the way to Sheikh Jarrah in support for Palestinian statehood - very tense and it's just a foretaste of what it will be like in September. ONly we expect it on a much larger scale.  http://www.jpost.com/NationalNews/Article.aspx?id=229557

Also more bombings into and out of Gaza. Saw the helicopters this morning. Frightening.

And Cathay Pacific is no longer flying flat-face cats and dogs. Poor Rex!!!! http://thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=30&art_id=113130&sid=33036550&con_type=3

I'm taking a rest after an awful week healthwise. The weekend is flowing in and I'm not fighting it - nor planning it. I'll just let it happen... especially for tomorrow when I know I'll freak out over something important.

Weekend again

Spent another day resting. Feel so tired and hardly any energy even to walk. And the heat is not helping. It's so hot and dry the Golan was on fire today. Looks like August will be worse. Shop-keepers are edgy - no more tourists are coming, and the talk of war is constantly on their lips. Lebanon is threatening Israel over its sea border again. Israeli Law professors protest the "Boycott Law". Israeli kindergarten babies must sing the National Anthem once a week! cf http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israeli-kindergarteners-now-have-to-sing-the-national-anthem-every-week-1.373094 And Israel bombed Gaza tunnels again ... we could hear the jets flying overhead. In Jerusalem ultra-Orthodox Jews attack police leaving 6 officers injured. It is going to be a very long summer ... culminating in September when 52% of Israelis believe a war will break out. Let's hope we are all wrong.

There is an interesting article on old photos taken during the last earthquake in 1927. http://www.jpost.com/Features/InThespotlight/Article.aspx?id=229144  More photos at http://www.israeldailypicture.com/ .

Meantime I'm just letting the weekend flow in. I'm just too tired to plan for tomorrow.

Finally

Utterly exhausting day. Wasn't much activity though, worked at the Media Centre from 9am to 5pm. Good to see old colleagues again. ... but physically I was just too drawn out.  Then it finally happened. I fainted. Luckily I was back home in my room. Nothing dramatic ... just felt so tired and legs became shaky and head was dizzy. Then I was down. When I woke up, it felt sort of good ... like after a long rest. Didn't hurt myself luckily as I was next to my bed and fell on it. And I was so hungry. So  few hours later I had something to eat. Nausea and vomited.

Anyway talking about hungry, someone loves chocolate cake but hates the cream. Look what happened!

This morning Fr Ekspedyt died. He was 89 yrs old. I thought he would have been over 100. Ever since I was a student and knew him, he seemed so old.

New week, new tensions

The Boycott Bill got into a heated start. If passed, it means anyone who calls for a boycott of Israel or the settlements will be penalised.  http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/heated-debate-in-knesset-over-boycott-law-legislation-will-stain-israeli-democracy-1.372697

Meanwhile Israel has thrown out 39 pro-Palestinian fly-in protesters and jailed 81 more. http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/israel-expels-39-pro-palestinian-activists-over-weekend-holds-81-more-in-jail-1.372693

Lebanon warns Israel over sea border. And tyhe pro-Assad mob that attacked the US and French embassies in Damascus is causing fear ripples in the region.

Have been in bed the whole day due to the cramps and diarrhea yesterday. Felt pretty sick. The munition blast in Cyprus was real bad .... hope Praveen is alright. He's in Limassol where the blast took place. Hey Prav, write if you're ok.

More tensions

Spent most of the weekend sleeping. Total breakdown as the body is just too tired. And cleaning the large birdcage without a mask got me a huge asthma attack that made me sick the rest of yesterday. Absolutely nauseous. This morning, have been up since 3am because of the cramps and diarrhea. I think I'm due for another trip to the hospital.

Kites over Damascus Gate

Tensions again as Israel and Lebanon squabble over the sea border. US is siding with Lebanon. Coast is on high alert. And the Knesset will vote today to outlaw boycotts - whatever that means. Does it mean if I boycott buying Israeli cottage cheese, I can get arrested? Hmmm must study that one. And more tensions in Jerusalem as ultra-orthodox Jews are trying to close down main thoroughfares on the Sabbath - that would mean we non-Jews cannot travel. Secular Jews and non-jews are fighting back.

On the lighter side, the strong winds provide great opportunity for kite-flying. At Damascus Gate you find people flying monster kites at all hours of the day. One fell into our courtyard. "Go fly a kite" takes on a different meaning - it's a relief from the tensions that accumulating in the City. Hmmmm I wonder if kite-flying will be outlawed because it breaks the Sabbath law.....

Saturday

South Sudan becomes the youngest nation in the world. Good luck to the newest citizens. They deserve this break after years of civil war. Meanwhile fly-in pro-Palestinian protesters were either arrested at Ben Gurion Airport or stopped from boarding at foreign airports. Those who managed to enter caused disturbances in the Qalandya crossing. Tensions are still high and military presence is still stepped up today.

Vasile called from Romania to see if I was ok - he was on an 8 hour train ride with Maria to visit her parents. Well the stomach cramps and diarrhea were really bad this morning, but I'm taking brunch now more regularly - 2 poached eggs. Slowly I'll begin with white rice and some fish for dinner. Let's see how it'll be. I've lost more weight this week - the new pants I got (skinny jeans) 3 weeks ago have all gone loose (and they weren't even yet washed). Need a belt to hold them up.

Found my dear friend William M. at last. We had a long talk this morning on the phone since the last time we saw each other was about 6 years ago. He's still in Rome. Really miss the good old days. This evening Gio Loche, Matapinghu, Luai and myself went out for dinner and remembered William in our conversation. We all miss him. Wish he were with us but that's not possible. Hope he gets to study what he likes.

For dinner, Gio had the souffle for dessert (top) while Luai had the Tiramisu (bottom).

tensions

Israel is on high alert. Pro-palestinian protesters intend a mass fly-in at Ben Gurion airport. Israel has issued blacklists to all airlines not to board any of these persons. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/israel-police-deport-two-pro-palestinian-fly-in-activists-at-airport-1.372110  Meanwhile the Gaza flotilla is also causing concern. Tensions are generally high today therefore, and all the more so when it's a Friday and thousands of muslims come to the Old City to pray. Soldiers are everywhere. Everyone gets stopped and checked.

Meantime the drug problem is finally getting some attention. It is so prevalent in East Jerusalem, it is said that one person in every christian family is a drug addict. And what's worse is the rise of diseases associated with drug taking. Makes you scared just shaking hands in Est Jerusalem.  http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/features/2011/06/201162874544676539.html 

Same same

Was utterly exhausted yesterday. Slept for most of the morning and all through the afternoon ... disturbed only by the phone several times. The cook came up to my room with food and his rosemary concoction because I had caught a cold. Was feeling really sick. Well after drinking the brew, I felt worse. He spiked it with brandy. No wonder I slept through the afternoon. Everyone is force-feeding me. Even Giovanni Loche (see below) insisted that I've gone too thin. The Dean said this morning that I'm below the weight ratio to my height. Well nothing is going to get me to eat ... cos I throw up or get diarrhea. Well actually almost nothing ... I guess only Vasile can get me to eat. He's very insistent.

Got up late in the afternoon and had to go out to buy some necessities. But was really feeling really down the dumps. Walked all round the New City till late in the night. Bumped into Giovanni Loche and 2 seminarians. Saw Astrid in a restaurent with someone else so I thought it discreet not to call out to her. Vasile called to see how I was and if I was eating. He's back in Romania. He was at dinner with Maria his fiancee because it was her birthday. I spoke to Maria on the phone and wished her a happy birthday. She and Vasile invited me to their wedding in November. How nice. At least it was one happy moment last night.

Israel is shockingly uncreative and without imagination when it comes to fashion. All the shops are selling the very same summer wear - white checkered bermudas. You see everyone in the streets wearing it. How I miss the range of choices and individuality of fashion in Asia. Walking in the streets last night and seeing every single person wearing the very same pants is not at all uplifting for a depressed soul.

Thanks

Thanks to the Sydney pilgrim group for their generosity in bringing things over and their offerings. Also to Mary Por Por whose gift will go to buy my medicine.

Into July

A lovely shot of the cupola of the sanctuary of Our Lady of Carmel in Haifa. Kelvin shot this. Awesome.

The past few days had been very trying - weatherwise it was stiffling hot and humid; healthwise the diarrhea and stomach cramps are awful. I wasn't feeling well at all.

Tourist groups have dropped drastically and the Ministry of Tourism is desperately salvaging the situation. Fears of war and the lousy economic situation in Europe is striking hard the tourist industry in Israel. Streets and churches are empty. This is a bad sign as we enter July - usually the high season for tourism.

Lilies

The weather has been murderously hot and stifling. And my stomach is not letting up. But a lovely photo of a vase of lilies perks up the spirit. It's a magnificent bunch imported because now it's not the lily season.

Gardens that are not watered have long withered from the sweltering heat.

Tourist groups have significantly dropped. People say it's the ear of war but actually it's the poor financial situation in Europe.

Riots in Jerusalem as thousands of ultra-orthodox Jews protested at the arrest of Rabbi Yosef. He had endorsed a book that justified the killing of non-Jews.   http://www.jpost.com/VideoArticles/Video/Article.aspx?id=227690  We're living dangerously in this land as it appears Christians are legal targets of extremist muslims and jews. We're talking of killing here.

Animal invasion

Invasion: did you see the news of the recent animal happenings? Scorpions in an airplane http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_686027.html  Jelly fish block a nuclear plant  http://www.straitstimes.com:80/BreakingNews/World/Story/STIStory_686020.html   Turtles shut down JFK airport runway  http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/700169-turtle-invasion-shuts-jfk-runway  Another subtle message from Mother nature?

The strike in Greece has been very disruptive. I wonder if it has ruined our school excursion there. Some 20 professors and students are in Athens on a study tour. Too bad.

Yesterday had a surprise visit from an old friend Chris - a missionary in Algeria. Several of his community have been killed by muslim fanatics in recent years. He's living a very tough and dangerous mission. So we treasured the moment yesterday when we met for dinner and chat. It might be the last time as nobody knows what's in store next. It's amazing how someone facing death everyday has a different philosophy of life; a thankfulness for everything, an appreciation for the smallest things.


My diarrhea has still not stopped. And my left ankle has swelled again. And my right knee is not holding up. Having difficulty in walking as a result - pain and no strength.

A rare scene: Danni actually reading the bible. This is as unusual as the animal invasions.