Dec. 2nd

Yesterday the Jerusalem Light Rail began charging for its rides. Suddenly the crowds disappeared from the stations and the trains! Money is everything, isn't it?

Yesterday was also my first day at work .... got a briefing from Osvalda whose been working there for 30 odd years. Everyone was laughing that I should have had a solemn entry into the office ... with incense, candles, cross and a great crowd behind. Instead I was practically alone when I entered the office. I didn't even have the keys!! Had to wait for a part-time worker to come along and open my office!!! Osvalda showed me the whole 4 storeys and 2 buildings that are under my care.

This morning interviewed the full-time salaried workers .... needed to know their job descriptions and working hours. Then it was run run run ... from one part of town to another: 4 different groups of chinese and singaporeans wanted to see me within the same hour. Had to finally postpone one group ... and cancel another meeting. Too much to handle.