Another cold day

Archaeologists digging at the Herodian Fortress near Bethlehem have rised lively debate (at best) or mockery (at most) in the country. Believed to be the burial place of King Herod the Great (according to Josephus) and recently a couple of archaeologists have claimed they actually found the long lost tomb itself, the proposal is to rebuilt the "Tomb" for tourists have resulted in an outcry.  http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/top-archaeologists-condemn-israeli-plan-to-rebuild-ancient-tomb-1.409779  Top archaeologists decry it as a Disneyland. Well ... most religious places here have already turned into an amusement park. People eat, drink, joke at the holiest sites of Christianity while they won't dream of doing it in their own country parishes.

Mamilla Mall in the night

Last evening Praveen wanted to take a walk with his sister who works as a domestic in Abu Tor (3.5 km south of Jerusalem). He asked me to join him. So we all took a slow walk up to the New City. But she got called by her employer to return home so Prav and I walked on alone. Had an ice-cream (it was 5 degrees outside!!!) each and walked down to Mamilla Mall. There was a new outdoor exhibition all along the Mall. The theme used to be "Biblical people" now it's "music". In the cold, there were 4 young buskers - very talented. Prav and I were very impressed and we dropped some coins into their bag ... I think it was 9 shekels or something ... loose change. All through the shops, Spring sale was on. Form 50% to 70% in most shops. Took advantage of this and bought some real shoes for rain and snow. very comfy. Also bought a jacket to keep warm ... I had gone out with only a hoodie. Found out too late that it was very cold and raining. Then further down mall, we stopped at a cafe for a hot cocoa. And before we returned home, Prav wanted to show me a swanky shop that sells Swedish swanky coffee machines. It was impressive. I should go back there to take some photos.

The 4 young buskers

Another day of exams for the other students, another day of reading and writing for the rest. The weather is still cold and wet. So a stay in the library is the best place to be. As for me, the diarrhea and cramps are not ending. Between hours of work, I have to rest or sit on the throne. Apparently many people are struck down by this as well this week. They blame it on the cold. Perhaps. Ronza, our library assistant's two boys are stricken with asthma because of the cold. Well you can't win. We need the rain but we can't stay healthy with it.