Epiphany

Gloomy and cold today

Although the rains stopped, the day continued to be cold and grey and gloomy. Not a ray of sunshine. And the wind was cold. Now at 11.30pm the winds have picked up to extremely gusty ... so much so that the authorities have issued warnings to secure windows and doors, remove flower pots and other things that might get blown away, and stay away from electrical wires. The forecast is zero to minus 1 on Wednesday/Thursday with snow in Jerusalem. That will be fun!!!

This year Epiphany coincides with the Orthodox Christmas. Bethlehem was packed with latin and orthodox faithful. Very festive despite the cold. As with every year, cartoons depicting Mary and Joseph or the Magi blocked by the Wall that separates Bethlehem from Israel. It's a poignant protest at this dividing wall.

So the 1st week of 2013 begins with a storm. Hope it's not a harbinger for what's to come later in the year.