Sahlab season

Sahlab is back on the menu

The weather continues to be cold ... actually chilly is the word. Lots of people are sick. Tourists are not prepared for this sudden cold. Too bad. I noticed many shops are starting to serve sahlab ... a sure sign that winter is kicking in. I like ti very much but I must order it without the peanuts that tops it. Sahlab is the flour made from an orchid tuber, mixed with milk or water, with drops of rose or orange water or even rose syrup. It's nice for a cold rainy day. I wonder when I'll be well enough to go out and get one.

Much less violence today. Only one near Hebron in the south. Jerusalem continues to be tense with heavy military presence but people are getting used to it and life goes on as usual.

I'm into my 6th day of treatment and the steroids - among them the dreaded Prednisone - is about to finish. My wheezing is over, fluids in the lungs are almost all out though the sinus problem continues to be a bother. No signs of improvement. Nevertheless I've started work. It's tiring as the medication is very strong and makes me tire easily. One of the most tiring is visiting the many groups of tourists/pilgrims after diner time. I have to give them talks. This week alone there are 2000 chinese tourists and not enough chinese guides. That makes my work all the more important to visit them in the night. But that's a lot of work both day and night.