Ramadan begins

Friars in procession at Damascus Gate

Well finally the Ramadan cannon was fired! I thought the muslims had abandoned this tradition because on Sunday evening when Ramadan started there was no cannon fired. But yesterday (Monday evening) it was fired. Sounded very strange tough ... much sharper and clearer. They must have changed new cannons.

The new Custos arrived and made his official entry into the City. It was a big affair. Heads of all the different churches and religions were there to welcome him. Even the protestant leaders were there ... the first time they have participated in this solemn entry I was told. I couldn't go because I had to work. Too bad.

Dumpster filled with good food

Yesterday as I was going to work, I passed by a dumpster filled with good edible fresh fruit .... the police had confiscated them from an illegal hawker and threw it all away!!! I was furious! How many poor families cold have eaten from that!! Why couldn't the police have given it to charity? It was terrible. This is how Ramadan is celebrated? Fasting and throwing away good food.