Feast Day

Another hot hectic day. Looks like this summer will be extra hot. Authorities are saying it'll be the driest summer in 100 years. Drought measures are in force. Now it's totally dreadful ... but if I could just get a couple of days off in Jaffa ....

Damascus Gate barricaded off

Damascus Gate has been barricaded off, leaving a passage straight from the Gate to the 2 staircases of the cavea. All the areas for sitting are blocked off to prevent groups of arab youths gathering and causing trouble. I heard that yesterday there were scuffles and stun grenades were almost (if not) fired. Tensions have been high ... but it occurs mainly in the evenings when it's cooler and people come out to the streets. Closed indoors all day because of the 28 degree heat plus fasting makes them fidgety and energy is pent up. Today being Thursday, more arabs than usual are visiting the Al Aqsa mosque and chances for a false-up is not a possibility but a probability. I just had to go out to meet a group on the Mt. of Olives and already the surrounding roads have been blocked off. They will continue to be closed till tomorrow evening ... the latest municipal police orders.

Homemade qattayef

Today is also 2 feast days rolled in one. The Salesians are celebrating their patron Mary, Help of Christians. Franciscans celebrate the dedication of the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi which houses his body. Whatever. We get to enjoy a feast for lunch ... we had homemade qattayef with cheese and walnuts. Fabulous. except I didn't eat any for fear of allergy.

I ate my first solid food today ... some mushy pasta soaked in soup. I was hungry so I ate a lot. Unfortunately  it was cold and I got a tummy ache after that. Anyway I survived. We'll see how tomorrow fare ... if I can eat more solids.