Of monks and nuns

Lutheran franciscan nuns

It's Friday again and as usual security was stepped up. But given the circumstances and mood of the people, the day passed without incident. The weather too was rather cool so all in all it was a pleasant start to the weekend. Now if this would keep up for the rest of the month till autumn begins, that would be perfect. I have a month's intensive courses to teach and the last thing I need is bad weather and violence. It's the last stretch of my summer "holidays" .... spent working.

The other day while walking pass Tsahal Square near New Gate, 2 Lutheran franciscan nuns were crossing the road. Few people know that Lutherans and Anglicans also have religious orders, mostly franciscans. They follow the same religious community life as those in the Catholic Church. Interesting.

Ethiopic monk in
orange robes

Last night there were so many events in the City. I wanted to hear the concert at Sultan's Pool but the other concert at Independence Park was a lot louder and drowned out the other. Then there was a night cycling group of some 20 cyclists riding around various off-the-track routes. And a segway group that went on the track routes. Some ultra-orthodox families were barbecuing in the parks. Tourists and locals had various night walking tours. And of course the young had hundreds of parties all along the New City. I have never seen the City so crowded and lively before ... not even during the day. It was remarkable. It was so "summer". Well I guess school starts next week for Israeli schools so it's the last summer fling. It was really festive ... and security was not as intense as I would have thought.

A strange thing happened this afternoon when I was on my way home from work. An Ethiopic Orthodox monk walked past me ... but he was dressed in orange from head to toe ... like a buddhist monk. I couldn't help laughing and taking a photo of him. This City never stops in amazing me. Surprises at every corner.