New Year's eve

Damascus Gate at night

 It's the last day of 2021. Despite all the pandemia and terrible economic situation, we must still be thankful to God for everything. We can only pray that 2022 will be better.

Here the New Year is not celebrated ... because Jews and Muslims have their own new years in autumn. Only the minority Christians and other foreigners celebrate it. Rather subdued as that makes up only 2% of the population. The govt is warning that the Omicron infection has gone over 4000 a day and they are curbing any gatherings tonight. I for one will be avoiding crowds at all cost. It's not worth the risk.

Anyway it's very cold and windy tonight. It might even rain. I doubt most people would want to go out in this weather. However the Orthodox Churches will be celebrating Christ next week and so I'm not sure how the govt will enforce no gatherings when liturgical celebrations begin in Bethlehem.

Happy New Year to All! May God bless you with good health and better things to come!

Cold

Refectory with candles

 Added to the Omicron pandemia and bird flu, we now have news that 2000 have been hospitalised because of the common flu. The hospitals are full. And the rest of us who need special treatment are placed on a long waiting list. After waiting for so long, I've finally got an appointment at the hospital and it's in 17 days time. If only people kept the mask rule, avoid crowds ... there would not be such a crush in the hospitals and people with other medical needs need not be sacrificed for the pandemic infected. I really feel so penalised for other people's carelessness.

The weather continues to be bright and sunny in the morning, but dark and wet in the afternoons. The nights are awfully cold, and I couldn't sleep as I was shivering. I'd love to go down to the refectory for a cup of hot cocoa but the thought of going out of my room in the cold just puts me back to bed under the blankets again.

Newspapers report that a local food company is going to raise prices in the new year, and there's lots of negative reaction by the public. Livelihood is badly affected by the closures and lockdowns, salaries have dropped drastically; people will have difficulty buying necessities as this company covers a wide range of daily products.

The end of the year is ending and we're praying 2022 will bring better things. Annus Horribilis. I'll have to celebrate the New Year Mass for the Konkani community. That'll be nice start to the New Year.

Rain again

Sunset over the division wall

 The news around church circles is the Indian govt freezing the accounts of the MC sisters. Everyone is puzzled why any govt would want to harm a society that does good, that helps the poor whom the govt never helps. Newspapers say it's religious motives ... and history has shown that people who need to do these things to preserve their religion is a sure sign that that religion is deteriorating and its gods can't help themselves. Pathetic. 

The rains returned. The temp dropped drastically. And many people are sick because of it. I'm ready for such weather ... and I brought thick jackets and a shawl which came into good use this evening when I walked home. The paving stones on the road outside the City Walls were very slippery and I had to walk carefully downhill so as not to slip.

The Omicron infection rate is so high the govt is betting on herd immunity as it cannot contain the pandemic. That's what the newspapers say. I read that it's worldwide now, and the rules of the game is changing. The lockdowns and restrictions don't work anymore. The experts must think outside the box. I on my part am steering clear of crowds. 

St. Innocents aday

Strawberries season

 The weather continues to be freezing cold. But it's not raining. Just cloudy and windy. It's the feast of the Holy Innocents and I guess there was a solemn Mass down in the grotto where its believed the Innocents were buried. That's next to the grotto where Jesus was born. 

News reports say the Syrian port of Latakia was bombed a 2nd time, allegedly by Israel. Now that's tense. 

Likewise there's been constant clashes in an arab village where a jewish settlement has been set up. Reports say from 60 to 120 were wounded. This winter is really seeing a rise in violence. But I'm sure it'll not lead to anything serious. It was like that for the past few years. Anyway its the innocent people who'll suffer in a war. May the Holy Innocents pray for us all.

Lots of veggies

One bit of bad news ... bird flu has spread in Galilee where migratory birds spend their winter. 5000 birds have died. That's very worrying. And Covid Omicron has reached 2000 a day here ... which is also worrying. I think sooner or later the govt has to treat the Omicron as other variants otherwise it'll overflow unnecessarily the hospitals. That's what Singapore was advised to do, I think I read it on the news.

Here's a couple of photos of the fresh fruit and veggies on sale in the streets of Nablus I saw on Sunday. They are very wholesome and without chemical insecticides used.

Nablus visit

Crowds at Bethlehem plaza

It's Boxing Day, or St. Stephen's Feast but being the 1st Sunday after Christmas, it's also Holy Family Day. I decided to travel to Nablus to visit the MC sisters and send them some Christmas aid. The traffic to the Samaritan city 90kms away was awful. It took us almost 2 hours to get there. And coming home was also wrecked with traffic jams. Another 2 hours to return home.

For St. Stephen's feast, the friars go down to the site where Stephen was stoned. Vespers is sung and the place is incensed and the people venerate the huge stone before the Greek Orthodox close the sanctuary again. The place was once franciscan property but the greeks took it from us. The Ottoman rulers established the status quo so the property remains with the greeks today.

MC chapel in Nablus

In the meantime, I celebrated Mass for the  patients and the sisters. It was very cold ... almost freezing. but seeing the handicapped and elderly residents again was great, and making them laugh during Christmas was special. They have no visitors at all. After Mass the sisters offered a lovely lunch: rice with spicy brinjals and curry veggies. They also baked a lovely orange cake. I ate some and would have loved to eat more but the journey is too far and I'm afraid I might need a toilet along the way ... which in the desert is impossible to find.

Well the whole Nablus adventure took from 8.15 am till 4pm when I arrived home. Now I'm exhausted. Going to bed early.

Christmas at Shepherds Field in Bethlehem

 

Merry Christmas
(Jn 1 in syriac)

last night despite the very cold weather and feeling unwell, I decided to go to Shepherds Field to celebrate Mass for all of you. The chinese catholic community came from all over the country. It was good to see them all. I prayed for all of you, living an dead. May Christ bless you all this Christmas and 2022.

Shepherds Field grotto

Communion

Christmas eve

christmas wreathes at table

 It's Christmas Eve. I spent the whole morning preparing the christmas candle wreathes for our refectory and the statue of the Madonna. I had gone to the park to cut the berries and branches yesterday evening after the funeral Mass. It was very dark at 5.30pm and drizzling very heavily. Fr Romeo came with me as I was afraid of slipping in the wet ground and hurting myself and no one would know. We did alot of collecting and because of the weather, no one was around in the park.

This morning I started arranging the wreathes and placed them on the refectory tables. The sisters first set the tables with dining clothes. Now it looks very festive. There were few for lunch today as several had gone back for the holidays and others went to Bethlehem for the solemn entrance of the Patriarch and bishops followed by solemn vespers and preparations for Vigils and Midnight Mass.

Free Christmas trees

The weather is extremely cold. 3 degrees I think now, and drizzling. But I nanaged to find a car that will bring me to Shepherds Field tonight to celebrate Mass with the chinese community and pray for all your intentions. I just hope it won't rain or hail, as I'd get quite sick. Fingers crossed.

Yesterday I also saw the Jewish group donating Christmas trees to Christians free of charge. They do it every year but orthodox jews frown and even attack them because they consider the trees to be idols.

Funeral

Sunrise today

 So we just buried our confrere Fr Manns. The Church was quite crowded and our Patriarch, who was once his student, and 2 auxiliary bishops were present with the emeritus patriarch. Manns was well known, being a scholar and preacher and expert in Judaism. As we say in latin Sic transit gloria mundi ... thus the world's glory passes. Nothing lasts, not intelligence, fame or wealth. You bring nothing with you into the coffin.

Today was also the Custos' birthday. I happened to be up near his office with the Chinese sisters to bring him our Christmas greetings when we were told of it. So we took the opportunity to also wish him a happy birthday.

The weather strangely was drizzly all day. And the temp was around 6 degrees up to 8 degrees. I had to wear lots of sweaters to keep warm. And walking to and from work is a scary experience as I'm terribly afraid of slipping and falling. Today's sunrise was rather deceiving as the sky was quite clear and the sun was shining brightly. But only after an hour it got real dark.

Everyone has been telling me to go to the hospital and not wait. I've been postponing it for 2 months now. But the last 2 days was very bad and today I still had pains. So Christmastide will probably be spent in hospital ... if I can get an appointment.

Solstice

Photographing

Just received news that our oldest emeritus prof. Frederik Manns died in his room this morning. No idea what was the cause. But he was 80 yrs old. And the weather has been very very cold. Tomorrow will be the funeral. Over here there is no funeral wake or prayers. It's burial within 24 hours. No embalming.

As I said, the weather is freezing cold. The rains have long left but the cold is here to stay. I noticed the weather report predict rains for the weekend. Well, it's winter, so let it rain. Lots of floods all over the country but we can get by.

Yesterday was the winter solstice. The moon was full. Days will begin to get longer in preparation for summer again. You can judge the change of seasons by the call to prayer of the muezzin. In summer the earliest call is 2.30am and winter it's 4.50am. That's how I judge the seasons ... by the first call to prayer.

I'm feeling better today. But not totally. I'll still need a couple more days to recover fully. Bloated, pain and nausea. While walking to work this morning, I was dizzy and luckily did not faint or fall. The stone pavements are very slippery when wet from the rain and dew. Going home is more dangerous as it's downhill. I'll be extra careful. 

Hail storm

Hailstones

 The storm blew over last night, and this morning was bright and sunny. But after noon, the skies darkened and the winds picked up and it rained again. The temp was lingering around 4 degrees. It was very very cold and I decided to stay in my room. One heater wasn't enough so I had to wear lots of sweaters.

Yesterday the storm was extremely strong. Waves from the sea have reached the main streets of Tel Aviv along the beachfront. It was something you'd think a typhoon would do. I was literally blown off my feet and fell on the floor as the wind behind my back hit me. Reports say it was 84 km/hr. 

On the way home, it started to hail heavily. I had my 2 hoods over my head to protect it from the pelting. The streets were covered with a layer of melted hail and it was very slippery. I had to walk very carefully home, holding on the sides of buildings so I won't fall.

And I was extremely ill yesterday, with severe diarrhoea. Everyone says I caught a cold in the stomach the night before when I was stuck outside Damascus Gate when the City was closed due to the terrorist attack. I never felt so ill with diarrhoea as yesterday and our sisters, one is a nurse, quickly brought medicine for me. She even had electrolyte drinks to rehydrate. I could sleep well last night. Thank goodness for that. Today I stayed home to recover. I had a small meal to settle the sore stomach. Hope I'll be well tomorrow to go back to work.

Winter storm

Full moon over
City walls

 The weekend was cold but a few hours a day we had bright sunshine. Then yesterday we were suddenly warned that a massive storm is going to hit us this evening. Temp fell all night to 6 degrees and the sky this morning was very dark. We had heavy drizzle but I see from reports that other places had hailstones. Reports also say it'll start squalling by 4pm when the storm, which is hitting Greece and Cyprus now, arrives on our shores. Local emergency services are prepping themselves, and people are warned not to go out nor tarry in underground carparks. Several years ago a coupled drowned when their lift was stuck on the ground floor and it flooded. I guess it's prudent to prepare oneself, but knowing Jerusalem, it'll only get 10% of whatever weather the rest of the country is going through. But let the rains come! We need it very much! Right now I can feel the wind blowing very strongly. 

Last night I had class till 10pm but a terrorist attack at Damascus Gate forced the police to close the City Gates and surrounding roads outside the Old City. I was out in the freezing cold waiting till I actually managed to get home at midnight. Maybe the cold has made me sick. I'm having severe diarrhea since I got back till now. I can't walk. It's very distressing. Anyway there's a full moon and watching it last night while waiting to re-enter the City was a consolation.

Meantime I read a report saying Christian leaders made a statement lamenting the disappearance of Christians in the Holy Land because extremist jewish settlers are attacking christians and burning churches with impunity. Just yesterday we read how a christian man was beaten up by 6 jewish youths in broad daylight at Jaffa Gate. No one did anything to stop them. The situation is appalling but the rest of the world doesn't care. Soon Israel will be like Syria and Iraq and Iran ... the cradles of Christianity without any christians. Once the original descendants of the first christians are gone, there is no way to bring them back again. Christianity will have no roots. 

Rain and cold

 

Another walk through the
Christmas bazaar

It started raining last night and the temp dropped to 6 degrees. It was very cold. Today it continues to drizzle and remains very cold. Feels wintry and Christmassy.

The Christmas Bazaar at New Gate was alot more crowded last night. It starts at our entrance so in order to go home, I must walk through it. I bought a doughnut to eat. It was fresh and warm so I enjoyed it. Guards at the entry to the Bazaar were checking for Green Pass but since most know me, they let me through without checking. Otherwise I'd have to walk home form outside the City Walls in the rain. And the stone pavements are very slippery. I'm afraid I'd fall going downhill. In fact I've slipped several times going to work these 2 days. What a hazard going to and from work.

I've not been following the local news today so I'm not aware of what's happening around the country. All I know is that from yesterday's news, a religious school here in Jerusalem saw a group of infections which ended with the school being closed down. Infection rates are really going up high though the serious cases are not rising. Still I'm not taking any chances, so I'll be avoiding crowds, including Bethlehem. I'm not taking any risks. Better safe than sorry.

Bethlehem

The Manger

 This morning I went to Bethlehem. The Basilica of the Nativity was empty. Not a single soul except for 3 german sisters from Jerusalem praying down in the grotto of the Nativity. They're my neighours, living only 200m down our road at St. Anne's Church. They came to make a day of retreat and it was very fit, because there's a silence I've never experience before. No tourists, no locals, no one. I prayed at the spot of the Nativity, and also at the manger; for all the living and dead. It was a wonderful experience. I spent an hour in the empty holy place, knowing soon the crowds will come for the festivities and the peace will be broken.

Grotto of the Nativity

News just in. Israel bombed Syria again early this morning, at a military post killing a soldier. We're not sure if Syria will respond. But I dread to think if a war should break out during this winter. Syria is but a proxy to Iran, which is the greatest threat to Israel right now. So these bombings are warnings to Iran rather than Syria.

Right now a storm is brewing locally because it came to light that the govt is allowing jewish tour groups to enter the country despite enforcing a total ban on all foreign visitors. Christians cry discrimination because no christian visitor is allowed to enter the country to celebrate Christmas, but jewish youths from overseas, in an all expenses paid trip by the Israeli govt, are allowed to enter the country. Well it's their tourist guides who will suffer in the end when christian groups don't come.

Christmas tree

Giant Christmas tree far up on
the Mt of Olives

 The rain finally came but during the night. It wasn't as heavy as expected but the ground is drenched enough. It was cold though, I think 6 degrees last night. And the wind was quite strong. Today however the rains stopped and the sun was up again. But it remained cold, which is fine.

Last night on my way home, I could see an enormous Christmas tree lighted up on the Mt of Olives. It was very bright and from the distance, it certainly had to be some 20 meters high. I couldn't make out where it's from but being a muslim neighbourhood there, the only possibility is the Mormon University. You couldn't possibly miss it .... it is enormous and very bright. Christians are really splashing it this year to make Christmas a happy event, after 2 years of lockdowns and subdued celebrations.

I noticed there'll be a Christmas market at New Gate this evening. It's a phenomenon that's taking place in every place where there's a Catholic Church. I guess it's a way to help boost the local economy as many families need a source of income now that tourists have stopped coming into the country. It's a little something to get by. I hope people do come and help.

This weekend will be hectic for me as I have several projects to do. I'm really exhausted and yesterday everyone said I looked extremely tired and pale when I presided over vespers. I certainly was. And I'm in pain as well. The abdomen is terribly bloated. I need to go to hospital for the colonoscopy but I'm putting it off because I'm afraid.

Storm?

Christmas lights at New Gate

 Newspapers are reporting a major storm today ... with heavy rain, hail and even snow on Mt. Hermon. I looked out of my window and it looks like summer ... very crisp and sunny. I don't know what to make of it. From experience, up here in the Judean mountains, we seldom get the kind of rain the weather reports predict. Maybe 30% of what actually happens down in the flatlands and coastal areas will take place up here in the mountains. Still we're looking for the little that comes. We need the rains.

Tomorrow nurses nationwide will go on strike against violence in hospital. There's been a rise in attacks on medical staff by patients' families, both arab and jewish. Well the police should arrest those attackers as everything is recorded on security cameras. Jail term and other heavy deterrents should be in place instead of a slap on the wrist. Our healthcare workers are overworked during these 2 years of pandemic ... and instead of getting a break, they suffer such abuse from the public. Terrible.

While non-israelis are not allowed to enter Israel, many of our guys want to go home for Christmas. Well, if they can't reenter, they shouldn't complain. They've been amply warned. 

Well, it's back to work now ... and waiting for the so-called storm to come. It's 11am and the sun is shining even brighter than before. Very little clouds in the sky. I'm feeling a little disillusioned.

Festive spirit

Entrance to Christian Quarter

 Last night there was a huge riot in the City centre. Some 400 jewish extremist youths attacked police over accusations of brutality. Trams and traffic were stopped and there was major disruptions. Most people in the outer areas didn't know what was going on as no buses or trams were arriving. People had to walk home from work or other business.

Temperature-wise, it's been down to 8 degrees in the nights. Very chilly. But daytime can get quite warm ... almost 18 degrees or more. You never know what to wear ... too little and it gets cold; to many and it gets hot. I noticed many people, even those in my house, are sniffling and catching a cold as a result. Well I'm certainly staying far away from everyone, and am waiting for my flu shot.

Crib at the
Patriarchate

The Christmas spirit is in the air, and I've not seen so many jews coming to see our Christian Quarter lights. The christian cafes are full of local visitors. Notre Dame Centre opposite New Gate is having a singalong of carols every afternoon. That includes live bands and singers, mostly filipino migrant workers who're very talented. The music is very loud, and from my library which is across the road inside the Old City, it sounds as if it's being played at our front door. And there was (at least I know) no objection from the orthodox jews. 

Omicron infections are rising and just half hour ago, the news reports say the govt is mulling another lockdown. Well from the streets, you won't know a 5th wave is upon us. Hardly anyone wears the mask. Crowds continue to gather in the market, parks, churches, mosques, synagogues, streets, cafes, restaurants  ... everywhere possible. Well I'm not taking any chances. Minimum going out and always wearing the mask, hand washing and alcohol gel. 

Cold weekend

At the YMCA

 The temp continues to be very cold though the rains have stopped. Our music school is playing Christmas carols on the PA system and they're lots of locals in the Christian Quarter viewing the Christmas decorations. It's the weekend here so secular jews are free from work and have come to see the lights. Orthodox jews on the other hand avoid our Quarter because they consider Christmas trees as idols ... the Old Testament "asherah".

I've managed to complete my work for this week so I started preparing the Christmas presents as I had planned. I hope the weekend will be slow and stressless. I need it as I'm finishing the course of prednisone which usually makes me quite sick from the side effects. It has however stopped my wheezing and asthma attacks and I've had several nights' sleep without waking up suffocating.

I've been thinking how many Christmases I've spent overseas. Too many. I'm not sure if I can go to Bethlehem for the Vigil Mass because I'm not vaccinated and the rate of infection is rising. In fact the Hebrew University claims a 5th wave has already started. I noticed there's a rise in people wearing masks. That's prudent. 

Christmas shopping

Christmas shop

 And the rains came as predicted. It started with drizzle in the early evening and it turned to showers during the night. The temp. dropped to 8 degrees and lower during the night as well. Snow began to fall on Mt. Hermon. Now it really feels like winter. Ig anything, the Spring bulbs need this cold weather to kick start their growth and flowering in January. However if the rains are not sustained, then we'll have a drought year in 2022.

Yesterday I had to go buy Christmas stuff for the Caritas Baby Hospital in Bethlehem. Despite being a Catholic hospital, it has nothing to decorate for Christmas. The sisters there told me to help buy a tree and lights and bulbs so I went to get them in East Jerusalem. The shop was full of new decorations brought in from Greece. After 2 years of lockdown, the owners need business. So the little that I bought was a good beginning for them.

I'm trying to finish all my work today for this week so I'll have free time tomorrow to prepare the Christmas presents which we give our workers in the libraries every year. It's a tradition that we take half an hour off to greet each other Christmas wishes and we give them gifts of panettone and a little manger scene or something like that. So I'm back to work now ... on a cold, wet day that makes me sleepy.

Goodbye Sr. Monica

Very cold and wet today

 There was another stabbing this morning. A 16 yr old girl stabbed a jewish woman in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood which is 1km away from my house. Tensions continue and police presence has been stepped up. It's all quit unpleasant.

The rains came today ... mostly on the coastal cities. Up here in Jerusalem, we got drizzle. But the temp definitely dropped. It's 8 degrees right now and I've got 2 heaters full on. Yet I'm feeling the cold. I might not go to work tomorrow if it continues to be like this. The very strong winds are biting cold. The palm trees in the muslim school opposite are swishing vigorously and almost seem to be snapping in two. I've wearing 2 layers of clothes and staying under the blankets tonight.

Goodbye Sr. Monica

As the temp began to drop last night, I walked 2.5kms to the Capuchin monastery where the Sisters of the Eucharist live. I had to celebrate Mass for them as Sr. Monica will be leaving us for Assisi, her new mission. I've known Sr. Monica for over 11 years and celebrated the first Mass in the new convent back then. She asked me to celebrate her last Mass here which I obliged. It's been a long time since we first met, and it was always fun because she'd cook pansit for me. Good luck to Monica on her new mission. We'll miss her.

After Mass and dinner at her convent, I decided to take a slow walk home in the cold. It was tiring but I enjoyed the walk. Crowds of locals were everywhere, shopping or eating in restaurants. Hardly anyone was wearing a mask. It was back to as normal as it could get. I think the vaccination programme was a great success as infection rates have dropped, as much as the weather has.

St. Nicolas

Beggars and hawkers

Another busy day for me. Started early as I had to go to Bethlehem's Caritas Hospital to deliver some things to the sisters and wish them an early Happy Christmas. Then it was a quick rush out of Palestine back to Israel to buy some things and deliver them to the Chinese Sisters convent. Then it was to my office where lots of work has to be done, transfers and acquisitions and closing last month's financial accounts. It's quite a lot of work.

The violence at Damascus Gate over ... and we await the next one. It always happens toward Christmas. The muslims created trouble so Israel will close the borders and Christians cannot go to Bethlehem to celebrate. Like clockwork this happens every year. It's disgusting. Anyway in between the violence, people continue their daily lives. Beggars and hawkers regather at Damascus Gate. Life goes on.

Apparently Israel struck Syrian military targets yesterday. It might appear to be an escalation in tension but then again, tensions never eased. We'll just see if there's any retaliation. These strikes are just warnings to Iran, which is the  main problem. Until the nuclear talks are resolved, there'll be no easing of tensions in our region.

It's almost midweek and we're in December. 2021 is almost over. Christmas is in 3 weeks time. We just hope for the best that 2022 will see and end to the pandemic, and everything going back as much as possible to normality. Today is Santa Claus feast day ... St. Nicholas of Myra, the ancient bishop who defended the divine nature of Christ at the Council of Nicea; but was more famous for his works of charity. Maybe he'll bring us a gift of peace.

Weekend over

New Gate's
Christmas tree

 It was a crazy weekend, starting with another stabbing at Damascus Gate. Security cameras caught the whole thing on video. It was shocking. The attacker was killed on the spot by nearby police, while a victim is in hospital with moderate injuries. This took place on Saturday evening while I was having class, about 500m away. I could hear gunshots and tear gas/stun grenades exploding. Apparently after the attacker was killed, arabs in the area began rioting. The City Gates were closed and no one could go in or out. I realised the severity of the situation, and could only go home within the Old City itself, through the alleys. It is a disturbing trend, every week now an attack of some sort. 

And this in the midst of the Advent season and the jewish Hanukkah feast. Thousands have descended to Jerusalem to celebrate the jewish feast and see the Christmas lights. It's a miracle nothing has happened in the crowded areas but only at Damascus Gate. 

My sufganiot last night

Last night Linda from Mian Restaurant gave me 2 sufganiot (jelly doghnuts) which jews eat during Hanukkah. It was very nice of her. I had one chocolate and another strawberry. They were very fanciful .... and costly. But Linda said they had good business lately and wanted to share God's blessing. It was the last night of Hanukkah anyway (8 day celebration) so there'll be no more sufganiot to eat till next year.

The Advent lights in the Christian Quarter have drawn lots of jews (secular of course) to come and take photos. Religious jews despise the decorations. They say the Christmas Tree is an idol, like Santa Claus. They would spit when they pass by our streets ... which they could easily avoid by going through their own streets in the jewish quarter. They're provocative and intolerant.

Light show

Light show on City Wall

 It's the 2nd last day of the jewish feast of Hanukkah. The City is alight with giant hanukiot (9 branch candle stands) to commemorate the miraculous pot of oil that burned for 8 days during the Maccabee revolt. Crowds of jews come to visit the Old City during this holiday season as schools close for a week. Local tour guides take advantage of this by leading hebrew speaking tours around the country since foreigner groups are forbidden from entering the country during this Omicron pandemic.

The weather continues to be chilly. But it's not raining as much as we want. Let's pray for more rain.

The other day a couple of jewish settlers drove mistakenly into the heart of a palestinian city. Their car was lynched but they were unhurt. Palestinian police protected them and escorted them out to the border. You won't read about this in the international news.

Giant hanukkah at Jaffa Gate

But what you probably read was this: Tel Aviv has become the most expensive city in the world to live in. It beat Singapore and Hong Kong, which came in 2nd and 4th respectively. The high cost of living is palpable and affects everyone and everything. Everytime I think of buying something, there's an internal dialogue in my mind that goes: Do I really need it? Is it worth buying it? Would anything change if I didn't buy it? Then 90% of the time, I'll not buy it. It's a great money saving device - self questioning.

I'm feeling better today because I've started a course of prednesone. It almost immediately ends the asthma, wheezing, and other pains. But the side effects are awful. Depression, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts. It's not the first time I've undergone prednesone treatment, so I know what to expect. Believe me, it's awful but the benefits of living without pain and discomfort makes me undergo it ... yesterday night I managed to sleep 5 hours without waking up choking, wheezing or pain.

Brutal attack

 The Pope has arrived in Cyprus for a pastoral visit. The island is a refuge for many christians and muslims escaping from persecution in Iraq and Syria. The speeches of the church leaders all repeat this. Hopefully the pope's visit can change something. It was good to see one of our friars as official translator for the pope. He's very proficient in modern greek as he studied his MA in the Athens University. Really proud of him.

Man is handcuffed while
wife collapses on ground

Yesterday night on my way home, I saw an arab beating up his wife who was bleeding profusely in the face. She was crying. The police came to arrest him while other people came to help the woman collapsed on the floor. Such brutality in public ... it was appalling. You can imagine the violence behind closed doors of their houses. Utterly appalling.

The Omicron variant is causing so much contradictory news and statements. While medical experts worldwide are calling for caution against this contagious variant, the S. African medics are saying it's not very dangerous. Countries close their borders, the WHO calls for opening the borders. News yesterday said vaccines are useless but those previously infected are safer; today newspapers are saying those previously infected are in danger while vaccines cut down infections. You just don't know what to believe anymore. It's all so confusing.

The rains trickled to a drizzle today and the skies continue to be dark and the winds are cold. Though it'll be dry for the weekend, rains are again expected next Wednesday and Thursday. I don't mind that. I'm prepared for the cold.

Santa's House

Visiting Santa's house

 The rains have returned. Well, a drizzle really. But we need it, so even a drizzle is something to celebrate. The temp has dropped a couple of degrees and it'll be only 10 degrees in the afternoon. I've got my heater on as it's already quite chilly. Th sky is grey but there's a little sun shining through. I think the coastal cities will be experiencing heavier showers as is usually the case.

I was very sick yesterday afternoon and thought I needed to be hospitalised. But at 5pm it subsided and I felt much better. It was not a good feeling.

Santa's House

Santa's House is open again. It's a local basketball star who converted his father's home into a wintry house where lots of people go to visit every year. His father used to dress as Santa Claus and entertained the local christian kids, and now he has taken over. You've definitely seen him. He's the Santa Claus that rides a camel and everyone takes photos of him and is circulated in major newspapers around the world.  Yesterday morning a group of handicap were wheeled in by nuns and volunteers to visit it. I was passing by that way because I could not walk the distance to my office, and our doorman's son drives me there in his golf cart. 

After 3 hours of frantic phone calls back and forth, I managed to get Sr. Sarita's green pass. Now she can travel back to Israel. The Omicron variant is causing a scare and Israel is pushing for children from 5 yrs and above to be vaccinated. More people are wearing the mask again. I'll need to be even more careful as I'm sicker than usual these days.

Lights

Lights at New Gate

 The Christmas lights are on at New Gate and the Christian Quarter. It's not as subdued as last year, but still it was restraint. The economic strain on the people is palpable and celebrations are pulled back on a lesser scale. Nevertheless celebrations do bring a little cheer and distraction away from worries and troubles. 

Despite its simplicity, the light decorations are beautiful. Fringes of white and yellow lights hang over walls and huge drops of sparkling lights are interspersed throughout the streets. It's elegant and dignified, much better than previous when it was overdone with kitsch decorations and colours. I liked this year's decorations much better.

However there's been an influx of jews walking pass our Quarter - to avoid muslim areas - and I'm not sure how they'll take this. Every year they come to destroy our decorations, especially tearing down Christmas trees which they say are idols. Let's see if they'll start to cause trouble this year. Unbearably intolerant.

New Gate

One of our sisters who had gone back to India for holidays is now stuck at Delhi airport, because of the changes in Israeli policy. Her main problem is she doesn't have a Green Pass even though she had her 3rd shot. The queues were so long at the Municipality Square for booster shots that the medical team did not take down all the personal details, so now it's impossible to trace her vaccination record and get a Green Pass in order to come back. I hope after 2 weeks it'll all pass and we get ack to normal routine again. It's terribly stressful. I'm helping her contact and find her Green Pass at the Ministry of Health. It's a series of busy calls here and to india. I hope it gets resolved as soon as possible so she can come back.

Healthwise I'm feeling very sick. Yesterday was pretty bad. Today I'm a little better but much weaker. Am waiting for the hospital to give me a time for my appointment.

Closed borders again

Friday night, Damascus Gate

 The weekend was chaos for some people as the govt. suddenly closed the borders to all incoming non-israelis due to the outbreak of the Omicron variant. Suddenly 2 of our profs had to cancel their planned trip to Rome as they will not be able to reenter the country. Tourist groups cancelled, hotel bookings cancelled. The virus mutant has struck fear throughout the world. Strict enforcement of covid laws are in place. I wanted to go out for a walk yesterday but decided to stay home instead. Not worth the risk.

Sunset at Jaffa street

And this sudden closure came in the midst of our 1st Advent Sunday and the jewish feast of Hanukkah, coinciding on the same day. The annual solemn entry into Bethlehem went ahead; our Custos accompanied by Israeli soldiers up to the border, and then by palestinian soldiers on the Bethlehem side. Scout bands marched in parade and hundreds cam out to Manger Square to welcome the Custos, as Vespers and a candlelight procession took place. I'm not sure of jews had gathered in public places to celebrate the lighting of the 1st candle of Hanukkah. It's usually a crowded affair but with the restrictions in place, it could be more subdued this year.

Last night till now my lungs have been filled with fluid. It's like drowning. I can't cough it out. It's cutting the oxygen supply for me and I'm getting dizzy and blackouts. I must find a way to get rid of this fluid otherwise I can't continue with daily life anymore. As it is, I've not had a night's peaceful sleep in decades due to these ailments. 

Stromata

Damascus Gate
Veggie seller

 Catching up with updating the blog. Though the temp is higher than last weekend and it's quite sunny, the indoor temp is still very chilly. Forecast is rain next Wednesday. I hope this time it'll be very heavy in Jerusalem. We don't get enough of rain here while the rest of the country is inundated. We need that wintry feel as we approach Christmas.

The new mutant strain of Covid has hit Israel with one case. The govt has warned the country is on the brink of another emergency as 2 other suspected cases have eluded authorities and are on the run. I'm staying indoors as much as possible and not mixing with crowds. And its always mask-wearing whenever I have to go to work, or buy necessities like medicine and bread. It's awful this time round because the new strain is resistant to all the vaccines.

The Pope will be visiting Cyprus next week. No one knows why as the Catholic population there is minuscule and there's no particular need such as persecution to warrant such a visit during this pandemic. It'll cost alot of money, that's for sure ... security-wise. And with the new strain of Covid going around, I don't think it's wise.

Busy market today

Today's newspapers report that Titus Brandsma, a dutch Carmelite who spoke against the Nazis and was killed in Dachau, will soon be canonised. Likewise Charles de Foucauld, who lived some years here in the Holy Land, will also be canonised. That's some good news. Added to that, newspapers today say the govt. is issuing 500 entry permits to Gaza Christians for Christmas visits to Bethlehem. That's really a major shift forward, and we hope it will actually be carried through.

The 1st Sunday of Advent is upon us, and I look forward to making the little decorations on my room altar for it. I don't want to mix in the crowd for fear of catching the virus, so I'll do a minimum of buying. It'll be a good break from the routine of work.

Stromata

Fresh veg for sale

 The skies remain overcast and it's chilly indoors. We're hoping more rain would fall. It would be more wintry if it does. Still the bedouin women come to sell their vegetables at Damascus Gate. Prices have gone up all round as the shekel becomes stronger over the dollar. In a 20 year low, US$1 is now 3 shekels when usually it's 3.5. It's not worth changing USD to shekels now. And the cost of living keeps going up. The pandemic lockdowns have ruined many people's livelihood and now as the cost of living shoots up, it will drive many to desperation. 

Christ the King
tabernacle in our
chapel

The end of the liturgical year was marked by the feast of Christ the King last Sunday. That's a special feast for us because our chapel commemorates the Crowning of Thorns and the mockery of the soldiers when Christ was made to dress as a king. Historically it took place someone around our monastery compound. So it's very significant for us. While the rest of the world celebrates feastdays in the abstract, here we do it on the actual spots.

Meantime the govt is ramping up aggression against Iran's nuclear programme. Not sure if it'll lead to a major war. The arab states around Israel are already in good terms with Israel, so a war with Iran would be regional. I doubt Iran will want to risk several states attacking it. But it might get its proxies in Lebanon to create trouble. I'm no political analyst but I've lived through several wars ... and I can tell you no one wins. Innocent people will suffer. May Christ the King reign and bring peace to our region.

Cold and dark day

Storm clouds at noon today

 Yesterday morning a terrorist fired a submachine gun just 200m from my house, wounding 4 people. He was killed by the police. It's getting very violent. Later in the afternoon, a suspected terrorist stabbed a jew in Jaffa, Police in return had raided an arab refugee camp, arresting terrorists who were planning large-scale attacks. It's no longer safe to walk in the streets as innocent bystanders are wounded. And the streets here are very narrow. There is no chance of escape. I try to change my routes everyday, taking the least crowded ones so as to avoid any attacks. It's very unsettling and you have to keep watching your back.

Tourists have been flooding the Old City though, despite the cold, wet weather we're having. Yesterday drizzled alot but today it stopped. Still the sky is very overcast and a cold wind is blowing. I'm never quite prepared as I walk home after 6pm which is very dark, and I'm shivering most of the way.

It'll be a busy week as our General Visitator arrived from Rome to prepare us for the Chapter to elect the new Custos. I've finished all my reports to be presented to him, and I've already cast my votes. I think I was the first one to do so. There's so much going on, I can't catch up. So I'm living day by day. I must go to get my colonoscopy soon. The situation isn't getter better. So if I'm offline and no updating, it's because I'm in hospital.

Full moon

Full moon over the wall

 The rains came yesterday. It was quite a heavy shower after lunch and then it was drizzle right through the evening. Then in the night it rained again and in the morning was again drizzle with dark clouds. I think it'll rain again in the afternoon. It's a nice break from the dry summer we've had. 

And the full moon is out. On my way home yesterday I couldn't resist taking photos of it over the City Walls in various parts eastwards. It was spectacular. 

The Empty Tomb
this morning

I've decided to stay home today as I don't want to slip on the slippery stones that pave the Old City. I only went out early at 5am to celebrate Mass at the Holy Sepulchre for your intentions. It was cold but the air was crisp and clean after the night rain. With my asthma, I had to take half an hour to get to the basilica, which usually would take 10 mins. Age has caught up. 

Well there were hardly any people in the basilica. Only 5 praying at the Empty Tomb. I had Mass inside the Tomb and prayed for all your intentions. Then I took a slow walk home, careful not to slip down the many steps leading home. I intend to clean my room today and finish my lesson notes for Monday. That leaves Sunday free for my own ... which I hope I can go out to buy some ponschki (or the jelly doughnuts) that jews eat for Hanukkah. But if it rains, then I'll decide to stay home and read. Buddy and JJ will be happy to spend time with me.

Attack and roadblocks

Roadblock on Wednesday night

Wednesday saw a stabbing attack 50 meters from my house. The streets and City Gates were all closed. That was when I decided to check the news and saw the alert. I had to go home from work and walked all the way down to Damascus Gate, noticing the main road blocked off to traffic by the police. Then crowds were walking upwards to New Gate, telling me to turn back as Damascus Gate was closed. New Gate was the only City Gate opened because there was a small music fest which could not be postponed. SO I walked back uphill to New Gate where and roadblocks I started from, got an attack of asthma that made me very sick. The gatekeeper gave me a glass of water and I sat there for a quarter of an hour before walking through the dark streets of the Old City to get home. When I reached the inner fork road of Damascus gate, it was blocked by police who won't let anyone enter. So I had to wait for half an hour and the police told me to take the side alley as the main street will not be opened any time soon. So I had to walk up hundreds of steps uphill to get back home ... and I was very sick after that. Yesterday I spend the whole day resting in bed.

Before the rains begin ...

And my internet connection was broken for over 36 hours. It was a mystery why. The technician came and spent 2 hours trying to find out the problem and suddenly the main router restarted itself and it worked again. That was a relief. I cancelled several classes due to this break in the connection.

 Everyone is excited that the rains are coming. Yesterday the coastal cities had their first wet winter this year. It still has to come inland to the central mountains hopefully by today. There was a slight drizzle and you can smell the dampness in the air. People are buying foodstuff at the weekend markets now to avoid being caught in the rain later. I certainly hope it comes. It'll clean the air off the dust and sand from last week's sandstorm.

The Boss is back

The Boss is back

 It's midweek and the sky is very grey and cloudy. Forecast for rains from Friday through the weekend might just come true. We need the rain.I'm hoping for a storm. It'll be terribly inconvenient because I plan to go to Bethlehem to bring lots of clothes and medicines to the MC sisters, and the rain will not help one bit. But we've had a very dry year so I'll not complain if there's a tempest on Friday.

The weather yesterday must have been good because everyone with dogs in the Old City were bringing them out for a walk. I've never seen so many dog walkers in Jerusalem before. Huskies, Pit Bulls, Alsatians, Belgian Shepherds .... and our Boss the English Bulldog whom I've not seen for a year now during the pandemic lockdowns. He's a great specimen, show dog quality. Wish I had one too. Miss Rex and Regis very much!

I've been very busy with work so I had no time to see the news. Not sure what's happening outside the walls. Here it's always essential to update on the news because roads may be closed; curfews may be enforced, riots may take place along the streets that I take to go home. So I'm taking my chances today ... going home without checking the news. I guess I'm more interested in the weather. I guess the rains will also put out any residual fire in the forests that devastated the land last week and caused the sandstorm to worsen. So let it rain!!

Storm over

Open market during
the sandstorm

 The sandstorm has finally died out, and same with the wild fires raging form the north to central Israel. Buffeted by strong winds and the sandstorm from the south, the past2 days was horrible. Just coming out of my room would provoke an asthma attack.  I stayed in my room and tried to seal every window and door opening. Still I coughed all night and now my chest and throat hurts. Nevertheless it's over and hopefully the rains will come this weekend, as forecast. It's not very promising as they say November will be unusually hot and dry, with strong winds.

There's been another shooting in a southern Jerusalem suburb of German Colony, or Emek Refaim as we call it today. It's arab family feuds and gang violence, and its rampant throughout the country. Over 100 people have been killed in daytime roadside killings. It's terrifying because you could be a casualty walking innocently along the road. Well I stay indoors mostly now because I'm not vaccinated, and I can no longer walk distances without having breathing difficulties ... so the risk of getting shot is less. Unless it takes place inside the Old City streets where I have to go to and from work.

Workload continues and there's no abating. I'm just trying my best to clear the work of today and not think ahead. Soon I'll have to do my colonoscopy which I dread. Hope I'll be able to get it done serenely, after the CT Scan showed something wrong in the colon.