Another day

More hawker stalls at the
Damascus Gate cavea

Tensions are not abating. News flash says the village where the terrorists are said to be sheltering has been raided, with sounds of explosions and gunshots heard. No arrests so far. It's very concerning that unrest is spreading. And the political instability isn't helping much ... the Palestinians postponed their elections and the Israelis cannot form a government. Everything seems murky and indefinite ... not something people take easily to. And the discovery of Covid variants from Brasil and Chile, besides the Indian version, have caused some nervousness among the people. There're still many people wearing the mask ... like me. Just met the son of our former cook - a policeman - who informed me that his colleagues were vaccinated twice and still caught the virus.

Even more hawker stalls have been added to the Damascus Gate steps. A sure step to prevent demonstrators from gathering. I'd like to see how much money they're actually earning now that their shops are situated there. It's not easy for people to buy and sell along stairs. You could slip and fall, and break an arm or a leg.

Stalls on the right of the Cavea

Meantime final exams will soon be conducted in June. Many schools have just reopened and it'll be difficult for students to readjust and prepare for exams. There's general nervousness among the education world. Can't blame them. We're into a strange new world of Covid restrictions. And goodness knows what this summer will bring.

To all our benefactors around the world who've generously helped our Franciscan Custody in Palestine, Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan and the numerous refugees in Cyprus and Rhodes, I shall celebrate a Mass in the Empty Tomb for your intentions next Tuesday, May 11th.

By the way, yesterday's 646 views of my blog has dropped to a realistic 40. Something smells fishy.