Tired

Sunset yesterday

 Yes it's been several days since the last update. There's been alot to do ... lots of books coming in to be catalogued. There were two massive psalters from Rome, so heavy it took 2 hefty construction workers to carry one into the library. I had been working till past 8pm each day ... and I begin at 4am. I'm so exhausted I have no appetite to eat. The sisters in the kitchen back home have saved alot of food in Tupperwares in the fridge and have been asking why I haven't eaten. The fridge is stacked with Tupperwares! I think I'll rest tomorrow ... and eat something.

The weather has been cooling every night but daytime still hit 34 degrees. I luckily don't have to be scorched in the heat as I'm working indoors all day. Thank goodness my aircon is working again. It helps. Last week it broke down and I was like in an oven for 4 days. 

Tensions in the south at the Gaza border continues to heighten, with protests going on and clashes taking place once in a while. We're still not sure if it will actually reach a war. Nobody wants one. We've suffered 18 months of lockdown, jobs have been lost, people are sick with Covid ... we don't need a war.

School will start for most students next week. I don't think they'll impose Covid restrictions ... the govt is facing internal fighting over it. And the rabbis have already chosen to leave it out by ordering schools to reopen. Infection rates have dropped a little so people are feeling confident. Over a million people have already taken their 3rd shot of vaccination, and many more are lining up in the Municipality Square for free jabs ... no need for registration and bookings. That's a really good system ... trusting the people to do the right thing.

Pear harvest

Pears ripening on the trees

The heatwave is back ... it hit 36 degrees this afternoon with no wind blowing. And the sun scorches the skin. I had to go to Bethlehem to bring 8 sacks of clothes and some other aid to the MC convent in Bethlehem. The sun was relentless beating down into the car I was travelling in. There was no way escaping it.

Visiting the MC convent is always great. Old Sr. Kolbe baked some doughnuts for me to eat. We discussed some school sponsorship cases and how we might help them. The Covid lockdown has destroyed the tourism industry, which majority of Bethlehemites depend on. Many families cannot afford to send their children to school or pay for books and uniforms. It's very tragic. Families struggle to pay rent, food, water and electricity.

The 1st 2 pears harvested

The pears in the sisters' orchard are ripening and I was asked to help harvest the first crop. What an honour!!! The pears are not very big but they're ripening in a nice red-gold shade. I'll wait for them to soften and then taste if they're sweet.

Israel is preparing for another major clash with Gaza in the south. Military equipment and personnel are gathering at the border after one soldier was seriously wounded and one Gaza killed a few days back. Right now Gazans are protesting at the border fence. I also noticed more police are being deployed here inside the Old City. No doubt it's a preparation for the coming Jewish High Holy Days that will start net week and run for 4 weeks. I'll stay out of trouble by staying home. 

Fair / Unfair

Sunrise yesterday

War drums are beating as tensions in the southern border with Gaza and northern border with Syria continue to be troubled with incursions, bombings and retaliations. At the Gaza border one teenager was killed. Tempers are flaring, and thank goodness for Covid ... any direct confrontation is being avoided: you can't fight if your soldiers are sick with Covid. 

Schools have been told to reopen next week ... so it looks like a lockdown is not going to take place. But hospitals are closing their doors to all Covid patients now because their beds are full to capacity. I'm not sure how the govt is going to handle this. The Jewish High Holy Days are round the corner ... 3 weeks of major feasts, fastings and mass gatherings for prayers. I doubt the rabbis will allow the govt to declare a lockdown like last year. Yesterday's infection rate reached 9800. It's scary for me and those unvaccinated due to health reasons. For the majority, it's nothing.

Sunshade in the
New City

In Kabul, several catholic nuns are still being stuck there after America's sudden withdrawal of troops. What a disaster! No excuse made by Biden will absolve him of abandoning allies and Church. There are 4 M. Teresa nuns there, with 3 Maria Bambina sisters who work in the Italian Embassy, 2 Jesuit priests and I think a few other religious. We're praying hard for their safety. Here Jewish soldiers of the US army who fought in Afghanistan call the withdrawal a betrayal. 

Because of the Covid situation, I'm having a hard time to get medical tests done. Many non-emergency cases and routine checkups have been postponed or cancelled. It's not good for us sick people who need medical attention. Our health is being compromised by people who don't adhere to Covid restrictions and laws.We are penalised for the fault of those selfish people ... who fall sick and take over the medical services due to us.

Heatwave is back

Homemade 
noodles

 It's been several days since I updated the blog ... which usually means I wasn't feeling well. Though the forest fires have been extinguished, I'm still having grave problems with breathing. This morning was particularly bad and I almost blacked out several times. The more I panic, the worse it gets ... so it's a psychological game where I tell myself I'm still breathing, it's ok, don't panic ... and slowly the erratic and spasmodic breathing goes away. 

The chinese sisters have been taking care of me. They cook homemade noodles and dumplings, which are really good, for my lunch. They also apply reflexology on my feet to lower my blood pressure, and to lessen the asthmatic attacks. It's their summer holidays so they have time for this. Once September starts, work resumes and I won't get any of these things anymore. 

There's been tense moments the past 2 days as Israel purportedly bombed parts of Damascus in Syria as well as entering Lebanon air space. We're not quite sure how the reactions would be, but from the past years we've learnt that symbolic retaliatory bombings take place. I certainly hope so.

The weather is back to 34 degrees ... and the heat makes me quite ill if I have to go out. Without a green pass, I'm not allowed to enter shops, restaurants, and many public spaces ... so going out to buy bread is a quick dash in this heat. That often causes my asthma attacks. But to be caught by the police entering the bakery with a green pass is a 5000 shekel fine.

Fire still on

Smoke seen from
my office

 We just learned that 4 M. Teresa's nuns are trapped in Afghanistan with 2 jesuits. Pray for their safety! It's a terrible travesty ... what's happening in Afghanistan. Utter horror and betrayal.

Here the fires rage on and our communities in Ein Kerem have been evacuated. Palestine has sent fire engines and fire-fighters to help. I can still smell the smoke in the air. Asthma sufferers have been warned to stay indoors. It'll take a miracle for rain to fall in mid-summer .... but nothing is impossible.

I've been to work as several urgent matters needed my attention. So much for my summer holidays. Many boxes of books have been transferred to the library as well because the liturgical office is transferring to a smaller space and there is no room for its library. I've been classifying several boxes of books all day. My mind is numb now. I also corrected 36 pages of a booklet. Have another 30 plus to finish. It's very technical, on archeology, and I need a rest from it after today's work. It's intensive.

Covid infections have hit 8000 yesterday. Still no lockdown. No one wants that ... but surely we can't let the infection go rampant. Everyone is waiting the govt's decision, 

Fire

Forest fire (from FB post)

 There's a huge forest fire on the north west of Jerusalem. On Saturday evening the sky was dark red and the sun was blocked out by the fumes. Everyone noticed it ... even this morning as I went to the Ivrea convent for Mass, I could smell the stench of burning. My asthma was so bad I had to stop twice along the road to sit and try to breathe. I thought I would faint as I couldn't seem to get air into my lungs. 

The fire is still going on, and the famous Hadassah Hospital might soon be evacuated if the fire comes any closer. Some 70,000 people have been evacuated already from the towns around that region.

Because I've been feeling very sick today, I decided to stay in my room. No work. No going out. The air pollution will kill me. I slept for the most part of the late morning as I've been sleeping barely 3 hours a night for the past week. Total exhaustion. Buddy and JJ slept with me. They've seen little of me as I've been busy working all week in office, seeing them only at night when I come home or feed them early in the morning before I go to work. Today we had a whole day together, resting and playing when we woke.

Damascus Gate market

The weather has cooled alot. Nights are 19 degrees and daytime is 29 degrees. Much more tolerable but still it provides kindle for the forest fire. Gaza had fired a rocket into Israel ... and usually these will start fires in the fields where they land. Rocket fire and terrorist attacks usually pick up when the weather cools.

Israel has declared, as of today, entries from Hong Kong, China, Singapore and Taiwan need isolate only for 24 hrs. Infections have dropped a little and booster vaccinations have increased. That's good news. School will start in 2 weeks but we're not sure if students will be allowed back. Children under 15 are also being vaccinated. Many seminaries and church universities still cannot get foreign students to enter ... since none come from the Far East who are exempt from quarantine. Anyway let's hope for the best. 

Summer Shakespeare

Henry IV

It's already Thursday ... just can't believe how time flies. Another weekend is upon us ... and we're in mid-August. Summer is at its height and I'm determined to enjoy the activities ... since I can't have a holiday by the sea at our Jaffa house.

So yesterday evening, I went to see Shakespeare in the Park. The drama group performed Henry IV but adapted it for outdoors as well as shortening it. A nice crowd was there ... some 60 people in all. We moved around the park as each scene changed locations against the setting sun ... with the final scene backed by the walls of the Old City as the 2 armies fought. The audience brought their own chairs, snacks and even dogs for the 2 hour play. I was happy ... it's one of my annual summer activities. Last year it was cancelled because of Covid, and yesterday was the first and only performance without the Green Pass. From today on, all participants must have the Green Pass which I haven't.

Henry IV

Today it was back to work. Fr Raphael our Armenian Catholic chaplain came over to help me catalogue our Armenian books. It was good of him to help me out. Once this is done, I'll get the Greek books catalogued next. And before you know it, school will reopen and our books have to be ready for the students. Well ... actually we're not sure if school will actually reopen. There's talk of another lockdown but I am skeptical. Green Pass however is in effect in all indoor activities including libraries so I'm having to reimpose masks, distancing and showing of Green Pass (vaccination or sero-negative)  before entrance. I am not thrilled as it puts our workers into more pressure and vigilance. 

I was back at the Clalit clinic for my results and the tests showed that I am negative of any gastro-intestinal problems. Thank goodness. But the docs are still unsure why I'm losing weight and my stomach is bloated. 

Hectic day

Empty street

Today is the total opposite of yesterday. From the moment my eyes were open, there were so many things needing my attention, not least trying to help a new student with serological tests, documents for Covid quarantine release ... it is as complicated as it sounds. Every website tells you a different rule, so you're never sure what is required. It's going around in circles, paying each time for this or that service and info. To play safe, you have to try all the options and all the maximum price.

With infections reaching a 6000 daily mark and 400 serious cases, the govt is mulling another lockdown. But really it's not necessary if everyone wears the mask, keep distance and wash their hands. But as I see in the streets, fewer people are wearing the mask than 2 weeks back ... most of these people are from outside the City. That's the major problem. The Covid police must enforce the rule on these outsiders.

And though the streets remain mostly empty, groups of locals still come to visit the Old City. But as I noticed one group in our compound this morning ... they don't wear the mask or keep distance. It's terrible. I'm not going down to out chapel for Mass or prayers since no one can guarantee that those visitors didn't carry the virus in there. Much better to celebrate Mass at the Ivrea convent ... it;s a lot safer as the sisters are double and triple vaccinated.

Tomorrow I return to hospital to see my results. No expecting anything good or bad. I'm just numb ot it. Every night I still wake up choking and wheezing. My stomach is still bloated and I'm always dizzy and nauseous. My BP is around 140+ now that I've taken the new medication. So let's see what the doc says tomorrow.

Quiet day

Quiet Zion Square

 I decided to take a day off. The cool wind has stopped blowing and the heatwave is delivering a punch. Physically I'm feeling too weak to trudge uphill in this heat. I've lost 5kg and the docs explained that it's not because I feel full and have no appetite but because the stomach is bloated. I feel tired and hungry but I can't sleep or eat. And the heatwave is not helping. The results from the hospital tests are not out yet.

Now we have news that yesterday saw 6000 new infections. The Delta strain is taking over the country and the govt has imposed some restrictions but everyone doubts it will lead to a full lockdown. Majority of the people are vaccinated so there's confidence in the vaccine. Let's hope the numbers will drop by this weekend and we can breathe easy. That's one reason why I avoid going out these days except to work. I don't want to catch the virus. The streets and squares in the City are also relatively quiet. Usually in summer they're packed with families and school children, but this year with the Delta outbreak and the heatwave, not everyone wants to come out.

August is almost halfway through. Tomorrow we celebrate the feast of St. Clare. It's a big feast for us, St. Clare being the companion of St. Francis who founded the Poor Clare Order in the 13th century. After the feast of St. Clare comes the Assumption on August 15th; and after that summer begins to end and school reopens in autumn.

National Day

Altar over Christ's Tomb

 The cool weather continued today. It's made going out pleasant ... as many people in the streets can testify. Still most shops selling fruit and vegetables avoid laying out their products in the streets, or they'll wilt and spoil. Kids are enjoying their summer camps as they get to go outdoors as the weather is cooler.

Empty street

I celebrated Mass inside the Empty Tomb this morning, as I usually do on the 1st week of each month. It's for all the benefactors, and families whom we remember here in the Holy Land, living and dead. That means all of you. The basilica was very quiet and there were barely 10 people there. It's a nice and rare opportunity ... until the tourists return and swamp the place again. Mind you, local tourists are flocking into the old City though. This morning there was a group of some 40 people, local jews with a guide, visiting our chapel. 

Today is Singapore's National Day. I hear it's a rather subdued celebration due to Covid restrictions. I guess that's the new normal. We'll need to live with it.

Healthwise I'm still giddy and nauseous, though much less than before. The new medication seems to be holding my blood pressure a little lower, but it does make me lethargic and sleepy. I try to rest alot more than usual as a result.

Sleep in

At the Holy Sepulcher

 The past 2 days were horrid ... I was quite ill. My nose was and is still bleeding and I'm terribly giddy. I guess my blood pressure has been high. I was back at the Clalit clinic to do more tests. It was hectic ... and to travel to the Mt Scopus clinic in this heatwave is an ordeal.

I was at the Holy Sepulchre Friday morning to pray for you. It was quite quiet. Only small groups of muslims and jews came to visit. Very few christians. And from today there will even be fewer people as new Covid restrictions come into effect. Masks are obligatory indoor and out now. Only 50% of indoor staff are allowed to work. Indoor customer are restricted to a handful each time, and outdoor gatherings should be no more than 100. 

Damascus Gate at night

And 2 days back Lebanon fired missiles into Israel ... and Israel responded by bombing Lebanon. There're fears of an escalation as Lebanon's govt is trying to avert attention from its internal crisis ... and Israel's new govt is yet to be tested militarily. In the wake of a year's lockdown and economic woes ... we really don't need another war. Lebanon's corrupt and dysfunctional regime should have gone a long time ago ... draining the country's and people's resources to enrich themselves while the people are impoverished.

The weather is surprising cool and cloudy this morning. It feels almost like autumn. In fact the cool wind continued to blow throughout the day. It really felt good. I decided to go for my 4km walk, visit Jungle petshop, had an ice cream to soothe my toothache and back home to sleep. I've not been sleeping well the past weeks, like 3 hours a day. Mentally I'm exhausted, physically I'm a wreck. A good long sleep is what I need to recover.

Heatwave

Summer fruit

 The heatwave hit 36 degrees today and the sweltering humidity was so oppressive I think most people chose to stay indoors. The only crowded place I saw today was at the Clalit clinic where I had to go for some tests. It was quite packed there ... the only place in the tension-torn City where Jews, Muslims and Christinas intermix and unite because of illness. Now I'll just have to wait for the results.

With the heatwave - which is causing forest fires in Greece, Turkey and Italy - farmers here are harvesting their fruit quickly before they shrivel in the heat; and village women are bringing them into the City to be sold. Prices are falling due to the surfeit of produce ... there's delicious mangoes and lychees in abundance. Grapes are also being sold though it's not quite the season yet. They're not sweet. Figs though are in their prime. I might just buy some tomorrow. 

Bedouin fruit on sale

Newspaper reports hint that the govt. might enforce a 2 month lockdown in the last week of August or 1st week of September. And it will be severe in order to stamp out the Delta surge. This Sunday compulsory mask-wearing will be enforced indoors and outdoors ... restrictions in the number of participants, shoppers or worshippers. It'll be back to total lockdown again. In one way I'm happy the govt is taking serious action on 2000+ new infections each day ... but to be locked indoors again will be quite unbearable for many shop owners.

Yesterday saw Lebanon firing some missiles into Israel. And Israel responded immediately. Now threats are being exchanged between the border. I hope it doesn't deteriorate any further. I'm not having a great summer health wise, nor can I have a vacation  because our house in Jaffa is fully booked, and there's a heatwave, a possible 2 month lockdown predicted ... I'm not ready for a war.

Excursion

Carmelites and MC sisters meet

 Despite the heatwave (36 degrees) and my general poor health, I brought 15 MC sisters to visit Nazareth as they requested. It was quite a drama in the beginning as the main group gathered at Damascus Gate ready to board our coach. The second group however coming from Bethlehem was stuck because there was a traffic accident in the tunnel. After waiting half and hour, I decided we go to Nazareth and told the second group to get there on their car as soon as they can. We'll meet up at the Basilica of the Annunciation. We wanted to visit the sites recalling St. Joseph ... since this year is dedicated to him.

Our first group first stopped by the village of El Bireh and visited the ruins of the Crusader church recalling Joseph and Mary meeting up and realising the boy Jesus was missing. It's a little-known church but full of biblical significance. The sisters enjoyed seeing it ... we prayed there.

Crusader church in El Bireh

When we reached Nazareth, it was already 11am. We went to pray at the Annunciation Basilica and then walked to the House of St. Joseph but it was closed. Nevertheless we prayed out side and read the Gospel. After that at 1pm we went up to the Carmelite Monastery where the nuns made a lovely sandwich lunch. The nuns baked their own bread. We were there till 3pm after celebrating Mass as well. Then we went up the Mt of Precipice to recall where the Nazareans tried to push Jesus down the cliff, 

By the time we got home, it was 7pm. I was exhausted and felt very sick. But at least the MC sisters got to visit some of the Josephite places. They work very hard and have little opportunities to go visit the sanctuaries.  Anyway I was so exhausted I had no appetite and couldn't sleep till midnight. Today I am trying to rest.

Portiuncola feast

Damascus Gate at night

Yesterday being Sunday ... I spent most of the morning resting and cleaning my room. It was very hot ... 35 degrees and the relentless beating of the sun is unbearable. I was suffering from a headache all day ... and my toothache made it worse.

The evening was busy though ... I went to the chinese sisters for foot reflexology to reduce my BP; then visiting some families to distribute aid. By the time I got home it was almost 10pm. I was very hungry as I haven't eaten anything so when I got home, I ate some leftover water melons. It was great because it cooled off the heat from the evening, and quenched the thirst. Summertime is always great to have refrigerated fruit ... they taste better than at other times.

This morning was equally busy, rushing from early morning Mass at the Ivrea convent to the hospital for my checkup and then up to my office for several meetings. Well the checkup was my worst fear as the doctor repeated independently what our infirmary doctor suggested ... there might be something wrong in my stomach or intestines that's causing all the diarrhea, which in turn probably causes my high blood pressure and embolism and fainting spells. I must do a cancer check for my gastro-intestinal areas. It's not exactly what I wanted to hear during the summer holidays.

Anyway today is the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels or the Porziuncola ... the little chapel beloved by St Francis. It's a big feastday for us all here ... except I'm spending the whole day in office.