Arbor Day

Palm Plaza in the rain

 The rain has continued for a 3rd day. More than a drizzle. They were regular showers ... you can the pattering of heavy raindrops on the windows and awnings. The stone pavements are cleaned by the showers. The air is washed by the rains ... dustless. Everything was preparing for Spring ... a new beginning.

Spring flowers are being sold by bedouin women at Damascus Gate. Narcissus and anemones are bound in bunches and sold for 5 to 10 shekels. They're wild flowers that the women gather and bring to the City. Today is the jewish Arbor Day ... Tu b'Shvat. The buds on the trees ought to be coming out and the almond trees should be blossoming. Since it's a Sabbath year, jews are not allowed to plant and harvest so the trees will be growing naturally this year with no burden of being pruned and stripped off its fruits.

Damascus Gate in the rain

One downside about this rainy season is the temp. The forecast is minus 1 degree tonight. In Bethlehem it'll be mins 3. Very cold ... but no snow. Disappointing. But the cold won't deter the hawkers. At Damascus Gate they put up tents and umbrellas to continue selling their goods. Life goes on ... there're families to feed. After a year and a half of lockdowns, the people will no longer stay indoors.