Summer

Street in Jerusalem in summer

 The intense heat during the weekend made me stay mostly indoors. Much time was spent watering the plants because their withering in this heatwave. But the evenings are very cool and breezy and lots of people come out just to enjoy the change of weather. Shops are also closing later in order to catch the evening crowd.

The summer spirit is in the air. In East Jerusalem families go to the park, children go to summer camp, the streets are busy with shoppers. In West Jerusalem, musical events are popping up at every street corner. Street parties happen at shopping malls and plazas. There seems to be relaxed atmosphere.

But beneath that there is tension. Fears of attacks form both sides belie the festive spirit. Yesterday for example, thousands of hardline ultra-orthodox marched through Musrara outside Damascus Gate down to Gethsemane where the Jewish cemetery is situated because a revered rabbi of theirs died at the age of 95. These rabbis have very long lives. This sect of Judaism does not recognize the state of Israel. nor its laws enforcing military conscription, and adheres strictly to dietary laws. So police were out in force to close off the roads, but clashed with these ultra-orthodox jews who refused to recognize the state authorized police.

Last night was bad as I blacked out 3 times while in bed. Woke up and felt very light-headed ... typical whenever I begin to faint. But this time I was still in bed, tried getting up and blacked out. Maybe the blood pressure is low. I'll need to get a checkup but getting specialist appointments are a long wait.