Another feast today - the commemoration of the dedication of the Lateran basilica (St. John). Don't know what that is? It's the Pope's cathedral - him being the bishop of Rome, he has to have a cathedral for his diocese and that cathedral is St John's Basilica in the Lateran (a hill in Rome). Probably we'll have another cake today.
Yesterday evening after the blessing of dinner, the superior "reminded" everyone that there'll be an on-going formation talk at St. Saviour's monastery at 6.30pm. Everyone should go as we all need on-going formation. I was thinking "And I've got on-going deformation problems everyday...." And he "reminded" (euphemism again) everyone to participate in the Way of the Cross today (Friday) especially since it begins at our Chapel. Well I always thought it was strange that people spend so much time and money to come here and make a pilgrimage and visit the shrines and the Way of the Cross, while we who stay here don't bother to go to these places that are only 20 meters away! I guess we take it for granted that the shrines are always there so one day we will walk over and pray in it. Hmmmm actually I spoke about this to Jean Paul last week, and he agreed. Got to change our attitudes.
Today we had Philology classes again after last week's holiday. It was good to get back to the routine. I actually enjoy the lessons, just that Fr Buscemi speaks very quickly and I can't manage to catch everything he says. The class grew from one student (me) to 8 now.
The promised rain never came. It's hot again and very dry. The winds just blew the rain clouds way past us and into Jordan in the east. But the nights and mornings are chilly. It may sound nice to some of you - but it's making us sick with colds. I think at any given one time, one quarter of the community is sick. My cough is much better now but the aridity is causing nasal muscous to coagulate that blocks our breathing. Everyone is coughing or spitting it out. Not very hygenic right? That's why I asked Asli to get me some alcohol gel. Paranoia!!!!!
Did you notice the photo of Rex and Regis at the bottom of the page? I miss them.
I guess I'll study now because in the afternoon there's the Way of the Cross and the talk; which means no more time to study today.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Happy Feastday!
Happy Feastday! We remember John Duns Scotus today - our 14th century theologian who was known not only for his acute analysis of dogma, but above all his support for the Church and the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. He was persecuted for both and died in exile in Cologne, Germany at the age of 42. Duns Scotus is the patron of the Studiums Biblicum Jerusalem and Hong Kong, and also our Pontifical University of St. Anthony in Rome.
Mass was very nice today - we sang several hymns and the penguins didn't show up for Mass. They probably had a Polish Mass celebrated for them somewhere. Anyway after Mass we went up to the refectory for dinner (If you haven't yet realised: my room is on the 3rd floor, the refectory is on the 2nd and the Flagellation Chapel is on the 1st - and mind you each floor is high, the roof in my room is 19 feet high - so it makes climbing up and down the stairs a terrible chore for an old man like me. Sei bei nei tai!). Fr Manns congratulated me for the feastday also of our travel agency and our bible centre. The other friars then remembered and congratulated me too. It was nice that the friars so far away here in Israel still care and think of our institutes in Hong Kong. Other friars who do not know this asked questions and wanted to know more. It was a fruitful breakfast.
At 8.15am I began my long walk up to St. Saviour's Monastery, the custodial monastery of the Holyland. The inauguration of the academic year officially begins on the feast of Duns Scotus, and everyone (teachers and students) had to come to this meeting. The Dean gave a report of the last academic year, then Fr Loffreda (our emeritus professor in archaeology) spoke of the excavation in Capharnaum. He revealed some very surprising finds that were never reported - like he found 2 pieces of Ming Dynasty pottery in Capharnaum! Now how did it get there? During lunch (he sits 2 seats away from me) he chuckled "You chinese are everywhere - even way back 500 years ago!". Another visiting professor presented his findings on the coins of Capharnaum and the new book which he wrote. Then the Custos ("custodian" or "provincial") of the Holyland gave a thank you speech. The inauguration lasted from 9am to 12pm. It was crowded with students of course, but also many visitors, like the head of the Pontifical Biblical institute in Jerusalem Fr Gilbert and heads of other theological colleges. I met an old friend there - quite a surprise - Prof. Leah di Segni, an epigraphist from the Hebrew University. She couldn't believe it was me - we last saw each other like 15 years ago. I think she could be retired now, but it wasn't the right place to talk about such things. Anyway she might invite me to join in a Jewish Passover again next year, as she used to back then. Then of course there were those young whipper-snappers (lay, religious or anything in between) who love to seen in crowds like this. I can't imagine why. They strut around in order to be noticed or they cling on the famous personages, hoping some glory can rub off onto themselves. I kept in a corner, even during the interval. The Custos came over and gruffly said "Be normal! Get up and show yourself!" You can never win, can you? What is the academic world coming to????
The walk back home was cool - like 17 degrees. I think I really have to wear my longs. Everyone else is beginning to thicken up with winter clothes. It's just that I hate to have to go through the 12 luggage to find my stuff. Maybe I'll just burn them, and warm myself in the fire.
Duns Scotus got his cake! It was great - biscuit layer with date filling. Everyone had seconds - except me. I decided to bring all the remaining cake back to my room! Unfortunately everyone else stopped me - they want the remainder for tea. Guess I'll have to come down earlier than them if I want my piece of cake! You can't imagine how the little pleasures in life that you take for granted, can be a big deal here in Israel. That's why I've been thinking - like yesterday - that you guys in Hong Kong should complain less and count your blessings. Never take things for granted. You'll never know how important things are till you don't have them anymore. That goes for people too, ok?
Mass was very nice today - we sang several hymns and the penguins didn't show up for Mass. They probably had a Polish Mass celebrated for them somewhere. Anyway after Mass we went up to the refectory for dinner (If you haven't yet realised: my room is on the 3rd floor, the refectory is on the 2nd and the Flagellation Chapel is on the 1st - and mind you each floor is high, the roof in my room is 19 feet high - so it makes climbing up and down the stairs a terrible chore for an old man like me. Sei bei nei tai!). Fr Manns congratulated me for the feastday also of our travel agency and our bible centre. The other friars then remembered and congratulated me too. It was nice that the friars so far away here in Israel still care and think of our institutes in Hong Kong. Other friars who do not know this asked questions and wanted to know more. It was a fruitful breakfast.
At 8.15am I began my long walk up to St. Saviour's Monastery, the custodial monastery of the Holyland. The inauguration of the academic year officially begins on the feast of Duns Scotus, and everyone (teachers and students) had to come to this meeting. The Dean gave a report of the last academic year, then Fr Loffreda (our emeritus professor in archaeology) spoke of the excavation in Capharnaum. He revealed some very surprising finds that were never reported - like he found 2 pieces of Ming Dynasty pottery in Capharnaum! Now how did it get there? During lunch (he sits 2 seats away from me) he chuckled "You chinese are everywhere - even way back 500 years ago!". Another visiting professor presented his findings on the coins of Capharnaum and the new book which he wrote. Then the Custos ("custodian" or "provincial") of the Holyland gave a thank you speech. The inauguration lasted from 9am to 12pm. It was crowded with students of course, but also many visitors, like the head of the Pontifical Biblical institute in Jerusalem Fr Gilbert and heads of other theological colleges. I met an old friend there - quite a surprise - Prof. Leah di Segni, an epigraphist from the Hebrew University. She couldn't believe it was me - we last saw each other like 15 years ago. I think she could be retired now, but it wasn't the right place to talk about such things. Anyway she might invite me to join in a Jewish Passover again next year, as she used to back then. Then of course there were those young whipper-snappers (lay, religious or anything in between) who love to seen in crowds like this. I can't imagine why. They strut around in order to be noticed or they cling on the famous personages, hoping some glory can rub off onto themselves. I kept in a corner, even during the interval. The Custos came over and gruffly said "Be normal! Get up and show yourself!" You can never win, can you? What is the academic world coming to????
The walk back home was cool - like 17 degrees. I think I really have to wear my longs. Everyone else is beginning to thicken up with winter clothes. It's just that I hate to have to go through the 12 luggage to find my stuff. Maybe I'll just burn them, and warm myself in the fire.
Duns Scotus got his cake! It was great - biscuit layer with date filling. Everyone had seconds - except me. I decided to bring all the remaining cake back to my room! Unfortunately everyone else stopped me - they want the remainder for tea. Guess I'll have to come down earlier than them if I want my piece of cake! You can't imagine how the little pleasures in life that you take for granted, can be a big deal here in Israel. That's why I've been thinking - like yesterday - that you guys in Hong Kong should complain less and count your blessings. Never take things for granted. You'll never know how important things are till you don't have them anymore. That goes for people too, ok?
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
bake a cake!
Thanks for all the suggestions about curing my cold. They are all very practical - in Hong Kong. Here in the Old City, it's difficult to get the stuff you guys suggested. And the closest supermarket is 1km away uphill. I guess it's times like this that I miss Hong Kong - you get anything and everything at your doorstep; it's so convenient. Here things are not only few and far between, but you can't get chinese medicine anywhere! Obvious isn't it? So don't take things for granted, you guys living in Hong Kong!
Judy sent 2 pics of Rex and Regis - that made my day! I'll post it when I remember how to do it - Jackie & Gus?????
Did some studies yesterday. My moderator for the thesis - Fr Niccacci (who lives in the room next to mine: he complains I make too much noise with my music. Then for the next few days I kept it quiet and he got worried. Kept asking where I was the last few days, why so quiet. Hmmmm you just can't win, can you?) asked how was my research doing. I said that it's tough because there are limited books on the subject in our library and 3 of us (me, him and another doctoral candidate Stefano) are writing on the same biblical book, which means we 3 need to refer to these books and share them. Fr Niccacci exclaimed (he's very loud) that it's a miracle - it's a thousand to one chance that 3 people in the same institute are researching on the same stuff. But like it's a great help for me to know that - we still have to share books and knock on doors asking "Can I use that book you borrowed?".
Sr. Geronima asked me what type of cake I like. I said the kind that is edible of course (score 2:1). You see, Nov. 10th is my feastday "St. Leo" and it's our tradition to celebrate feastdays instead of birthdays. The sisters usually bake a cake and lunch is alot more festive (meaning one extra dish - no big deal). Anyway she asked again what type specifically - I said to put in the canaries (stick their heads in and burn their tails as candles) and that dreadful cat in between and the cake will be really special. Sr Pieta laughed - guiness book of records..take a note! aahh nothing like a joke to break the ice.
By the way I meant to inform you guys earlier to check out the website and web TV "smile of a child". It's pretty fun, and good christian formation for little kids. Though it's protestant, there's none of that polemic because the kiddie viewers are too young to understand all that. So it's simple christian upbringing with wholesome cartoons and song and dance and moral lessons like "don't tell lies" etc.... The webcast is free and runs 24 hrs. There's another Catholic channel called Familyland TV but it's only available on cable or satellite, I think. It's more family oriented.
The repair of our roof is finally finished - but moving the rubbish and equipment down 4 floors is driving us crazy! Tonnes of extra stone (like 20kg) are simply thrown around. The library roof is now cracked. Imagine repairing one roof and destroying another - I guess that keeps the guys busy with work security. And I think the rains are due today - saw the clouds this morning at 5am, really rainy type (something prophet Elijah would have seen. Remember that story? No? So check it out already!!!!!).
Tomorrow is the feast of Duns Scotus, the patron of the Studiums here in Jerusalem as well as Hong Kong. That means no classes - there'll be the annual report of the Dean to the faculty and students, as well as a couple of academic talks. Aahh but for us, it's another feast (just one extra dish, no big deal. Oh and also a cake! You can be sure Scotus will get a better cake than I). Next year will be Scotus' 700th anniversary of his death. The Dean unofficially suggested that I bring a group to visit the place of his birth (Duns in Scotland), his teaching posts (Oxford and Paris) and his death (Cologne). Any takers?
Judy sent 2 pics of Rex and Regis - that made my day! I'll post it when I remember how to do it - Jackie & Gus?????
Did some studies yesterday. My moderator for the thesis - Fr Niccacci (who lives in the room next to mine: he complains I make too much noise with my music. Then for the next few days I kept it quiet and he got worried. Kept asking where I was the last few days, why so quiet. Hmmmm you just can't win, can you?) asked how was my research doing. I said that it's tough because there are limited books on the subject in our library and 3 of us (me, him and another doctoral candidate Stefano) are writing on the same biblical book, which means we 3 need to refer to these books and share them. Fr Niccacci exclaimed (he's very loud) that it's a miracle - it's a thousand to one chance that 3 people in the same institute are researching on the same stuff. But like it's a great help for me to know that - we still have to share books and knock on doors asking "Can I use that book you borrowed?".
Sr. Geronima asked me what type of cake I like. I said the kind that is edible of course (score 2:1). You see, Nov. 10th is my feastday "St. Leo" and it's our tradition to celebrate feastdays instead of birthdays. The sisters usually bake a cake and lunch is alot more festive (meaning one extra dish - no big deal). Anyway she asked again what type specifically - I said to put in the canaries (stick their heads in and burn their tails as candles) and that dreadful cat in between and the cake will be really special. Sr Pieta laughed - guiness book of records..take a note! aahh nothing like a joke to break the ice.
By the way I meant to inform you guys earlier to check out the website and web TV "smile of a child". It's pretty fun, and good christian formation for little kids. Though it's protestant, there's none of that polemic because the kiddie viewers are too young to understand all that. So it's simple christian upbringing with wholesome cartoons and song and dance and moral lessons like "don't tell lies" etc.... The webcast is free and runs 24 hrs. There's another Catholic channel called Familyland TV but it's only available on cable or satellite, I think. It's more family oriented.
The repair of our roof is finally finished - but moving the rubbish and equipment down 4 floors is driving us crazy! Tonnes of extra stone (like 20kg) are simply thrown around. The library roof is now cracked. Imagine repairing one roof and destroying another - I guess that keeps the guys busy with work security. And I think the rains are due today - saw the clouds this morning at 5am, really rainy type (something prophet Elijah would have seen. Remember that story? No? So check it out already!!!!!).
Tomorrow is the feast of Duns Scotus, the patron of the Studiums here in Jerusalem as well as Hong Kong. That means no classes - there'll be the annual report of the Dean to the faculty and students, as well as a couple of academic talks. Aahh but for us, it's another feast (just one extra dish, no big deal. Oh and also a cake! You can be sure Scotus will get a better cake than I). Next year will be Scotus' 700th anniversary of his death. The Dean unofficially suggested that I bring a group to visit the place of his birth (Duns in Scotland), his teaching posts (Oxford and Paris) and his death (Cologne). Any takers?
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
From the Allegra family
Here's the email from the Allegra family. It's not translated though, but I'm sure you can make out its meaning.
Rev. Padre Lionel, pace e bene! sono trascorsi poco piu di dieci giorni dallo scorso 20 ottobre e abbiamo ancora nel cuore e negli occhi emozioni e immagini che non scorderemo facilmente. Per noi visitare i luoghi in cui nostro zio ha vissuto per tanto tempo, in cui ha lavorato, sofferto, amato. E’ stata un'emozione indimenticabile e importante. Noi cosi piccoli di fronte a tanta grandezza! In quelle stanze, nella cappella, tra i libri dello studio, nell'ospedale si respira ancora la sua presenza forte e costante. Il merito di tutto questo e’ di chi come lei lavora con passione perche la sua memoria non venga cancellata, perche la sua vita, abitata con pienezza per la gloria del Signore, possa essere trasmessa alle nuove generazioni. Grazie, veramente grazie di cuore per la vostra straordinaria accoglienza e disponibilita. Grazie per averci fatto sentire a casa. Grazie per averci accolto come fossimo re della vostra casa. Dio vi ricompensi e vi benedica per il vostro infaticabile lavoro nel Suo nome. Pace e bene, padre Lionel. Speriamo di rivederci presto. Non le nascondiamo che sogniamo di ritornare ad Hong Kong un giorno ma soprattutto ci preme rinnovarvi il nostro invito. Vi aspettiamo sempre a braccia aperte in Sicilia
Gabriella Allegra e famiglia
Rev. Padre Lionel, pace e bene! sono trascorsi poco piu di dieci giorni dallo scorso 20 ottobre e abbiamo ancora nel cuore e negli occhi emozioni e immagini che non scorderemo facilmente. Per noi visitare i luoghi in cui nostro zio ha vissuto per tanto tempo, in cui ha lavorato, sofferto, amato. E’ stata un'emozione indimenticabile e importante. Noi cosi piccoli di fronte a tanta grandezza! In quelle stanze, nella cappella, tra i libri dello studio, nell'ospedale si respira ancora la sua presenza forte e costante. Il merito di tutto questo e’ di chi come lei lavora con passione perche la sua memoria non venga cancellata, perche la sua vita, abitata con pienezza per la gloria del Signore, possa essere trasmessa alle nuove generazioni. Grazie, veramente grazie di cuore per la vostra straordinaria accoglienza e disponibilita. Grazie per averci fatto sentire a casa. Grazie per averci accolto come fossimo re della vostra casa. Dio vi ricompensi e vi benedica per il vostro infaticabile lavoro nel Suo nome. Pace e bene, padre Lionel. Speriamo di rivederci presto. Non le nascondiamo che sogniamo di ritornare ad Hong Kong un giorno ma soprattutto ci preme rinnovarvi il nostro invito. Vi aspettiamo sempre a braccia aperte in Sicilia
Gabriella Allegra e famiglia
Wasn't feeling too well yesterday - think I caught a cold. Running nose. The superior told me to eat dinner early and go to sleep, so I didn't go for Vespers. Sr Geronima was in the kitchen, and prepared the usual stuff - bread and cheese. But she added 3 cloves of garlic - good to strengthen immune system she says - and I was thinking, sure...immune to her! I also asked for some mashed potatoes (leftovers from lunch) and she was delighted - because it gave her the opportunity to say "Stuff it up your nose to stop the running nose". Score "1-1".
I cleaned the canary cage earlier at 4pm. The superior thinks I caught the cold then because my feet were wet from all the splashing of water.
There was alot of movement in the corridor yesterday afternoon. Students were exchanging tables and cupboards to suit their needs. There was a table that went to 4 different rooms before it found a permanent dwelling. Think of my envy. But I'll get mine soon - soon.....soon.....soon......
I'll catch up with my studies today (couldn't do much yesterday) so I'm ending off here. By the way there's an english-speaking pilgrimage to Israel during the Chinese New Year holidays 2008 and one to Greece in early August. Book early with Katie. I'm leading the grps.
I cleaned the canary cage earlier at 4pm. The superior thinks I caught the cold then because my feet were wet from all the splashing of water.
There was alot of movement in the corridor yesterday afternoon. Students were exchanging tables and cupboards to suit their needs. There was a table that went to 4 different rooms before it found a permanent dwelling. Think of my envy. But I'll get mine soon - soon.....soon.....soon......
I'll catch up with my studies today (couldn't do much yesterday) so I'm ending off here. By the way there's an english-speaking pilgrimage to Israel during the Chinese New Year holidays 2008 and one to Greece in early August. Book early with Katie. I'm leading the grps.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Duuuuuuuh!
Well I got some responses alright! It ranged from people who thought I was upset to people who were worried that the blog was taking too much of my study time. It goes to show how important face-to-face communication is - through the Internet, one is unable to hear inflection of voice, body language and other elements of human communication. I think despite the ease that the Internet has provided in linking people together, it has impoverished us in other ways. Anyway it was good to hear from you guys - like I told many of you, it's a faceless world out there in cyber space and there is some unease as to where exactly these blogs end up. At least now I know.
Yesterday I did a marathon of work. Skipped lunch and read / wrote an important article. Feelt good when the article was completed - sense of accomplishment. Now that I got that one aside, I'll have to start on another. A professor saw me in the library and said "It's Sunday, you shouldn't be working". Like duuuh, I'm here in Israel precisely to do research and Sunday is the best time because no one else is using the library - nice and very quite.
At 3pm I got hungry so I cooked 2 packets of Instant noodles. I always get diarrhea after eating this. So this time I thought through it, and figured the cause was the following - I use unfiltered tap-water to cook it and well, I don't exactly "cook" it. You see, I don't have a pot to boil it in, so I just boil water from the kettle in the Sala Caffe and pour over the noodles and soak it till it gets soft. Probably not a good thing, right? Hmmmm so that's the price for laziness. Time for improvement - but you know local time ..........
Last night I brought Fr Massimo Carlino (the guy who sits next to me during meals in the refectory & is interested in Fr Allegra's work) and Jean Paul (he asked me several times) to the only chinese restaurent in Jerusalem. We had a simple dinner - wonton soup, rice, sweet-sour pork (not kosher!!!), toufu & mushrooms, stir-fried veggies. Simple right? The bill? US$100. I was prepared to wash dishes in the kitchen, to tell you the truth! Anyway before we left I told the Dean I was going out for dinner. He said good, I should go out once in a while. See, I'm a good boy who stays at home most of the time! (*The important thing is people notice that!!!*) The walk to the restaurent was nice. Uphill all the way, in the cool. Saw many familiar buildings lit up and recalled how the place looked like 15 years ago. Things have changed so much. The walk back was alot slower because Jean Paul was too full to walk. When we neared the monastery gate, there was a group of youths bullying another teenager. Usually I don't want to get involved - but this time I pitied the poor kid. They stopped when we approached, so I told Massimo to stay on with me for a little while in the street. The bullies didn't want to start bullying in front of me (most know me), and those few seconds gave the kid a chance to run away. Good deed for the day.
The Gospel reading today was the hot topic at breakfast. Jesus said to invite the blind, cripple, deaf etc.. to meals. Fr Buscemi was the first to make a remark in the refectory - he said this Gospel passage is fulfilled right here in the refectory: and pointed to me! Everyone laughed, and the discussion started as to how much I fulfilled this passage. Cripple - swollen left ankle; blind - poor eyesight (I really got to change my spectacles, honestly); deaf - selective of course! But everyone agreed I wasn't mute. I don't spare them my sharp tongue you know! Don't think that once I stopped teaching you guys, I don't get practice! Lots of targets here: like verbal sparring with Sr. Geronima.The score is still 1-0.
Fr Carlo the superior said after breakfast that it's time to clean the canary cage again, so I'll do it after lunch. He loves the canaries but is too old to take care of them. But right now, it's back to the library.
Yesterday I did a marathon of work. Skipped lunch and read / wrote an important article. Feelt good when the article was completed - sense of accomplishment. Now that I got that one aside, I'll have to start on another. A professor saw me in the library and said "It's Sunday, you shouldn't be working". Like duuuh, I'm here in Israel precisely to do research and Sunday is the best time because no one else is using the library - nice and very quite.
At 3pm I got hungry so I cooked 2 packets of Instant noodles. I always get diarrhea after eating this. So this time I thought through it, and figured the cause was the following - I use unfiltered tap-water to cook it and well, I don't exactly "cook" it. You see, I don't have a pot to boil it in, so I just boil water from the kettle in the Sala Caffe and pour over the noodles and soak it till it gets soft. Probably not a good thing, right? Hmmmm so that's the price for laziness. Time for improvement - but you know local time ..........
Last night I brought Fr Massimo Carlino (the guy who sits next to me during meals in the refectory & is interested in Fr Allegra's work) and Jean Paul (he asked me several times) to the only chinese restaurent in Jerusalem. We had a simple dinner - wonton soup, rice, sweet-sour pork (not kosher!!!), toufu & mushrooms, stir-fried veggies. Simple right? The bill? US$100. I was prepared to wash dishes in the kitchen, to tell you the truth! Anyway before we left I told the Dean I was going out for dinner. He said good, I should go out once in a while. See, I'm a good boy who stays at home most of the time! (*The important thing is people notice that!!!*) The walk to the restaurent was nice. Uphill all the way, in the cool. Saw many familiar buildings lit up and recalled how the place looked like 15 years ago. Things have changed so much. The walk back was alot slower because Jean Paul was too full to walk. When we neared the monastery gate, there was a group of youths bullying another teenager. Usually I don't want to get involved - but this time I pitied the poor kid. They stopped when we approached, so I told Massimo to stay on with me for a little while in the street. The bullies didn't want to start bullying in front of me (most know me), and those few seconds gave the kid a chance to run away. Good deed for the day.
The Gospel reading today was the hot topic at breakfast. Jesus said to invite the blind, cripple, deaf etc.. to meals. Fr Buscemi was the first to make a remark in the refectory - he said this Gospel passage is fulfilled right here in the refectory: and pointed to me! Everyone laughed, and the discussion started as to how much I fulfilled this passage. Cripple - swollen left ankle; blind - poor eyesight (I really got to change my spectacles, honestly); deaf - selective of course! But everyone agreed I wasn't mute. I don't spare them my sharp tongue you know! Don't think that once I stopped teaching you guys, I don't get practice! Lots of targets here: like verbal sparring with Sr. Geronima.The score is still 1-0.
Fr Carlo the superior said after breakfast that it's time to clean the canary cage again, so I'll do it after lunch. He loves the canaries but is too old to take care of them. But right now, it's back to the library.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
HK$6 for a pastry?
My cough is still bothering me - bad. It's not the hollow, whispy type of cough that I usually get. This one is like an elephant sitting on my chest. It is heavy, painful on the chest and seems to press out all the breath I have. And the throat tickles. I wonder if prednisolone helps? You doctors out there - what do you think? A course of 2mg prednisolone for 5 days, wean down to 1mg for 3 days and half mg for 4 days? ADVICE PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!! I have no anti-biotics here nor anti-histamines. But I hate the side-effects of prednisolone - the inevitable bout of depression and mood-swings. That'll disturb my study routine. I'm grouchy everyday anyway so people think I'm perpetually on steroids! :)
Saturday night again - that means "relax night" for us here in this monastery. After a week's study and the usual tension of living right in the middle of the Muslim Quarter, the professors and students try to relax as much as possible. For us here it means watching the television and especially a good movie either on Italian television or CD. Actually watching CDs is more usual. Students share CDs with each other during the weekend; some will join others in one room watching the same CD on computer while bigger groups get to use the TV room and CD player. I watch alone in my room because no one else watches english language CDs. Actually it was a replay of the Pirates of the Caribbean. Like I've seen it again and again and again and again ................ Well luckily Fr Vincenzo left me a boxful of CDs before he left for Egypt. I haven't had time to check it out yet - remember I have no cupboards, shelves, kettle etc... Everything is still in my luggage or boxes.
Talking about Fr. Vincenzo, I found him on Skype yesterday evening so I contacted him and chatted with him. It started out quite weird actually - he asked if I could hear the music he was playing in his room, I said no. He then asked again "Can you hear?", I said no. He continued asking this question like 10 times, each time raising his voice and I kept saying no. Finally I figured he wasn't talking about the music but his voice over Skype. So I said "If you mean if I can hear your voice - yes it's very loud! Don't shout!" and he scolded me and said "Of course I was referring to my voice; what else could I be referring to?" .... Ah well, local logic, get it? Somehow the topic of the question moved from music to voice with no "dialogue marker" or "boundary": things flow from one to another, no matter if there is a logical connection or not. Mind you Vincenzo is an Italian but he practically grew up here in the Middle East. Last night I joked that he has forgotten how to speak italian, and he said yes. In Egypt they speak arabic in the monasteries. Well I'm sure Vincenzo had a good night's sleep after speaking with us (Jean Paul was also in my room and spoke with him).
This morning I got up late! It was already 5.30am and I quickly washed and dressed and hobbled up to the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. It was unusually quiet. I celebrated Mass in English in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament for Bro. Gregory (an American friar working in the Basilica) and several pilgrims and one local lady - Alexandra - she's always around. Then I had a quiet time in front of the Tomb praying for all of you until the booming bells reminded me that I must move aside because the Greek Orthodox bishop is coming to say Mass. I moved to the entrance and waited for the bishop's entry. As usual it was solemn - meaning two Kawas (guys dressed in ancient Ottoman suits carrying maces to shoo off people) led the way while 6 monks accompanied the bishop into the basilica. In our Roman Church, we also have kawas but we usually refer to them as "dragomans". After the bishop entered his part of the Church, I went to kiss the Stone of the Unction for all of you. I love it at the Basilica - there are no words to describe the experience there. Some people hate the ugly mixture of architecture (if that is a word you can use for the place!); other hates the dark, cold atmosphere created by the ancient stones; and more hate the divisions among the Christian communities in there. Well I never saw it that way. The Orthodox have always been civil with me (and vice versa), especially the Copts and Armenians who are always very friendly. The cacophany of voices is not disturbing but a wonderful expression of the Coming of the Holy Spirit, when each one can praise God in his own tongue. It shows more the unity in diversity rather than division. I just love it there. I wish I didn't have to leave but I've got work to do. yes even on a Sunday! But I told Bro. Andrew, our Ghanian head Sacristan, that I'll come back this afternoon for the procession. What is that you say? Well those of you who've joined me in pilgrimage here would remember the candle-light procession in the Holy Sepulchre. If not, too bad! Come and see for yourself! :)
On the way back I passed by the 8th Station and the bakery was open. In fact it was the only shop open along the whole street. For the 1st time in 15 years, the owner called out "Good morning Father". Wow - like he really needs my business. Be careful now...... I saw some of my favourite stuff there but brought only 15 shekels with me. So I thought I'd give it a try, if the bill overshoots my spending power, I'll just tell him to keep his buns. So I chose 3 pieces of pastry - 2 apple and 1 blueberry. They're about 5 inches long and 2 inches wide, with fruit in them. He charged me 3 shekels each. That's the price he usually charges me. 3 shekels is about HK$6. How do you compare that with HK pastries of the same size? Is it expensive? Well the total fell within my means, so I gave 9 shekels and he said "Thank you, Father. Have a good day Father". Hmmmmm must be a sign from God. But I have not the slightest idea what it is! He's muslim. Anyway I'm eating them right now as I write this. Yuuummie! Delicious!
When I got home, I found our horrible cat had knocked over the large rubbish bin at our entrance. The silly cat was sitting next to it, waiting to be scolded. Well he got a scolding from me - but I don't think he understood. I spoke english and he understands arabic. Anyway with alot of finger wagging, "no-no"s and a swipe of the broom, I hope he learnt his lesson. It's not the first time, mind you - its like every other day. But no one ever scolded him. He's a brash fellow. If you don't open the gates for him in the mornings so he can stray along the streets of the Way of the Cross, he'll walk right up to the altar in the middle of Mass to attract attention. Once he even plonked himself right in the middle of the altar and slept - in the middle of Mass! And no one shooed him off! He also drinks holy water from the font in front of the Flagellation Chapel. Don't tell me that's cute - I'm not partial to cats. But dogs - that's another story. I miss Rex and Regis. Hey you guys! Take some photos of my boys and send them to me!
The weather is chilly in the mornings - but I don't have to buy rugs. I found a couple of old rugs I left behind 2 years ago in a luggage Fr Vincenzo left me. I had given it to his care when I returned to Hong Kong back in 2005. Now it comes in handy! But I'll really have to get a heater - I saw Marco has one in his room, about a foot high and 8 inches wide. Just enough for the morning chill. Aaaahhh but the local logic lurks ....... (love the alliteration! Don't know what that means? Check a dictionary!)
I'll stay in today and use the library. Probably cook some instant noodles for lunch in the Students' Sala and then later in the evening join in the procession in the Holy Sepulchre. By the way I don't know if you ever read this blog? I've received like only 2 mails this week and I'd like to know if people are actually reading this. If not - I'll just close it down. You know my email address. Give me some indication.
Saturday night again - that means "relax night" for us here in this monastery. After a week's study and the usual tension of living right in the middle of the Muslim Quarter, the professors and students try to relax as much as possible. For us here it means watching the television and especially a good movie either on Italian television or CD. Actually watching CDs is more usual. Students share CDs with each other during the weekend; some will join others in one room watching the same CD on computer while bigger groups get to use the TV room and CD player. I watch alone in my room because no one else watches english language CDs. Actually it was a replay of the Pirates of the Caribbean. Like I've seen it again and again and again and again ................ Well luckily Fr Vincenzo left me a boxful of CDs before he left for Egypt. I haven't had time to check it out yet - remember I have no cupboards, shelves, kettle etc... Everything is still in my luggage or boxes.
Talking about Fr. Vincenzo, I found him on Skype yesterday evening so I contacted him and chatted with him. It started out quite weird actually - he asked if I could hear the music he was playing in his room, I said no. He then asked again "Can you hear?", I said no. He continued asking this question like 10 times, each time raising his voice and I kept saying no. Finally I figured he wasn't talking about the music but his voice over Skype. So I said "If you mean if I can hear your voice - yes it's very loud! Don't shout!" and he scolded me and said "Of course I was referring to my voice; what else could I be referring to?" .... Ah well, local logic, get it? Somehow the topic of the question moved from music to voice with no "dialogue marker" or "boundary": things flow from one to another, no matter if there is a logical connection or not. Mind you Vincenzo is an Italian but he practically grew up here in the Middle East. Last night I joked that he has forgotten how to speak italian, and he said yes. In Egypt they speak arabic in the monasteries. Well I'm sure Vincenzo had a good night's sleep after speaking with us (Jean Paul was also in my room and spoke with him).
This morning I got up late! It was already 5.30am and I quickly washed and dressed and hobbled up to the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. It was unusually quiet. I celebrated Mass in English in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament for Bro. Gregory (an American friar working in the Basilica) and several pilgrims and one local lady - Alexandra - she's always around. Then I had a quiet time in front of the Tomb praying for all of you until the booming bells reminded me that I must move aside because the Greek Orthodox bishop is coming to say Mass. I moved to the entrance and waited for the bishop's entry. As usual it was solemn - meaning two Kawas (guys dressed in ancient Ottoman suits carrying maces to shoo off people) led the way while 6 monks accompanied the bishop into the basilica. In our Roman Church, we also have kawas but we usually refer to them as "dragomans". After the bishop entered his part of the Church, I went to kiss the Stone of the Unction for all of you. I love it at the Basilica - there are no words to describe the experience there. Some people hate the ugly mixture of architecture (if that is a word you can use for the place!); other hates the dark, cold atmosphere created by the ancient stones; and more hate the divisions among the Christian communities in there. Well I never saw it that way. The Orthodox have always been civil with me (and vice versa), especially the Copts and Armenians who are always very friendly. The cacophany of voices is not disturbing but a wonderful expression of the Coming of the Holy Spirit, when each one can praise God in his own tongue. It shows more the unity in diversity rather than division. I just love it there. I wish I didn't have to leave but I've got work to do. yes even on a Sunday! But I told Bro. Andrew, our Ghanian head Sacristan, that I'll come back this afternoon for the procession. What is that you say? Well those of you who've joined me in pilgrimage here would remember the candle-light procession in the Holy Sepulchre. If not, too bad! Come and see for yourself! :)
On the way back I passed by the 8th Station and the bakery was open. In fact it was the only shop open along the whole street. For the 1st time in 15 years, the owner called out "Good morning Father". Wow - like he really needs my business. Be careful now...... I saw some of my favourite stuff there but brought only 15 shekels with me. So I thought I'd give it a try, if the bill overshoots my spending power, I'll just tell him to keep his buns. So I chose 3 pieces of pastry - 2 apple and 1 blueberry. They're about 5 inches long and 2 inches wide, with fruit in them. He charged me 3 shekels each. That's the price he usually charges me. 3 shekels is about HK$6. How do you compare that with HK pastries of the same size? Is it expensive? Well the total fell within my means, so I gave 9 shekels and he said "Thank you, Father. Have a good day Father". Hmmmmm must be a sign from God. But I have not the slightest idea what it is! He's muslim. Anyway I'm eating them right now as I write this. Yuuummie! Delicious!
When I got home, I found our horrible cat had knocked over the large rubbish bin at our entrance. The silly cat was sitting next to it, waiting to be scolded. Well he got a scolding from me - but I don't think he understood. I spoke english and he understands arabic. Anyway with alot of finger wagging, "no-no"s and a swipe of the broom, I hope he learnt his lesson. It's not the first time, mind you - its like every other day. But no one ever scolded him. He's a brash fellow. If you don't open the gates for him in the mornings so he can stray along the streets of the Way of the Cross, he'll walk right up to the altar in the middle of Mass to attract attention. Once he even plonked himself right in the middle of the altar and slept - in the middle of Mass! And no one shooed him off! He also drinks holy water from the font in front of the Flagellation Chapel. Don't tell me that's cute - I'm not partial to cats. But dogs - that's another story. I miss Rex and Regis. Hey you guys! Take some photos of my boys and send them to me!
The weather is chilly in the mornings - but I don't have to buy rugs. I found a couple of old rugs I left behind 2 years ago in a luggage Fr Vincenzo left me. I had given it to his care when I returned to Hong Kong back in 2005. Now it comes in handy! But I'll really have to get a heater - I saw Marco has one in his room, about a foot high and 8 inches wide. Just enough for the morning chill. Aaaahhh but the local logic lurks ....... (love the alliteration! Don't know what that means? Check a dictionary!)
I'll stay in today and use the library. Probably cook some instant noodles for lunch in the Students' Sala and then later in the evening join in the procession in the Holy Sepulchre. By the way I don't know if you ever read this blog? I've received like only 2 mails this week and I'd like to know if people are actually reading this. If not - I'll just close it down. You know my email address. Give me some indication.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
_et_Rahil_Halim_2.jpg)
