attractive tourist destination

  Jerusalem is having a September heat wave.

Not so good for me,

I complain a lot and slow down.

But things are still going strong,

and Jerusalem is busier than ever.

Not sure if these raised arrangements like the heat

or if they are good or bad,

but this new flower display is near the Montefiore Windmill.

I passed it on my way to the Jerusalem Press Club to hear

Dr. Michael Borchard, the Director of the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung,

who reported on a survey of Israelis’ opinions of the EU.

The conclusion:

good news and bad news, but pretty much the same.

Economic missions, trade missions, and overseas delegations

seem to be everywhere, all the time.

US Congressmen were at the King David Hotel recently,

and this week the Governor of Iowa Kay Reynolds

led an Economic Development Authority mission to Israel.

Iowans really are some of the nicest people,

here a group met to hear about Jerusalem based bio-startups.

The amazing innovations seek US collaboration to grow.

But besides back to school,

there is much more happening on the streets.

Another Second Hand Fair was on Emek Refaim St.

Kulna, part of Mekudeshet, a festival of varied events

of the Jerusalem Season of Culture,

was set up in Mitchell Gardens.

Those who came early to the had the option of seats

and food and drink to buy,

with the walls of the Old City across the street in the background.

One Arab family came early to get a good spot,

and much of the program featured Arab music.

Amman is 71 kilometers from us, one slide informed us.

As always, emergency medical care was on site.

But though there were hundreds, maybe 2000 people,

there were no reports of injuries or emergencies in the crowd.

Signs were up all along the way to the park for

a first-ever Jerusalem Run for Women,

but not everyone saw those warnings of major streets to be closed.

Security checked out their locations

for the 5k and 10k races.

Women and girls came from all over to run.

I tried to take one of those water bottles,

but it felt so hot, I put it back.

After dark the women, and a few men,

started running.

Here goes the winner of the 10K

and my friend who won the 5k

was already smiling on the way to starting line.

I love when people race by and scream out “Sharon.”

If you know who is waving please let me know.

One of my favorite runners

was this cute little guy.

His father was right behind with the stroller making a video.

These posters tell of events in parks with live music,

and special musical nights in the Municipal Square,

 Opening the Gates Of Prayer,

with seasonal High Holy days songs.

So much is happening on the Jerusalem streets,

now if would just cool off a bit so we can enjoy it.

But at least no one is complaining about no rain this year.

and I guess that also could be good.