culture

After the chagim, after the holidays.

 The holiday visitors have gone.

Now what? Plenty.

The universities are finally starting.

The Knesset is back in session after long break.

Way too much is happening in Jerusalem to keep up.

The imposing Tower of David (ToD)

was open for the launch of its new Innovation Lab.

These old statues were being relocated,

and over 20 technology startups in augmented reality/virtual reality,

AR/VR, were being presented.

Click and see history of 3000 years unfold!

With glasses like these,

one day you will be able sit at home

and feel as if you were in Herod’s old fortress.

And with these glasses,

eye movements can operate a robot.

Much more is happening and planned for AR/VR.

It all sounds like science fiction,

but is being developed daily to enhance the museum experience

and improve quality of life.

Oh the contrast of old and new!

Outside those walls of the Old City, near Jaffa Gate,

these Christian tourists were singing and dancing,

while across the street a woman was sorting

the olives she had just taken from this olive tree.

Olive harvesting is nearly finished for this year.

However, new festivals are beginning.

Here are 3 favorites of new Hebrew signs.

Until I saw it in English,

I had hard time understanding,

the Lev Smadar Theater is hosting “Eclectic Jerusalem” cultural films.

Then there is this sign for an illustration and poetry,

“Out-Line Festival.”

And how about an International Animation Festival

in Jerusalem, at Cinematheque?

Not enough?

Houses WithIn, now called “Open House”

starts on Thursday, with 117 interesting and free tours.

Some are fascinating sites open to public,

some are announced as free access,

others were fully booked at warp speed.

Poor Folks’ Cemetery or the Har Herzl military cemetery,

famous private homes

or the Jerusalem home of the Electric Company, are a few options.

The Pillbox in Rechavia was opened last year.

It was less than comfortable inside and a worse photo op,

but it was  interesting to hear about.

Photos from the International Jerusalem

Jewish Contemporary Art Bienalle will have to wait for next time.

Oh and soon, Open Restaurants – 5 days, 100 options!

More next time,

will see how many I can get to.

So much is happening on the Jerusalem streets.