Life in Jerusalem, Israel,
is unpredictable.
No one knows for sure what will happen next.
This week, for example,
the weather changed so many times
it was impossible to keep track.
Starting on Sunday, rain was on and off.
![Yafo in rain, empty and wet](http://rjstreets.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Photo-walk-Jon-004-Varda-B-1024x685.jpg)
Jaffa Road was wet and deserted.
The red urban installation Varda hung deflated,
like a soggy, wilted flower.
![Machane Yehuda Market closed](http://rjstreets.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Photo-walk-Jon-005b-1024x617.jpg)
Inside Machane Yehuda Market, the shuk,
there were rows of closed shutters,
but umbrellas were out for sale in many places.
A few years ago, the Municipality came up with a plan
to attract people to Jerusalem at night in the winter
with a festival called – שאון חורף – Winter Noise.
Monday nights in February,
in a different center city location,
![people watching giant game projected on wall](http://rjstreets.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Winter-Festival-Shushan-Horesh-003b-1024x711.jpg)
people were to come to fill the streets and be entertained.
Last week was the first of the series
held on Shushan and Horesh Streets.
![game projected on wall for Jerusalem February Monday night festival](http://rjstreets.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Winter-Festival-Shushan-Horesh-002b-1024x404.jpg)
This was a clever projection,
the player was on the sidewalk,
but his screen was many stories high on the wall.
![projected images on building at night](http://rjstreets.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Winter-Festival-Shushan-Horesh-004b-1024x678.jpg)
Can find me here on this screen?
Winter Noise starts at 7:00 pm and goes to 2:00 am.
![light design on wall Jerusalem Israel festival](http://rjstreets.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Winter-Festival-Shushan-Horesh-008b-1024x562.jpg)
I like to go early before the crowds
to take photos of these light projections,
![street music Jerusalem](http://rjstreets.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Winter-Festival-Shushan-Horesh-014b-1024x680.jpg)
and live music in multiple locations.
![actors in store window Jerusalem](http://rjstreets.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Winter-Festival-Shushan-Horesh-017b-1024x678.jpg)
Actors performed in this store,
while the audience watched from outside.
Across the street, a new boutique hotel called
The Post, in the old post office building,
![The Post music in main room Jerusalem](http://rjstreets.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Winter-Festival-Shushan-Horesh-025b-1024x678.jpg)
had live music, food and drink,
and was a great place to sit and warm up.
But most of the Winter Noise takes place
![](http://rjstreets.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Winter-Festival-Shushan-Horesh-037b-1024x754.jpg)
outside on the streets,
![street music Jerusalem Israel](http://rjstreets.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Winter-Festival-Shushan-Horesh-048b-1024x658.jpg)
with free concerts and entertainment.
Alcohol and food are part of the fun in most locations.
![Inside Sobar music for Winter Festival](http://rjstreets.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Winter-Festival-Shushan-Horesh-053b-1024x708.jpg)
At Sobar, there was coffee and music,
since it is a new alcohol and drug-free venue.
![Sobar for Jerusalem Festival](http://rjstreets.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Winter-Festival-Shushan-Horesh-054b-1024x613.jpg)
I spotted a former Jerusalem Deputy Mayor
listening in the audience.
How do I describe the way to Sobar?
![Shushan Street Jerusalem Sobar entrance](http://rjstreets.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Winter-Festival-Shushan-Horesh-049b-1024x678.jpg)
Go to the end of Shushan Street,
through the gate, to the right and then left.
I often walk around Jerusalem, Israel, at night,
but never on these streets in the dark.
I was really glad I had asked a friend to come along.
![black and white images of people watching](http://rjstreets.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Winter-Festival-Shushan-Horesh-006fb-1024x651.jpg)
Now do you see us here?
I never would have never ventured in alone
![artist Jerusalem](http://rjstreets.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Winter-Festival-Shushan-Horesh-043b-1024x642.jpg)
and seen this art gallery and artists’ center.
The first week of Winter Noise was fun.
I discovered and saw many new locations.
But, I am glad I did not post this last week.
Winter Noise was on Shammai and Hillel Streets this week.
There were to be 6 more locations than last week,
but there seemed to be far fewer.
The “entertainment” was not good.
I could not find one thing to photograph and share.
At a conference this week,
City Councilman Aryeh King expressed disgust
with some of the “culture” and entertainment,
and how the city spends its money.
This second week of Winter Noise,
proved him to be all-too correct.
It was reported that he resigned in protest.
I have often questioned what is considered culture here.
I agree with King, this event was tacky and trashy,
and I am relieved I did not encourage anyone to go.
Only good thing I saw,
was that due to the inclement weather, fewer people came.
Each week is different,
I hope next week Winter Noise gets back on track.
When the rain stops,
![runner on Jaffa Road at night](http://rjstreets.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Winter-Festival-Shushan-Horesh-059b-1024x675.jpg)
day or night,
you will find someone running on the streets,
in training for the Jerusalem Marathon.
![Jerusalem Marathon sign near Tower of David](http://rjstreets.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Photo-walk-Jon-035b-1024x638.jpg)
Signs are up.
On March 17, come rain or shine,
the streets will be filled with tens of thousands of people,
running and cheering them on.