It happens every, single year in Jerusalem, Israel.
One day it feels like summer, we’re wearing sandals, and the next next day, the temperature drops, it rains hard and we put on the winter boots and take out the sweaters and coats from their storage places.
The clouds fill the sky covering the sun and our stone homes retain the cold.
Out for a quick walk when it stopped raining, I was able to watch a helicopter land, not on, but near the Knesset Building.
The cloud formations were impressive as winter arrived in Jerusalem.
Venturing a bit from home, the last public phone booths had been removed in front of the National Labor Court, and only two white marks remained.
The Jerusalem street near the Prime Minister’s Residence is occupied.
New security barriers line the streets ready for the next protest.
But the coronavirus restrictions are loosening, small on-the-street businesses are allowed to open, joining the recently reopened beauty salons and essential businesses.
Jerusalem children’s playgrounds are getting serious makeovers.
The art at Mamilla Mall was changed, but few were around to view it,
or to take advantage of end of season sales for the last few months.
A pile of masks was on display for sale for the few who passed by.
A cafe had take out food and a few places to sit and enjoy the sun and the view.
Some stores closed, but others were being renovated to open or reopen.
Mamilla Mall wasn’t filled with happy visitors due to the COVID19 closures.
There were grey days – really for the birds.
Heavy rains created new temporary ponds and dampened moods.
But with winter in Jerusalem, new flowers emerged from the ground. It seemed I was not the first one to come by. Someone placed small stones around several of the first blooms.
Today the field had many more flowers and groups of students.
In Jerusalem we do not have the fall colors of the US Northeast, but we have a bit of orange,
and yellow,
and green,
and green with touches of red and light blue,
and fresh new winter greens.
A white US Capitol? was built along Azza Street during the time of closings.
There is blue sky when it peeks out from the clouds.
But in spite of all the closings, some things are happening.
President Rivlin received diplomatic credentials from the new ambassadors of Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Uzbekistan, and Latvia to the State of Israel in an official ceremony at Beit HaNasi, the President’s Residence.
The flags were raised and flying for each country. That “thing” hanging under the flag are dates on the palm tree. I decided to leave it for you to see.
The ceremonies were downsized due to coronavirus and weather.
But on a cloudy day, the colors were flying this week with more next week as more new Ambassadors present their credentials to President Rivlin.
So that’s it–another week of trying to make the best in these difficult times, sharing a few of the many colors of Jerusalem.
Wearing more than one hat is not always easy.
The Tower of David Museum is taking advantage of the lull in tourism to do a major renovation, but more on that next time.
Take care and stay well, and hope to see you soon on the Jerusalem streets.