When I worked in a biochemistry lab, I carefully did research dealing in fractions of a millimeter. However, my unscientific observation of the Jerusalem streets at present is that there are more people sick now than in the past two years.
A bit more scientific, the newest stats published for last week, we see in Israel 709 cases per day for 100,000 people, with a +467% increase, which is the highest in the world. Israel was also testing – a lot.
The borders are open. But the crowds of tourists are nowhere to be seen even near Jaffa Gate at the entrance to the Old City. Flights are still being canceled abruptly leaving passengers to scramble to make new travel plans.
The snow predicted did not last more than a few minutes one night. I love getting white snow pictures and ran to check outside often, but the best I could do was grey fog in the morning. Fog so thick the Vert Hotel was not to be seen.
Mostly we had a week of cold rain. Umbrellas were out in Mamilla Mall, but not crowds of returning tourists. Notice what else is missing?
The art and pedestals that lined Mamilla Mall last year have been removed.
It seems they wrote more numbers on the stones, so perhaps a renovation project is planned? In Jerusalem, every stone removed outside of a historical building is numbered and is replaced like a giant puzzle.
When the sun finally came out a few times this past week for a short while, I walked around trying to decide what to share. A military helicopter flew past as the clouds were breaking over Jerusalem’s changing skyline.
Thanks to the US Consulate installing new bollards – no photos allowed there! I got my inspiration, of course, what else, but security and safety!
The original security “Dragon Teeth” display is starting to grow green moss.
The new security bollards at Jerusalem bus stops have grown taller.
Remember the security at the entrance to Balfour Street last year? At least five levels were visible at times blocking the view to the Prime Minister’s residence with a black curtain and four rows of barricades blocking the gate on the public street side.
Now there is simpler security with bollards blocking cars, but people can walk thru again. I have done it a few times, just because I can and to see if there is anything happening there.
And this past week there was action! Two cats were up on the roof. Oh, the jokes I was thinking of as I walked by in the sunny warmth of the day.
However, security and safety on building sites is no joke,
Construction and building renovations are everywhere.
There was a danger warning,
but now people have moved into the renovated building.
How cool to paint new crosswalk lines that look like old ones.
And then there are the safety signs not to use the crosswalk,
but walk around the fenced-in holes in the pavement.
Getting tired of it all? These chairs are ready for you to sit and rock awhile.
This bench on a busy Jerusalem street near a new coffee shop has flowers secured to it in memory of a deceased relative.
This has to be one of my favorite discoveries in the ‘walking the Jerusalem streets and what will you find next category.’ I may even go out when it rains to see the water come out of this drain pipe mouth.
Some people are so clever!
And those masks, worn and not, and discarded near a bus stop, remind us of the newest tiny variant to beware of in order to stay safe and secure in our damp dwellings.
The sun did peek thru the clouds, and ‘I love Jerusalem’ was picture perfect.
Hopefully, the sign and plazas will be filled with people again, day and night, and soon.
Two years is too long, but take care and stay well.
Hope to see you soon, back again on the Jerusalem streets!
