On Jerusalem, Israel streets, a general sigh of relief can be heard at the end of a year of campaigning madness and frozen government.
On Monday, March 2nd, the third Israeli election in a year was held.
The Jerusalem street outside our polling place was not a pretty sight,
nor easy to access. Memories of Knesset 19 voting at our location were recalled.
Inside there were fewer parties this time around and fewer letters to pick from for Knesset 23.
The votes were cast. Calculations are being made.
The magic number of 61 is not yet achieved.
The Knesset has 120 members, to form a government a majority is needed.
News sites and others sat glued to their monitors.
But I decided it was time to go for a walk and see the trees in bloom.
New flowers were popping out of old stone formations.
I was not the only one walking when the sun finally peaked out from between the winter clouds.
The grounds below the Israel Museum were lush green after this winter of rain.
Many drove south to see the fields of anemones for the Red Darom Festival.
I was content to walk the paths right here in Jerusalem to see the red wildflowers.
Sunday is a workday in Israel. So with schools, businesses, and offices off for Election Day, many families had a “Sunday” experience family day.
I decided to wander up the hill and go to the Israel Museum.
Near the Israel Museum archaeological section entrance is an interesting exhibit on hieroglyphs and emojis.
An example of ancient picture writing showed “offerings of wine” and beer.
Picture writing was very important in ancient Egypt.
This piece of stone caught my attention for the “heart” symbol, much more realistic than the shape most often used today in modern picture writing.
Are we going back to the days of symbols to communicate?
In the museum, one can view the new Rodin & Toulouse-Lautrec exhibit called “Expressive Genius.” The statues and drawings of the two French artists explored the human form, capturing the diverse population of Paris at the end of the 19th century.
Wandering through the vast halls and galleries are period rooms like this one dedicated by the Rothschild family. Also, displayed are reconstructed synagogues from around the world that fill entire rooms.
I found a familiar face, Golda Meir by Andy Warhol.
Did you know there were art pieces outside besides those in the main garden?
What I did not know was that the Israel Museum, though open on Election Day, closed an hour earlier at 4:00 pm.
The Hebrew Love is probably the most well-known sculpture in the Billy Rose Sculpture Garden.
I was looking for the special ‘Masks for Purim’ the museum is offering. That meant checking out what was happening in the Children’s Wing.
I did not find what I was looking for, as the program was ready yet.
But this little guy was so cute. They do start young to appreciate art and color.
Outside near the museum, this color will be gone very soon. Other graffiti nearby has been removed, like every year before the Jerusalem Marathon runs here.
The full Jerusalem Marathon runners will run into Gan Sacher, Sacher Park, to the finish line which will be constructed here. As you can see there is still much work to be done before the March 20, 2020 races. Tens of thousands of people are expected to assemble in the park, both runners and supporters.
Lines were painted on this newly paved road that leads to the finish line.
Jerusalem Marathon signs were posted along the route as well.
But first Purim! “Every day is Purim in Jerusalem” announced these signs.
Love Jerusalem where Purim madness is a 3-4 day holiday!
From March 10-13 this year, in Kikar Safra and the center of town, there will be celebrations.
Hopefully, the coronavirus scare will not hinder all these planned activities.
I thought that this description in the Israel Museum was interesting.
I don’t know anyone who believes that emojis can become real food and drink.
Pictures of food and drink.
Pictures and Purim.
However, my giant chocolate chip cookies are ready for Purim.
Next week planning to share the best of Purim in Jerusalem madness pictures.
The cookies, however, should be long gone by then.
