tourism – Page 62 – The Real Jerusalem Streets

Jerusalem International Arts and Crafts Festival

August 6, 2013rjstreets

Once again at the end of summer,

there are lots of festivals on the streets of Jerusalem, Israel.

One of the most impressive is

חוצות היוצר ירושלים

Khutsot Hayotser, the International Arts and Crafts Festival,

which may be hard to transliterate from Hebrew,

but it is hard to miss, right across from the walls of the Old City.

This event has grown for the last 40 years.

At least once a year the Arts & Crafts Lane comes alive.

There is an Israeli Pavilion with 200 Israeli artists and exhibits,

Thousands fill the festival grounds

and some entertainers really stand out.

Mayor Nir Barkat was there on opening night and posed with potential voters.

Making the rounds, he stopped by Hadassah College’s Neverland booth.

Each night of the festival a major Israeli musical performer stars,

and last night Barkat introduced Shlomi Shabat to the Sultan’s Pool audience.

No Israeli event would be complete without food.

It was hard to push your way through the crowded main food court.

Families found places to sit, eat, rest and listen to music.

The International Pavilion had booths from Asia,

South and Central America, Europe, Africa and United States.

Bulgaria had a prime location, but their stuff still was still stuck in customs.

India was well represented.

The nice lady of South Korea had a variety of fans.

Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Guatemala,Turkmenistan and Madagascar,

Angola to Zimbabwe and more: so why not Canada?

Popular African musicians were among the many international entertainers.

This huge event will host tens of thousands of Israelis from August 5-17.

The Israeli news Channel 10 was there live for opening night.

But as usual,

no matter how large or how many people are out on the Jerusalem streets,

if there is no violence,

it’s not worthy of the mainstream media’s attention.

Photos of Maccabiah Opening in Jerusalem

July 24, 2013rjstreets

The Maccabiah 2013 Opening was one huge event,

with 9000 athletes from over 70 countries participating.

30,000 people came to watch the opening ceremony at Teddy Stadium.

Anyone who says Israelis are not patient and do not stay in line

would have been shocked by this queue for shuttle buses from the parking area to Teddy.

No way I was going to wait there, so I went around the corner to get a public bus.

Oops, not off to a good start, as it seems that these folks were waiting in the wrong place

and I found a seat on an empty bus.

Buses, buses and more buses arrived,

too bad there were none when I left and I had to walk home.

Only in Israel:

this boy was selling cut-up watermelon for 15 shekels,

and of course, there were bags of sunflower seeds for sale too.

Everyone found a light stick under their seat.

a rehearsal showed everyone how to use them during the performance.

There was certainly no shortage of Israeli flags.

The parade of nations followed the order of the Hebrew alphabet,

so the two athletes from Uzbekistan were the first to enter.

Many people were cheering both for their country of birth and for Israel.

One fan had his dual loyalty clearly painted on his face.

Australia was the second country to enter the hall, with 442 participants.

When we lived in Australia, we had many friends who were active in Maccabiah,

I tried hard to find someone I recognized in the enthusiastic group.

Here are 20 more photos if you want to look for an Aussie friend.

Azerbaijan had 12 athletes,

and Virgin Islands, just one, who got special attention,

Albania also had one.

Aruba, Armenia, followed by the USA.

1197 athletes came from the US, and this girl had good view for a great photo.

I was starting to get really tired at this point, but Brazil had plenty of color and energy.

Germany with 202 participants, stopped right in front, performed and posed.

Mongolia, Macedonia, Mexico,

Slovenia, Slovakia, and Spain,

who knew there were so many countries?

58 athletes from Turkey,

and one from Scotland wearing a kilt.

111 athletes from Cuba came dressed in red, white and blue.

214 Mexican hats were ready to dance.

11 from Kazakhstan: what do you think of their hats?

By the time the 667 Canadians entered,

the aisle was filled with people trying to get a closer look,

I was sitting down and almost missed Amar’e Stoudemire.

Israel entered last with 3000 athletes; they kept coming and coming,

so it was time to switch to video.

The large Israeli flag was carried in and raised.

Finally the show began,

and we got to use the light sticks.

The massive stage has been taken down,

I can’t wait to see how they can top this for the closing ceremony.

Woodstock Revived in Jerusalem

July 22, 2013rjstreets

As soon as Tisha B’Av is over music begins to fill the streets of Jerusalem, Israel.

One event that has gained in popularity is the Woodstock Revival,

which again this year was held in Kraft Stadium near Gan Sacher, Sacher Park.

Dressing as hippies has become part of the fun.

Clothing, swim wear and other items were on sale,

but there were many who already had colorful outfits and flowers in their hair.

This was a time to take out the Marley and tie-dyed tee shirts.

This Woodstock was not an adults-only event.

Along with those arriving early to get a good spot there were lots of children,

lots of adorable children.

This man seems to have found something to eat,

but it certainly was not from Norman’s, as that restaurant is long gone.

The stage was set for live music,

and the flower people were all smiles.

The weather and grounds at this Woodstock were perfect.

People arrived ready to spend many hours.

I had to leave to get to the Maccabiah 2013 opening ceremony,

but when I got home late at night,

I could still the music rocking from the loudspeakers.

Woodstock originals may not approve,

but many enjoyed this revival in Jerusalem!