Jerusalem is a fascinating city. Wherever you go people are talking politics. And no wonder, being a city divided mainly between the Jews and the Arabs (but with several other minorities) and with a war going on just a short drive to the Southwest or North. Yesterday I entered a shop to buy some bread and Guava juice. Within seconds the Palestine shopkeeper and his friend asked me what I thought about the Israeli bombings of Lebanon. Then they continued to declare how they believed, no knew, things were. When I left the shop ten minutes later another customer approached me and asked if I believed in what they said. I gave a diplomatic answer stating that everybody has his or her point of view and asked if he believed in it. Frowning he dismissively waived his hand and declared that he was a Jew and they were crazy. They are not very good neighbours here...

 

Otherwise I enjoyed strolling around in the hustle and bustle of the Old City Souk (market), having a freshly pressed carrot juice and discovering that they sell liquorice in the candy stalls.

I also made contact with a local paraglider so with a bit of luck I can go flying tomorrow or in the weekend.

In the afternoon we had a drink at the very posh hotel American Colony, were wealthy people and journalists enjoy the lovely garden bar. Afterwards we had dinner on a roof top restaurant in the Old City, enjoying a splendid view of the golden Dome of the Rock together with a Greek salad, Arabian Kebab and Palestinian beer (Tabyeh, very nice). On the way there we meet a priest busy SMS-ing (see the picture above).

 

My lost paraglider bag showed up yesterday. Of course the airline staff mistreated it, completely ripping off the waist belt and not bothering to send it to me. This morning I spent an hour talking with El Al to try to sort things out, but they are ducking responsibility. We will see how it ends.