Out and About

Life in Jerusalem never stops. The hustle and bustle of the pedestrians and street vendors, cars honking, always someplace to go and something to do. The activity reaches its peak on Friday as everyone hurries to get done in time for shabbos. Have you ever been in Machane Yehuda at 4 o'clock on a Friday afternoon?

But as the day draws to a close, the sun is setting and the shabbos candles are glowing in the windows. The city is at rest and outside all the men are walking to shul and the women are strolling down the middle of the streets with their children and friends. The last rays of sun are visible over the Judean Hills. Shabbos in Yerushalayim!

Saturday night, the cycle begins again with renewed energy. The restaurants are open and everyone is out on the town. But not too late, though - Sunday is a work day.

Riding the Buses

The only way to get anywhere in Israel is by bus. In general, the buses are convenient, reliable, and everyone takes them!

It seems that Egged has adopted a dress code since last time I was in Israel: a collared shirt and a tie. Half the drivers would wear bright blue shirts, I am wondering if that is the company color...

Here is a picture of my chofshi chodshi (monthly bus pass):

Machane Yehuda

I didn't take any pictures of Machane Yehuda, Jerusalem's open-air market, even though it is one of my favorite outings. There is always something to see and do - and buy - there. Fruits and vegetables, nuts and dried fruit, candy, baked goods, fresh fish, meat, paper plates, pots and pans, sandals, flowers, falafel and bourekas to go... I even discovered a barber shop hidden in the winding alleyways. I highly recommend a visit late Friday afternoon, when the pace becomes absolutely frantic: the stands are set out two deep and the vendors are slashing prices trying to sell everything before shabbos.

Little America?

Satisfy your curiosity: On the midrechov you can find kosher l'mehadrin Kentucky Fried Chicken and Sbarro, as well as kosher Pizza Hut, Burger King, Dunkin' Donuts... While it was for sure fun to try them out, I learned that we're not missing much.

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