New Year's Day in Jerusalem

We have done so many things today it almost feels like what we did this morning was yesterday, if that makes any sense at all.  We started the day by visiting a pita factory.

Pocket or Pita bread is very popular in Israel so we wanted our grandchildren to see how it was made.

This is freshly baked pita bread.  As soon as we walked in, the guys making it gave each of us one right out of the oven.  It was so hot we could barely hold it.

The dough starts out is a huge bowl where it is mixed.  Freshly baked pittas are far superior to shop-bought and are amazingly simple to make.  They are delicious when stuffed with cheese, meat, vegetables or just torn and dipped in hummus.  The dough is formed into balls and then run through a roller then put in the oven to bake.

When you buy them from the factory, they cost only 1 shekel each.  They are puffed up when they first come out of the oven but become flatter when they cool down.  

Hannah thought the pita bread was "super delicious 

when it's hot right out of the oven."

Our next stop was the YMCA Carillon on David Street. Almost every Sunday I take a group to play the carillon in the tower.  It's always a fun experience for everyone who go.

The lobby of the YMCA is really beautiful and I always stop to admire the blue windows before heading up to the carillon.

The ceilings in the YMCA are stunning and they still had the Christmas decorations up.

Because we arrived early, we had a chance to go to the top of the tower and see the bells.  

Looking out from the bell tower. 

The bells are really weathered and this coming year plans are being made to renovate them.

We went down the stairs to the room where the carillon is located and rang in the hour at 11 AM. I started playing some songs when in walked in Jazef Willem Haazen, Professor of Music from St. Petersburg, Russia, whose poster was on the wall.  Talk about intimidation!  

Fortunately we recognized him when he came into the room.  He told us he had come to give a concert at the YMCA for New Years and also had plans  to meet with a committee to discuss renovation of the bells this coming year.  We asked if he would play the carillon and he gave us a short recital. He was amazing and we were so thrilled to meet him.  I took a video of him playing but don't know how to post it on the blog but take my word . . . he was fabulous!

Jazef was a darling gentleman, very approachable and so willing to talk to us.  He said he lives in Russia and teaches organ, the carillon and music history.  We felt so privileged to meet him and it made our day because I am not sure how many people from the Jerusalem Center have ever had the opportunity to meet him.

Look closely and you will see his poster on the wall. 

He was so sweet to Claire.  He picked her up and sat her on his knee.  I asked him how long he has played the carillon and he said for 60 years!  

He bid us farewell and said he hoped to see us again.  After he left, each of us had the opportunity to play.  Never again will we as a family have the opportunity to do this first day of 2017  which started out with a bang!

Hannah and Adam were so excited to play but first they practiced on the carillon that doesn't broadcast outside.

Aaron and Claire were so excited to play a tune.

Heather was nervous to try but did a great job!  One more wonderful experience in the Holy Land!

Of course Aaron played "Ode to Joy"  perfectly his first try.

Before we knew it, it was time to ring in the hour at 12 noon.  Our next stop would be the Shuk, a huge market place. 

It was lunch time so we headed to our favorite fish and chips kosher restaurant.

Pastries and sweets are very popular in Israel.  

G'pa Garth couldn't resist buying some pomegranates.

While we were waiting for food at the fish and chips place, we watched this interesting couple.  He was decked out in a red jacket, red cowboy boots, hat and red pants and looked like a character out of a comic book.   I was fascinated by the rings on each finger and couldn't imagine how heavy they might be.  

"Hmmm . . . maybe I want some chocolate covered croissants for lunch?"

G'ma Kathy said, "That salad looks good.  That's what I'll order."

We see this artist every time we go to the Shuk.

We bought some bread and vegetables before we left.

You can buy dried chile peppers so why don't they sell green chilies?  I have not been able to find them anywhere in Israel! 

You can buy just about anything at the Shuk.

Merchants are always eager to give out samples.

We usually see the same beggars at the Shuk.  Some collect cans and bottles that people leave at the eating places and others just beg for spare change.  I always feel sorry for people like this and am grateful I am in a much better place in life.  

 

After a very eventful day, we returned to the Jerusalem Center.  This has been a great day but we only one more week so tomorrow we are off to the Dead Sea and Masada.