Textures and Colors...The Holy Land Up Close

This will be my last post from Jerusalem, and I can't believe how fast this time has gone by. Israel and the Palestinian Territories make up a small area, but even in a year, there is so much I haven't seen. But sometimes I think my eyes can't take in any more, and I feel very full. We have been here through all the seasons of the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim year... all kinds of weather... the labyrinth of the Old City streets have become familiar, and yet I still get lost and explore new surprising corners every now and then. Still try new foods, still meet new people, still learn something (a lot of things) new every day. Click on the slideshow to see the textures and colors that have filled our sight over the past year.

Of course, I have also seen a lot that you can't capture with a digital camera; pain, anger, grief, fear, loss, laughter, patience, blessings, miracles, and prayers. I hope with my whole being that the next time I'm here, I see peace.

Seasonal Fruit

Corn, zucchini, raw almonds, and raw chickpeas in the Old City market.

Caca season has recently come to an abrupt and disappointing end. Caca (at least that's what they call it in Arabic!) is basically a persimmon -- but better than you can imagine if you've only ever eaten them in the US. It seemed that just when I finally figured out what the darn things were, and couldn't get enough of them, they suddenly couldn't be found.

All the good stuff goes through these cycles -- strawberries, melons, askadinya, passionfruit... Now the big thing is raw almonds, encased in their fuzzy green pods, though I can't say I'll miss those too much when they're gone from the markets.

My friend Nicole often shares this Emily Dickinson quote: "That it will never come again is what makes life so sweet." The little heartbreak I feel every time I realize the fruit I'm looking for has just gone out of season is just a tiny reminder that our time here in this place is short. The fruit and veggies come and go in seasons, but as far as I know, I won't be here in Jerusalem the next time caca reappears. It's time to be present to all the gifts of this life, and take with me the lessons of appreciating what's in season.

Orange bell peppers... Beautiful!