A Very Merry Christmas to you All from Jerusalem

[scruffy1]

I'm always a day late and a dollar short but I do sincerely wish you all a very happy holiday! Ah, but herein lies a problem. Which Christmas? Next week in Jerusalem, the Greeks celebrate Christmas, the Syrian Church here, the Eithiopians, the Armenians, the Copts, the Russians throw in Novy God all celebrate joyously, completely ignoring December 25 of course! So we usually we can witness several weeks of processions, celebrations parties, and decorations. Very colorful and moving - 300-400 African pilrims dressed tradionally and moving through the streets singing and praying as they go is quite a sight.Celebrations have been subdued this year obviously, very few pilgrims in Jerusalem or Bethlehem, far more in Nazarth. Those who did come were welcomed waremly and it was a beautiful day.

 

[wayfarer]

Many Happy Returns to you and yours Scruffy.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Scruffy, wish you a Happy Christmas and all the best for the future to.

 

[Arminius]

Scruffy, my best wishes to you and your family.

 

[movinmaggie]

Hi Scruffy, it all sounds beautiful and colourful. Happy celebration.

 

[t2andreo]

Sheesh Scruffy! You copped my family motto..."A day late and a dollar short..."

Seriously, I am the fellow who always gets the trainee cashier, has the cash register tape run out, and gets behind the fellow with 20 items in the 10-item express check-out line. At the gas station, I am always waiting for a free pump for someone with no clue as to how the pumps and payment system works, to sort it out. At airports, I always get in the security line behind the never-before-traveled persons, a family with children of all ages including at least one in a stroller / pram. Whichever queue I get in FOR ANYTHING is always the slowest queue...ALWAYS...

After 62 years, I am resolved that it is simply my karma. Since I retired it has taught me patience and acceptance of things I cannot change. Thank you Saint Francis! His Peace Prayer is tattooed on the inside of my eyelids (figuratively). So, I long ago, learned to just just chuckle and laugh it off. This has been a great help to me on my Caminos...

But, this "day late...dollar short" phenomenon manifests itself on Camino by me having my personal, rain cloud. It follows me wherever I go. People have actually stopped walking with me on Camino when I explain that my zodiac sign is "Cloud." Really they do.

I enjoyed your description of Christmas in Jerusalem. Thanks for sharing it.

 

[CaminoDebrita]

I'm always a day late and a dollar short but I do sincerely wish you all a very happy holiday! Ah, but herein lies a problem. Which Christmas? Next week in Jerusalem, the Greeks celebrate Christmas, the Syrian Church here, the Eithiopians, the Armenians, the Copts, the Russians throw in Novy God all celebrate joyously, completely ignoring December 25 of course! So we usually we can witness several weeks of processions, celebrations parties, and decorations. Very colorful and moving - 300-400 African pilrims dressed tradionally and moving through the streets singing and praying as they go is quite a sight.Celebrations have been subdued this year obviously, very few pilgrims in Jerusalem or Bethlehem, far more in Nazarth. Those who did come were welcomed waremly and it was a beautiful day.

View attachment 22986

Camino forum members meet on the trail!

• CaminoDebrita
• Nov 9, 2015
• 3

Camino forum members meet on the trail! Here is Scruffy with Caminodebrita! I found Scruffy...

Merry Christmas to a wonderful friend!

 

[scruffy1]

Thank you very very much for the picture. Next time lets hope it will be pictures from the Caminos!

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Scruffy - thanks for the fabulous photo of you on the camel! A great way to do the Camino . Christmas wishes to you and everyone from Santiago.

 

[CaminoDebrita]

Thank you very very much for the picture. Next time lets hope it will be pictures from the Caminos!

Okay, YOU ASK, and I deliver. Arzua, Galicia. It was early in the morning. This was another rare forum member sighting. If you can get close to seeing that incredible hat, do it! It is one of a kind.

 

[scruffy1]

For those who may not know, I enjoy the purchase of little name pins from every hamlet, village, or town large enough to produce such a thing and it goes on my hat, a walking credencial if you will which later adorns the wall at home until my next Camino-better than a photo album.