Schools out 7/17: The fabric of Jerusalem

Got to Jerusalem after a very dull drive down the tedious spine road of Israel (there are no kicks / on route number six). Number one son had flown in from London at 5am and had been dozing in the hotel lobby waiting for us to arrive. Perked up after some lunch then crashed out for the afternoon on a proper bed. So good to see him.

TSM and I went up to the Jaffa Gate and fought off the stall holders in the Christian Quarter of the Old City until finding a little fabric shop. Chose something we liked and did a little bartering then went off for Turkish coffee whilst they turned the red and gold stripes into a three metre table runner for us. Found out what makes Turkish coffee so distinctive - it's cardamom.

Had a long chat sitting in the back of the fabric shop with the guy who owned the place afterwards, turned out he had done the seat covers and cushions for the Mount Zion Hotel where we are staying. Talked (inevitably) about the riots and the state of the UK. Everyone we meet has an opinion of the decline of Britain, sad rather than gleeful. He had lived in London and Oxford so had more of an opinion than most.

Anyway Jerusalem on first showing is incredible, like nothing I have seen. The Jewish sabbath comes in soon so we are off to the wailing wall. Shabbat Shalom.