Changeable Moments

I awoke this morning with great enthusiasm for the day as everything seemed fresh. I went to Ben Yehuda shopping district to take some photos. I didn't take many because I felt intrusive even though many others had cameras.

I quickly began to compare Jerusalem to Amman to the U.S.A. I enjoyed seeing the signs for the Irish pubs and Guinness. It seems natural to have alcohol advertised as a complement to a meal. I am not much of a drinker but I realized that Jerusalem feels like a much easier place to live than Amman. Alcohol is forbidden for Muslims, though they do drink.

I stopped by an art gallery because I was attracted to the bright colors. I chatted with the vendor
for a while and I considered the possibilities of having bright artwork at the Jesuit Center in Amman. We are devoid of color.

The streets near the Jesuit house are filled with artist galleries. I wanted to enter them because we really don't have much artwork in Amman. I'm not a fan of Bedouin art even though they do have a certain flare and beauty in their own right. It just is not my taste. I just wanted to look.

I must frustrate vendors because they are in business to make a sale. I'm not in a position to buy. I am interested in ideas of making art. I felt enlivened to walk around and just glance, while making sure people knew I would not purchase anything. It is easier to avoid going into galleries because sellers will try very many ways to hook you in their pursuit of a sale. The concept of freedom doesn't factor into their day.

As I walked along, I regretted wearing a jacket. I had to talk it off because I perspired too much. 

Here are some of my observations on the day: Freedom is important. Though I have flexibility in Amman, I realize the many ways I feel culturally restricted.

Amman just doesn't have great variety of shops or restaurants. You can find one of two burger joints while there are dozens in Jerusalem. Amman has a few indoor malls that are nice, but the nicer shops are accessible in only well-to-do neighborhoods.

The people of Jerusalem have happier eyes. They seem to enjoy life and have faces of contentment. There is much less noise and blaring car horns. Jerusalem has a leisure class while Amman's is hidden. I think Ammanites go elsewhere for their leisure.

A leisure class society needs wide open spaces and parks. Central Park in NYC is a haven for thousands of people each day. People need a place where they can go and relax. It has to be clean and have shades of beauty to it. Jerusalem has plenty of gathering spaces where people can people-watch, interact with one another socially, and find common interests. Pedestrians malls do not exist in Amman.

Reading is a leisure class activity. I realized how much fun I had taking out my book and reading while sipping a cup of coffee. Others were doing the same. It meant that we trusted our environment.

Self-care and self-respect are important. It means you will typically be well-dressed and well-groomed. Self-respect also means you respect the needs of others. Many people in Jerusalem enjoy healthy life-styles and healthy living is promoted. Many of the people are tall. There is a sense of good health and good care for self.

The desert is a harsh climate. It affects the way of life dramatically in Jordan. The Bedouin style of life is more present than I realized. It is foreign and isolating to me.

Jordanians are functional and practical, which lessens their need to develop aesthetic interests. I need an artistic culture around me. I realize that I feel restricted in Amman. As pastor, I am always defining boundaries. Better boundaries are established in Jerusalem, but as pastor I am always explaining and reinforcing in a language that is not the first language of any but a handful. On these days off in the past few days, I realize I am relaxing.

I have come to realize that people like to dress in strange costumes - mostly black and white. Identity seems key. Many Jews wear traditional clothing; the same for conservative Catholics and Muslims. An ancient dress seems to make people feel comfortable in retaining an outward identity.

Me. I like bright colors.

I like what Jerusalem offers. I realize I need the intangible that it offers whereas in Amman I have to struggle at creating an environment that is satisfying. I realize just how much I do without. I do not take this rest and relaxation time for granted.

After lunch, Jose Maria and I walked to the Israel Museum. We passed Independence park, walked through a forest with a Greek monastery at is southern base, and passed the Knesset. We arrived to attend the exhibition of King Herod's Tomb, but it does not open until February 13th. We had a coffee and made our way back. He had been there a number of times before. I will save it for when I have someone with whom I can tour the city.

At the end of the day, I am physically tired. I feel a little down for a number of reasons. A new day will perk me up, but I have much to bring into prayer this evening. I'm grateful for my day. I'm grateful for the time with Jose Maria and with Tony and Doan. A cup of tea will revive me and all will be well.

To see photos of my day, click on the link below:

1. Pics of A Walk to the Israel Museum
2. Pics of Being At Ben Yahuda