While a lot of really depressing things have happened this week, this Friday post comes to you on April Fools’ Day.  So rather than try to make sense of that paradox, here’s a photo essay of a springtime walk in Jerusalem.

This week as I walked to various appointments I noticed that there was a wonderful aroma in the air and so many flowers were blooming everywhere I looked.   I didn’t take pictures at the time, so this afternoon I retraced my steps and captured some of the beauty of Jerusalem.

Community garden on Zamenhof Street, tended by volunteers from the neighborhood.

Zamenhof Street and Lincoln Street.  Funny fact:  The pronunciation of Lincoln in Hebrew doesn’t resemble the English very much.  All the letters are pronounced with an extra vowel between the last l and n – Lin-co-lin.

Outside the Orthodox Union building.  They take care to bring lots of glorious color to the street.

Near Jabotinksy Street.  As I took the photos of the window box and the orange blossoms, a group of monks in brown robes tied with rope belts walked by speaking Italian.  Just a typical day in Jerusalem.

Gan HaShoshanim.  I was nearby, so I decided to take a detour and I’m glad I did.  Another interesting fact:  Gan HaShoshanim means rose garden, but there are no roses growing in this park.

Arlozorov Street.  Wisteria, lilacs, and many other beautiful things.

And finishing my walk with a passion fruit ice cream.  I can happily confirm that it was GOOD!

I hope you enjoyed this little springtime stroll.  There’s so much more to Jerusalem than the typical Old City views and while there may not have been actual roses to stop and smell, there is plenty of beauty to stop and admire.

Happy Spring!