Deir Sharaf, Mon 18.5.09, Afternoon

14.45  We get out of our air-conditioned car into a furnace.  The stream of water flowing along the road gives out a stench and adds to the unpleasantness. Soldiers stand on both sides of the road.  There is almost no traffic eastwards. But the traffic going west is plentiful. Every now and again a car is signaled to stop for checking while others go past. The soldier takes the passengers’ documents, checks them at the checkpoint, returns quickly and the car continues on its way.