Qalandiya - Quiet, and spectacular view of sunrise
05.15. On arrival we hardly found a parking spot. A closure
was announced for today and tomorrow because of Purim. Nevertheless we decided to go to the checkpoint because we have learned in the past that closure is never hermetic. At least the workers of the nearby Atarot industrial area go through as usual, and apparently not just them.
On the way from the parking lot to the checkpoint people greet us. Though fewer people than usual, there is a steady stream coming out of the checkpoint. It is already dawn and not too cold. There is a lot of building going on at the traffic islands so passage is quite chaotic. When we reach the Palestinian side, all is calm, with a spectacular sunrise.
Our friend Abu Ramzi stands outside with his beigel cart. He says he is usually banished. He asks why – after all, he is there only for a short while, not disturbing anyone.[In fact, he is providing a useful service.] From his point of view, the move to the new building is no improvement as he has to stand outside – difficult both in rain and (as it will be) in hot sunshine. But he says that people are satisfied and he, too, can come later. The falafel stall is nowhere to be seen.
We went to the kiosk at the end of the pavement. Muhammad put zatar in ur tea today, recommending it for clearing the throat mornings. He is not sure where their kiosk will be during the preparations towards Ramadan, when the entrance is prepared from this direction. (During Ramadan itself the kiosk is closed during the day.)
We found two notices – one from the Ministry of the Interior, something to do with payments of membership fees to the Histadrut[?] The other notice announces vacancies for workers in hospitals in Tel Aviv.
In spite of notices asking people to keep the place clean, there are no rubbish bins. We entered the abandoned old shed and found that the toilets there have at last been opened – the same old dark and smelly holes…
After a few more glimpses of the sunrise and chats with acquaintances and others – all happy about the changes – and we left at 6 o’clock.
Inside, the turnstiles at the end of the slalom are open. We waited just a moment before having our bags checked and there was no one behind us. Later the electronic stations were not working, yet passage quick and took less than five minutes.