'Anata-Shu'afat, 'Isawiya (East Jerusalem), Al-Ezariya, Container (Wadi Nar)

Anata was very quiet.  Few cars and almost no pedestrians,

From Anata we continued our usual path down toward Maaleh Adumim, but the road was blocked by police and there was a large backup of vehicles.  Since we had no idea how long we would have to wait, we took the Isawiya exit and tried to maneuver ourselves through the tiny, crowded alleys..  We followed a van dropping off school children in hopes that he would eventually lead us someplace that we recognized.  This detour was an adventure in itself.  Issawiyya is an overcrowded, densely populated area with houses ranging from hovels to very high quality.  In our 15 minute journey, we did not spot one play area, unoccupied lot, or anything resembling a recreation site.  The roads were in dreadful condition and our greatest fear was being sideswiped by the vehicles coming from all directions..

At long last, we emerged via the exit to French Hill which has been unimpeded for the past few months.  However, near the exit, there were four police vans for whatever reason.  We then continued down toward Maaleh Adumim via the tunnel road.

This being Ramadan, the streets Azariah were almost empty.  The road down to Wadi Nar was almost empty.  However, we did notice that a lot of work was being done in the area to which the Jahalin (who are being evicted from the area near Kfar Adumim) are supposed to be resettled.  The little Bedouin encampment that has been in the area continues in place.  The only other visible change is the increase of broken down cars and trash strewn all over the place.

Wadi Nar was especially quiet with almost no traffic.