September 2, 2003

The view from our horse cart ride across the Surda checkpoint.

We packed up our things at Star Mountain, said our farewells, and started a long journey to Jerusalem. For the first time we availed ourselves of the horse carriages at Surda. Since the roadblocks returned last month (so much for the loudly proclaimed opening in July), the roadside fruit vendors have, too, along with the horse and donkey carriages. Usually we walk the distance but with all our bags we decided to splurge the one shekel and ride.

After many taxi rides and checkpoints, we arrived in Jerusalem at the Latin Patriarchate. Fr. Aktham has been in Jerusalem today, and is headed back to Zababdeh this afternoon, so we're bumming a ride with him, since he will get through checkpoints in his Israeli-plated car much faster than we would in a Palestinian taxi. Before leaving we ran a few errands around town, and then tucked ourselves in Fr. Aktham's backseat, behind him and Sister Isabel and next to a big box of equipment for the school. It was a smooth (and cozy) ride.

At Hamra checkpoint, the soldier asked for Fr. Aktham's passport. After looking at his Jordanian passport, he asked for his ID.

"You want my Jordanian ID?"

"Yes."

"I don't even have to show this in Jordan! Why isn't a passport enough? I have the visa right there!"

After seeing the Jordanian ID, the soldier waved us through. Soon we arrived in Zababdeh and were happy to be back home.