The Shuk...Mahane Yehuda Market Jerusalem

Yesterday I had to go to Jerusalem to medical appointments, I got a ride in and as I had time I decided to get off the light railway a stop early and grab a coffee in Mahane Yehuda Market (The Shuk, )It was a cold crisp December morning, and although it was way past 8 am it was still early for this are of Jerusalem. As I turned into the market the central street was packed with delivery trucks, vegetable & Fruit boxes, trolleys, as well as market workers who were scrambling over each other to set up their goods. Almost all my senses were assaulted all at once as the sounds sights& smells,of the shuk greeted me. The vivid colours, of the seasonal fruit, fresh ripe avocados, succulent strawberry's,and perfectly polished oranges, reminded me if I needed any reminding from the temperature of my hands that it was winter season. Sounds of horns honking while traders called out instructions and greeted each other battered my eardrums and woke me up. In the air I could smell vanilla, honey, cinnamon, freshly baked bread, zatar, roasted nuts and ground coffee each smell wafting over me as I progressed though the Market. I stopped and bought a coffee from Aroma, and sat outside, collecting my thoughts while watching the day come to life in this patchwork of activity as the market prepared its self to feed the residents and visitors of Jerusalem and its surrounding areas. I love being in the Shuk at any time but more so early morning before the hustle & bustle pushing and shoving when the residents of Jerusalem take to the streets shopping trolleys to the ready to capture the best produce their money can buy. To take home and create food to feed and satisfy their family's and guests for Shabbat. Shabbat Shalom from Israel to one and all.

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