"Farewell Falafel!"

I must say goodbye now, after coming to learn that I could easily live on the scrumptious falafel from Abu-Shukri's, supposedly one of the best in town according to local residents and several guidebooks.

The hummus is the best in town, the falafel balls are crunchy and mild, the hearty and fluffy pita DOES NOT resemble anything you have ever bought at Cub Foods -- at all, and the tahini sauce.....ahhhh, it is magical. It has to be a closely guarded Arab secret passed along the Mideast merchant trade routes of old, incorporating spices and herbs from exotic locations.

Eating one at lunchtime, while enjoying the view of the stone wall of the chapel across the street, was developing into a favorite midday ritual. (TIDBIT: the chapel is also the official traditional stop of Station #5 along the Via Dolorosa, in the Catholic ritual of the Stations of the Cross, "Simon of Cyrene Carries Jesus' Cross".)

I also will miss the two guys behind the counter who helped me practice Arabic every day at lunch while they made my pita. They never laughed, and were patient and helpful teachers.

“ شكراً Shuhk-ran.”