Jerusalem Knights in the Old City, 2012

Last week we went to the Jerusalem Knights in the Old City festival. It was interesting to do once, but I’m not sure I would do it again. Imagine the crowds that you see at the annual Light Exhibit. Now imagine all those crowds on one trail instead of four. And many people in those crowds are pushing huge strollers through the narrow alleys of the Christian Quarter. If the exhibits and performances were more appealing for adults, it might be worth the crowds (or worth seeing at an earlier hour). However, papier mache dragons with growling and the soundtrack from “Lord of the Rings” are not appealing for adults. The dancing was cute, but the crowds were ten deep. I had to stand on a bench and shoot with a long lens to get these photos. So I’m glad I did it once but I wouldn’t bother to repeat the experience. The last performance is this Thursday (Nov. 8), 6-11 p.m.

The Venetian chamber group was very good. Unfortunately, they were tucked away in a distant alley in the Christian Quarter, so it was difficult to find a spot to listen to them.

Pretty tasteless. I only included this photo because of the t-shirt.

Steampunk dragon near the Muristan.

We didn’t hang around the Muristan square long enough to watch a whole show. It seemed to comprise knights and damsels pretending to be under siege and looking worried.

The King’s Feast. Hundreds of people wandering around with cups of wine. No easy way to view the stage. There were a couple dancers performing but I couldn’t get close enough to shoot them.