al-bazan...

on the way to Al-Bazan

The same day I went to Sebastiya the other week, I also went to a glorious place just to the north east of Nablus called Al-Bazan. We drove through the Askar refugee camp with its streets lined with mechanic shops and old men sitting on their plastic chairs in the shade. At some point outside of the city we rounded a corner and I saw a large, decrepit, abandoned ferris wheel taking over the horizon. Its faded, but still present colors were a wonderful contrast to the blue sky and the brown mountains. So lovely, and although forgotten about, still there.

photo from americanintifada.com

Once we reached Al-Bazan it was obvious by the amount of traffic that this was a very popular spot for the locals. Up until recently the region was completely isolated because of an Israeli checkpoint on the main road leading from the village to the south of the West Bank, which made it extremely difficult for people to travel freely to and from the village. Because of this, the village (which has been a very popular spot for locals for many years) suffered economically. Al-Bazan houses an abundant spring - so abundant that the streets almost seemed to be flowing with water. Typically where there is a spring, there is also greenery and oasis like settings -- these places provide a temporary escape for Palestinians in light of occupation.

We ended up going to a park that is owned by family friends of O and Ma'moun. This place was indescribable. It had a flowing river/canal running through the middle. surrounded by paths, trees, shubbery, etc. In each section of the canal were tables where you could sit and have a barbecue with friends and family. When we first arrived I spotted a table of old Palestinian men sitting in water up to their calves, playing chess or maybe checkers while smoking nargileh. It was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen. The sound and coolness of the water along with the shade from the trees to protect from the hot Middle Eastern sun made this place extremely relaxing and calm.

We had ourselves some food -- watermelon (which is cooled by submerging it in the cold water) is in season right now and can be purchased pretty much on every street corner (there are vendors in the most random places). We had some nargileh and tea afterwards as the sun started to set. A wonderful, relaxing way to round out the day.

double-fisting" the nargileh