Qalandiya checkpoint - the construction work are in progress, a lot of dust and noise
Coming reports will probably be marked by construction work in the area. Every time you arrive there is something new. This time it turns out that they closed the last section of the road that leads from 443 to the checkpoint. Recently we have been parking in the parking bay along this stretch of road. We almost always found parking there. Now you have no choice but to turn towards Atarot, make a detour and look for a place in the parking area. Luckily we were able to find a place on the side and did not have to enter the paid parking lot. Since we knew this in advance we left a little earlier than usual.
We have now seen that many shuttles come to pick up workers near the parking lot and there is a big mess there. Others pick up people near the bridge on a route that is actually designated for public transportation. Walk around the square before entering the public transport area and returning to the road. On the way to the bridge, we saw the cafe that is there and it is crowded at this time. and then the blocked area for passing cars, where a large drill was placed.
On our way to the checkpoint, we saw that relatively many people were jumping over the fence and saving themselves the long walk on the bridge. Apparently now, when they are going to wait in the parking lot and not in the square, it is more worthwhile. The square itself has become travel lane, We took pictures on the way back from the bridge.
We reached the Palestinian side of the checkpoint around 6:15 - 6:20 and walked to the east side to visit our friend Abu Ramzi, the pretzel seller. He was no longer there. He brings in fewer goods than before and when it's all sold he leaves. The mask seller said we had just missed him. A moment ago he finished selling all the goods and left. In the meantime, we have seen that the food stand in the place is becoming more sophisticated. In addition to all the fries on the spot (falafel, chips, cauliflower) and various chickpeas and salads in boxes, there is a novelty - bags with vegetables. Each bag has cucumber, tomato, onion and hot pepper. People buy it + pita. We have seen that there is a great demand for this. Apparently, the era of healthy food has arrived. Better than fried food ...
We saw that the new kiosk built in the square on the ruins of the vegetable and fruit stand is in place. And the old kiosk there, too, near the entrance to the checkpoint compound.
The checkpoint itself operated without delays. All the time people came and entered, there were no queues outside. Around 7 we also entered and passed in a few minutes with no delays. We also received a good morning greeting from the two security guards who stood after the checkpoints.
On the way back we photographed the huge drill in action near an area where the previous time there was still a road. We passed it on foot and shortened our way back to the car.