Haifa, Akko and Jaffa

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We spent some days in Haifa. There we did many things! We went to the Bahai center. It is a beautiful place with many elaborate gardens with fountains. There are statues of hawks, peacocks, and eagles. There are breathtaking colors...and at the end...is a beautiful golden shrine. All the gardens are symmetrical to represent how everyone in mankind is equal.

We also went to a theater festival, but most of it was rained out by a huge storm with thunder lightning and hail! We were still able to see two plays, though, and they were great! The first one was called “Japanese Garden.” It was a play using mostly no words with dancing and electronics to show the serenity of a Japanese garden. The other show was “Jack and the Beanstalk.” It was amazing. Even though it was in Hebrew, we were able to tell what was going on. It had lots of dancing and great music. There was a HUGE and incredible puppet of the Giant!

Also while in Haifa, we went to prehistoric caves where they found the remains of a Neanderthal woman! The caves were amazing and we got to see an interesting movie about cave man life. It was one of the places in the world where scientists believe that our species, Homo sapiens, came in contact with another species of mankind that later became extinct.

We also took a quick trip to Akko (Acre). This is an Anceint city across the bay from Haifa. It was a Canannite city is mentioned in the Egyptian "Book of Curses." It has amazing walls around the old city built by the crusaders. It has been an Arab city city since 1291.

In Jaffa/Tel Aviv, we went to a play our father directed. It was really cool. The actress played two different characters. She had to go on a very difficult journey in the play...but found her way in the end. There was a giant camel puppet in it.

Before seeing the play (while our dad was doing final technical things...sound, lights, etc.) we walked around and saw a bunch of circus performers. We saw people juggling knives and clubs. We even saw a performer juggle fire on a unicycle...on a tightrope! It was awesome!

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Photos

Nahal Me'arot
The had a display showing how people lived in these caves

Nahal Me'arot
Mini cave!

Haifa
We stoped at this artists mall and they had these bubbles you could go in outside.

Akko
Water spout in the old city

Akko
The Crusader tunnels under the city.

Akko
The Crusader walls

Akko
Lookout over the bay

Akko
Mosque of al Jazzar

Haifa
A building in the German Colony

Play Dad Directed
This is Sarah Brown who wrote and performed the play.

Ibex
We visited friends who live in Midreshet Ben-Gurion. This Ibex was just passing by.

Super Market
Durring passover week in Israel, many super markets cover up the foods you are not allowed to eat.

Nahal Me'arot Nature Rerserve
Prehistoric Cave

Comments

[Lynn Stein]

[e-mail]
Hi Emily, Great blog! Sounds like you had a great time. Really well written and great pictures too. And now we know some things to do in Haifa! To see what we did last weekend, go to http://steinfamilyboulder.blogspot.com. Lynn

[liliram]

It's been years since i visited Israel. I don't remember the terraced gardens in Bahai, so that must be new. Thanks for sharing these photos! I like the crusader tunnel photos.

[shiri]

Haifa
I grew up in Haifa and its a beautiful city; However, a lttle bit boring and heavy. You mentioned Akko and Haifa for the visit of north of Israel. I would recommend Rosh Pina which is a realy beautiful and unique town with intresting history. http://www.israelbestdeals.com/hotels.php?area=Rosh_Pina

[lisa Greenblatt]

again
Again, you have brought your wonderful adventures directly to ME. I have been telling all your friends about your experiences in Israel. I think we should try and Skype one day next week. Emma and Maggie are ready to see "Emily in Israel"...

[Cathy A]

Keeping me interested...
Akko looks beautiful. I always love any place with a view of the Mediterranean. I am guessing the bay is connected. I like the idea of covering up food during Passover. I will have to share that picture with a Jewish friend. Keep away the temptation. How did you celebrate Passover there? Did you have a huge group Sedar or was it just your family? I told your sister that the pictures of the Bahai Center have motivated me to find out more about their beliefs. I also did not know that the Crusaders would have made tunnels. I am learning so much from your blogs.

[Jeff Kinghorn]

Hooked on Emulee's Blog!
What a terrific blog, very interesting to read. I especially appreciated the brief history of the region before venturing into the blog-message itself. And, of course, the photos made everything come to life. I sure do look forward to the next edition! My best to you and your family.

[Emulee]

Thanks for the tip! We will look into going to Rosh Pina!

[Emulee]

Thanks so much, Lynn!