Haifa and Theatre Festivals

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This last week, we went to the Baha'i Gardens in Haifa. People who are from all over come to see it. It is built on all sorts of tiers, on a steep green hill. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea. In the center of the hill, is the golden domed shrine. The shrine is dedicated to the first Baha'i prophet. He is Sayyid Ali Muhammad (the Bab).

We also went to prehistoric caves on Mount Carmel. They are located at Nahal Me'arot Nature Reserve. The caves go back as far as 200,000 years ago. One cave, used to be the home of Neanderthals. Another cave used to be a coral reef, and you could see the indentations of shells and rocks in it. The caves looked straight out of a movie, and they were amazing to see.

I really enjoyed going to the Haifa Theatre Festival. We saw a performance of Jack and the Beanstalk in Hebrew. This performance was different than most. In the classic Jack and the Beanstalk story, Jack steals the chicken, the gold, and the harp...and then chops down the beanstalk and kills the Giant. Jack and his family live happily ever after. In this performance, the Giant is lonely and Jack gives the Giant a kiss on the nose and EVERYONE lives happily ever after - for real – the Giant and Jack. I also saw a performance called Japanese Garden. It had lots of beautiful dancing and music in it. It was very interesting and gave me a lot of different ideas. At the end, they built a Zen garden on the stage. I also got to see the play my Daddy helped direct. I saw the dress rehearsal and the real performance. The play was about a woman looking for a map to her life. It was funny and also very serious and creative. The show was sold out and the audience really loved it. The play was performed as part of a theatre festival at the Hasmita theatre in Jaffa/Tel Aviv.

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Photos

Haifa 152
We saw this amazing display of dolls in a folk art exhibit.

Haifa 161
The white floor was used to project images on during the play.

Akko
The old Arab city of Akko (Acre)

Akko
Arabic road sign.

Akko
The Crusader tunels. These ran under the city.

Akko
Walls of the city

Akko
Walls of the City

Play Dad Dircected
Putting together the camel puppet that was used in the play

Akko
Out side the Mosque of al Jazzar

Comments

[Your Class]

Hi Abby!
Hi Abby! We loved your latest blog entries! It looks like you're still having the time of your life! Jill says you explain the theatre performances so well that we can really undrestand what is happening. Nicolette wants to know if all of the plays have been in Hebrew, including you dad's. Now that your dad has had his play performed, are you guys going to be traveling to other countries? I know that was the original plan. We are living in a classroom of chirping right now because Senor got several dozen crickets as a vacation present. They are good background noise for when we share our poetry and stories. They are standing on him and chirping like crazy:-) Devon (and everyone else) thinks the bubble looks like fun and he'd like to try it. Aiden says you were lucky to do such a fun thing. Looking forward to your next entry! xoxo Your Class

[Cathy A]

Bahai et al...
Sounds like a lot of FUN activities this entry! The play, the one your dad directed, and the bubbles. I found the pictures of the Bahai places interesting. We have a "church" if that is what they call it down the street from us. I have always wanted to know more about the faith. Wouldn't have expected it to be in Israel. I definitely will look it up. I think I told you I just finished a class on Islam. Now I can move on to another faith.

[molly from mrs.mos class]

hey
hey abby how r u cant wait to see u in 5th grade!hope u had lots of fun in isreal!the whole class cant wait to see u!we used to talk about how we missed u all the time! from, Molly!!!