Myla Katzav

Before I set my eyes on it, I heard so many stories about Akko and they were not very good ones.  I heard that the people were rough and loved to give “kaffa” and “latva”.  In English this is equivalent to hitting someone hard in the back of the head from two sides: “kaffa” is a blow to the right side of the head while “latva” is coming from the left.  But I also know that Akko is one of the places in Israel that is full of historical mementos.  Little have I known that I will be completely captivated by it.

 

We explored Akko with a very good couple friend.  So, along with our kids, we drove for 2 hours to the North of Israel.

  

 

We went straight to the Old City by the sea.  The port is breathtaking with a number of fishermen’s boats docked along the old walls of the city.  The giant doors leading to the Old City are made of steel on the outside and thick wood on the inside which are hundreds of years old.  The walls of the Old City are approximately 250 years old.  Right at the corner, is the Akkotel, a fine dining restaurant and straight ahead, a series of historical treasures and structures along with a very colorful culture of people, food and wares await to behold you.

  

 

Walking on the narrow stoned pavements is similar to that of the old cities of Jerusalem and Jaffa.  One can see a street lined up with small shops selling clothing, shoes, toys, bread, or old men playing game boards, etc.  Some areas are designated residences of the Arabs (they are the occupants of the Old City) and the different colored and designed doors made me very curious about its interiors.

 

And then there are the breath-taking structures:

The Mosque of Jezzar Pasha built between 1800 and 1814 which is just in close proximity to a Christian Church.

 

The Khan Al-Umdan (the hostel of pillars) built in 1784-85 by Jezzar Pasha, it was a merchants’ place where they sell their wares on the open area while the second floor functioned as sleeping quarters or hostels. However during the time of the Crusaders (12th-13th Ad) the area was designated as the “Court of Chain” where maritime commerce took place.  Under it, the Templars built a tunnel to their fortress at the south- west-side part of the city.

The Catholic church built by the Franciscans in 1737.

Hammam El Bashs - The Turkish Bathhouse

Olei Hagardom is a museum and memorial to the Jewish resistance fighters executed during the British Mandate.

 

The enchanting garden because it is the coolest place with the giant trees providing shelter from the heat of the sun and the fountain in the middle providing a refreshing atmosphere.  One wouldn’t want to leave the garden because of its peaceful ambience.

 

We also took a boat ride to see the coast of the Old City and one can see a group of young men jumping from the Old City’s walls without any protection!

 

Akko has been under the rule and influence of many a civilization: Greeks, Romans, Arabs, it was even an important center for the Crusaders when they lost the battle in Jerusalem, the Ottomans , British and finally the Israelis.

 

There are still many sites we failed to visit like the famous Bahai Gardens and the underground halls. 

  

 

 

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Categories: "Unholy" Sites | Unholy Sites

I can not count the many times I visited Haifa.  I know I will never get tired of it.  It gives me a feeling of being “home” in a different way.  Its more of feeling relaxed and just plain happy. 

 

The Port City of Haifa is the largest city in Northern Israel and the 3rd largest city in Israel.  It is located on Mt Carmel and is an important economic region because it is home to a number of technology parks, industrial port and a petroleum refinery. 

It is one of the most visited cities by tourists because of its breath-taking sea-view from the top, the amazing gardens of the Baha’I World Center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the German Colony that overlooks the seaport. 

 

 

 Some parts of the German Colony have stone pavements and lining up each side of the road are restaurants and coffee shops.  It is a treat to have a meal al fresco and by night time, it even becomes magical from all the different lights that adorn the establishments.

   

 I love Haifa!

 

 

 

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Categories: "Unholy" Sites

As early as spring, people start flocking to the beaches of Israel and the peak of course is during the summer months of July and August.  During this time, almost all beaches are congested and what a sight!!! Children playing in the sand and water (some are naked), families making barbecue and even pitching tents, adults playing ball and other sports while most either lounge on the sand or hang out at the restaurants on the beach areas.

There are 10 beaches along the coast of Tel Aviv.  We go to the closest one which is only around 20 minutes from where we live and which is the first to be featured here.

The sand is light gray and powdery..somewhat similar to Boracay (no kidding!).  Restaurants line up the shore and you can even bury your feet while having your meal or drinks.  There are shaded areas to lay out the beach towels or mats while some even have available plastic lounging chairs.

   

 

The shower rooms are well kept while water faucets outside are in the numbers to accommodate most of the people who opt not to pass by the rest rooms. There are gardens with wide expanse of green for children to play and families to hold their picnics as well.  Flowers of various colors and look abound the gardens. The walkway above the beach serve also as a park and benches with shades  and lamp posts line up the way as it is a good spot to see the sun rise and set. 

It is beautiful to see birthdays being celebrated there with tables set-up with sumptuous barbecue, steaks, pizzas and salads, balloons lining up the area specially if its a child celebrating while some even set-up giant screens!

 

 

The way to the beach is very convenient for strollers. While the parking areas are wide enough to accommodate the hundreds of cars coming by in a day.

Everytime we go to the beach, our kids act like its their first time.  Even if they are sleeping on the way, they jump once they see the waters!  We always have fun playing with them and the best part is seeing the sunset..almost everyone stands still to see the sun being taken away by darkness. 

It even became more dramatic when, during our recent trip, a fisherman came into the waters just as the sun was setting... 

     

Tags: tel aviv beaches, sunset
Categories: "Unholy" Sites

It is very accessible to visit animal farms in Israel as these are mostly housed by the kibbutz.  A kibbutz is a village or community of residents that is independent from the rest of the society meaning they have their own farms, plantations, schools, hospitals, etc.  And in Israel, almost every city has kibbutzim (plural for kibbutz).  In only takes about a minimum of 20 minutes to get to an animal farm.  The entrance fee is usually between 20-30 shekels for adults while kids 2 years old-12 years old pay half.  Babies and toddlers below two years old are free. There are snacks sold either by the entrance or in the farm itself.

       

  

A typical animal farm have petting areas where kids and adults get to have close contact with the animals. Some even open the entire farm for people to interact with the animals like milking the goats and cows....(and get to drink the fresh tasty warm milk!), feeding them...to riding the horses .

  

  

Some areas of the farms are designated picnic grounds while some have playgrounds. Still the fun doesnt stop there..many activities for kids are available like painting, drawing and getting them on a tour on a small farm train.

It is a sure-fire fun time for our kids and the best way to get them sleeping in the car after!!!

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Mt. Hermon is the highest peak in Israel at the Golan Heights territory.  At 9,230 feet, it is at the border of Syria and Lebanon.  Covered in snow during winter and spring, it is the only ski resort in Israel. The waters from the melted snow become a source of the Jordan River. It is approximately a 4-hour drive from the center. 

The way to Mt Hermon is just as breath-taking. The landscape seems endless and picture perfect where green, green plantations roll out to hills and mountains nourishing cattles and holding all sorts of trees and plants that take root from ancient times. At the foot of the mountain, you see vineyards and pinetrees in abundance.  The road going up to the mountain is winding and the air is at its freshest and purest!

 

We were at Mt Hermon on a Sunday and it felt like a reunion.  Working-Filipinos by the hundreds were all over the place because it was their day-off.

There are many activities for beginning skiers to intermmediate and advanced.  Cable cars would bring you to the other peaks of the resort.  Restaurants are open both at the foot of the mountain and on the resort itself. We stayed mostly at the sledding area where it is the most safe and fun for the kids. 

 

 

 

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Pronounced Metzada in Hebrew, Masada is declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2001. It is just a few minutes drive from the Dead Sea and 1,300 ft high.  From the station, you either take the cable car which takes you to the site in a few minutes or the more treacherous and physically challenging walk along the snake-like path.

Masada's remarkable story dates back to 73 CE when the Romans seiged the fortress finding all of its 960 Jewish inhabitants dead.  Accroding to verbal accounts passed through generations, the inabitants did not commit suicide because it is prohibited in Judaism, rather they took turns to kill each other until only one man remained and thus, committing suicide.

The site is rich with ancient structures..from the Roman-style bathouses, to the synagogue, storehouses, living quarters of the settlers to the barracks of the soldiers. Overlooking this plateau on cliff is the wide stretch of the Dead Sea.

Tags: masada, metzada
Categories: "Unholy" Sites

 

 

"Yam Ha-Melah" means Sea of Salt in Hebrew and this is referred to by the rest of the world as the Dead Sea.  It is the lowest point on earth being 422 meters below sea level.  It is one of the saltiest bodies of water that no living thing can survive there.  Because of its very high saline content, it makes one very bouyant...hence we see pictures of people reading newspapers while floating on the Dead Sea. During winter, the salt solidifies and makes various formation. These formations melt as summer comes.

The Dead Sea is about 2 hours drive from Jerusalem.  It is farther south in the desert so the temperature specially during spring and more so in the summer can be very, very uncomfortable.  It can reach up to 42 degrees celsius! I felt like I can get a tan in 10 minutes there! 

Aside from the very salty waters, people flock to the Dead Sea for its mud.  It is believed to have medicinal properties that make the skin healthier and younger.

The way going to the Dead Sea is breath-taking because you can see the change in landscape as the greenery gives way to the grandeur of the desert.  I have never seen such clear, blue sky! You pass through mountains of desert then a vast space of flat and dry land.

From the road up the mountain, you can see the Dead Sea opening up to you from below... 

We went to the Ein Gedi Resort.  You have a choice of either staying at the in-door hot water pools and get a massage as well or you can go out, take the cart and either proceed to the "mud" station where people strip to their barest and cover themselves with mud.  Going down further with the cart will bring you to the Dead Sea. 

   

   

 

Tags: dead sea, desert, ein gedi
Categories: "Unholy" Sites